Hello everyone, its sad but true. I am planning to leave Japan in about two weeks.
(This year was really amazing!) I am in the process of saying goodbye. Friday was my first goodbye to one high school and yesterday I said goodbye to the other one. Although I feel like I could live here and I plan to come back one day, I know it's time to go. Most every one here has been so kind to me. With an exception of a stalker and someone wanted to abduct me at the monorail (I think).
With the summer heat, I am trying to drink water to stay cool. Some people here also eat salt by itself. I don't know if this notion holds much weight. I'm trying to keep my apartment cool with A/C and spray it to prevent mukades and other nasty things away. The good things I am inviting are some friends over tonight to study the W0rd.
I hope to visit Osaka next week, since when I met people from there while in the states, they were always the genki-est.
It's a good idea to take extra time off from work at the end of living somewhere to establish closure...also to visit new places and make some final memories. I recommend "Le cafe" by the Mojiko Train Station. It's operated by a sweet older man from Britain and it has the best yaki-curry EVER.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
The situation in Kyushu
Last Friday, March 11th, there was a massive earthquake that hit Japan, mainly affecting the island of Honshu.
I live on Kyushu, which is the southern island, so I thankfully, was not affected in anyway, though I morn for the injuries and lost lives. It seems like most people who live on the island of Kyushu also have family living close by. So, when I talk to my neighbors or teachers at school, they say that their families are safe. I've seen the Salvation Army and the Red Cross collecting donations in the area where I live. Many, many local residents have already given blood. So far as I know, monetary donations to agencies that are helping the situation is the best thing to do.
Thousands of people are living without electriciy now in the northern areas of Japan. I am very thankful for friends and the blessings of warmth, food and shelter. I still feel extremely minute tremblings at night, as I did before the earthquake and tsunami last week. It is important to pray, read my Bible and to be thankful. That's what is helping me stay positive and focused right now.
I live on Kyushu, which is the southern island, so I thankfully, was not affected in anyway, though I morn for the injuries and lost lives. It seems like most people who live on the island of Kyushu also have family living close by. So, when I talk to my neighbors or teachers at school, they say that their families are safe. I've seen the Salvation Army and the Red Cross collecting donations in the area where I live. Many, many local residents have already given blood. So far as I know, monetary donations to agencies that are helping the situation is the best thing to do.
Thousands of people are living without electriciy now in the northern areas of Japan. I am very thankful for friends and the blessings of warmth, food and shelter. I still feel extremely minute tremblings at night, as I did before the earthquake and tsunami last week. It is important to pray, read my Bible and to be thankful. That's what is helping me stay positive and focused right now.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Spring time in Japan
Hello everyone! It's not March first, but March second. The day before the Beatrix Potter stamps come out, a week before Ash Wednesday and one month before the anniversary of the United States Pony Express' commencing trek from Saint Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California. Well, enough about America.
Kitakyushu and Japan is celebrating its recent graduates from Senior High School, as of yesterday. Those who were not committed to a university, and desired higher ed., took tests last Friday. The tests are done in segments, so some students will come back to school tomorrow for more practice before the next part. Though, there's no need for the returning seniors to be glum. (I think I had enough sobriety and militia-like tradition at the graduation ceremony yesterday). Who can be sad when pink tsubaki and white plum blossoms are in bloom? Who can resist the celebration of doll's day tomorrow?
If I ever need a reminder of what season it is, or what event is next, I take a look in Loft (stationery/home/beauty store) and I am soon informed by its display of bright postcards, candy and knicknacks that pave the way.
Last month, Valentine's day was celebrated. Boys received candy from girls. Girls gave candy to their friends. Many students made chocolate or brownies. On the fourteenth of March, known as "White Day" boys (hopefully) reciprocate gifts to the girls. The women teachers of the first year students gave goodies to the male teachers in charge of first year students. I made my own candy instead of chipping in to the candy fund. About half of mine were presentable.
Another piece of school news: I have started an English club. Only one student is a regular. He's smart as a whip, I think and he dreams of becoming an English teacher. One more student has promised to come next week. The pressure is on. Prayers required.
The closing ceremony of the whole school year happens in about two weeks. New students will come in April. Before that I will teach one or two final lessons to each of my classes. I will miss them a lot. The time between the closing ceremony and the new school year in April will probably be spent in getting to know incoming teachers (morning ones who were rotated out), preparing for new classes and dreaming of future excursions in Japan.
Until then, see you later! Matta ne!
Kitakyushu and Japan is celebrating its recent graduates from Senior High School, as of yesterday. Those who were not committed to a university, and desired higher ed., took tests last Friday. The tests are done in segments, so some students will come back to school tomorrow for more practice before the next part. Though, there's no need for the returning seniors to be glum. (I think I had enough sobriety and militia-like tradition at the graduation ceremony yesterday). Who can be sad when pink tsubaki and white plum blossoms are in bloom? Who can resist the celebration of doll's day tomorrow?
If I ever need a reminder of what season it is, or what event is next, I take a look in Loft (stationery/home/beauty store) and I am soon informed by its display of bright postcards, candy and knicknacks that pave the way.
Last month, Valentine's day was celebrated. Boys received candy from girls. Girls gave candy to their friends. Many students made chocolate or brownies. On the fourteenth of March, known as "White Day" boys (hopefully) reciprocate gifts to the girls. The women teachers of the first year students gave goodies to the male teachers in charge of first year students. I made my own candy instead of chipping in to the candy fund. About half of mine were presentable.
Another piece of school news: I have started an English club. Only one student is a regular. He's smart as a whip, I think and he dreams of becoming an English teacher. One more student has promised to come next week. The pressure is on. Prayers required.
The closing ceremony of the whole school year happens in about two weeks. New students will come in April. Before that I will teach one or two final lessons to each of my classes. I will miss them a lot. The time between the closing ceremony and the new school year in April will probably be spent in getting to know incoming teachers (morning ones who were rotated out), preparing for new classes and dreaming of future excursions in Japan.
Until then, see you later! Matta ne!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
December 18
Well, today is Saturday December 18th and I know it has been a very long time since my last blog.
It is officially winter time, I believe. It was snowing for the first time this year in Kitakyushu this Thursday and Friday. Multiple layers are necessary. My newest addition to my house is a gas hot water heater in my kitchen and is most appreciated (thanks school!)
Normal classes at one of my schools are officially finished for the term. My other high school still has some classes next week followed by the closing ceremony (Christmas eve). Teaching has had it's ups and downs here, and I'm always learning new methods. I am so thankful for my JTEs (Japanese Teachers of English), for their input. The best part has been seeing the hearts of the kids...they are, for the most part, so gracious, friendly and easy going. Most of them are interested in English and I am glad that they do not give me a hard time, though there is a class that I am still trying my best to get excited about learning English. Next week I teach a class of third year students for the first time! They are about 17 years old.
In terms of Christmas in Japan, there are some beautiful displays (illuminations), mostly on stores or shop buildings, less frequent ones on the exterior of homes. Many people in Japan celebrate Christmas buy having a chicken dinner (KFC) and a Christmas cake, that people can order weeks in advance from patisserie shops. I have had the privilege of giving lessons about Christmas in my classes and telling about the first Christmas. Many Japanese people young and old do not know that many people celebrate Christmas as Jesus' birthday. My plans for Christmas so far are to share a dinner with some families from an international church I've been visiting and have some American food brought from Fukuoka Costco. I hope it will snow! Have a Merry Christmas!
Love,
Catey
It is officially winter time, I believe. It was snowing for the first time this year in Kitakyushu this Thursday and Friday. Multiple layers are necessary. My newest addition to my house is a gas hot water heater in my kitchen and is most appreciated (thanks school!)
Normal classes at one of my schools are officially finished for the term. My other high school still has some classes next week followed by the closing ceremony (Christmas eve). Teaching has had it's ups and downs here, and I'm always learning new methods. I am so thankful for my JTEs (Japanese Teachers of English), for their input. The best part has been seeing the hearts of the kids...they are, for the most part, so gracious, friendly and easy going. Most of them are interested in English and I am glad that they do not give me a hard time, though there is a class that I am still trying my best to get excited about learning English. Next week I teach a class of third year students for the first time! They are about 17 years old.
In terms of Christmas in Japan, there are some beautiful displays (illuminations), mostly on stores or shop buildings, less frequent ones on the exterior of homes. Many people in Japan celebrate Christmas buy having a chicken dinner (KFC) and a Christmas cake, that people can order weeks in advance from patisserie shops. I have had the privilege of giving lessons about Christmas in my classes and telling about the first Christmas. Many Japanese people young and old do not know that many people celebrate Christmas as Jesus' birthday. My plans for Christmas so far are to share a dinner with some families from an international church I've been visiting and have some American food brought from Fukuoka Costco. I hope it will snow! Have a Merry Christmas!
Love,
Catey
Monday, September 27, 2010
Little Things
There are a lot of little things in Japan that are blessings, or not, or just some things that are just plain confusing.
One of the differences about Japan that continues to confuse me is...which side of the road I should walk on. Of course I should be walking against the flow of traffic, though I have to keep reminding myself, consciously, where I should be walking. It is difficult to get the "drive, walk, etc. on the Right" out of my system.
One of the things that is a real blessing is the many Japanese people here who have gone out of their way to help me, in public situations, such as finding my house when I got off at the wrong train stop. If kindness in people here was measured in trees, we could build houses all the way up to the moon! On this one day a lady walked with me for at least 15 minutes, on her own free will, until I saw my familiar neighborhood. Today a lady left her post at her job to help me again as well. The thing is that they are so genuinely happy to help, and don't expect anything in return.
The doctrine of kindness through service at restaurants is also seen. The food is great to begin with and the waiters and waitresses are kind enough to leave you alone to enjoy yourself and your party. When you are ready for the bill, just ask. Sometimes it comes to you with your meal. Oh, by the way, you don't tip. The service charge is included in the price of he meal.
Ok, one annoying thing about life in Japan...I've thought about this for a little while: what is an annoying thing? Most people aren't fluent in English? I have to sort my garbage into four different categories, removing caps and labels? The biggest little thing I can think of is how vocally conservative people are here. Please refrain from hysterical laughter in public unless you are in a Karaoke parlor. I won't talk about the (non)/looks I've gotten with my friends in the grocery store, bus stop, Joyful (our favorite eatery). In places where you would expect verbal explosions in the nosebleed section at games...or in any closer section for that matter, (deep inhale through teeth) just don't exist. Cheering for a team is done by all, everyone says the same thing and does the same kind of dance, clap or chant.
Japan is very kind and seems to run the wrong way and although life is rather good here, sometimes, I do want to scream.
One of the differences about Japan that continues to confuse me is...which side of the road I should walk on. Of course I should be walking against the flow of traffic, though I have to keep reminding myself, consciously, where I should be walking. It is difficult to get the "drive, walk, etc. on the Right" out of my system.
One of the things that is a real blessing is the many Japanese people here who have gone out of their way to help me, in public situations, such as finding my house when I got off at the wrong train stop. If kindness in people here was measured in trees, we could build houses all the way up to the moon! On this one day a lady walked with me for at least 15 minutes, on her own free will, until I saw my familiar neighborhood. Today a lady left her post at her job to help me again as well. The thing is that they are so genuinely happy to help, and don't expect anything in return.
The doctrine of kindness through service at restaurants is also seen. The food is great to begin with and the waiters and waitresses are kind enough to leave you alone to enjoy yourself and your party. When you are ready for the bill, just ask. Sometimes it comes to you with your meal. Oh, by the way, you don't tip. The service charge is included in the price of he meal.
Ok, one annoying thing about life in Japan...I've thought about this for a little while: what is an annoying thing? Most people aren't fluent in English? I have to sort my garbage into four different categories, removing caps and labels? The biggest little thing I can think of is how vocally conservative people are here. Please refrain from hysterical laughter in public unless you are in a Karaoke parlor. I won't talk about the (non)/looks I've gotten with my friends in the grocery store, bus stop, Joyful (our favorite eatery). In places where you would expect verbal explosions in the nosebleed section at games...or in any closer section for that matter, (deep inhale through teeth) just don't exist. Cheering for a team is done by all, everyone says the same thing and does the same kind of dance, clap or chant.
Japan is very kind and seems to run the wrong way and although life is rather good here, sometimes, I do want to scream.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
My first blog day
Today is day 50 in Japan!
The time has really flied by, and I experience new adventures everyday here in Kitakyushu. Here is a little background on my place, and daily life.
I moved to Kitakyushu on the 4th of August after a 3 day Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program orientation in Tokyo, Japan. It is a rural area and the demographic ethnicity breakdown in my neighborhood finds foreign ethnicities rather few and far between. The weather here for the past six weeks have been extremely hot and humid. Thankfully, when I moved into my apartment in the 40 year old teachers' housing building (jutaku) there was a brand new AC already hooked up. Here in he jutaku are seven other English-speaking foreigners. Six of them are teachers. Other renters here are Japanese people that work in schools in he area.
I teach at two high schools, contracted out from JET by the Fukuoka BOE.
This past week was the first week for me to teach all of my regular classes for the first time, because of beginning of school-term testing and Sports day, which I can discuss at another time. The academic level of the high schools are considered as "middle" to "lower". On a regular week, I teach 12 classes. I am required to assist teachers in three other classes upon their request. The teachers are very nice and helpful at bob of he schools. Most of the students that I teach are very interested in English, although their speaking ability is minimal.
I am going to take a Japanese correspondence course which is offered through JET starting next month. I know enough Japanese to get by and I am using Kotoba, a Japanese dictionary application for iPhone, to learn/translate new words.
All in all, I feel like I am finally getting situated here in my 54.21m2 place. There is a grocery store within walking distance and Kokura station, a popular dining/shopping area and transportation hub only 20 minutes away by bus. I have survived a centipede bite, a typhoon and headaches from not understanding the Japanese way of life. Thank you for your prayers and I look forward to writing more, and hearing from you soon!
Love and God bless.
The time has really flied by, and I experience new adventures everyday here in Kitakyushu. Here is a little background on my place, and daily life.
I moved to Kitakyushu on the 4th of August after a 3 day Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program orientation in Tokyo, Japan. It is a rural area and the demographic ethnicity breakdown in my neighborhood finds foreign ethnicities rather few and far between. The weather here for the past six weeks have been extremely hot and humid. Thankfully, when I moved into my apartment in the 40 year old teachers' housing building (jutaku) there was a brand new AC already hooked up. Here in he jutaku are seven other English-speaking foreigners. Six of them are teachers. Other renters here are Japanese people that work in schools in he area.
I teach at two high schools, contracted out from JET by the Fukuoka BOE.
This past week was the first week for me to teach all of my regular classes for the first time, because of beginning of school-term testing and Sports day, which I can discuss at another time. The academic level of the high schools are considered as "middle" to "lower". On a regular week, I teach 12 classes. I am required to assist teachers in three other classes upon their request. The teachers are very nice and helpful at bob of he schools. Most of the students that I teach are very interested in English, although their speaking ability is minimal.
I am going to take a Japanese correspondence course which is offered through JET starting next month. I know enough Japanese to get by and I am using Kotoba, a Japanese dictionary application for iPhone, to learn/translate new words.
All in all, I feel like I am finally getting situated here in my 54.21m2 place. There is a grocery store within walking distance and Kokura station, a popular dining/shopping area and transportation hub only 20 minutes away by bus. I have survived a centipede bite, a typhoon and headaches from not understanding the Japanese way of life. Thank you for your prayers and I look forward to writing more, and hearing from you soon!
Love and God bless.
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