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.
Monday, March 14, 2011
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)