Skiing in Hakuba, Nagano

Friday, February 11th, was National Foundation Day. Now, I don't know what National Foundation really is. All I know, is it was a holiday!!! So, in celebration of National Foundation (or maybe just because ;-) a group of us from the English church decided to go skiing. Now before, I go too far into my story, I should mention that I have "skied" once -- more like tumbling down a Santa Fe, New Mexico mountain wearing a pair of skies and hoping that a dear Terhune friend or two would rescue me. Sarah, on the other hand, has never skied. Everyone else -- well, let's just say that they were probably born in skies. Anyway, back to my story... To properly ski in Japan, one must trek to Nagano (the site of the 1998 Winter Olympics). Its not particularly close to Hamamatsu so we took at night bus.

First we left at 10 p.m...

...then we arrived at 3 a.m....

...we awoke to a lovely snowy sunrise around 6...

...and ate chicken Caesar wraps at Subway for breakfast...

...took a group shot in all of our bus-head glory...

...then it was time to hit the slopes!!

How naive we were!

And stylish too!!
(thanks to one of my teachers, I didn't have to rent any skiing gear
--- I got to borrow his 80s ensemble instead!!)

But we were fearless...

...because we had expert teachers such as Suguru-san (above) and Daisuke-san (whose picture sadly got buried in the snow in a tumbling camera -- not mine I might add ;-)

So up the ski lift we rose...

...with our skis waving free!

Look at those innocent smiles!

And then we skied...
(if you can call it that!)

Finally we had the faces of reason...

...but no broken bones!!!

...and some really cool pictures of very snowy homes...

...okay, I admit, I don't think they were homes, but what else would rhyme with lodge...

...except maybe a mountain mirage?

Setsubun

February 3rd, the day before the official start of spring, was Setsubun (A.K.A. Bean-Throwing Festival). According to tradition, people are supposed to throw beans outside of their houses to scare the "evil" (or devils) away while welcoming in "happiness." Last year, my only celebration of Setsubun was being hit by some beans while a little girl was shouting "oni wa soto fuku wa uchi" ("devils out luck in"). However, this year, I had the chance to enjoy several Setsubun traditions including two full Setsubun meals at school (sorry I forgot to take a picture -- twice). However, they included lots of beans (if you eat the number of beans equal to your age you will supposedly get good luck) and whole fish (supposedly hanging the fish skeleton's scare the demons away too). Then, that evening, Helen asked if I would eat the traditional uncut eho-makizushi ("lucky direction roll") (see below). Neither of us are sushi fans but it was the experience, not the food, that was the point.


Supposedly eating eho-maki in silence while facing the year's "lucky direction" (this year it was southeast) will bring additional luck. Helen decided to try -- though I am not sure it was exactly in silence!
I on the other hand, decided to break traditional practices and "undress" my sushi. I honestly can't stand the seaweed! Our dinner concluded with hot fudge sundaes. Unfortunately once again, I forgot to take a picture of my take on the Japanese holiday -- "demons out (and take your sushi with you) happiness in (always in the form of chocolate and ice cream ;-)"

The Linchgate Oak

This week I was asked to write for the English church's thought-of-the-day/devotional. Here is my blurb for your reading pleasure:

I took the above picture a few weeks before I came arrived in Japan. The tree, called the Linchgate Oak, is quite well-known in Tallahassee, Florida. Though Florida's droughts, hurricanes, and intense heat have affected the oak, it still has survived. In fact, its enormous size shows that it has not only survived but actually prospered!

The Linchgate Oak is a great visual reminder of the Psalmist's description of the blessed man. "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." (Psalms 3:1) The prophet Jeremiah states it this way "He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out it roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:8)

To be blessed is to be like the Linchgate Oak. Just like the tree must depend on God to provide the necessary sun and water for nourishment, we must rely on Him to provide for our every need. The tree has deep roots that keep it in the ground when Florida hurricanes come. We, too, need to be rooted in our faith so that we aren't defeated by the challenges we encounter daily. However, the part I think that I like best, is the fact that the tree "yields fruits in its season." God has a plan for each of our lives. Just like the pastor said on Sunday, we should not compare ourselves with others. God's will for our own life will be revealed in time -- in God's time! To be "blessed" is to grow and be fruitful in Him.

On Peace

Today was the day I dreaded all Christmas holidays. Today was the day I had to officially declare my intention for the August 2011-August 2012 school year. Way back when, I thought this day would never happen. You see, most ALTs don't make it this far. Three years is usually the maximum. However, I was offered the position to stay a fourth.

Had you asked me this summer what I was going to do, my answer would have been a whole-hearted reply "I'm going home!!!" Honestly, this past year has been really, really tough. I know I haven't gone into much detail on this blog, and there are reasons for that decision (mostly because 1: the purpose of this blog is to remember the positive experiences of Japan and 2: all of the toughness led to very little free time -- hence no postings of any sort). But back to the summer, yes, I probably told many of you that there was no way I was planning on surviving yet another year in Japan. Don't get me wrong. I have enjoyed my time in Japan -- I really have, but the stress of living in such a cold country (both weatherly and emotionally) does take its toll.

However, right before Christmas, the offer to stay another year was given. Oh, how I struggled, pondered, prayed, played the devil's advocate, and asked every member of my family's opinion regarding what I should do. I wanted someone to give me the answer. But nobody could. Even God seemed silent. "Why, oh why?!?!" I pleaded. However, I didn't want to make a hasty decision. I didn't want to go home because it was the easy way out nor did I want to stay in Japan because I have a stable job. I wanted to go where God was leading me. So I prayed for peace.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

You know, it's interesting. Every time I come to a difficult decision, the same thing happens. I get worried. I fret. I am anxious. I ask God to let me know NOW!!! He never does. It's not until the very last minute that all the details work out. But, they always eventually work out, and then I never regret the decision because I am so confident that that is what he wants me to do, that I am at perfect peace. This time was no different. All through December and January I have fretted. I have prayed. I have probably driven more than one family member or friend crazy as I rehashed over and over the pros and cons of staying or leaving. I have struggled with my emotions. I have wrestled with God's will. I have sobbed....

But today, I had my meeting and you know what, I feel at perfect peace!


As for next year's plan? Well, don't ask me - only God knows. All I know is that it involves fish ;-)

For Daddy:

It's a kite-flying mechanical clock!

What Japanese Does to the Brain...

So, I don't know a thing about sleep cycles, but I find this really interesting. This graph was made by my iPhone Sleep-Cycle clock one Sunday night after a full day of English. It shows a pattern (i.e. actual cycles) and is typical of my lots of English days.

This second graph was taken on a Thursday night and is a typical example of graph taken after a full-day of Japanese at school and several hours of studying at home.

Guess what time the garbage truck came barreling down the street!

Happy Birthday Elisabitty!

An Afternoon with Mariko

After a Korean lunch that sizzled our tongues, it was off to Baskin-Robbins for some relief and strawberries. (I love Japan's January berries!)

Then it was time for a trip into Space

Phonetic Punctuation

This week my first-year junior high kids were really struggling with punctuation. It doesn't exist much in Japanese, and so they really haven't been paying much attention to it in English. On Thursday, their teacher, Mr. Nakamura, was getting after them for constantly missing periods, commas, questions marks and the like. In an attempt to help them out, I decided to take matters in my own hands. As I was reading out-loud the newest section of their English textbook, I incorporated Victor Borge's system of Phonetic Punctuation. Needless to say, both my students and Mr. Nakamura were in stitches. Of course it got funnier, when he insisted that they repeat everything exactly after me. We had raspberries and spit flying all over the room. But, the kids were aware of each and every punctuation mark!!

Now for those of you who have absolutely no idea about Victor Borge's system of Phonetic Punctuation I have included below his tutorial as taught to Dean Martin. Please enjoy, in my opinion, one of the world's funniest entertainers!

I Love English in Japan ("What Kind of School?" Edition)

Below is a box of Japanese snacks called Toppa. Toppas are like a hollow pretzel filled with chocolate (they might come in other flavors too, but I have never personally bought them). Anyway, this past week Sarah discovered this English mistake. Can you find it?


Of course the real question is, "What are they really trying to say?" At first I thought it might be an advertisement for the movie "School of Rock" but the picture on the back of the box was of Japanese students. Also, there was an additional promotion for a good-luck charm. You see, right now in Japan, students are studying diligently for their school entrance exams. So I am guessing the models were wanting to be "lucky" and not "locked out." But then again, who knows....

Aren't These the Cutest Doughnuts Ever?

Sarah was kind enough to share this photo with me of these adorable bear doughnuts she found last Sunday. She would have shared the teddies with me too if I wasn't allergic to their filling (crazy Japanese Cool-Whip stuff that gives me tummy aches) or so she says!

A Joyous Morning

Yesterday in church, the pastor spoke about joy. One of the things that he pointed out is that joy and thanksgiving go hand-in-hand (Psalms 100). I was really challenged by the sermon. You see, living here in Japan, I often find myself more consumed with the daily challenges or the things that I don't have than with all of the blessings that I do have. Also, here in Japan, people are expected to hide their true emotions. It is so easy to fall into the trap of a "wooden face." However, that is not what I want to be. I want to be a joy bearer. I want my smile to shine. I want joy, peace, and thanksgiving to radiate so strongly out of me that I am like a burning torch wherever I go. I want the Japanese people to see that I am different (and beyond my height, blondness, and long nose). So, I have made it a personal challenge this year to be joyous. Of course, I can't do it alone but my prayer is that God will radiate through every inch of my being. Last night, I prayed that God would help me find joy, beauty, and thanksgiving in something everyday. Today, he definitely answered my prayer for this morning I woke up to a beautiful surprise. Now, before I reveal his present, I must point out that the climate of Hamamatsu is the same as Tallahassee so the below beauty is a miracle!

Have you figured it out yet?

This Floridian has just completely fallen head-over-heels in love with SNOW!!!!

Do You Think Someone Used Google Translator?

During the holidays, my first-year junior high students were required to keep an English journal. Now, to give you a bit of a background of their English level, the students just learned the basics of past tense and are currently learning the "I can (play basketball)" phrase. They also know "My name is ~", "I like ~", and "This is a ~". Below is my favorite excerpt:

When I returned there was only a grandmother. The reason seems to be because it proved it in Jusco to buy something with a New Year Year's present for some reason when it says. The lunch seems to have gone to the Vikings. I heard it and I felt complicated.

Christmas!

This picture of Auntie Hildi and me is the only picture I have of the holidays at home and it basically sums up the Toelcke's Christmas 2010. Oh well. I learned several things this holiday:

1) As cute as Japanese Hello Kitty masks are, they aren't affective
2) Its possible to get two different kinds of flu in two weeks
3) Japanese flu-shots don't help aforementioned flus
4) A caring family is a sharing family!!
5) The entire Toelcke Clan has patented a new quick and easy diet plan
6) Christmas is the best with family -- no matter what their temperature is!!!

My sincerest apologies go out to everyone I was hoping to see while I was home. But believe me, you really didn't want to meet me during this trip ;-)

If You Look Out the Right Side of the Plane...

.... You can see Mt. Fuji!

A blonde foreigner wearing a kimono walked into a hotel lobby...

Do you remember this post? Well, December came and guess what? I got to wear my kimono!! I was a little worried for awhile because it seemed as if everyone forgot that I actually had it. But, come to find out, it they hadn't forgotten. The issue was that not just any Japanese person can help a foreigner put on a kimono. They actually have to have been trained in kimono-dressing! Whereas my vice-principal and nurse thought that it would be really neat if I could wear the kimono to my school's New Year's party, neither of them are knowledgeable in all things kimono. However, the week before the party, I had a reunion with Ayano (see below post) who happened to wear a kimono. Her ensemble gave my vice-principle an idea and she asked Ayano to save the day! The night before the party, Ayano, Ms. Takimoto, Ms. Takimoto's daughter, and I went to the local kimono shop where I purchased the additional things needed for my ensemble (including a special pair of socks and a bigger pair of shoes). Ms. Takimoto gave me the bright yellow obi and she and Ayano let me borrow several important (but expensive) undergarments. The night of the party, Ayano came to school and did my hair and wrapped, tied, and arranged my kimono. I'm not sure which of us had more fun! We then drove to a local hotel where the rest of the school staff exclaimed over my Japanese fashion and the hotel staff stared at the only blonde who was the only person wearing a kimono!

Ayano and me

My school nurse (Ms. Ichikawa) who gave me the kimono, me, and Ms. Takimoto

Christmas Party!!

My dear vice-principal decided to plan a Christmas party again this year! Last year, there were three of us young female teachers -- Ayano (Japanese studies), myself, and Mariko (home economics). Because I wasn't going to be around for the school's New Year festivities, Ms. Takimoto (my vice principal) thought it would be fun for the four of us to have a Christmas party at a local restaurant. She has been very motherly to us especially since we are near the ages of her daughters. Last year we enjoyed dinner, chatting, and a "Secret Santa" gift exchange (a first for the three of them!) Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, both Ayano and Mariko no longer work at my school -- leaving me often lonely for young female conversation! However, this December we all enjoyed a reunion for our now annual Christmas party. In fact, they already started planning next years!

Ayano, Ms. Takimoto, myself, and Mariko

Aren't we cute???

Christmas Dinner

I can't complain anymore. I was blessed with a delicious "Christmas dinner" at school consisting of broccoli, bread, sausage pottage, a chicken leg (with its own two-paper cover), and chocolate-banana crepe. While I was utterly excited, my fellow teachers had difficulty eating their chicken. (Different cultures different taste buds!) Of course the best part of the meal for them was when I started trying to carry on lunch-time conversation. My attempted phrase: "In Japan, crepes are really popular aren't they?" My actual phrase: "In Japan there are carrot crepes aren't there?" At least they got a few laughs and I got a few legs!

I Love English in Japan (Tea Pot Edition)

I didn't know that Poland was a material.

Did you?

Youko's Birthday

One thing that I have been really blessed with this past fall has been an awesome group of single girls from the English church. Some are Japanese, some are Western, but all are sweet, loving and fun-loving. It has been a real blessing to get to know some more single Christians with similar goals and dreams. This past December 23rd was Youko's birthday. However, because a large majority of our group was going to be in our respective countries for Christmas, we decided to celebrate early. Our destination was Nagoya -- the closest "really big city." Leaving early in the morning, we took the local slow train. Our day consisted of Christmas shopping, eating all kinds of goodies, and just enjoying each-other's company and snapping random pictures with a big Happy Birthday sign.

(me, Sarah-Kiwi, Youko, a random llama, Joanna, the Other Sarah)

Trying on an incredibly gorgeous (and insanely expensive dress)
It wasn't my color!

Dinner at Outback
(Yep, Nagoya is a big enough city to know what Outback is!!!!)

Real Food!!!

The Birthday Girl

Christmas lights at Nagoya Station

Harp spotting!

When South America Abducted My Thanksgiving and Japan Thought My Mom Sent Me Drugs...

So way back in early November my dear parents packed me a Thanksgiving box filled with all kinds of American yummies.

(Sarah is just slightly crazed over the American head-sized jar of peanut butter)

Turkey gravy, four-cheese mashed potato mix, cranberry sauce, pumpkin bread mix -- all the essentials for an overseas thanksgiving were carefully packed. However, the box never came. A week passed. Another week passed. A third week passed. Thanksgiving came and went. Then, finally the box arrived -- with a Spanish tracking label...


...and a note stating that it had been carefully inspected by Japanese customs. Nothing was removed but my suspiciously looking loaf of banana bread had been unwrapped and pinched!

Marathon

And You Think My ENGLISH is Bad...

明日、私もセーラさんも日本語試験があります。午後十二時から四時まで日本語だけありません。私たちはちょっと心配しています。でも、頑張ります。

I Love English In Japan (Cannibal Edition)