Where are my mice when I need them?

I'm sure most of you are very familiar with the following scene.  Because Cinderella doesn't have time, her mice friends work, oh so diligently, to help her make a beautiful dress.  Together they make a masterpiece, and boy do they make it look easy!

But, alas, it is NOT easy!  And I should know...

Over a year ago, I fell in love with a dress at a second-hand shop.  There was only one problem, it was way too short.  However, because it was less than $3, I figured that maybe I could come up with a solution, and if not, it wouldn't be too huge of an investment.  My first plan was to find a slip or skirt to wear underneath it.  But, no matter how hard I looked, I couldn't locate the right color or design.  My next idea was to have the talented seamstress that created my graduate school recital dress (and performed liposuction on my sister's wedding dress) once again do her magic.  However, as I live in Japan and she lives in Florida, it was, as we say in Japanese muri (impossible).  

So, there the dress hung in my closet for over a year waiting to be worn.  But, then this past weekend, the ladies from my church had a wedding shower for two brides-to-be.  Because it was to be a "girls' only" event, we all decided to wear something we couldn't normally wear in overly-conservative Japan (i.e. baring our shoulders!!)   My dress seemed like a perfect outfit, but even with fewer dressing restrictions, it was still too short. 

I mentioned my desire to wear the dress to Sarah, who suggested that I make a hem myself.  "You can do it," she said, "there's really nothing to it!"  Kindly, she guided me through the process of measuring, pinning, and cutting.  Then I sewed solo.  However, I thought that one pin wasn't quite right.  So, I moved it.  This caused the material to bubble so I moved the next pin.  And, the next.  And the next...  Since the hem was a circle, the domino effect lasted for infinity.  Literally!  However, I was determined not to lose the battle to an inanimate object.  And, I didn't!  But, I promise you, I will never do something like this again...

...at least not without my mice!

When in Japan do as the Japanese (and hope you don't blow away!)

I knew a typhoon was coming, but there was little I could do.  Since we didn't have school on the two previous days, my only guidelines were what I have in my contract -- as long as I don't have a fever or have taken a pre-determined holiday I am to be at school everyday the doors are officially open.  Since all forms of public transportation were running and the school's website maintained favorable weather for all school activities, I headed toward my coastal Junior High School with my brother-in-law's warning in my ear.  "It's going to be a bad one"  he said.  "It will be fast moving and strong.  It is best that you have extra food and water just in case the electricity goes out.  Whatever you do, avoid being anywhere near the coast."

By the time I reached school, the rain was pouring and my umbrella had blown inside out.  The principal and vice-principal were holding a meeting regarding the day's schedule.  They canceled school lunch.  "Let's also cancel all classes until 10 am," the decided.  So, for the next few hours teachers scrambled to call their students, warning them to stay indoors and check the school website for further information.  I gazed out the window, watching the rain come down in sheets.  "This weather makes me soooo sleepy,"  I told my secretary.   "Really?  Not scared?"    "No," I answered,  "because, we have hurricanes in Florida.  When there is a bad hurricane, everyone stays off the roads.  Instead they remain at home with their families.  Often, I will wrap up in blankets, drink cocoa, and read a book." 

My thinking was completely unbelievable to her.  Just as my teachers' thinking was unbelievable to me.  As the weather continued to get worse, only one teacher decided to go home.  At first, I thought it was strange, but then I realized that nobody wanted to go home because if they were at home they would have to spend time with their families.  Most Japanese people have a better relationship with their colleagues than with their families so to go home would be to put themselves in a houseful of almost strangers.

The weather continued to get worse and worse.  By lunch time, all public transportation had stopped.  In an attempt not to let down the "group," the buses and trains had decided to remain running for as long as possible.  However, this public warning didn't persuade my teachers.  Several decided to drive to a local restaurant for lunch while the school's pool awning swirled around the school yard.  My vice-principal donned a rain jacket and went outside to check the garden.  As tree bits and roof tiles swirled around him, he battled the wind looking for a 10000 yen bill (approximately $100) that blew out of his pocket.

By this time, I realized I might just have to spend the evening and maybe possibly even the night in the currently leaking school building.  But then, around two thirty, the eye of the storm passing over the school.  "Let's go home," my school nurse said.  "If you take two hours of vacation time, you can leave early."  As crazy as it seemed that I would have to take personal vacation time for my own safety, it was well worth it.  We dashed to the car in the rain.  Slowly she started driving.  Strangely enough, there were other cars on the road, too.  I silently prayed as our tires slipped and debris flew past us.  "This is completely insane!"  I thought to myself as we battled our way through dead signal lights.

My nurse called her husband.  "I'm heading home"  she said.  "Why?"  he asked.  "I have taken two hours of vacation so that I can get home early."   As they hung up, there was no "Be careful"  or "I love you."  Instead he only said "I understand."  With that, we reached my apartment.  I dashed up the stairs, passed two very frightened pigeons cowering in the entrance way,  and rolled into bed with a cup of cocoa.  For when in Japan, there is only so much I can do as the Japanese.

Emily the Adventurer

Hi!  This is Emily's sister, Erin.  I am sure that most of you visit this page for stories of Emily's latest escapades and misadventures.  Well, she is at it again....after living most of her life in Florida, she has waited until she is in Japan to ride out the passing of the eye of a typhoon/hurricane! Actually, due to the difficulty of understanding the Japanese weather reports, she didn't realize the severity of the storm until today - the day it should make landfall. She asked me to let you know that she is safe at school with other teachers and the eye is expected to pass just to the west of her in about 2 hours. She is in good spirits and appreciates your prayers and concern.

First Impressions

So by popular request, the new hair cut proceeded by everyone's first impression responses (in order of statement)

Hairdresser:  It's perfect

Emily:  Where's my hair?

Joanna:  I never thought your hair would be shorter than mine.

Sarah:  Wow, it's cute, but short!  It will grow back soon!


Daddy:  Nice haircut.  It's a new you.


Mommy:  Cute haircut.  Do you like it?

Principal:  Bery, bery, guudo


School secretary:  You look so much younger.


Mr. Ishida:  You cut your hair!!  Why?


Vice-principal:  Your haircut makes you look so much more beautiful and younger.  It is great.


Students 1~400:  Hair cut!!!!  SOOO  CUTE!!!

Mr. Nakamura:  Did you cut your hair?


Librarian:  You cut your hair.  How wasteful.....

So what do you think...

お任せ：I leave it up to you...

I decided to get my hair cut (or as my Grandpa likes to say "hairs cut") this weekend.

 The hairdresser asked, "What do you want?"

 I answered,  "お任せ (omakase)  I leave it up to you.  

Really?

Yes, really.  As long as you don't dye, shave, or do anything that will make my school go into shock, you can cut as you best see fit.  You are the artist, please cut my hair in a way that will accent my face and glasses. 

Do you want bangs? 

As long as they aren't straight across my forehead -- I had a bad experience once! 

Okay!

So what are you going to do?

You will see...

And with that he grinned, took away my glasses, and began to cut.  Blindly, I fingered the long golden strands that fell onto my lap...
 

Amelia, Nana, and Marshmallows

On May 20th, 1932, a small plane took off from Canada.  In the plane, was just one women.  Her name was Amelia Earhart.  Her dream was to be the first woman to fly around the world...

And so my summer project began.  Every September, all the junior high schools in Hamamatsu participate in an English speech contest.  Each school chooses one third-year student to either deliver a recitation or a self-written speech.  Last year, my school's student wrote her own speech -- but a very long story short, it was a complete disaster!  So this year, we decided to do things a bit differently.

When choosing our school's representative, I had only one requirement.  It had to be somebody who wanted to do it.  Only two students showed any interest.  At the mini-competition in front of all of the English teachers, it was unanimously decided that Nana would be chosen.  Whereas her English level was lower than the other student, her attitude was much greater.  However, I knew it would be a challenge.  I was ready for it, but was she?

For our first meeting, I compiled a list of stories of the appropriate length and level.  Nana hardly spoke to me but instead completely deferred to Mr. Ishida (the third-grade English teacher).  We were both shocked when she decided that she wanted to do the speech on Amelia Earhart.  After all, what did a 15-year-old Japanese student have in common with a missing American pilot?

On day two, I presented Nana with a video I made of her speech.  I could read it in 3:30 minutes.  If she could read it under 5 she would be within the time limit.  Day after day Nana came for speech lessons.  We labored over each word together and in the evenings she would painstakingly translate the sentences.  Finally, she was able to read the entire thing is 7 minutes 40 seconds.  She was so depressed that I made a chart for her to mark and graph her progress.

By the time I left for China, it was only half-memorized, half-translated and still over 5 minutes.  Nana had a blank glaze in her eyes.  I left with concern and a mandate that the speech be memorized by the time I got back.

Amelia said, "The best way to do something, is to do it" 

On our first meeting, after our trip, Nana had an impish grin.  She stood up and completely recited her speech in four and a half minutes.  Both Mr. Ishida's and my jaws dropped.  We were shocked!  And that's when the tiny caterpillar emerged from her cocoon.

After that, Nana made leaps and bounds.  Each morning, we would practice for about three hours together and each afternoon she would recite her speech for anyone who would listen.  I dragged in students, teachers, the principal and even stuffed animals to be her audience.  Often she would receive comments such as "You need more gestures" or "You need more emotion".  However, as useful as these comments were, they lacked one thing -- how to do them!  The requests were for something that she could not comprehend.  I quickly learned that what she lacked was not ability or will but actual direction.

What happened to Amelia Earhart?  No one knows for sure.  Her plane was never found.  But, her name and spirit live on.  Why?  Because she wasn't afraid to try new or difficult things.

Soon, we could be found outside on two different sides of the school yelling the speech back and forth to one another.  We set up two podiums facing each other.  She was my mirror.  I was her's.  Then it was on to annunciation and the pesky r and l that plague every Japanese person.  We practiced balancing straws between our lips (r) and tongue and teeth (l).  We recited tongue twisters.  Every time she said "Amelia Earhart wanted to be the first pirate to fry around the world"  I would start humming "The Pirates of the Caribbean" theme only to make her melt into laughter.  Then one day, (with Mr. Ishida's permission) I smuggled in marshmallows to her and her friends.  In a backroom, we played Chubby Bunny.  Stuffing marshmallows into our cheeks, we recited bits of her speech as sugary syrup oozed down our throats.


But there was one thing that was lacking, no matter how much her presentation improved, I could tell she still didn't relate to the reality of the situation -- flying by oneself around the world, in a broken down plane, in horrible weather.  No matter how many times we looked at the globe, flew faulty paper airplanes, or sketched thunderstorms on the blackboard, something still wasn't clicking with Nana.   First, I gave her the entire Japanese Wikipedia printout on Amelia Earhart's life.  Things improved a bit, but there was still a lack of emotion.  Then, I found it!  A clip from the movie Amelia.  In true Hollywood fashion, it dramatized the exact situation that she was describing in her speech.  When she watched excerpt, her eyes became like saucers.  The light bulb turned on and her story emerged...

Amelia Earhart's spirit was her will to always do her best.  She wanted to be the first woman to fly around the world.  She didn't succeed, but other pilots did after her.  Her spirit encouraged other to try their best too.

I wasn't the only one who noticed, the change in Nana.  The other teachers began to comment on her growing confidence, her larger smile, and her floating walk.  Each was amazed when they watched her transform into a true actress on stage.  Teacher after teacher began to compliment her.  They arranged their class schedules so that she could have as many chances as possible to practice in front of her peers.  Her friends started changing too.  Slowly and unsteadily they started to use more English with me and on another.  Then, the day before the competition all of her classmates gathered in the gym for a send-off ceremony.  They dutifully made stoic faces to scare her while she rehearsed but dissolved into a warm round of applause at the conclusion.  With well-wishes from both teachers and peers, she was ready for the competition.

Amelia Earhart once said, "We must always keep trying.  And if we fail, the failure must become a new challenge for others."

Yes, it says "First Prize"!

 

September 21st is the regional competition!

I did it again!

...but just barely!

A Sunday to Remember!

Last Sunday, we had a baptism service where two of the youngest attendees of my church, sisters Hikari and Yuri, were baptized.  These two girls come from a single-parent household, but have decided to dedicated their lives to Christ.  It has been exciting this past year to watch them grow and blossom into adorable, serious little Christians.

Haruku-san (the man who became saved at my birthday at the river) was also baptized.  Several days prior to his baptism, we discussed the change that takes place in a believer.  I told him, that change is not possible, when we do it alone, but with Christ, we WILL overcome.  It is such an incredible blessing to know and share this with a new brother-in-Christ.

 

Please pray for these (and other new Christians) here in Japan.  They have embarked on a beautiful but difficult journey.  They are so young in their faith.  Pray that Christ will reveal Himself to and through them.  Please pray for me and the other Christians here in Japan, that we can uplift and guide them as well as be shining lights in this truly dark nation.

That evening, the church had an end of the summer festival where the girls were encouraged to dress up in yukatas.  We enjoyed an evening of fun, fellowship, food, and fireworks.
 

This is my new yukata which I successfully taught myself how to not only put on but also how to tie the obi.  Look its a double colored obi too -- a slightly more complicated knot!

The girls did a mini fashion show based on height.  I just love the smiles in these two pictures!

MOMO, Maigen, and Me

Last weekend, I performed in a concert with MOMO, an all-women's choir lead by one of my LOLs, at the downtown instrument museum.  Over 200 hundred people were in attendance for this fund-raising concert for the earthquake victims.

 The ladies began the concert with several selections, then it was Maigen's and my turn...

After playing three selections, I was called on for an encore.  As I stood to bow once again, I was pleasantly surprised to see my vice-principal with a gorgeous bouquet of sunflowers and yellow roses.

I turned around and was greeted by one of the MOMO member's who then presented me with a bouquet of pink roses and orchids.

All in all, nineteen friends and teachers (both current and former) came specifically to listen to me play.

I was truly overwhelmed by everyone's love and support. 

My room smelled like a garden for the entire following week!

In Japan, not only flowers are presented to performers, but small gifts as well.

It was a wonderful opportunity to perform again (its been three years!) and share my love of music with so many people.  I was so grateful for MOMO's invitation and willingness to share their concert with me.

Japanese Diary: What is English Conversation?

I had an “ah-ha” moment today! It all started when I asked one of my teachers how the swimming competition went. He looked at me like I was from outer space. Now, I have never actually spoken to this teacher before (I did accidentally hit him in the head with a volleyball once, though). But, I couldn’t figure out why it was so strange to him that I asked a question (in Japanese, no less!) After all, don’t we work in the same school, with the same kids? Why couldn’t I initiate a conversation? Then it dawned on me… That was it! I had initiated a conversation. I was trying to be an English conversationalist in a Japanese society.

When I first came to Japan, looked at everything through my “American, English-speaking glasses.” I had visions of grandeur. I assumed that everyone would want to know about me, the foreigner, and that my students would be so eager to try English that I would easily transform the school into a bilingual institution. Boy, was I ever wrong! On my first day of classes, I greeted my students with a welcoming “Hello,” and was only met with dull stares. My bubble burst! If they didn’t know hello then how was I going to progress in my lesson about me and my country? My goal quickly changed from creating an all-English environment to not having my students run away from me!

After, three years of observations, questions, trial and error, I have finally started to formulate some conclusions regarding English Conversation. Since, I teach it 17 hours a week and attempt to model it in the rest of my classes and life, it only seems fitting that I have learned at least a little something.

English exists in an individualistic societies. Individuals like talking about themselves. In fact, sometimes too much! Japan isn’t an individualistic society. People don’t like to talk about themselves and find it rude to ask about others. It is better to keep silent than talk – keeping “the peace” is the most important thing. Thus, the idea of conversing with one another about insignificant affairs is a foreign concept (just look at the swimming coach).

However, in English we like to talk. We like to ask questions. Questions are a route by which we can initiate a conversation and thus learn about one another. We want to know details about those with whom we come in contact.  English Conversation is a two-way “catch” game. First you ask a question (throw the ball), then the other must answer (catch it) and return the throw. Sometimes, the catcher will hold onto the ball for a while and play with it (or talk about a certain subject) but for true conversation to exist the other person must eventually be involved (through listening, interjections, or an “active face”). Just like playing catch by oneself is impossible, so is conversing. Sure, you can throw the ball at a wall, but if there is no response you will only be catching it – that’s not much fun is it? Neither is talking to a classroom of blank stares! This year, I have tried to teach the importance of conversation to my kids utilizing the ball analogy. A Japanese teacher and I modeled various levels – from zombie (no reaction and a ball in the face) to actual conversation (speaking with an entertaining game of catch). Now, I always carry a soft ball to class and will throw it at unsuspecting students (or even better, having them throw it to unsuspecting peers!)

Unfortunately, as my pitching arm is getting stronger, I haven’t found a great improvement in my students’ conversational level. I have concluded that this too is affected by society and personal will. My school’s achievement level is low and my kids have few dreams beyond working in the local factories. In fact, parents have told the teachers that they don’t want the kids to succeed because if they do, then they will be able to go to high-level high schools and universities which will take them into the big cities and far away from the family business. Considering this attitude, it is no wonder that my students don’t see the purpose of learning English or the opportunities it provides.

My new-found realizations have made this year less stressful than the previous two. Instead of attempting to force my students to maintain the national standard, I have realized that it is better for them to learn to like English. After all, if they can’t enjoy English, then how can they effectively study it? Instead of forcing it down their throats, I have tried to make it fascinating and tempting enough that they want to swallow it on their own. I want them to feel that they can actually grasp this unknown language. If they can achieve even a little bit of success, they will be more motivated to study.

To do so, my own English has changed. I have had to make it easier through word choice, speed, and gestures. Sometimes, I feel like a crazy monkey on amphetamines, but if it will provide a glimmer of interest, than I have done my job. I am not here to teach the boring aspects of grammar but to teach my kids that foreigners don’t have cooties. Instead, we have a whole other world of knowledge that is available to them – if only they ask! Have I been successful? Well, that is still up for grabs. I haven’t had anyone run away from me this week….yet!

Summer Vacation! Last Stop -- Shanghai!

After a fairly harrowing trip, including an unconscious passenger, an emergency landing over mountains, a helicopter and ambulance escort, and a MIA tour guide, we finally arrived in Shanghai (where I was promptly told that I had left over $600 in the previous hotel in Chengdu).  Needless to say, our first day in the new city wasn't particularly pleasant, but thankfully things got much better!

a "floating" tea house

Shanghai's Pearl Tower

It had a clear balcony

In Shanghai, we were privileged to watch an incredible Chinese acrobatic troupe..

I don't think I will be trying this at home!

Or this!

Jerry (my chiropractor!) would kill me if I tried this!

They make it look so easy!

 Then it was time to say goodbye to an incredible trip and amazing country...

We boarded the Maglev Train...

... and rode 267 miles per hour to the airport!

(Oh, and the money, it all came back! )

Summer Vacation! Chengdu

Due to bad weather, we arrived into Chengdu after midnight.  Because we had no tour guide scheduled to meet us, we had to trust our taxi cab driver to successfully take us to our hotel.  We drove and drove, and he finally let us off in a very dark and deserted city.  We timidly walked through the empty streets until we found a very traditional-looking inn.  Our hotel for the next few days, reminded me of my piano teacher's house.  It even smelled a bit like it, too!   It was like stepping through his mysterious foyer into the secret rooms in the back...

But, enough about the hotel....  Our main purpose for visiting Chengdu was to go to the panda reserve.  We were told that it was best to arrive early.  So, even though we were exhausted, we dragged ourselves out of bed to meet these adorable cuddlies.

Panda bear, panda bear, what do you see?  I see you staring right back at me!

Kung-fu Panda

 
 Not to be discriminatory, we visited the little red guys, too!

But the best part...

His bamboo stick was covered in honey, and when he finished licking it off, he would fling it and start squealing for more.

Panda Vet -- for Allie!

 In Chengdu, we saw some other interesting sights including...

...a gazillion koi!

...really spicy foods..

...and artistic lollipops!

Our last evening there, we had the chance to visit Elisabeth and Truman (the daughter and son-in-law of my pastor) and their two kids, who are living in Chengdu as tentmakers.  After the babies went to bed, we enjoyed making action shots!

Kung-fu Christians

Levitating