Are you in suspense yet? I'm sure you are after that intriguing theater promise yesterday...
Our story starts off in Sagamiono where I teach an English class... will get to that in a moment, but after that, I headed to the train station to meet the rest of the crew to do a street performance. We set up, Joe got some joe from McD's (which I still owe him for, as he was doing the coffee run. oops.) We got our flyers in hand and started passing them out to those who looked interested as they passed by and to those who stopped to listen. To them, we try to start up conversations. Sometimes it's creative conversation as there can be language barriers. I found myself there last night-- first with an old lady who stopped. Beside not being able to hear her, I had no idea what was going on... I did know if she was asking at one point if I was a student. The other girl, a university student, stopped and I talked with her for I don't know how long... 40 minutes or so?
And no. She didn't speak English. But she was pretty interested in what we were doing, and I pulled out every little bit of Japanese that I could squeeze out of my limited vocab. BUT, I'm praying that I'll see her again! At the Fuse....
Speaking of singing, I got my first taste of Japanese style karaoke on Monday. The girls wanted to have a girls day out, and so we went to a local karaoke place, and we had our own room rented, for pretty cheap (since in the evening it is more expensive)... there was also the "drink bar", where you can get all kinds of sodas, coffee, capucchino, all unlimited. A soup bar (only 2 soups), and an ice cream bar. All in all, it was pretty cheap, since we split it up between us all.
We have quite a few singers in our group, and even if they don't normally do singing, they at least know how to sing. I don't. And I don't sing well. But it didn't stop me from trying! All in all, it gave us some good laughs and I enjoyed it far more than I anticipated I was going to enjoy it.
Back to Sagamiono. On Tuesday afternoon, during the hour and a half I had at home to get ready and eat lunch, my bed was pretty full of clothes that I'd tried on looking for the right outfit. I had no idea what I was going to wear, but eventually I did find something that looked kinda professional, but not too much. Eh. I have a feeling I'll be wearing the same two outfits repeatedly.
I got to the place I teach at and met my fellow teacher, who teaches the first part of the class. She basically told me that she was going to teach the text and manual that we get, and I get to do the extra practice and extra activities. I was like... OH. Hmm... what am I going to do??? But, I'm not too bad at improvising and so I came up with a quick lesson plan and got everything ready...
Only to have no students show up. I have two first graders in this class (not much, I know, but it's good to start off small). One's sibling had mumps and the other... well, she didn't show. So. All prepared was I, and my room at home in disarray to have no student.
At least I'm prepared for next week!
So, we all took the train home. One of the things you often deal with on the trains is crowded-ness! Often, it's our bonding time, and we end up with good stories, like the time the train started to stop and I began to fall backward... and having no hand ring to hold onto, I grabbed one of my teammate's jacket collars with incredible force to keep me from falling. What I didn't mention is that she was sitting [read: straddling] the suitcase that carried our mini-amp. If I was going down, I was gonna take her down with me.
We do, when it's not too crowded, like to surf. Like, stand in a surfing position, without losing your balance. However, we try not to be too obnoxious, because most people are sitting, very condensed (arms in and everything), and either reading, sleeping or listening to their mp3 players.
However, I promised you "violence" on here. Taking Hannah down (or trying to) wasn't it: when I don't have a seat on the train, I stand and hold on to one of the myriad of rings hanging. However, when I have to move to accommodate for other people moving, I have a tendency of moving and then letting go of my ring, if needed. I should just let go. But, I did whack some guy in the head as he was trying to get off the train. And it wasn't just like a small bump, it was a full out whack in the forehead. I felt really bad, but I couldn't do much beside call out "sumimasen!" behind him as he was now rushing off the train. Sumimasen means excuse me!
So, yes, those are some of the things you learn to do (or not do) in another country. But it's enjoyable.
Among other things, I think I'll be starting Japanese classes soon-- as in, a couple of weeks, if all goes well with finances, which I'm trusting God that it will. Things are pretty busy with doing outreaches, studies (Japanese, Bible), prayer meetings and planning and trying to make connections with the people I meet. It's all great, and busy. I actually was thinking today that I needed to sit down and organize how I was going to spend my free hours... :) I still want to reserve most of my day off for relaxing/ doing whatever.
But anyway, things will be getting busier, so we'll see how things go!
Stay tuned for more exciting times!
OH- Today, I was ordering some food at the place where we do our Japanese self-study classes, and they told me it would be a few minutes and to just sit down. I replied, Hai! Está bien! which translated is: (Japanese:) Yes! (Spanish:) That's fine!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Coming Soon to a Theater Near You...
Tune in tomorrow for street performances, first day of work, karaoke and Janine's subway aggression...
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Recovered from my triathlon
I can hear one of my neighbors snoring... I don't know which neighbor it is, but I can very clearly hear them. Now, I don't hear everyday activities-- walking around yes, but I don't understand why I can hear them snore... Maybe it's since they sleep on the floor...
My roommate's mom came from Korea today. She's really, really sweet. I've actually only been in contact with her for like 5 minutes, as both of us have been gone in opposing times today. As I was coming home, with very tired feet and a few groceries in one hand, I saw them walk out of our entrance to the apartments. Her face lit up, and her mom greeted me. But, when my roommate-- So-chan- told her that I was her roommate (or, I guess that's what she said), she lit up, her eyes, big, and she threw her arms around me to give me a hug. It was pretty darn cute.
They just got home from going to church and then going out to dinner with someone from there.
Yesterday... when did I last write?... Oh, yeah, when I had been worn to pieces by running, biking and mountain climbing in a day. Friday, I was at Sagami-ono for a meeting for my class-- to get the curriculum for the class that starts Tuesday (nothing like good preparation). It took all of 20 minutes to be introduced to the place, around, discuss pay, etc.
I left and decided to stop by Starbucks down at the corner... I debated in my head and then decided to go ahead, after thinking that it would be good to sit and have some peace after all the things I've been doing lately. As I was ordering, I felt a tap on my shoulder, and it was Yuiko! She was coming for her peace and quiet time-- her "hour off". So, we sat down and chatted and got to know each other better. It was really nice.
Saturday we had a really good Fuse meeting. We were able to pass out a lot of flyers in the streets (we walk the streets around Machida for like 2 hours, but we do have lunch in that time)... and there were quite a few new people at the Fuse. Also- we had out guitar player Kengo back from the States. Debbie gave a great message on The Power of Words... and in our Super-small group right after it, my group had a good discussion about times when words influenced us for the good or for the bad... and then we encouraged each other in things. It was really cool-- and one of the girls really shared-- in fact, everyone in our group shared something. Afterward, we all hung out at a cafe, which is where we all go out to eat and get to know each other a little more. It's particularly good for new comers, but in general, the fellowship is always good.
Anyway, I think that this Fuse meeting went very, very well! I'm very happy with it!
Today, I got to Skype with my family and then went with the rest of the Fuse team to Jesus Lifehouse which is what the Fuse is kinda modeled after. Jesus Lifehouse is the fastest growing church in Japan, and I was pretty impressed with it. There were people from all over there, and it was a great, great message, very relevant to the Japanese culture... and beside that, it was exciting to see so many Japanese people worshiping God there.
It proves that the Japanese are open to the Gospel! God is here in Japan! I was inspired that our small church plant will grow also, and that we will reach many Japanese in the Machida area.
For my odd fact of the day: not that I usually have one, but..
We were discussing some kanji written on our board advertising the Fuse yesterday. It said: 本日 This means: today. There's another way to write today, which is 今日 but apparently, that first one also means today... and that's how Yuiko chose to write it, and since she's Japanese, she wins. So, anyway, she wrote this and Mark was saying that it meant today-- he said the pronunciation, but I don't remember it at the moment. I said, wait-- if you switch those around, doesn't that mean Japan? 日本 Which sounds completely different from what it sounds like if you switch it around.
In case you didn't know-- kanji, which are those picture words, in Japanese, have multiple readings (for example, when you see 日 it can be pronounced like a million ways, depending on the word/context). And if you combine it in different ways, it can mean different things... so. Lots of fun!! But many Japanese have consoled me in that- it's hard for them to read it sometimes too!
So, tomorrow we're going to do some girls' time... I made some salsa for it... but I probably need to get to bed, since I'm going to be tonsa busy on my day off...
My roommate's mom came from Korea today. She's really, really sweet. I've actually only been in contact with her for like 5 minutes, as both of us have been gone in opposing times today. As I was coming home, with very tired feet and a few groceries in one hand, I saw them walk out of our entrance to the apartments. Her face lit up, and her mom greeted me. But, when my roommate-- So-chan- told her that I was her roommate (or, I guess that's what she said), she lit up, her eyes, big, and she threw her arms around me to give me a hug. It was pretty darn cute.
They just got home from going to church and then going out to dinner with someone from there.
Yesterday... when did I last write?... Oh, yeah, when I had been worn to pieces by running, biking and mountain climbing in a day. Friday, I was at Sagami-ono for a meeting for my class-- to get the curriculum for the class that starts Tuesday (nothing like good preparation). It took all of 20 minutes to be introduced to the place, around, discuss pay, etc.
I left and decided to stop by Starbucks down at the corner... I debated in my head and then decided to go ahead, after thinking that it would be good to sit and have some peace after all the things I've been doing lately. As I was ordering, I felt a tap on my shoulder, and it was Yuiko! She was coming for her peace and quiet time-- her "hour off". So, we sat down and chatted and got to know each other better. It was really nice.
Saturday we had a really good Fuse meeting. We were able to pass out a lot of flyers in the streets (we walk the streets around Machida for like 2 hours, but we do have lunch in that time)... and there were quite a few new people at the Fuse. Also- we had out guitar player Kengo back from the States. Debbie gave a great message on The Power of Words... and in our Super-small group right after it, my group had a good discussion about times when words influenced us for the good or for the bad... and then we encouraged each other in things. It was really cool-- and one of the girls really shared-- in fact, everyone in our group shared something. Afterward, we all hung out at a cafe, which is where we all go out to eat and get to know each other a little more. It's particularly good for new comers, but in general, the fellowship is always good.
Anyway, I think that this Fuse meeting went very, very well! I'm very happy with it!
Today, I got to Skype with my family and then went with the rest of the Fuse team to Jesus Lifehouse which is what the Fuse is kinda modeled after. Jesus Lifehouse is the fastest growing church in Japan, and I was pretty impressed with it. There were people from all over there, and it was a great, great message, very relevant to the Japanese culture... and beside that, it was exciting to see so many Japanese people worshiping God there.
It proves that the Japanese are open to the Gospel! God is here in Japan! I was inspired that our small church plant will grow also, and that we will reach many Japanese in the Machida area.
For my odd fact of the day: not that I usually have one, but..
We were discussing some kanji written on our board advertising the Fuse yesterday. It said: 本日 This means: today. There's another way to write today, which is 今日 but apparently, that first one also means today... and that's how Yuiko chose to write it, and since she's Japanese, she wins. So, anyway, she wrote this and Mark was saying that it meant today-- he said the pronunciation, but I don't remember it at the moment. I said, wait-- if you switch those around, doesn't that mean Japan? 日本 Which sounds completely different from what it sounds like if you switch it around.
In case you didn't know-- kanji, which are those picture words, in Japanese, have multiple readings (for example, when you see 日 it can be pronounced like a million ways, depending on the word/context). And if you combine it in different ways, it can mean different things... so. Lots of fun!! But many Japanese have consoled me in that- it's hard for them to read it sometimes too!
So, tomorrow we're going to do some girls' time... I made some salsa for it... but I probably need to get to bed, since I'm going to be tonsa busy on my day off...
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Moving to Tokyo means becoming an athlete
So, tonight my goal is rapidity. It's been a long day, as you will soon hear, and then you will justify me.
But first, a story from yesterday. I went to the evening girls Bible study, and as we were starting, I got a phone call (actually, it took a minute for me to figure out it was my phone). I excused myself, and it was the director from the YMCA. He was calling because a new class opened up and he wanted me to co-teach it, which is what they typically do for elementary students, as Mark told me today. Funny enough, it starts next week.
But, anyway, we set up some of the particulars. I was glad to confirm that it was his sincerity he was showing the other day in wanting to give me classes, but was unaware of the situation that I had originally been set up for. And, it's a foot in the door, for later on.
But, what's really cool is that a week ago (or so?), when we were sitting down to do planning, we had originally set one station for Tuesday evenings for street performance, and the one where the Y is for Friday evenings. As we were having our Fuse meeting on Tuesday afternoon, we decided to switch the stations on the days because they wanted us to get in early on Friday nights so we could get good sleep and prepare for Saturdays (which are long in and of itself).
So, what's really cool is that I'll now be teaching at the station on the same day that the team does street performances. What's even more interesting is that when my class gets done is right when they arrive at the station, so I can take the five minute walk on over and meet them there.
Awesome, no? The girls were super excited to hear about it.
But, today, I became a Tokyo-ite. I got up early, had a relaxing morning, and then, realized that I had left a couple of minutes later than I had originally planned (and I do mean like 5 minutes), and so I ran all the way to the station. I quickly went through the gates, putting my card to the machine, ran up the myriad of stairs, and as I was crossing the overpass to go down to platform, I looked out the window to see that... whoosh, there was leaving my train.
So, anyway, I had to take a local train and then catch the express at another station, and I was a few minutes late... but oh. Had I made it 45 seconds earlier to catch my first train! I also realized that my watch was 2 minutes faster than the train station's clock, so I set mine to it. No more missing my train!
When I got to the station, now like 9:40am by this time, we did prayer walking for almost an hour and then did self-study Japanese class for a long two hours. After that, Debbie and Amy and I went to a university to meet some contacts that they had made. It is a really hard university to be make contacts in, but after a long time, we had the opportunity to go back. It was okay. I wouldn't say great, but I also wouldn't say it was terrible.
When we left there, I came back to my home station and it was now like 2:20 in the afternoon. I had planned to meet this girl, Chitose, at the station to hang out. She came to the Fuse last Saturday and we had a good talk. She's really sweet, and she contacted me to get together. She offered to take me to two different places, and if I wanted, to show me around the two towns that I spend most time in. She was super kind about it (in fact, I found out later that before we went out, she had called the city hall to see about getting me a map of it in English. But alas, no English).
So, the place that I wanted to go was called Ikuta park. It's about a 10 minute bike ride or so from my house (which we had to stop, because I desperately needed other shoes). There was a slight uphill slope most of the way there, and then you have a small, but somewhat steep hill to BIKE up before parking the bike. Oh schnikies. I was shot by the time we got there... and I forgot to mention that at one point, I had put my foot down to kinda help with stopping/not crashing into random people, objects or other things on my obstactle course, and my shoe came off. So, I had to park my bike and go back and get my shoe... Oh my.
Anyway, the park was really pretty and the Japanese know how to do pretty. They're pretty awesome. So, then we decided that we were going to go to the observation tower... by climbing a mountain of stairs. Literally, we climbed up the mountain by stairs. I was beginning to consider that any chocolate consumed today would be amply made up for it in all the activities of the day.
We looked around, and of course, with the Shinjuku skyline in the distance and the tops of the cherry blossom trees at waist length to you, it can't help but be beautiful. There's really no use in trying to explain it-- I'll try to post pictures tomorrow (I think I may have a couple of free hours).
So, down the mountain we went, and walked around with our bikes for a while and later rode for a bit, she showed me the best places to shop for what. She had really thought about this. I also had the opportunity to kinda feel her out on where she stood about Jesus. I think she needs more time before I do an evangelistic based life group with her. But I didn't hold back from inviting her and I'm sure we'll be hanging out again soon.
By the time I made it home (which I was frozen, and she had also shown me the library of town and which sheets to use to sign up for it)-- it was 6pm. I was super tired, and so sat down to have a bit of dinner and at 7- arrived at Hannah and Amy's house for her to show me how they do the team calendar online.
I had planned to stay for a short time, but we ended up watching some shows on youtube and then chitchatting and painting our nails and finally at 11 after 10, I decided it was time to come home.
And here I am, slouched down and leaning to one side on my couch in a sweat shirt, jeans and slippers, with my laptop bringing the current news to you!! :) It was a good day, and I don't think you could say it was unproductive. But I do have to say that I'm glad tomorrow isn't so full with high-impact activities!
Tomorrow I go for the material to my class and to fill out paperwork, I guess. Mark called today to offer his assistance if I need any while there... The afternoon I have relatively free, and then prayer, dinner together, life group and greeting the newest member of the Fuse team at the bus station!! :) We might do street performances after that, but I'm not sure yet.
Well, that's all for tonight folks, I'm going to sleep now! Hurrah!
But first, a story from yesterday. I went to the evening girls Bible study, and as we were starting, I got a phone call (actually, it took a minute for me to figure out it was my phone). I excused myself, and it was the director from the YMCA. He was calling because a new class opened up and he wanted me to co-teach it, which is what they typically do for elementary students, as Mark told me today. Funny enough, it starts next week.
But, anyway, we set up some of the particulars. I was glad to confirm that it was his sincerity he was showing the other day in wanting to give me classes, but was unaware of the situation that I had originally been set up for. And, it's a foot in the door, for later on.
But, what's really cool is that a week ago (or so?), when we were sitting down to do planning, we had originally set one station for Tuesday evenings for street performance, and the one where the Y is for Friday evenings. As we were having our Fuse meeting on Tuesday afternoon, we decided to switch the stations on the days because they wanted us to get in early on Friday nights so we could get good sleep and prepare for Saturdays (which are long in and of itself).
So, what's really cool is that I'll now be teaching at the station on the same day that the team does street performances. What's even more interesting is that when my class gets done is right when they arrive at the station, so I can take the five minute walk on over and meet them there.
Awesome, no? The girls were super excited to hear about it.
But, today, I became a Tokyo-ite. I got up early, had a relaxing morning, and then, realized that I had left a couple of minutes later than I had originally planned (and I do mean like 5 minutes), and so I ran all the way to the station. I quickly went through the gates, putting my card to the machine, ran up the myriad of stairs, and as I was crossing the overpass to go down to platform, I looked out the window to see that... whoosh, there was leaving my train.
So, anyway, I had to take a local train and then catch the express at another station, and I was a few minutes late... but oh. Had I made it 45 seconds earlier to catch my first train! I also realized that my watch was 2 minutes faster than the train station's clock, so I set mine to it. No more missing my train!
When I got to the station, now like 9:40am by this time, we did prayer walking for almost an hour and then did self-study Japanese class for a long two hours. After that, Debbie and Amy and I went to a university to meet some contacts that they had made. It is a really hard university to be make contacts in, but after a long time, we had the opportunity to go back. It was okay. I wouldn't say great, but I also wouldn't say it was terrible.
When we left there, I came back to my home station and it was now like 2:20 in the afternoon. I had planned to meet this girl, Chitose, at the station to hang out. She came to the Fuse last Saturday and we had a good talk. She's really sweet, and she contacted me to get together. She offered to take me to two different places, and if I wanted, to show me around the two towns that I spend most time in. She was super kind about it (in fact, I found out later that before we went out, she had called the city hall to see about getting me a map of it in English. But alas, no English).
So, the place that I wanted to go was called Ikuta park. It's about a 10 minute bike ride or so from my house (which we had to stop, because I desperately needed other shoes). There was a slight uphill slope most of the way there, and then you have a small, but somewhat steep hill to BIKE up before parking the bike. Oh schnikies. I was shot by the time we got there... and I forgot to mention that at one point, I had put my foot down to kinda help with stopping/not crashing into random people, objects or other things on my obstactle course, and my shoe came off. So, I had to park my bike and go back and get my shoe... Oh my.
Anyway, the park was really pretty and the Japanese know how to do pretty. They're pretty awesome. So, then we decided that we were going to go to the observation tower... by climbing a mountain of stairs. Literally, we climbed up the mountain by stairs. I was beginning to consider that any chocolate consumed today would be amply made up for it in all the activities of the day.
We looked around, and of course, with the Shinjuku skyline in the distance and the tops of the cherry blossom trees at waist length to you, it can't help but be beautiful. There's really no use in trying to explain it-- I'll try to post pictures tomorrow (I think I may have a couple of free hours).
So, down the mountain we went, and walked around with our bikes for a while and later rode for a bit, she showed me the best places to shop for what. She had really thought about this. I also had the opportunity to kinda feel her out on where she stood about Jesus. I think she needs more time before I do an evangelistic based life group with her. But I didn't hold back from inviting her and I'm sure we'll be hanging out again soon.
By the time I made it home (which I was frozen, and she had also shown me the library of town and which sheets to use to sign up for it)-- it was 6pm. I was super tired, and so sat down to have a bit of dinner and at 7- arrived at Hannah and Amy's house for her to show me how they do the team calendar online.
I had planned to stay for a short time, but we ended up watching some shows on youtube and then chitchatting and painting our nails and finally at 11 after 10, I decided it was time to come home.
And here I am, slouched down and leaning to one side on my couch in a sweat shirt, jeans and slippers, with my laptop bringing the current news to you!! :) It was a good day, and I don't think you could say it was unproductive. But I do have to say that I'm glad tomorrow isn't so full with high-impact activities!
Tomorrow I go for the material to my class and to fill out paperwork, I guess. Mark called today to offer his assistance if I need any while there... The afternoon I have relatively free, and then prayer, dinner together, life group and greeting the newest member of the Fuse team at the bus station!! :) We might do street performances after that, but I'm not sure yet.
Well, that's all for tonight folks, I'm going to sleep now! Hurrah!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Oh Nadine
Today I got my new honorary car. Her name is Nadine, and she is orange and proud to be so. Although, Debbie, who last had her is 17 years taller than I am, and so I had to lower the seat just to be able to touch the ground, and even so, I still feel like if I go under an overpass, the top is going to cut off my head or knock me off the bike.
But, nonetheless, she's mine now. Her left brake is horrendous, but the right side doesn't make a sound...
Anyway, enough about Nadine. Sunday was Easter and the Noborito church here had a special Easter service with the Gospel choir singing. There was a lot of people there! The Japanese love Gospel music, which is quite fascinating.
Anywhow, apart from our missionary prayer/share what you've been reading breakfast, and the Fuse planning meeting, today we did street performances at a town called Shinyurigaoka. At street performances, we set ourselves up outside the train station and play music, do dance pieces, etc. But the point is to attract attention and to talk to people who stand by listening. Being mostly Americans, we tend to attract attraction. We give them flyers for the Fuse church and sometimes we exchange contact information.
Today was our first one as a new team, and from what I understand, in a while. It went well, and I got to talk to a few girls, and had a good conversation with two young ladies that I pray will come this weekend to Fuse.
So, we did that for about an hour and a half until it started to get late... and then we left.
This week will be busy with more outreaches, including going to two universities and hanging out to make conversations and meet people and hopefully make good contact to see them at the Fuse or to start maybe a life group with them.
Well, I'm super tired, but here's a pic to keep you satisfied:
But, nonetheless, she's mine now. Her left brake is horrendous, but the right side doesn't make a sound...
Anyway, enough about Nadine. Sunday was Easter and the Noborito church here had a special Easter service with the Gospel choir singing. There was a lot of people there! The Japanese love Gospel music, which is quite fascinating.
Anywhow, apart from our missionary prayer/share what you've been reading breakfast, and the Fuse planning meeting, today we did street performances at a town called Shinyurigaoka. At street performances, we set ourselves up outside the train station and play music, do dance pieces, etc. But the point is to attract attention and to talk to people who stand by listening. Being mostly Americans, we tend to attract attraction. We give them flyers for the Fuse church and sometimes we exchange contact information.
Today was our first one as a new team, and from what I understand, in a while. It went well, and I got to talk to a few girls, and had a good conversation with two young ladies that I pray will come this weekend to Fuse.
So, we did that for about an hour and a half until it started to get late... and then we left.
This week will be busy with more outreaches, including going to two universities and hanging out to make conversations and meet people and hopefully make good contact to see them at the Fuse or to start maybe a life group with them.
Well, I'm super tired, but here's a pic to keep you satisfied:
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Yes, Sakura IS a big deal
Wow, at this point, I can't even remember when I last wrote. In fact, I was talking this evening walking home with Hannah from the station after getting back from Machida, that it's bad when the only way you can remember what day it is is by what you did yesterday. And that did, in fact, happen to me last Sunday morning.
So, let's catch up with news. First, I went to the interview on Thursday. Apparently, the director who I met just arrived the day I was doing the interview... the other guy, through whom Mark had "got me the job"-ish, was being transferred. Perhaps you know where this is going. Anyhow, apparently, the first director had been okay-ing me coming for the interview and making everything sound okay, but after I had the interview with the new guy, and he sat down to look at a schedule with me to see about my availability and classes... alas, my Wednesday evening class had been given away already, by the first director.
Anyhow, there was a bit of a confusion (Mark went with me to the Y to do the interview) and embaressment, and this new director really seemed to feel bad, but he kept saying that if new classes came up, that he would contact me. So... I'm not too concerned, though everyone else seemed to feel bad that that happened, but I figured, maybe I don't need this second class right now and need to focus on other things.
That being said, I also had my first class with my other student... it's a private lesson and we meet at cafes to study. It went well, and I think she learned some things... so hopefully I can be a good teacher to her-- she's at an advanced level already.
Last night, after the prayer meeting, we went to Shinyurigaoka to welcome Allan, the newest member of the Fuse team. He'll be here for 2 months, and his family is in Korea actually... something to do with the military. But he'll have to kill me if he tells me more.
Anyway, to newbie Allan I relinquished my position as newbie. Not too sorry for it. Afterward, we all had a meal together and then Debbie, Saki-chan and I had a life group together where we talked about fear versus faith. It was pretty cool. Along the lines of life-groups, I think in the next couple of weeks, a new one (as in, another one) will be starting. Yay!
Then, we all walked down by the stream and took pictures of the sakura (cherry blossoms) at night, as they were lit up by lanterns. It was really pretty and we all had a good time.
Today was the o-hanami party, where we all gathered together before the Fuse meeting for a picnic and games. That was lots of laughter, and we played some name games and all got to spend more time with each other. Afterward, we went the the Fuse meeting, which is held in a cafe-style venue, and the Gospel singers group sang and the leader shared his testimony. Today was also my first opportunity to lead the game... We played a game that I learned in Mexico, actually, and it elicited quite a few laughs. The weird thing was having a translator. I don't think I really had a translator in Mexico, though people sometimes helped me if it was a big thing (like a hospital visit) that I didn't understand. So, it was something new for me to have a translator, but Tatsu, who did it, did a good job, as he always does.
So, I am getting better at understanding... I am constantly eavesdropping. :) But I will need a lot of work, and so maybe soon I will go to language school.
Among fun things, today I went to a FOUR-STORY dollar store. Now, the dollar stores here ROCK. Way better than the ones in the states. You can get anything and everything there... and a lot of the things are cute! So, not only is it very practical, it's really decent. Usually anyhow.
But, I did buy an umbrella, since it was raining this evening and we had some walking to do. I payed 210 yen (roughly $2.33)... and I went outside and by the time I had reached the corner, the wind had attacked me, and my umbrella looked like this:
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