19 April 2010

Where can I find 17 pairs of earplugs?

Yes, that's right. 17 pairs of earplugs...16 for my students and 1 for me. Why you ask? Because one of my kids screamed/cried/threw a tantrum ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL DAAAAAAAAAAAY LOOOOOOOOOOOONG. From the time she arrived at 8:45 until she left at 2:15...screaming, crying, saying "mama waaaaaa" not to mention stomping, kicking off her shoes, etc. You get the idea. I was doing okay until about 1:00 when it was time for the kids to start their stations (like centers) and I couldn't do ANYTHING but hold her in order for her to be quiet enough (yes, still crying and screaming) so the other kids could hear anything I said. I broke down. I cried. In the middle of class. The kids didn't see me...but I was crying. It was rough to say the very least. The other k4 teacher and I didn't leave school until 7:00 and I brought work home with me. My eyelids need kickstands. My head needs about 4,000 extra-strength Excedrin. My day needs to be about 12 hours longer so I can take a nap and then get more work done. My sanity needs about 12 hours of sleep (totally not happening).
Other than that, my day was fantastic :) My other kids are AWESOME. They play together, they (usually) obey, they try to participate, they eat all their lunch...they're great. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE all my kids. Even when they cry and scream and cry some more. I'm just looking forward to the day when I don't have to focus all my attention on one kid instead of being able to spread it out evenly between my 16.
Pray for my kids. Pray for me. Pray for comfort...for me and the kids.
Tomorrow is a new day, and I will rejoice in it.

13 April 2010

More Frequent Posts??

This might come as a shock to the few of you who actually read my blog, because I know I have said it before...BUUUUUUUT I am seriously 100% totally going to try to update more often. Since I now have my own class (more on that later), I feel like there will be more things for me to update about since I will actually have a "schedule"...well, as much as a schedule as you can have working at MeySen. So, HOPEFULLY you can look forward to reading more about the 16 cutest little Japanese Bunnies MeySen has ever seen. And yes, that is a biased opinion :)

SOOOOO to start things off, today was Opening Ceremony. Basically all that means is that it was the first day of Kindergarten for these kids and there was an assembly where a lot of Japanese was spoken, songs were sung, and skits were performed. None of which I actually understood. Anyway, the kids and their parents (and some grandparents and siblings, too) got to school this morning around 9:30, changed from their outside shoes to their inside shoes, came inside the classroom, put their bags and school hats (which are adorable, by the way) away on their hooks and got to playing. Some of the kids are REALLLLLLY shy and tried to hide behind their parents, while some of the other kids were running around and playing with any and everything they could get their hands on. Then we lined everyone up with either their mother or father and marched into the auditorium (hall) for Opening Ceremony. (Insert 30mins of Japanese here.) Then we left the hall, went back to the classroom, and I taught the very first of their many English times. I read some books, sang some songs, and talked to the kids in English...I had a lot of blank faces looking back at me. OH! While I was singing the Red Song, the videographer for MeySen was in my classroom. Videoing. Me. Singing. BY MYSELF. It was terrifying...and will probably end up on the MeySen website. Yikes. Anyway, then the Japanese teacher talked to the parents...not really sure what all she said. Finally we went back to the hall to take a class picture (which will DEFINITELY be on the website in case you're interested) and then the parents of my kids took about 2384092384902 pictures of me with their kids. My face is still sore from smiling so much today. But, I will say that I'd rather have a sore face from smiling than have had my kids cry and/or puke...only one girl shed tears and she was fine after just a little bit. It was the most fantastic of days, and this is only the beginning. Tomorrow the kids come without their parents, but thankfully I'll have a translator in my room for most of the day AND it's only a half day. It will be good :)
Thanks to everyone who even thought of me today...all your prayers were answered and the Lord gave me so much peace! It couldn't have been better!

Also, on Thursday I am going to WineStudios (the company that makes all the MeySen curriculum among other things) to record the narration for a promotional video for the international university in Sendai. So not only will I become famous, I'll be getting paid a LARGE sum of cold, hard Yen for this gig. 15 minutes (probably more, but who's counting?) of fame: check!

16 March 2010

approximately 6 months ago....

i was on a plane traveling across the world to live in a place i'd barely even read anything about. a place where i wouldn't know the language, the culture, the people. i haven't made a better decision in my life. living in japan has brought me closer to the ones i love in america, and close to so many new people i'd never have met otherwise. sure, it's been hard--learning something new, somewhere new for the first time--in a country where i can't read or speak no less. but i've grown SO much. i've learned that i am capable of much more than i ever thought possible. it's ok to get out of my comfort zone and even ok to fail miserably. it's ok to miss people and things. it's ok to get lost and have a meltdown. that's how you grow. experience is the best teacher.
when i found out i got this job, i had to continually remind myself that i was the one who had to live my life--i couldn't waste mine watching other people live theirs. so i've stopped saying "i'm sorry i can't be there" or "i'm sorry i missed _______" because the truth is, i'm not sorry. sure i'm sad i couldn't be there for a certain something or other, but to me being sorry would mean that i regretted making the decision i did when i chose to leave everything i knew for an adventure that is just beginning. and thus far, i regret nothing. i can only hope the next 6 months of my adventure are as great as the last 6 have been. and that the 6 after that are better than the previous 12. with a new school year starting and getting my own class of japanese-speaking 4-year-olds, the next 6 months look promising.
God has been showing me some great stuff here and He's been opening my eyes, ears, and heart in a way i've never known. it's refreshing to my soul to be surrounded daily by encouraging people who share my passions. i keep praying God will continue to show me joy in the little things, and see where these itchy feet will go next....

15 December 2009

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

As per many requests, I am finally updating my blog again! I apologize again that updating is not more of a habit for me, but the days that something exciting happens, I am usually too busy to write about it, and I feel like every other day is boring, so there's nothing really to write! But again, I'll do my best to update more regularly.

So it's already DECEMBER and I cannot believe how quickly, again, I feel like time has passed! I've been here for 3 whole months today, and while everything is starting to feel more "normal" it still feels so new. The only other time I have moved from one city to another was when I went to college. I don't know if it was the fact that I could actually read signs, or had a car of my own, or what, but when leaving Abilene to go home for the first winter break, I felt like I knew more about the town than I do here. I still don't know if I could get too many places by myself here yet. It's scary to think about the what if's...what if I get lost, what if I get in a wreck, what if I miss the last bus, what if I get on the wrong subway...the list could go on and on. Not being able to speak the language makes everything so much scarier! I never thought about what it was like for those who moved to America but couldn't speak English, until I moved here. Crazy.

So, back to December. The kids had their Christmas party on Sunday, and let me be the first to say that it was the most extravagant Christmas party I have EVER been to! Let's rewind to Friday, before the Christmas party. Since Kelsey and I don't have our own classes yet, we just kindof fill in where we are needed and do whatever needs to get done. Last week we spent a lot of time in Santa's workshop: making cookies, wrapping presents, drinking hot chocolate, wrapping presents, icing cookies, and wrapping more presents. We also were in charge of The Wheel of Holiday Cheer that we used for a game during the Christmas party. (I don't have the pictures up yet from the Christmas party, but as soon as I do, I'll be sure to post the link so you can see the masterpiece that is The Wheel of Holiday Cheer and everything else Christmas party.) Saturday we moved a million tables and a zillion chairs from all over the school into the gym where the Christmas party was going to be. Finally Sunday arrived and it was time for the party! Since there are two campuses at MeySen, one campus had their party in the morning, and the other in the afternoon. The kids opened the party with a singing Christmas Tree where they sang Christmas carols in English for their parents, grandparents, and anyone else who came to watch! Then it was game time for the whole family! The kids got to play games with their parents, and there were even games for just the mothers and fathers! When I post the pictures, I'll explain the games because you just have to see it to believe it! After the games, the kids put on their Santa hats and sunglasses and performed a dance to Rockin Around the Christmas Tree that they have been working on since November. All the classes did so good! Hopefully I can post a video of the kids doing their dance! The kids also did Japanese performances, and they were so cool! The boys in K4 did a dance and they all looked like little ninja's! It was so awesome! The girls wore traditional kimono's and danced to traditional Japanese music. It was really cool to see their dance! The kids in K5 did skits, and even though I couldn't understand any of what was being said, I could understand the story from their acting. And I asked some of the K4 kids to translate for me, which ended up being really interesting because they didn't know a lot of the words in English to tell me what was going on. The party ended with the kids singing Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You and then it was time for the kids and parents to go home! During the party, the parents all had their high-tech video cameras and digital cameras, etc. and I have NEVER seen a larger group of parents as proud of their children than I saw on Sunday. It seriously reminded me of the paparazzi. All of the parents couldn't wait to see their kid on stage...it made me so happy to see the parents really be supportive of their kids.

This week is going to be a crazy one...tomorrow is the Mochi Festival, Thursday is garden day and birthday parties, and Friday is Bible talk. Then next week I am working the Christmas party for Friend's Club and then it's closing ceremony, and then it's winter break! I seriously think that time goes by faster here than it ever has in my whole life. I never think "Man, when is it going to be Friday?" Instead I think, "Whoa! Today is Friday? But I thought yesterday was Monday?!" Either way, I am still loving it here and everyday I get more and more excited to have my own classroom!

In other news, 4 of my best friends graduated from college on Saturday! I was so sad I couldn't be with them on such an important day, but they know and I know I wish I could have! I am so happy to see what the future holds for them and what God's plan is, and I know they are too. And even though Kristen still has one little semester left, I know big things are in her future too! It's so weird to think that my best friends from college are going to live and work in Abilene, go to culinary school, student teach, and then there are the two that are still waiting for God to show them His perfect plan :) The offer is still open for anyone who wants to come join me in Japan!

Wow...this is REALLY long. Maybe I shouldn't update more often; you'd end up reading a novel in a weeks time!

23 November 2009

best monday EVER!!

this will be a short but sweet post, so i hope you enjoy!

today, monday, november 23 is probably going to be the best day EVER in the history of all time. why you ask? let me just make a list:
1. i watched new moon. it was just as good, if not better, than i expected it to be.
2. i get to sleep in untill 11, at which time i will be going...
3. to starbucks in abilene, texas with my best friends from school. then...
4. i will be meeting up with them at my old house for a secret santa party!
5. after chatting (for hours, i'm sure) i will be...
6. going to thanksgiving dinner, meysen style and enjoying new friends and lots of food!

thank you, whoever you are, to the inventors of the following technologies: video cameras built into computers, wireless internet, and the conventional oven. you will make monday, november 23, a day to remember.

19 November 2009

It's Still November?

Holy cow...this month is flying by just like the last two! It's crazy to think that I have been living in Japan for just over two months! It feels like yesterday that I walked into my apartment for the first time. A lot has happened so far, and I can't wait for it to keep coming! Most recently, my work schedule changed from working 8am-3pm to working from 9am-12noon and 4-630pm. I really enjoy having a break in the middle of my day to relax, take a nap, and catch up with friends. But, since Tuesday I have been subbing in a K4 (4-year-old kindergarten) class because one of the teachers has Type A flu...yes, the dreaded H1N1 or SWINE FLU. It has been a challenge for me to leave my apartment by 730am everyday to make it to work on time, since I have to drive for about 15 minutes to get to the other campus. But it has paid off, and I am loving "long-term" subbing! It has really given me insight as to what I will be doing next year and however many years thereafter if I choose to stay! I have gotten to practice Christmas carols and a dance that the kids will perform at their Christmas party later in December, as well as the regular songs, stories, and poems we practice everyday. Sometimes it doesn't even phase me that these kids aren't fluent in English...they understand so well! Of course, other times it is more apparent that they aren't fluent because they say things like, "Ms. Hope, Wandy (supposed to be Randy) push and Tina crying." Or, "Ms. Hope, bus card home no pick up today where?" Try to figure that one out!! It took me a while, but I finally understood what she was trying to say. Also, tomorrow is Thanksgiving Feast! I mean, we'll eat curry and rice instead of turkey and dressing, but the kids will wear their turkey headbands and we'll talk about being thankful. Unfortunately, since the flu outbreak has really hit hard at MeySen, the kids will all just have to eat in the classrooms instead of eating all together like usual.
In other news, I got two bunnies (Jovie and Regina) a couple of weeks ago! I had always wanted one when I was a kid, and so I thought it would be super cool to get them! Little did I know that bunnies smell so bad. And poop so much. And eat so much. Since I got them from the school, I was going to give them back when they are big anyway, and I had thought about getting more babies. But after this run, I think I'd like to have my apartment smell like something other than a petting zoo. Maybe I could get a pet rock next or something. They don't smell bad or poop and I don't even have to feed it, so that's looking like a win-win situation. Don't get me wrong, those bunnies are CUTE, but they are smelly! Here's a link to their album on facebook: (copy and paste into your URL) http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2018946&id=1534140031&l=8ad3adce17
In even MORE news, the Christmas holidays are coming up in about a month! WOOOOO! I am so blessed to have people visiting me over the holidays since I won't be going home! My brother and our friend are coming sometime in December, and two of my other friends are coming in January! I am SOOO excited!! I have started thinking of things to do here, and I realized that I haven't really been sight-seeing in my own town! But it will be a lot of fun to have friends and family here. I am excited about the possibility of going to Tokyo Disney and skiing! I really hope both of those things get to happen!

Well, it's almost dinner time and then off to play volleyball! I'd love to have more visitors and/or mail :)

05 November 2009

Where did October go!?

Hello all! I feel so terrible for not updating this blog in over a month :( I will try to be better about it, I PROMISE! Well, since I have last updated a LOT has occurred! I will make a list of the top 10 events and if you want to know more about them, you can ask me and I'll tell you! Also, I will put links up to my latest photo albums on Facebook so you can see the pictures I have been taking!

1. I have been doing a lot of baking and cooking, and most of it has included pumpkin! Pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin granola bars...you name it, we probably made it!
2. I went hiking at Omoshiroyama Koen. It is easily the most beautiful place I have ever seen!
3. I survived my first typhoon! The typhoon hit closer to Tokyo, which is further south, so we just got a lot of rain and wind.
4. I watched a few co-workers run in the Matsushima Marathon and got to nap at a gorgeous park!
5. I spent the weekend at the cabin that is owned by the school and saw the Pacific Ocean from the Japanese coast. I also slept outside and saw the sunrise!
6. The Immersion Kindergarten Program had Kids and Parents day, like an open house, and I got to help the teachers in their classrooms and serve lunch to the students and their families.
7. The Kindergartners went on a field trip to Michinoku Park and had a BLAST! This was unlike any park I have ever been to in America. It was so much fun!
8. I have been taking Japanese lessons every week! So far, I know about 30 Hiragona characters/sounds, how to count to 10, and can order at a restaurant. I also know about 30 random vocabulary words made of the sounds/characters I have learned so far. Their characters are so complex and difficult to write. It is also very important that the strokes to make the characters are written in the correct order so there is a lot of memorizing.
9. I have been able to do a lot of reading here, and I am so glad! I have always loved reading, but it has been so long since I have been able to read for pleasure. I have read over 1,000 pages (in two books) and I am working on another one that is about 600 pages! I hope to have it finished by next week!
10. I saved the very best for last...I AM ABOUT TO GET TWO BABY BUNNIES FOR FREE!!!! The school raises many different animals for the kids to learn from and experience. And I'm not really even supposed to have pets in my apartment, but I asked my boss and she said it would be okay for me to have the bunnies! Their cage is being delivered to my apartment tomorrow and I get to take the bunnies home with me this weekend! I have wanted a bunny since before I can remember...I asked for one every Christmas and birthday, and I never got one! So I am so excited to get TWO!! I still haven't decided on names for them, so if you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them! UPDATE: As of 6:25 p.m. I have decided to name my bunnies Jovie and Regina!

Here are links to my most recent albums on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2018014&id=1534140031&l=1c02c3a83f

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2018015&id=1534140031&l=7e3f9cec25

Just copy and paste into the URL and viola!


Again, sorry it took forever for me to update this! But if you want to keep closer tabs on me, just join Facebook :) It would be like we were practically in the same city!