Goodbye Japan!

I left Japan a few weeks ago and it was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made.  I loved the people, culture, food, and my job so much that my two-year plan of living there turned into 5 years!  But with the recent disasters in Japan, my family asked me to finally come home...so here I am in the wonderful United States!   In all, I taught 12 schools and rotated between them once a week.  I had so much fun creating curriculum and watching my students grow and enjoy learning English.  I'll miss all the kids, teachers and friends I made and will cherish fond, fond memories of this country I love.  God bless Japan and please continue to keep them in your prayers!

Support for Japan

Thanks to all my family, friends, and people I've never even met for your concern over the devastation in Japan.  I don't live in the area that was hit but I do have family and friends in the Tokyo area and am so blessed that they're all safe.  Please keep Japan in your prayers and donate to the Red Cross or  http://www.globalgiving.org/if you can.  With so many being without food, water, and shelter every little bit counts.

All the best,

Aimee

Obento (lunch box)

Today was "bring your obento day" so I stopped by to join in on the fun!  Their moms packed such heathly and colorful lunches for their kids that it's no wonder they enjoyed eating up all their veggies!  Plus, they have so many cute bags, lunch boxes, napkins and utensils that it makes it extra special. 

I attempted to prepare my own but it pales in comparison!  (It's the green and blue box above...  :)   )

Don't you just love the hello kitty bag?  I love them all but my favorite is the strawberry-polka dot one.  I asked her which store she bought it from and she said her mom made it.  Isn't that adorable? 

It was so much fun to relax and eat lunch with them, instead of just teaching my English class and rushing off.  I'll have to do this more often, but next time I'll need to be better prepared with a cute bag and obento box!  :) 

School project/artwork

One of my afterschoolers brought a robot he made from school.  Very cute and inventive, don't you think?  I love the googly eyes and antenna. 

The robot can even sit down....

or stand up!  How creative is that?  Perhaps he's a future robotics engineer in the making?  :)

Ella at the groomer's

Our lovely groomer posted some photos of Ella's visit and it looks like she had a blast!

"Hello world!"

Doesn't my girl look super happy?

After her trimming, she can play in the front area with the other doggies.  However, although Ella's a curious kid, she's also very shy.  Her way of joining in the fun is choosing the comfy couch and watching from a distance!  :)  Isn't she a funny character? 

I'm glad she always enjoys her time there and comes home looking like a princess.  We're so grateful to have found our groomer and look forward to our next visit.   Arigatou ne!

Japanese preschool

Today I went to one of my Japanese preschools that I visit once a week.  This is the 4 year old class who are hard at work.  (What is the key to them being so quiet and focused, you ask?  My secret weapon...a fun activity sheet!)

                  

As I called out the colors and shapes in English (orange circles, red ovals,etc.) the children followed directions and designed their giraffes.

A few of the boys were very creative ...they said their giraffes ate so much ice cream that it was pouring out of their noses!

The girls stuck to drawing hearts and ribbons.  :)

It's a great way to practice using what they learned and they're always so proud of their completed project.  Good job, class!

Shuri Castle

We made our way to Shuri Castle to see their 3-day event of festivities. They had traditional, Okinawan dances, tea ceremonies, and a tour of the castle. I thought it'd be fun to dress Ella up in a kimono and she was a big hit with the Japanese tourists!

If you care to look at the slideshow, click here . Happy New Year!