As far as the job goes, I had a LOT of down time. Basically, I got paid to sit at adesk and keep myself busy for 7-8 hours a day. I love my coworkers though. Even though they don't speak English, their kindness is still very evident. It's great working with Damon too. He's a cool guy.
I've continued going to the little church in town. The people there are very kind too. I hope that I'll be able to understand more of the content eventually, though.
Last week I visited the prefectural capital, Kumamoto City, for a three-day orientation. It was great to hang with the other teachers from the prefecture, and we had some good times. Unfortunately, though, while I was there I got an e-mail from my Mom saying my Grandma had a stroke and was in the hospital.
It was harrowing news. I love my Grandma very much and really wish I could be there for her. You never want thing sort of thing to happen, but especially not when you're 4,000 miles away. Thankfully, she is doing better, but she is still very weak. I think strokes are the scariest of the big three causes of death: 1) heart disease 2) cancer 3) stroke. They have such strange effects - my poor Grandma has lost her capabilty for complex speech, can't balance properly, and can't even chew right. There are many people praying for her though, and I know that she is in God's hands. I know this was in His plan for her and that there is a reason behind it.
Changing gears a bit, to more trivial things - last weekend I went river rafting with a big group of ESL teachers from the area. It was my first such experience, and I didn't want it to end! The weather was rainy and gray but I think that made it more exciting. Going into the drink was the best part, when we flipped over. What a thrill!
And two weeks ago Hitoyoshi had its annual firework display, which I also went to with other ALT's. It was spectacular - apparently there were somewhere around 7,000 breaks in all. Below are some pictures. I'm wearing a jimbei, one of the traditional Japanese summer garments (the other being a yukata, or summer kimono).
I start teaching next week. In preparation, I've been visiting my schools and meeting the teachers there. I'm nervous but, excited to finally do what I'm getting paid to do - work with students.
God bless!
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