Settling In

Here is Aaron, cooking our first meal in our new Japanese home! Our second day in Japan is closing with two very tired adults and completely exhausted children. The children are exhausted because they have found new playmates, and all of the children on this street have been playing with Ridge and Holt almost non-stop! It is amazing to see how the language difference is not a barrier at all. I think children are really wonderful that way. There is a little girl of about eight who lives across the street who seems to be enamoured with Holt. Everytime he goes outside, she rushes over to playfully poke his heat-reddened cheeks (it's been warm - open windows and fans). As we suspected, both boys are complete hits. I have been told that they will not be able to begin pre-school until November, due to certain activities that the children have been participating in that will culminate in a festival in October. The boys can begin after that. Well, Ridge can, but Holt will have to give up diapers before he can go along with his brother. I suspect that will serve as the final bit of enouragement he needs.

As for myself, things have been overwhelming, exhausting, and a load of fun. We have already been given a schedule of activities. On Friday morning (tomorrow) we will be making a "video" for the local telvison station. I have been asked to give a short greeting and introduction to our family in both English and Japanese. Thank goodness there is a very helpful office assistant in the village administration building (right across our street) who can help me translate. In the afternoon there will be a welcoming party for our family, courtesy of the Nishiokoppe Middle School staff. Sunday will bring a villiage concert to which we will be escorted by the superintendent of the schools, Mr. Kano. Monday I go to the Middle School to meet the students and observe my first class. Another party will be held for us on Tuesday, during which I get to give a short speech. The excitement never ends! Today, Mr. Kano toured us around ten of the houses in our Community Neighborhood (a specific group of homes). It is Japanese tradition to introduce yourself to your neighbors when you move in, and present them with a gift. Apparently, giving towels and facial tissue is a common practice, and the school board was thoughtful enough to provide me with a bag of tissue paper wrapped towels to present my neighbors with. I met so many people today my head is spinning, but at least I am now quite good at giving my introduction in Japanese. My guide this moring, Mr. Kamaya (the assistant superintendent) seemed to be asking everyone to practice thier English by introducing themselves. I felt so much better when I could tell that they, too, were giggling and nervous to use thier English.

Everyone here has been absolutely wonderful to us. On our first day, I was taken to the bank and post office to change our address and set up a bank account. Most of the time I had no idea what we were doing, but everything worked out fine. That seems to be the case everywhere. Even though I might be sitting in a room with five people, none of whom speak much English, everyone is happy and excited. I think this is going to be a blast!

Our new home is very different, and I don't think much could have prepared me for things like the sink that is part of the top of the toilet. Basically, when the tank refills, the water comes out a faucet (presumably so you can wash your hands) and then goes down a drain into the toilet tank. Interesting, eh? We have four lovely rooms (which are currently filled with our scattered luggage). As is common in Japanese homes, there is no oven in the kitchen, but we have a bread maker, two gas burners, a rice cooker (with buttons all in Japanese - uh oh!), and a microwave. No dishwasher, of course. The floors are covered mostly with tatami mats, and we have a lovely little entryway with shelves for your outdoor shoes.

Well, this post has gotten very long, but there is so much to say! I am interested in talking with the special education teacher at the middle school. He, too, says he works with student with emotional difficulties. I'll have to keep you posted on that.