In Memory of my Great Uncle Vern

My love, hugs, thoughts, and condolences to family as they celebrate Vern's long and full life. I am reflecting on and remembering all the wonderful visits my family has had to the lake cabin. We always enjoyed our visits and always looked forward to seeing Vern's latest gadget, gizmo, creation, or garden. Of course one of my favorite times was helping collect the tree sap and watching it being boiled down to the most delicious maple syrup I've ever tasted. Making it was fun, but enjoying it on pancakes was always a treat!! As we sat and ate, we listened to his stories which was always a highlight of each visit. In his last week, he was able to get out and watch the guys boiling down the syrup for this year's batch. He also enjoyed sitting in his chair overlooking the lake, enjoying the view and making plans for his next project.

In honor and celebration of Vern's life I made a big pancake breakfast with REAL maple syrup in his honor. It's not the liquid gold he is famous for, but it's the best I could find here! I think my sister and parents are doing the same in their respective corners of the globe. Thinking and remembering Vern's life! He is missed and will always be remembered!

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Some of you may remember my post last fall:
Remembering My Dear Aunt Mary

In her honor, my Aunt Debby is trying to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by walking in a 1/2marathon this coming spring.
Below is the letter she has sent to family and friends.  I'm posting it here to try and encourage more people to donate, not just in memory of
my Aunt Mary, but in memory of all aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters who have died of cancer.  I don't think there is a single person who has not seen cancer impact someone in their life.  Please consider donating money to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

To the family and Loved ones of Mary E. Milne --

In the 5 months since Mary died from complications of chemotherapy, I
have sought to honor her and do something meaningful in her memory.
The day after Mary's memorial service I agreed to participate in the
Mayor's Walk here in Portland, a 10-K walk held in conjunction with
the Portland Marathon. While going through the various booths in the
registration area, I stopped at the Team In Training booth and
learned that this organization fundraises for the Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society. Mary had designated this charity as one which she asked people
to support in her behalf. I knew then that I should get involved.

Now I am asking you to help by supporting me and donating in Mary's
honor. I will be walking the 1/2 Marathon Race for the Roses on
April 6th, 2008. Please be as generous as you can and make a contribution
either on my website or send your check to me made out to the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society:

Deborah Anderson
940 Rosa Parks Way
Portland, OR 97211 USA

Each donation helps accelerate cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma
and brings hope to the patients and families who are on the front
lines of the battle against these diseases.

Please use the link in this email to donate online quickly and securely.
You will receive a confirmation by email of your donation and I will
be notified as soon as you make your donation.

You can learn more about my efforts and make a donation by visiting
my Web site:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntor/tntorDAnders


Thank you for your generosity -- I know Mary would thank you as well.

Love to all of you, Debby Anderson

“Madam, what country is suffering because you’re here?”

We had planned 8 days roundtrip for the ABC trek. We were back in Pokhara after 6 ½ days. We tried to extend it as long as we could, but the trail finally came to an end and before we knew it we were back on a bus heading for Pokhara. Luckily, because we had an extra day there, we were able to do some laundry, although it came back smelling like all our dirty socks. On our free day we hired a boat to take us across the lake so we could climb to the top of a small hill and see the Peace Pagoda. The climb is supposed to take 45min-1hr. Even in our newly purchased hippy skirts (our clothes were being washed) and our flip-flops we did it in 30minutes! The view of the Pokhara valley was nice, but the pagoda was disappointing. We had tea and walked around up on top before heading back down to the boat. That night, as we were walking to the Punjabi Dhaba for dinner, we passed by one of 100s of Kashmiri shops that line the main tourist drag near the lake. The Kashmiri shopkeepers have a reputation for being sweet talkers and very persistent in their sales pitch. But one particular shopkeeper got our immediate attention when he said “Madam, what country is suffering because you’re here?” as we walked by. We all busted up laughing at his great command of a unique pick-up line! But we didn’t stop to buy anything! Although we promised another sweet talker that we would be back next year for a cup of tea. Ladies, have you bought your ticket yet?

The next day we were up early with our over stuffed packs and on a bus to Kathmandu. It was pouring and our bags were on the top. We had our rain covers on and there was a tarp over all the bags, with any luck our stuff would arrive only damp, not soaked! The bus ride is supposed to take 8 hours, but because of accidents, the rain and bad traffic before the big Nepali Daishan Festival, it took about 10 hours. Gyanu escorted us to our hotel and we agreed to meet the next day for our last DBT meal!

We had one day of sight-seeing and shopping before our last DBT meal together with Gyanu. He took us to a local Nepali restaurant and we sat and talked for about 2 hours eating snacks (chili chicken boneless, fried peanuts and momos) before we ordered dinner. We also drank a lot of beer which helped us all loosen up and ask questions we hesitated to ask before. Several of his friends came as well as his brother. It was fun to see him in his element and see part of his life.

The next day we had our final breakfast bakery meal together at the Brezel Bakery in Thamel. They took their last walk around our little neighborhood and said good-bye to Kathmandu.

It was surreal to see A&E off at the airport for our final good-bye. It is really hard to comprehend a month long adventure coming to an end. It’s hard to let it go and say good-bye to everything that had become our life:

the heavy packs

pumping water

porridge

DBT meals

cold group showers

mint tea

snickers bars

curling up in our sleeping bags at 7pm every night

sleeping 10-12 hours a night

trekking 5-8 hours every day

sucking on the group teat (water bag)

hand-washing all our clothes

backpackers laundry line (underwear hanging from our bags)

applying the 70 SPF sun cream

daily vitamin dose

cringing at the sight of suspension bridges

traffic jams of goats, donkeys and cows

‘namaste sweet’

‘namaste one rupee’

‘namaste pen’

Twenty-four hours after seeing off A&E at the airport, I was back at the airport to meet my mom. She had been traveling for 48 hours when she got off the plane and had spent 12 of those waiting at the Delhi airport overnight. Needless to say, she was thrilled to finally see a familiar face and settle in at the hotel. And it was great to see her after 10 months! She is a very eager listener and wanted to hear all about the trek and our adventures…perfect debriefing time for me!

We spent several days exploring Kathmandu: the monkey temple, Durbar Square, Thamel, Bhaktapur, and Patan. We hired Gyanu to ‘guide’ us around several of the places. It is so much better to be able to ask questions to a local then just wander around looking at things aimlessly. And of course it always helps to have a Nepali speaker negotiate taxis.

Sorry, couldn't flip it around. But check it out. Gyanu is carrying my mom's bag around Bhaktapur. He also hekped her up and down steep stairs and made sure to keep a close eye on her in traffic! He is the BEST GUIDE EVER!!

But after a few days in the capital, we packed up a small bag and got on the bus going to The Last Resort, located 14km from the Tibetan border. It is famed for having one of the highest bungee jumps in the world, about 160 meters. The bridge was enough to put me in a state of panic. There was no way I was even going to consider jumping off of it.

The Last Resort is a little oasis for adventure travelers. The land was originally rice terraces, like all the land that surrounds the resort. But after business break-up at The Borderlands down the road, one of the business partners, a world famous kayaker, opened The Last Resort and converted all the land to a beautifully landscaped resort. Another co-owner owns a rafting company in Japan. It was at his hostel in Hokkaido that I first heard about The Last Resort and promised to make a visit. Lucky for me and my mom, I kept my promise.

At The Last Resort all the guests sleep in safari tents and there are shared toilets and hot showers. There is a large open-air dining room/bar area where all the meals are served buffet style. There is a massage house run by a different company that only trains and employs untouchables. And of course, there are many activities to choose from: bungee, canyon swing, canyoning, rafting, kayaking, trekking, etc. We had planned a few days of relaxing and then a two day rafting trip down the Bhote Khosi, one of Nepal’s best white water rivers! But that wasn’t all that was in store for us. After we arrived, the adventure coordinator asked us if we would be interested in canyoning and sent the canyoning guide over to talk to my mom. The issue wasn’t if I wanted to go, it was if SHE wanted to go!

After an hour of explaining what canyoning involved, abseiling down waterfalls, my mom was almost convinced! It wasn’t that the guide was trying to sell her on an activity, he was trying to boost her confidence and explained all the risks as well as the safety measures they take. It was easy to tell that he was very experienced and trustworthy! And it was easy to feel comfortable knowing we would be putting our lives in his hands!

So the next morning, the sun was shining, and we met with our canyoning guide at about 10:30 to suite up. We wore a wet suite, a fleece, a spray jacket, a helmet, a harness and shoes of our choice. I only had my chakos with tread that is well-worn. Three of us, my mom and I joined by a solo Israeli traveler, set out with two Nepali guides. The stream and the 7 waterfalls were a 15 minute walk from the resort through a small village and rice terraces. The first waterfall was easy, the guide repelled us down. But after that it was up to us, we had to abseil—control the rope ourselves. The longest waterfall was something like 45meters. The biggest challenge was keeping my feet from slipping of the wet mossy covered rock face. Otherwise it was a lot of fun, even my mom thought so! It was something neither one of us thought we would do, but glad we did! I would totally do it again if the chance presented itself!

Our rafting guide, Sam, standing with my mom and Pat, the co-owner of The Last Resort and owner of Hokkaido Outdoor Adventure in Japan

The next big adventure: RAFTING! This was something my mom and I had really been looking forward to. As a family we all love rafting, and are always looking for a good river. When we travel, we like to find a good raft trip to coordinate our other plans with. So, since Nepal is one of the best places in the world for rafting, we had to get a good few days in. AND WE DID!! But perhaps we got a little more than we bargained for, or at least my mom did. The first day was fun but not overly crazy. There were some good floats in-between the class 3+ rapids. It was a good warm-up for the second day which we had been warned would be much more continuous and much more strenuous, was a little crazy. It was only the second post-monsoon raft trip to brave the river because the water was still really high. The first raft trip had flipped a boat in the first 10 seconds on the river! So we were in for some good rapids and good fun! It was everything everyone promised it would be…lots of big continuous white water. And at one point we hit a rock that titled the boat in such a way that my mom popped out. She tried to hold onto the boat, but the water was so strong she let go. Another guide threw her a lifeline, but with all the white water crashing in front of her face she didn’t see it just inches away from her. Luckily, the safety kayakers are great at their jobs and one came to the rescue. She grabbed on and he paddled her to shore. It took her some time to catch her breath and recover from the trauma of being in a serious rapid for about 20-30 seconds. But she jumped right back in another raft (we were on the other side of the river) and rode with them until we called it a day about 20 minutes later. I’m not sure if my mom will go rafting again, but she has a great story to tell and it is even more exotic because it happened in Nepal, a country most of her friends wouldn’t step foot, let alone go rafting or canyoning!

My mom with her safety kayaker and lifesaver!

We spent our last few days doing some more sight-seeing with Gyanu in Kathmandu and we went to Nagarkot for one night—hoping to see a Himalayan view. The real blessing in Nagarkot was the clear air and lack of traffic. The sunrise view was minimal. It was possible to see the outline of distant mountains, but the real view of the Himalayas was from our airplane window as we flew to Delhi where we met my dad and departed for our Dharamsala adventure!

The temples of Patan!

The view from Daramkot--can you see the spectacular Himalayas in the background??

Remembering My Dear Aunt Mary

Yesterday my dear Aunt Mary passed away. She had been struggling with lukemia for a few months. She spent over a month in the hospital until everyone realized her time was limited. Thankfully, she was able to return home for her last day, precious time with family, close friends and her dog. I wish I could have been there to say 'good-bye' properly.

Several days ago, I was able to call the hospital and speak to her as the nurse held the phone up to her ear. I think my messages were heard, I sincerely hope so. I honestly didn't think when I said good-bye last January that it would be final. But that is always the lesson--we have to appreciate the time we have with loved ones.

She has been part of my extended Portland family as long as I can remember. She was at all our birthday parties, every holiday gathering and all our family get togethers. While not my aunt by traditional marriage or by blood, she was nonetheless my aunt. I'm embarrased to admit that it has only been in her final weeks that I called her my "Aunt Mary".

One of my favorite memories: My Aunts Mary & Deb took me on my first camping trip...my cousin and I loaded into the back of their station wagon, the backseat bench was piled high with blankets and open sleeping bags to ensure a more than comfortable ride. We felt like queens! The dogs were in the back along with the tent and all the other gear. We drove along the Clackamas River and found a lovely spot near the river bank. We swam, cooked over the fire and took the dogs for walks. I think it was the next summer that we went back again, and I requested the same camp spot because the first time was so memorable.

She always had questions for me about my travels and life, she always listened and gave advice and support! And she always told us crazy stories and brought laughs to every family gathering.

As my dad, the well-spoken family patriarch, so appropriately wrote:

Mary has been a big part of our family for over 25 years. She is loved as a sister, a friend, a partner, and a very dear aunt. She witnessed and fully participated in all our joys, sorrows, accomplishments, and disappointments. She regaled us with stories and always laughed at our jokes. She cheered us on and helped us when we stumbled. We knew that she was always fully there as a supportive caring member of the family. That energy, love, and life force will be remembered and missed.

She was always the life of a gathering and fully engaged, so stories must abound. Everyone must have a favorite pun of Mary's. She was full of "pun."

Steiner Cabin
Originally uploaded by Sistak

At Timberline
Originally uploaded by Sistak

Eating Christmas Dinner
Originally uploaded by Sistak

I don't have access to great photos with me as I travel...but these are some I took when I was home last winter.

As I walk around Lhasa--I remember her in each temple I pass--how much she would love to see the pictures, hear the stories and want to know about life on the other side of the world.

Mary, you are loved and missed! Please give a big hug to grandma & grandpa and max for me!

The Last Post from Japan

The last month has been totally overwhelming and there is no way I can even begin to describe the wide range of emotions and experiences. So at the expense of sleep and packing, I've spent hours trying to post a little something about all the different good-byes/see-you/farewell parties for my own sanity. I know when I leave Japan and get some distance from the the last month, I'll begin to wonder what happened. It's been such a whirlwind with little sleep, lots of drinking of beer and caffeine, that it is hard to keep it all straight. These blogs aren't really meant for anyone but me...a reminder of my last month, but more importantly, a reminder of all the people who have played a very important role in my life, and my experiences in Japan. These people and so many more will never be forgotten!

And now, in 6 hours my computer will shut down for the last time in Japan. On Wednesday it will get on a plane bound for the UK and wait for me there. In the interim, I hope to continue blogging about my adventures, but it might be sporadic and sketchy at best. But don't give up...I'm out there somewhere! And I should at least have access to email every now and then!

But for now...this is it from Japan!

The Last Party with Toyama Friends

This overnight party has been in the works for months. We've been talking and planning and thinking about how to say good-bye to our best friends of three years. So, we rented a traditional Japanese house in Nyuzen and set up camp for the night. Yuko, Mihoko and Chika took over the food and cooking responsibilities and we ate REALLY well! There was a lot of lounging, some drinking, watching old home movies, telling "I remember when" stories, co-ed onsening and late night talks. It was a great chill overnight party, a great way to spend time with friends before everyone goes in different directions. Most of us still have another opportunity to say good-bye. But there were a few final good-byes this morning. I wasn't involved in any, but I cried anyway. I hate seeing close friends part. Because it means we are all saying good-bye to a very important chapter of our lives. It means that our paths that have crossed for the last three years are about to fork and head in different directions. And none of us really know if our paths cross again--when or where? We all hope they will, but the reality is uncertain. It's always best to enjoy the moments we have together and not think too much about what may or may not happen in the future. Thanks everyone for making this overnight happen!! It was a great way to spend a chill night with close friends! Adding more memories to the last three years that won't soon be forgotten!

Yuko and Mihoko cooking up Yakisoba and Okonomiyaki

Our Family Dinner

Whoa...kinda busty in this pic!

And looking drunk in this pic!

Our overnight escape

Ueda-sensei & Yui

Ueda-sensei, the school nurse, and I worked together for two years at Nyuzen Elementary school. Her desk was across from mine and because she enjoyed English we often had mini-eikaiwas! And she always brought me lots and lots of treats!! Unfortunately, she got moved to another school in April. I was so sad to see her go because I always enjoyed our conversations! So, for the first time since she left, we met for lunch. Her high school age daughter just returned from a year in the UK, so we met to talk about her year and catch-up. It was a fun lunch complete with good French food and presents! Ueda-sensei made me a little quilt, the size of place mat. But it is made from old kimonos and traditional style Japanese cloth. It is beautiful! I'm lucky to have had her company at school for as long as I did! Thank you!

Ueda-sensei and I

Yui and I

The Last Adventure with Takae & Asuka's

Over the last three years Takae, Asuka and I have had lots of little adventures from going to Yatsuo and watching Owara dancing to taking the cable car up to the top of Tsugaike and going for a hike. Last weekend we drove to Kanazawa, because I hadn't been to the gardens or museum yet. They took me out to a delicious lunch and then we wandered around Kenrokuen and the Contemporary Museum of Art. It was fun to spend the day with them even though I was exhausted! We were expecting a typhoon, but luckily it was dry and mild all day. Thanks girls for including me on many adventures, it's been fun exploring Japan with you!! Where will we meet next?

Exploring Kenrokuen

Asuka and me at Kenrokuen

Asuka and Takae in Kenrokuen

Takae and I underwater or underground?

Yuuki-chan

I started teaching Yuuki-chan privately when I first arrived, when she was in 4th grade. She had already been studying English one-one for 2-3 years. Now she is in the 1st grade of JHS and was one of my students at school for one semester. Her family has taken very very good care of me over the last three years. They have feed me, paid me well, and even invited me to Christmas dinner the year I didn't go home. Yuuki and I have studied about 130 hours of English together in the last three years. I used to go to her house every Thursday after school for an hour. And once a month she would come to Colare and we would eat dinner together. We went swimming together once after she completed a writing practice book. And we had a Halloween party at my apartment in my 2nd year with the other two elementary school students I privately tutored. For our last lesson, she came over to my apartment and we made cookies. We exchanged presents and ate a lot of cookie dough.

Tonight her family took me out to dinner at Nyuzen's French restaurant--a very nice place! It was a little strange cause I've never sat with her entire family before--grandparents, parents and us. They threw a lot of questions at me in Japanese and I struggled through. And then Yuuki and I would take a break and I would try to talk to her in English about school or summer vacation. And she got to show off a little in front of her family. Next year she will finally be old enough for the Forest Grove Sister City exchange trip, but this year they just drew names out of a hat...so who knows what her chances are. I suggested she come and homestay with me next August. And so during dessert we talked about her getting a passport, getting to Narita and flying on her own. I asked her if she would be ok doing it on her own and she said, "YES, it's a challenge." Her mom and I were both shocked!!! This is coming from a girl who ducked and hid behind the car as three boys from her grade cycled by as we walked into the restaurant. It was exciting to see her get excited about it! So, we will see if it happens, but it would be great! She reminds me of me--kinda quiet, shy, self-conscious, but there is so much potential there. And with the right experiences, I think she will really blossom!

They drove me home and I hadn't really thought about the good-bye moment. I hugged her and we both started crying! I told her I would see her next year and she said "yes" through her tears! Let's hope so! At dinner her grandpa said that this dinner was my 'sayonara party.' And I corrected him, it is my 'mata ne party.' It's always see you next time...and I hope we can see each other again!

Making cookies!

Taste-testing cookies!

Kimoto-sensei, her grandmother, and I!

Her family and I at dinner!

Farewell Funami JHS

This is my smallest school, with less than 60 students in three grades. It is close the mountains and in a small little village that has been integrated into Nyuzen. In the end it worked out okay and I felt like left on a somewhat positive note. But I had my ups and downs at this school. There were a few classes I REALLY connected with and we had a great time together! But in the last year or two, that hasn't been the case. The students don't like English and since I only come twice a month, it is really hard to develop a routine with them or even get to know them much.

The week before my last day was the big Tanabata Festival in Funami. My schedule was rearranged so I could attend the marathon and festival with the students. I was an alternate runner this year and they didn't end up needing me which while a bit disappointing was a blessing!

My last day was long and overwhelming like all the others. I only taught two classes and then gave a speech in the gym. The school let me go home after my speech, but I came back at 6pm for a BBQ in the cooking classroom. Originally it was supposed to be at a park nearby, but the weather prevented that. It was a lot of fun and great food! And I was super impressed and honored that the teachers would go to tall that work for me considering I'm only a visiting teacher twice a month. It was a fun send off. At the end of the party, the VP gave a little speech and thanked me. And then everyone had to shake my hand...brutal!! I hate those little rituals. They kill me. I was crying through it all partly because I was so surprised that this school would do something for me. And partly because they are all great people and I will miss them!

A photo with the basketball girls!

Cooking the yakisoba!!

Funami JHS staff after eating and eating and eating!!

See you next time Nyuzen Elementary

For three years I've taught 24 1st-6th grade classes at Nyuzen Elementary school, my 'inner city' school. I call it my 'inner city' school because it is only two blocks from the train station and the main post office is around the corner. Apparently there are a lot of kids from single-parent homes and there are more low-income families in this area. There are also more foreign kids! Exciting! I'm not sure if it is designated as an open school, but the classrooms don't have outer walls or doors. The teachers have offices near their classrooms so the official teachers room is usually empty and dark.

At the start of my second year a 6th grade tragically died while practicing for sports day. I was there that day and watching the school mourn and grieve was an emotionally draining cross-cultural experience, but a bonding one. I was closest to the school nurse at that school because she speaks English and loved mini-eikaiwas when I had time before or after classes. It was hard to watch her go through the loss of a student. Several Japanese people have told me that it is easier for them to express their true feelings in English because the English-speaking culture allows them to be more open and expressive. There is a very distinct cultural difference in communication styles between English and Japanese! I talked with the nurse about the death of the student and she told me about her favorite memories of the student. And I shared my most recent interactions with her. I think it helped both of us. She left the school this spring, and I only saw her again last week. She's another amazing woman and friend who always did super nice things for me. At Christmas time she made me fruit cake that she had been soaking in rum for 2-3 months! She would bring me cookies or cakes on my bday. She gave me chocolate on valentine's day. And for no reason at all she would bring me homemade jam or bread. I tried to reciprocate as much as possible, but it just wasn't possible to keep up with her generosity!

Like the other schools, I started saying good-bye to classes over a month ago. So it felt like the end was never ever going to come. And I think the kids started to think I was never going to leave. The last day was a long one. I showed up early for the speech to the teachers, then I had to give a speech to the study body. I made it through my speech fine, but as soon as the students came up and started giving speeches I lost it. My private student gave a speech in English and that's when the floodgates broke loose! And not just for me, but for him too! It was brutal. I was so proud of him for doing it in English, it just means that much more! And immediately after I taught 4 classes! During the morning and afternoon recess I sat on the stairs near the teachers room and signed hundreds of different objects...anything kids handed me. I signed books, notebooks, pencil cases, rules, plastic sheets, plastic toys, you name it!! And then they started requesting that I write messages on everything and they each had to be personalized!! These are demanding kids. But how can you say no to these kinds of requests? So I sat there for several hours signing away! My secret birthday buddy found me at one point during the day and gave me a card with a little gift. I wish I had something for her. But I didn't. It was really really sweet of her to remember and think of me. Kids are full of surprises!!

In the afternoon I sat down with the proposed 5th & 6th grade English 'curriculum' for next year! I was asked to edit it. It is atrocious! I won't go into it here...but seriously, why do Board of Educations think it is ok for non-English speakers to write an English curriculum. Would you ask a math teacher to write an social studies curriculum? Part of the problem with English education in Japan is that they aren't really taking it seriously! If they were, they would hire professional curriculum writers, like I assume they do for all other subjects! Anyway, I stayed almost an hour late on my last day just going through this atrocious amalgamation of lessons.

As I was packing up, there were a few pictures taken and then all the teachers walked me to the door and waved me out. I know it's a nice gesture, and maybe I would feel badly if they didn't do it, but I really dread walking away knowing that 20 people are watching me. And everyone knows it's the last time! And they are wishing you 'good luck' with your life! What does that really mean?? And what can one really say in that situation that would sound more sincere?

Lots of memories! Lots of stories! I'm going to miss these kids!

Saying good-bye to the special education class! We made pizza!

Delicious pizza!!! I will miss these two, they are so much fun!

Saying good-bye to a 1st grade class!

My desk after my last day of classes!

A final picture with some of the teachers!

Thank you Iino Elementary!

I called this my 'country school.' The students have their own rice paddy, grow vegetables outside their classrooms and are usually much better behaved. The school requires the students to wear school uniforms. And there is no talking at lunch. It is much stricter than my other elementary school. This is the school where the star wars teacher used to work. So for almost three years I looked forward to going to work because I would be entertained by her conversation and stories. And she always made sure to give me extra school lunch...something the new teacher makes sure I don't get! Hmm?

The 2nd and 3rd graders were always my favorites. They knew me from the start and that seems to make a world of difference. I'll miss all those little ones! But Iino also had a few GREAT teachers that I really loved teaching with. The kind of teachers that inspired and motivated students just by walking into the classroom. It is impressive!

Iino was my first official school good-bye speech and my last school enkai! Two weeks ago I stood up in front of the student body and told a little story about a duck who got lost at sea and made new friends. And I compared myself to that duck. It's a book by Eric Carle called 10 Little Rubber Ducks. I'm not sure the students got the metaphor, but I hope they enjoy the book!

The school good-bye was dramatic of course. Students and teachers presented me with gifts each class made. After school we had coffee and cake in the staff room. Teachers who never talk to me outside lesson planning chatted me up! And we agreed to meet two weeks later for dinner!

Two weeks later after all the other good-byes and parties, I was thrilled to find out it would be at my favorite izikaya and was a small get together!! It was fun to see some of the teachers again in a more relaxed environment. I'm gonna miss this little country school with ostriches out back and a Guinness world record for jump roping!

Kancho or Charlie's Angles?

Saying 'see you' to the 3rd graders

My last school lunch

The Iino Elementary School Staff

A mini-enkai at Kokuriko Izikaya

Saki & her Momma

I met Saki's momma at Autobacs, the local car/auto mechanic/oil change shop. I remember going there the first time and being totally nervous. It is one thing to do these kinds of chores in your own country, but it's another thing altogether when you are negotiating a new language and culture. But Saki's momma was so helpful and patient. She spoke slowly and clearly--a natural at communicating with someone who couldn't communicate in her native language. It's truly an art and many people fail at it!

Our customer/Autobacs service counter employee relationship continued for awhile before I ran into her outside of work. It turns out she is a bit of a party momma too! And we had a few wild nights at our favorite bar. It was during one of those wild drunken dance party nights that she showed me a picture of her daughter and told me she was a single mom. In a town this small, it wasn't too surprising that her daughter was one of my students, but until people point those things out, it's not obvious!

It wasn't long before Saki found me at school and asked if I knew her momma. Yes, of course I did, but I hoped she didn't know the WHOLE story! Anyway, because of that connection, she and I bonded at school and she was always reminding me that I knew her mom!


Last year JP and I ran into Saki and her Momma at Gosaro, a local ramen restaurant. We had dinner together and ever since we talked about doing it again. Last week, we did it again as a farewell party! Unfortunately, JP couldn't make it!


As people, we don't have a lot in common, but they both love learning and asking questions! That is what made the 2 hour dinner possible! Even, Saki, a 3rd grader with no previous exposure to foreigners had a ton of questions for me. And her pure curiosity drove the conversation most of the night. With some people these 'farewells' feel a bit contrived, a formality we all have to submit to. But dinner with Saki and her momma was honest and fun. I know it must be a struggle to get by as a single mom in Japan, so a dinner out was truly a gift. But they also gave me three years of friendship and patience. For that I'm thankful!



I gave Saki my address and requested a letter! I hope she writes to me!