Kid N' Play

So, okay that little boy in my previous blog was precious but, last night we were invited to visit an orphanage in the area and these kids were just as precious. My neighbor, Kevin has organized visits there in the past with fellow JET teachers and Scott and I decided to join. We met a group of kids ages 8-16 or so. We weren’t sure what to expect but it ended up being fun and games and lots of energy.

We started with a game of softball. There were a couple of kids who were super serious players. They totally knew what they were doing. I, on the other hand, had to remember how softball worked. This boy who pitched assigned me to first base by pointing at me and then pointing to first base, and with such a serious face. Sadly I didn’t get anyone out because most of the boys kept hitting outfield. I also couldn’t catch the ball for the life of me and we kept losing it under the parked cars (we were playing in the parking lot). Bare in mind, it was nearing dusk and the light was really bad out and it was really hard to see the ball! Ahem.



After it got too dark and mosquito-ridden to play, the boys and girls separated into their dorms. I thought maybe we’d get a rest and watch some movies or play some quiet board games inside but these kids were unstoppable. We played volleyball, a crazy version of tag, some piano and they made us dance. After almost passing out, they asked if the guys could come over and play tag. They told us to get them and bring them over. So, Kevin and Scott and another friend Toshi came over to the girls’ dorm and we played more tag.

I have to say it was fun with more people but got crazier too! We didn’t quite understand all the rules but basically two people are “it” and are the ones who have to tag everyone out. You’re allowed to hide in places and there’s no “safes” but if you get trapped by the two people who are “it”, you yell “hasami” (scissors in Japanese) and you’re allowed to be set free.


It was pretty hilarious when some of the girls started to hide. We thought they’d left the room but they were so tiny they could be tucked away anywhere. Which is where this adorably hilarious picture comes into play. We couldn’t believe this little girl actually fit into this tiny trash can. Scott would’ve never found her so I had to give him a hint.

After much sweat and back pain from kids jumping on us, it was time to go home. Of course they all asked the dreaded question,“When are you coming back?” We'll definitely be back. It was nice to connect with the kids and play and it was good exercise!