School's IN for summer (8/10/07)

(you can see my house to the right in the photo, the white one next to the cars...)

Well, I got through the big speech yesterday, my first officially day reporting in to school. I decided to read it first in English and then in Japanese. I wrote out the speech and practiced on my neighbor who gave some very helpful edits. I was feeling pretty good about it and then we walked into the gym and I saw all 300 students and staff and the huge stage set up for the assembly. That’s when my heart started going. Today is the Day of Peace in Nagasaki marking the anniversary of the bomb during WWII. The students planned speeches and a survivor of the war came to speak. I have to say I felt a little awkward stating that I’m an American on such a day. Maybe not the best time for my intro but it was probably just me feeling strange about it all. I was pretty happy about my “performance” though, my voice didn’t shake and I tried my best to speak slowly and clearly. I took my time hopefully pronouncing the Japanese words correctly. One of my teachers praised me and told me she heard another male teacher actually go “Whoo!” after my speech so at least one person really liked it. So funny!



After the speech I stayed for the assembly, which was locally televised. The gym doesn’t have A/C so it was pretty hot. A couple students had to leave the room from heat exhaustion and some had to lie down. Luckily I was by a window so it wasn’t as bad though I did have a suit on.



The rest of the day I spent in the teachers’ staff room trying to look busy. Apparently since it’s summer break, the teachers just need to show up for their work hours and look busy. By the end of the day though, it seemed acceptable to lay your head down and nap a bit or just fall asleep. Once the chimes rang for the end of the day, they were out! I’m sure during the school year they are extremely busy so I’m glad to have the time to ease in and get to know some of the teachers.

When I got home, my neighbors saw me and wanted to know all about my first day. I’m glad to have them since they're both experienced teachers in the same program. I also got to practice driving for the first time in Japan as my neighbor kindly volunteered to take me out. I didn’t hit anything but I think I got a little too close to the side ride a couple times.

Scott was supposed to arrive tonight but Visa issues have delayed him. I’ll have to wait a few more days for his arrival. In the meantime, I’m getting the house comfy and maybe I’ll venture out for some errands this weekend with the car. Just have to remember to stay on the left, take my time, and remember that the blinker is on the right side!