Getting in some extra work

In our last post, we mentioned that Erik had so lovingly given Yoko his cough. She is fine now; however, Erik came down with an ear infection Friday evening that required a visit to the doctor Monday. It turns out that he shouldn't be putting sharp objects into his ears. Erik is now on an antibiotic to clear up the infection.

Last Thursday and Friday Erik had the opportunity to do some work for American Language School. Thursday's event was at an elementary school. Each foreign teacher, there were about 9 of us, had a group of 10-14 5th and 6th grade students, for around 30 minutes, to do some activities in English. After our break out time, all the kids sang for us. It was a lot of fun. Friday, Erik was able to substitute teach 5 classes. He had one adult class and 4 kids classes. One class was three 5 year olds and the others were 9 and 10 year olds. It was a good evening especially since none of the kids cried.

FYI, sumo is back on : )

Didn't get to wear a kimono

As a married couple we have had to learn to share with each other; however, Yoko is not so grateful that Erik gave her his cough. She feels okay but sounds bad. As a result, she had to postpone getting dressed up in a kimono, and we weren't able to go to church today. Since we didn't go to church, we had church at home on the Internet. We listened to a good message by Greg Laurie about temptation.

Work and Japanese learning are going well. Erik is improving and communicating about daily things in a basic way. Yoko is now not only teaching English but also Geography and History. At the athletic gym we belong to, we have been enjoying the ofuro they have. An ofuro is a hot tub or bath. In Japan it is not used for bathing, but soaking and relaxing, and in the case of the gym, it is communal. Growing up using an ofuro, Yoko loves it. Erik is learning to enjoy the very hot (for him) water.

2009 Greetings

2009 came for us without much fan fair. New Year's Eve, we stayed up till 11:30, but that was only because we had watched a movie. Our winter break was very relaxing and actually felt long. We were able to visit a friend of Yoko's and watch a few movies. New Year's Day was spent at church. Narita Temple, which is just 15 minutes away by bike, is visited by a couple million people over New Years, but we decided not to fight the crowds. Many people visit a temple at New Year's to pray for blessings (money, good test scores, marriage) in the coming year. Monday it was back to work for Yoko and school for Erik.
Being white, Erik stands out in Japan and recently had two amusing encounters with kids. The first was here at our apartment building, we were waiting to get on an elevator that was arriving. The people who got off were a mother and her 5 or 6 year old daughter. When the little girl saw Erik she said, "eigo no hito" which is "English speaking person". It was the first time Erik had been addressed that way. The other encounter was at the grocery store. We were waiting in line to check out and the people in front of us had a girl around 7 or 8 with them. When she saw Erik she started singing the ABC song. It was really cute especially as she mixed up the order of the letters. Being white, there is no way to blend in.