the two week marker has come and gone. . .

wednesday was my two week marker . . . as in i will now be on a plane to japan in less than two weeks!!! does this seem completely unreal to anyone else?!?! i have had some wonderful conversations with counselors and villagers here at elv about japan and ways to prepare for my adventure. . . these make it more real and more exciting. . . at times i am still a bit unsure about the idea of living in rural japan. . . and yet at other moments i could not be more satisfied (mountains, a river, the ocean, and who could forget anapanman) . . . i still have not had time to review much japanese; however, i have cheated a bit in my job as an esl teacher by allowing the japanese students to speak in their native language so that i can eavesdrop! :) oops. . .

what else? my kids are great. . . even when they are a pain and refuse to listen to anything we tell them. . . last night was restaurant night, which consisted of the counselors acting as waiters for an evening. . . one of my tables left me a three dollar tip (300% of the bill!) and another left a piece of gum (not yet chewed). . . two weeks is such a short period of time! i cannot believe i will already be saying goodbye to these kids. . . only to receive more once i get to kahoku-cho! . . . it is so rewarding to hear their english improve! even a "hello teacher. how are you?" is a huge step for some who have not said a word in a week and a half. . . others keep me amused as they stare straight at me and speak in their native language as if i should understand what they are asking. . . edward, from yemen, is perhaps my favorite with his nonchalant singing (this kid is a natural comedian!) and his using everything from paper mache balloons to toilet paper as a soccer ball. . .and dustin who is always so polite and proper (even about his mischievous acts). . . and lindsay who is always upset by some oh so tragic event in her life and shares each tragedy in her adorable french accent. . . and clara. . . and maria. . . and mike . . . and so many more with all their broken english and enthusiasm for life! i really think that i will love teaching! i do not know what profession could possibly be more rewarding!

anyway, i believe i should end now in order to have enough energy for one more day of herding them around. . . if washington (my state) can just make it out of bed and to morning circle once this session!!! :) okay, to bed i go!