たかのす!

Today was my first excursion on the train all by myself. All went well, I was really early and was looking at signs to see if I could read them. I saw one sign("たかのす") and said to myself I think I can say that one. So I sounded it out Ta-Ka-No-Su, then said out loud "hey, that's where I live", it was great the first sign I have ever actually read in Japanese. I wanted to tell the world but no one was around me. So I thought I would Blog it. Hope you get a little enjoyment out of it. I got a lot of enjoyment out of it. I THINK IM TURNING JAPANESE

Welcome Kaila!!!!

Today we officially had a welcome party for me. We had everyone come and had gospel time and sang lots of songs. Then we had a get to know kaila thing where I got asked lots of questions and a who knows kaila best game. Then I realized while playing with a bunch of little girls that I think I can handle this being in a different country not knowing the language, because by the end of the night I had a little possy following me around and I don't even think they understood a word I said. The only thing that is hard is sitting with a bunch of adults and not being able to say anything let alone follow a simple conversation, but I pray every night to wake up fluent and maybe one day it might happen or I am going to have to work really hard on my Japanese skills. If you have any suggestions on how to wake up fluent please let me know, I would more than appreciate it!!

I THINK I'M FINALLY OVER JET LEG!!!!!

For the past two nights I have slept the whole night through with out waking up at unruly hours in the night. Also, today is the first day that I am not tired and trying to run off to bed at three in the afternoon. Yesterday was my first officially day staring to get to know the students I will be teaching, I definitely have a range of students. Old to young and loud to quite. You would think that because I am outgoing and active that that's the kind of class I would enjoy teaching, which I do don't get me wrong, But WOW it's much easier to teach the ones that are really quite and only speak up when they have to answer a question (Maybe that's why my teachers didn't like me!). Overall I will get used to this teaching thing. The kids love it because they can have conversations in Japanese and I have no clue what they are saying, that's why i'm trying to learn fast. I pray that I could just wake up fluent, it would be much easier. Well now that i'm over the Jet Leg, I have to make sure I still get rest to keep up to my brain which is trying to work double time learning a new language and keeping up with the old one.

In Japan!!

Well, as you all know I am officially in Japan. I have been trying to add to my Blog, but you are going to have to give me a few days to catch up with the time change. I am getting tired around 4pm and Dean is not letting me go to bed until at least 9pm. I guess it is going to help in the long run, but right now I am just trying to make it till bed. Today I got my first Starbucks since landing in Akita. Which was really exciting! Tomorrow I head to Takanosu with Arnie and Bonita and will not get a drink from Starbucks for awhile. Today was my first day of orientation it was great not only did I get to learn about the culture, but I also got to learn how to make some food which was really tasty!! I miss you all and can't wait to tell you guys more!! 16 hour time change, i'm heading to bed!!!