Glass of Aloe and Fun Facts

I’ve used aloe of sunburns but a healthy drink?

There was recently an editorial all about Japan’s vending machines. I found it an enjoyable and amusing, here are some of the highlights:

-Japan has 5.5 million vending machines. I’ve been told that is about 1 machine for every 24 people, that’s crazy
-Only 2.6 million sell pop (or soda depending on where you’re from)
-There are machines that sell sushi, soup, and meals with beef, eggs, and fish
-Some machines are programmed to give for free if there is a natural disaster such as an earthquake
-"My Cups" machines let people use their own mugs and reduces waste
-There is even a trail machine for make-up. The thing talks and has a video camera inside. An image of the person is shown to "mock test" which lipsticks are the best
-Like all these cool facts you can read about vending machines in the book "Jido Hanbaiki no Bunka (The Culture of Vending Machines)" by Tsutomu Washizu

Once Upon A Time…

Saturday was the big Preschool Spring Plays. The children were a smashing hit. They sang and danced and told the stories of George and The Three Bears and The Three Little Pigs well. Well, almost well. There was a bit of stage fright so most songs were lipped sink and the lines were mouthed. Even with that it was wonderful and after we had a pizza party –big thanks to Tiffany who made all the food!

Life in Point form

ADDED NOTE: this was posted two days ago but I had forgotten to mention that I did finally see Narnia. One of my students just loved Aslan. For the most part I liked it and enjoyed it. I alway have a hard time accepting movies if I've read the book, nothing beats my own imagination. Thanks Kirk for the warning on the killer beavers.

-I’m back! Internet is here again. Not only that it’s in my room, that’s right I have internet in my room and its wireless. The wireless would be much cooler if my apartment was big enough to actually move around.

-Last week joined Noriko and her children for a picnic and to see the plum blossoms, not as cool as cherry blossoms by Japanese standards but still very beautiful.

-The joy of the past two weeks has been spending time with my Japanese friends. Yoko and I went out for cakes and lunch last week and plan to go out again next Monday. And I’ve been really enjoying getting to know Maki. It’s good to have friends.

-My good friend/language teacher Hitomi moved this weekend to a church over a half-hour away. It’s a good move for her, but I will miss her.

-Weather has been gray and rainy. I miss the sun.

-This coming Saturday will be the Spring Play for my preschool class. I am a little worried.

-Saw a traditional Japanese musical instruments concert thing.

-I think I need a flickr account. Till then below are some pics from the park and concert.

Word Up: Uma –Japanese Plum Blossom

 

The Park

Chesse! 

Noriko and her daughter 

At Sunset

At the concert 

Traditional Harp 

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

Last Friday (March 3rd) was Robin White's Birthday. Happy Birthday Robin. It was also Japan's Girls Day/Dolls Festival, these events are unrelated except for the shared date. A few days before the holiday families with daughters set out a traditional eight levels doll set of the Emperor, Empresses, their servants and the gifts the Empresses brought to the marriage called Hina Dolls. Some Japanese believe that if a girl does not set out her dolls she will never find a husband. Noriko took me to visit her friend, whose family had their Hina Dolls on display. The Empresses is dresses in what is known as the twelve-layer kimono. The details on the dolls were gorgeous. During the day girls are often given candies and cards on the day. The celebration has roots in Shintoism. A traditional families leave food and gifts on the bottom steps as an act of worship.

Guys don’t feel left out your day is coming in May and you get to fly kites, which seems much cooler.

New Grace is bigger

No, this is not a new theological stance; new Grace is a building. The building is actually called "Trinity Grace". For the past five months we’ve been waiting with anticipation for the completion of the new facility. We were able to move in this past week. Made life a little chaotic. There are boxes in most classes, with curriculum and resources to organize. Wednesday our first English classes were taught in the new building and today first Christian fellowship was held there. These are exciting days.

Word Up: Megumi -Grace

 

The new preschool classroom. It's bigger! 

New Grace 

Old Grace 

Detour

Due to unforeseen circumstances I will not being seeing Narnia opening night (which is only two sleeps away). My Japanese friends would rather wait a week and avoid the crowds and need to rush to get tickets in advance. So it is again 9 sleeps till I see the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. I am disappointed in having to wait again and trying to console myself that it will be a good time of fellowship with the ladies when I do go. If I spoke Japanese or was brave I think I would try to got to Namba and get the tickets by myself but I am not.