We've had two team unity meetings (not easy, but very good), a few Bible-study meetings, and a slew of other meetings in the last few weeks. The meet-n-greet schedule has been pretty thorough, as well. Now we're looking forward to just settling in.
Yesterday, actually, we had off from school as a typhoon hit most of Japan. Roughly equivalent to a snow-day back home, many schools were closed because of the strong winds and unending rain. Some roads closed. Trains stopped (a major deal in Japan). Even some crops were heavily damaged, according to the local news. For us, it meant a little rest, which was very nice. Hopefully, we don't need to make it up like snow-days.
Today Hannah and I got up early to take the train to Koriyama (a Cleveland sized city just 30 minutes away). We celebrated life with a Starbucks americano, which just so happens to taste the same no matter where in the world you order it (sugoi!). Then we did some shopping. We instantly realized how much we take for granted back home. Towels and sheets cost a fortune here. Coffee costs a kings ransom. Pretty standard groceries in the states (bread for instance) cost 2x or 3x as much. Some things are cheaper, however. Fish, seafood, rice, ceramics...are cheaper and more abundant in varieties...which is pretty fun, but I never thought I'd be saying this...but...I miss my Walmart!
We're trying to keep our humor, but it's been a stressful few weeks and we've gotten frustrated with each other more than a few times. We're quick to make up, but the lifestyle here is not always really conducive to good marital relationships. The schedules make it really tough. So, we are trying to be intentional about our time together, about making prayer together a priority, and knowing when to say, "I'm sorry, I can't." - Easier said than done.
I'm running in the afternoons most days, and finding it a great way to get to know the area around Funehiki better. There is a beautiful mountain (much bigger than Mt. Mansfield at Snow Trails) just on the other side of town. I ran up it (most of it) last week. It's a gorgeous view. The season is only now switching from sweltering summer days to more comfortable autumn days. Beautiful flowers are in bloom. It's just nearing the end of peach season and pear-apple season. Wonderful fruits and vegetables, locally-grown, are all around. They are pricey but well worth the money. The sun is an early to bed early to rise kind of guy in Japan. I'm not sure I'll ever be up early enough to see a sunrise, and it's often dark well before 6 pm.
Please keep us in your prayers for:
- Language acquisition
- Team unity
- Opportunities with teachers and students
- A good witness in the community
- Mr. Maki and the rest of the Wakakusa Gakuen staff, as well as the congregation of Funehiki Evangelical Church
For pictures of our adventures, check out:
http://picasaweb.google.com/adamhange
Bookmark the page to look at other pictures in the future.
