Okinawa thus far

It's been almost 3 weeks since I move to the beautiful land of Okinawa. My mom came with me for a week to help me move in and it was good to have her here because it was my first time to live by myself in Japan that there were a lot of things I didn't know. I successfully moved in my apt, which is nice and cozy. While my mom was here, we drove around and discovered local stores and restaurants. One sunny day, we stopped by a beach, which is only 10 minutes drive from my apt. I am not gonna lie, the beach, especially the water, is BEAUTIFUL.

Week 1
I attended Japanese seminars. On the first day of the seminar, I had no idea what the speaker was saying because the way he teaches Japanese and the way I learned/taught Japanese were different. Everything kinda went over my head and I got really nervous and scared if I could teach Japanese. At the same time, I was very frustrated because I couldn't answer Japanese grammar questions. I was like "If it were English grammar, I could answer and explain the contradictions." It is because I did not study Japanese; rather, I just learned the language as I grew up. Luckily, the speaker just published a book that I could read and study after the seminars. I believe that if you teach a language, any language, you need to know the language. I thought I wouldn't have to study once I am done with school, but I guess I was wrong. ha! I am really grateful that I attended the seminars that I learned A LOT.

Week 2
I observed Japanese classes for new missionary teachers. One of the former Japanese teachers at my school taught the classes. I was just sitting there observing how he taught and I was able to see a big picture of how I might teach my classes. I was not quite sure how I could apply the methods that I had learned during the seminars, but now I know. We'll see how it works once the school starts.

Week 3
I have new teacher orientations all this week. I got to meet all the new teachers and most of the school staff and teachers. Most of the new teachers are my age so I am hoping that I will be good friends with them. The staff and faculty are super nice that they are always willing to help me and others. I think this is one of the best things about working at a Christian school. I have a lot to know/learn and prepare before school starts on the 23rd. The other good thing about my school is that I can see the beautiful ocean from school.

I would appreciate if you could keep me in your prayers! :)

count your blessings

I moved back to Japan a few weeks ago and I have been keeping myself busy. I went down to Okinawa a week after I got back to look for an apartment and a car. Luckily, I found such great apartment and car. I really feel that God provided everything I needed, which I am really thankful and blessed. I am getting ready and excited to move to Okinawa. At the same time, I am nervous because it is my first experience of teaching and I don't know anyone. But I know that this is His plan and He will provide everything I need as He has done so far. July 23rd is the day!

I've started counting blessings. I try to remember how blessed I am and never forget to thank God.

I am blessed because
1. I have a great family (both physical and spiritual)
2. I have awesome friends.
3. I have great brothers and sisters.
4. I have place to sleep and food to eat.
5. I have a job that God provided.
6. I am healthy.

Master Hitomi

I decided to write my blog again since I am moving back to Japan and starting a job in Okinawa, Japan. I finally completed school two weeks ago. Now you can call me a Master Hitomi! :) I am moving out of Oklahoma in 2 weeks and have started packing, which is not fun at all. I have been in Oklahoma for 5 years, that means I have so many stuff in my apt and it is really hard to decide which I should bring back with me and which not. I still can't imagine that I am leaving here. I am excited about the new phase of my life that God has provided for me, but I am sure I will miss my awesome friends not only in Oklahoma but also all over the States. I will try to keep my blog updated so that you know what I am doing in Okinawa.

These are what I am going to do in Okinawa:

1. Teach Japanese to 1st-12th grades at a Christian international school.

2. Live close to a beach.

3. Meet new people.

4. Experience Okinawan culture.

5. No more ice, tornados and thunder storms.

6. Eat fresh fish, vegetables and fruits.

I know you are very jealous of me now! hehe :)

Friends, you are very welcome to come visit me to Okinawa. Make it happen!!!

Still

Still
Words and Music by Reuben Morgan

Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust

friends

アメリカに来てからよく思うのが、あたしって本当に友達に恵まれてると思う。本当に。男女国籍問わず親友って呼べる人がたくさんいる。これって本当に幸せなんだなって思う。マジでこれまで何人の友達に助けられたか分からないし、困ってたり、悩んでたりするとすぐ助けてくれる友達がいる。言葉はもちろん違うし、生まれ育った環境も国も違うのにこういう風に友達になれてすっごい幸せ全世界に何十億人っていう人がいるのにその中の人から出会えたわけでその確立って本当にすごいと思う。今のあたしの友達は出会うべきして出会ったんだなってつくづく思う。神様ありがとうございます 。

I just love my friends so much. I really think that I have such amazing friends both Japanese and Americans.Especially, the people I've met in America. I have best friends who are guys, girls, Americans and Japanese. I guess it is a blessing. I don't know how many of them have saved and helped me, and whenever i am in difficult situations, they always encourage me and help me get out of the situations.We speak different languages. We have different backgrounds. There is nothing that breaks our friendships.There are billions and billions of people in the world, and it is just awesome that my friends are chosen to be a part of my life. I can't ask any better friends and I just thank God that He chose them and put them in my life. I am happy and blessed.

Now I have two degrees...then what?

I finally graduated from OC a few weeks ago. Before graduation, I literary had a dead month which means I always had something turn in such as papers, projects and vice versa. On the graduation day, I didn't feel like I was graduating because I was so tired from all the finals and of course, sleepy. Plus, I was a candinate at that time and i was pretty worried about my literature classes which almost killed me. Now I passed all my classes and I am officially a graduate. For a long time, i had no idea what i was going to do after graduation. I didn't know if I should get a job or go to a grad school. I talked about it a lot with my friends and my family. About 3 months ago, i decided to go to a grad school to continue my education. It is a great advantage for me to have a master in the field even though i will be school for 9 years in total by the time i finish my master. I applied for the grad school before the spring break, and I finally got accepted this Monday. It feels so good that i have a clear vision for my future. I sitll have a lot of paper works to get done before the classes start, but now, i am going back home for summer in a few days and i am excited to see my family (well, they came over for my graduation) and all my friends in Japan. Of course, i am so pumped about eating good Japanese food.

Things to do in Japan:
1. finish reading four books that i had to stop for school
2. eat a lot of fish
3. hang out with my friends as much as I can
4. get some documents from a grad school
5. go to the beach
6. just relax
7. e-mail to friends with new info
8. have a Mexican fiesta with friends
9. have some fireworks at the beach
10. try to speak Japanese and try not to forget English