This morning I woke up to tragic news. 50 dead in Orlando. 53+ injured. Gay club. U.S Citizen. Parents from Afghanistan. ISIS. Guns. Terror. Panic. Chaos. Heartbreak. Anger. 

The words hit me with a sickening feeling. I left my apartment in a daze, not sure if today was even real. I stepped outside to the pouring rain. Pounding. Windy. The worst it's been in a while. It's as if the weather was portraying the emotions of so many grieving hearts today. 

I write this as an American citizen, living in Japan, observing America go down in ruins.
It is an eerie feeling to be on the other side of the world scrolling news channels online trying to stay up to speed with all the information swirling around...while the country I am in goes about their day per usual and I am left here a pocket of emotions about to burst. 

In a way it is relieving, to be so far away..as if the chaos happening back home is all some horrific nightmare that will end any moment now and we will be awaken to a field of love, acceptance, and safety. I am tempted to feel that. I am tempted to shove everything negative under a blanket. Ignoring all that is happening. Focusing on where I am at right now.

But I have lived long enough on this earth to know that is not the answer. Ignorance is not love. Avoidance is not love. Apathy is not love. Walking away is not love. I am challenge more than ever right now, to kneel at the feet of Jesus and beg him for mercy on this broken broken world...to beg him for peace amidst the chaos...to beg him for guidance on where to go from here. 

God is love.

Jesus is the only answer. 

THAT TEACHING LIFE

I imagine some people think to themselves, "so what exactly do you do everyday?" Or I'm assuming people think that because that is what I often think about other jobs. Most of us can imagine what teachers do, since we were all students at some point and have spent many many hours within the walls of a school...but from my experience, teaching in Japan is quite different.

For starters, I teach English writing classes to Seniors (3rd year students) as well as communication classes to Juniors (2nd year students). In Japan, students have different classes every day so the periods are never the same (makes things much more complicated).

Example : One of the classes I teach is Upper level Writing. I teach the 3AB homeroom as well as the 3C homeroom. I meet with 3AB Mondays and Tuesdays during 2nd period...but I meet with 3C Tuesdays 5th period and then Fridays 3rd period. See how confusing that gets?? Throw in an assembly, holiday, or any student being absent because of sports and the whole schedule gets thrown off. But alas, I often remind myself that this is normal to them and all I know is the American school system... aka 1-6th period exactly the same Monday through Friday!

I teach most of my classes in these classrooms...aka the homerooms. Interestingly enough, every homeroom has a chalkboard and not a whiteboard so I had to learn how to write on a chalkboard again haha. I have come to a conclusion that Japanese characters (especially kanji) are much easier to write on chalkboards than English words are, so that is why Japanese people are perfectly content writing on chalkboards all day while Americans cringe at the sight (and sound) of them.

In my senior writing classes, I use a textbook for sample ideas but basically create my own lessons that spring off what the students learn in their other English class with a Japanese teacher. I have them write about a topic, I rough edit it for them, return it to them, they edit it themselves, and re-write everything in pen.

When I came to Ichikashi, the writing classes were taught a bit differently and I noticed the kids weren't able to catch their own mistakes, they were just moving on to the next lesson. I remember growing up having to write, and re-write, and re-write my assignments again and again and at the time I did not like it - but it made me a better writer. So now I make my kids do it because we teach the way we were taught right?! 

This is a lesson we just did this week, where I asked the students a series of 5 questions (one at a time) about their experience hosting the Torrance students and had them write their responses. I always challenge them to write as much as they can. When they turn in their final responses I always get super happy (the small joys of teaching) and congratulate them on completing an entire entry in well-written English. 

At the beginning of the semester I told the students they were lucky to be in my class because in my class there are NO TESTS and NO HOMEWORK. My rule is that they must turn in their notebook at the end of the class period...thus ensuring they don't "forget to do their hw" or loose their notebook, I don't have to keep an eye out for late work, and they have to focus in class to make sure they finish the assignment. Funny enough, there are still those few students who can't finish in class and then forget to tell me about it...and like this student, he turned his notebook in the next day with this tiny note written inside HAHAA! 

Teaching is a funny job because you are responsible for passing on knowledge to a lot of people (all your students) while simultaneously continuing to learn and educate yourself along the way...throw in a different country/culture in there and every day is an adventure. 

When I was in college, I took that one test...you know the strengthsfinder...and at the time I thought it was a bit silly but there is one word that has stuck with me all these years - DEVELOPER. I remember getting the results and seeing "your number one strength is developer" and thinking, "uhmm what the heck does that mean?" Then I scrolled down and read the definition  that simply said... "you see the potential in other people." boom. That one sentence has helped me learn so much about myself, teaching, people, and work in general. Being able to see potential in your students has got to be the most important part of teaching and the reason why I love what I get to do everyday. All thanks be to the good Lord for how he orchestrates things within our character and personality to make us better workers for His kingdom!

Last weekend my childhood friend, Asami, was in Tokyo! She has family in Senju, which is conveniently on the way to Tokyo for me so we met up in the morning for church and then an afternoon exploring the city!

I loved introducing her to my church family and they welcomed her with open arms...and were especially impressed with her Japanese! For lunch we headed to Roppongi where we ate at Afuri (yuzu ramen). Then we headed to Ginza, found some amazing icecream cones...as well as your average $200 mango. 

It worked out for us to stay on the Eastern side of Tokyo (as opposed to the shibuya side) since Senju and Kashiwa were both on that side of the city...so we hit up Asakusa and Tokyo Sky tree. This senbei was so fresh and so good!

One day with Asami in Tokyo was way too short! We are already scheming up our ideas for a reunion in Japan again next year. I love love love having visitors and seeing people from home in Tokyo. 

After hanging with Asami on Sunday...I had to turn gears and get ready for a busy week ahead.

This past week my school here in Japan, Ichikashi, hosted the high school I attended as a student, North High, in our annual exchange program. It was so crazy being on the Japan-side of things this time around...since I grew up knowing this exchange program as both my brothers, my sister, and myself were all a part of the program when we were in high school. Life has a crazy way of coming full circle.

We welcomed the group of 16 students and two teachers on Tuesday at our school in a very formal assembly. The North students were all a bit nervous and intimidated by the formality of it all, but they soon warmed up to things and enjoyed being reunited with their host students (who they hosted in Torrance back in November).

A quick flashback to...7+ years ago when I was a high school senior and I hosted students from Ichikashi! I loved being a part of the exchange program and it is just so funny that now I am working at this exact school that we hosted students from.

The assembly was all 1st period and it included a lot of speeches, some formal gift giving, and both the Japanese and American National anthems which was actually the first time I've heard the American National anthem in Japan!  

The students were very busy all week....Tokyo on Monday, Welcome assembly and school tour on Tuesday (some of them went to Dland after), Calligraphy, computer class, kimono wearing, kendo, P.E., English classes, Japanese classes, and a private concert from the brass band which made all of the students cry (our brass band is seriously top notch)!! Being on the teacher side of things, we had a dinner every night this week. One with the principal and staff, one with KIRA city members, and one with just the teachers from North.  

This was from one of the dinners, where we all went to Tonkatsu. I am a HUGE fan of every and all kinds of Katsu and this was some of the best I've ever had. I mean just look at that perfect meal!!

After a busy week, we had a Sayonara (farewell) party at school on Thursday night. The underclassmen helped decorate and set up and the students performed a dance and shared some highlights from their trip. They ALL cried when they thanked their host families and it just reminded me of what an incredible program this really is. 

These kids (underclassmen) are so full of joy!

I was cracking up when I turned around during the group shot and saw this scene...haha!!

Our awesome school principal gave out awards to all the North students. He even gave both his welcome speech and farewell speech in English! Impressive.

Here's a group shot of all the North students and all of the Ichikashi class 3A students who hosted them.

What an awesome week! I love that this is my job and I get the opportunity to work with these students and staff. God is so good in how He works things out and sets up situations years and years in advance. Back in 2009 (and way before that when my mom practically ran the program!) when I was hosting a Japanese high school student from a city called Kashiwa...I would never have imagined I would be LIVING in Kashiwa one day and calling Kashiwa Municipal High School home. That's all God... and it's all for His glory. 

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL SANDWICH.

You may be wondering what I do in my free time here in Japan (as in the time I am not at school teaching) and the answer is simple - I hunt down new food spots to try. 

Thankfully, I live close to Tokyo which is one of - if not THEE - top culinary city in the world so exploring the vast array of food options is a never ending hobby of mine. I usually search the web for highly reviewed restaurants, or sift through instagram food pages to find beautiful looking creations that can be found in this city...and recently I stumbled upon one incredible looking sandwich...

After seeing a photo of a beautiful sandwich...I immediately knew I had to find the next free day in my calendar and go to the restaurant ASAP. The sandwich spot, King George, just so happened to be in Daikanyama aka one of my favorite neighborhoods of Tokyo so I gathered my two friends Yuki and Steph and made a day out of it.

BEHOLD. VEGETERIAN + TURKEY.
We got to the spot and saw a long line outside and knew it must be as good as the photos make it out to be...and even though there were 10 people in front of us, we got in pretty quickly (15 minutes). The interior is so cute...artsy cozy hipster vibe...we walked up to the third floor and sat at a nice  table and ordered right away. I got this BEAUTY which is the vegetarian + turkey on sesame bread. Not only did it look amazing...it also tasted BOMB!! 

Steph got the 8th avenue, which is also a fan favorite. The sandwiches were HUGE and filled you up to the brim making the 1500yen price not so bad. Also, we chatted with the owner who started the restaurant with her husband a few years ago. They are from Canada/Hawaii but now live in Tokyo and started the shop because they noticed a serious lack of good sandwiches in Tokyo...the American in me almost cried out of gratitude to them! 

After devouring that sandwich, we went walking around some of my favorite shops in Daikanyama. 

Coolest dude.

After meandering around Daikanyama we walked 10 minutes over to Naka-Meguro which is a hot spot for young working people and a cool place to get coffee and shop. 

Typical High School students and their uniforms (this was on a Saturday and they were still wearing them! Must have had a school event...) 

A lot of dramas (tv shows) are filmed in Naka-Meguro by the water and it is an ideal place for people to live (if you have a lot of money). 

We made a pit stop at Onibus coffee...a popular spot for coffee aficionados. Leave it to Tokyo to be home to some of the coolest coffee shops in the world. 

After a nice cup of coffee we headed to Traveler's factory (they also have a story in Narita airport) where they sell the cutest leather journals, pens, notecards, etc. After spending 30min browsing through all their goods, I finally bought a spiral notebook, a bookmark, and a few pens. This might be my new favorite store in Tokyo. 

In Japan, practically everyone hangs their clothes to dry. Although I have a two-in-one washer/dryer machine, I usually just use my washer and hang dry my clothes. The thing is, I am still a bit lazy and hang my clothes over my doorframe, or on my door handles haha so I greatly admire and respect people who take the time to hang their clothes properly. This apartment is probably home to an elderly couple but that is me just guessing based on their fashion style and immaculate pinning!! I aspire to be like them. 

I loved this grandpa just hanging out outside. 

As I mentioned before, Naka-Meguro is a popular location for a lot of Japanese dramas. There is a popular drama that airs on friday nights and one of the main characters is a chef at a restaurant...THIS restaurant to be exact! haha. We walked past it and recognized the long walkway leading to the front of the restaurant and had a slight freak out moment knowing that some famous Japanese actors have stood in this exact spot! lol. 

After coffee at Oni bus and shopping at Travelers, we walked back to Daikanyama to get the ever popular Paletas fruit popsicles. The line was out the door but it moved quickly. Now that the weather is warming up, it seems as if everyone wants their hands on some fresh fruit popsicles. These did not disappoint. 

So after a nice afternoon, Steph and I said bye to Yuki and headed to Suidobashi station where we met Ikeda sensei for a Tokyo Giants baseball game. Ikeda sensei has a relative who got us discounted tickets and he invited us to join him and his son Kai for our first Japanese baseball game! 

One obvious difference between American baseball games and Japanese baseball games is the FOOD. I am talking bento boxes, curry, yakisoba, karage (fried chicken), edemame, etc...not to mention 'beer girls' aka girls who run up and down the aisles with giant backpacks filled with beer refilling peoples' cups time after time. 

I've never been much of a baseball fan, but living in Japan has changed that a bit. Japanese people are serious about their baseball teams and games are really lively and fun. In this game, the Tokyo Giants played the Hanshin Tigers and were playing well the first few innings but then gave up 4 runs in one inning and 2 home runs in the 9th!! Basically, it ended in a blowout. 

Awesome plate of Karage and french fries!

Tokyo Dome is exactly that, a dome...making the weather next to perfect (no sweater needed, and not too hot either) and we had so much fun cheering on the teams and watching the many mascots dance around.

We took the train back to Kashiwa with Ikeda sensei and Kai, who conveniently live 5 minutes from where Steph and I live. We passed the time by playing Japanese word games and talking about Kai's school friends. Funny thing, the lady who sat next to us at the ball game thought Kai was a girl because of how cute he is! haha.

It was an awesome jam packed day in the city! Definitely going back to King George to try more of their sandwiches (and salads) and definitely going to another ball game soon! 

THE DREAM TEAM IN JAPAN.

People who happened to be in Tokyo last weekend:
Ant, my brother in law
Jose, Ant's friend
Kazue, Jose's fiance
Kevin, my friend from high school
Bryce, my cousin

Yes...true story. They all happened to be in Tokyo the same weekend and we all cruised around the city together on Saturday and then all went to church together on Sunday. It was such a random group and yet somehow it felt like we were all family. I love how that works! Here are some pics from our crazy day on Sat. 

Ant, Jose, and Jose's fiance Kazue took the shinkansen up from Osaka and our first stop in Tokyo was...TSUKIJI!

Tsukiji fish market (aka biggest fish market in the world) is moving locations at the end of this year..and although the new building will be cool and modern...there is something so intrinsically Japanese about the original spot. The wholesale side of things is like stepping into another world.

Rows and rows of vendors sell seafood at wholesale prices. The people work here have been at this for generations and they are definitely professionals in what they do. The stalls are all super old, there are holes all along the cobble stone flooring, there are stacks and stacks of boxes everywhere just waiting to fall over, it's chaotic, messy, smelly, and oozing with a kind of culture and tradition that can only be created after 80 years of fish selling.

*fun fact: the most expensive fish to ever be sold was at Tsukiji back in 2013. It was a 222kg blue fin tuna and it sold for 1.8 million. WHOA.  

One thing Tsukiji is iconic for (at least in my opinion) are these carts that the men drive around. I'm pretty sure at least 1 person gets their foot run over everyday by these things because the guys drive them extremely fast down the narrow rows of stalls moving boxes around all day. For tourists visiting Tsukiji...follow the guys driving 80mph in tiny carts and you know you're headed in the right direction. 

Tsukiji is just a hop skit and a jump over from Ginza, which was the next spot we hit up. Ginza is the Rodeo Drive of Tokyo and is home to one of the dopest stores ever - Dover Street Market. I had to take Ant here since he is a shoe and art aficionado. It is more art museum than clothing store and I get inspired every time I go there. You're not supposed to take pics of the art - I mean clothes - but I got this shot of a line of shoes that were a mere $250 a pair. 

On the weekends at around 12pm, the main street in Ginza is closed off to cars and then tables and chairs are brought out to experiences "hokoten" "pedestrian heaven" which is one of my favorite things in Tokyo. I was glad to have Ant there to be my model for the day lol! 

After shopping in Ginza we did something ridiculous...I wanted to try this Gyukatsu place in shibuya so we headed that direction and saw a long line wrapped around the corner and decided to join. I imagined it would take 1.5 hours or so to get through...BUT IT TOOK 4 HOURS. AM I INSANE!?? Ant is literally the chillest person ever so he was cool with it, but half way through the line I was like...is this the dumbest thing we have every done?? haha. Anyway, we finally got into the 9 person restaurant and payed $10 for some insanely good meat...but at the end of the day I concluded that no meal is worth 4 hours of time haha. But, my good friend Kevin met us in line and the three of us had a good time hanging out and awaiting our feast. It was definitely a meal to remember.  

After our meal, we headed to the scramble where we took some pics and then I took Ant and Kev to my favorite building in Shibuya - Hikarie! At the top you get a nice city view and a good cup of coffee. 

From Shibuya we walked over towards Omotesando area...and connecting the two neighborhoods is a street called Cat street. It was my first time there and we were joking that Kev knew Tokyo better than I did because he had been there before. 

That night we got crepes down Takeshita dori, met up with Bryce and hung out at Asakusa. It was a crazy day and we were full out exhausted when we got back home...but it was worth it! 

There was a moment on the train to Asakusa when I looked down the row of seats and there was my bro-in-law, Jose, Kazua, Kevin, Bryce, and my coworkers Steph...and I just had to laugh at the randomness of it all. Traveling is cool like that...you could be in a foreign country thousands of miles from home but it has a way of making bridges and connecting you to people in a way otherwise impossible.