June Update

Yesterday the 2nd year junior high students were sculpting clay models of their peers' faces. It was really interesting to watch. As artists, it was like each student became a god who could sculpt his/her own beings with his/her own hands.


June is here and it's getting hot. It's also getting to be time for me to leave soon, although it doesn't feel that way. Each day fewer means that each remaining day feels like it holds more possibilities for living and enjoying my life here. As the days pass I take less and less for granted.

And soon I will be drafting my farewell speeches, of which there are two or three. I am tempted to say "I really don't want to leave," but don't know what kind of reaction this might invoke.

The truth is that I really don't want to leave, although I know it's probably best that I do... But the heart and the mind rarely sing in unison. The trouble is that even my mind is a little confused about this decision. The bottom line, however, is that I have no choice in the matter; to stay or leave was a decision made in Februrary.

Today I was teaching the toddlers at the nursery school. They are more adorable than ever and growing up fast! One of them, who reminds me of my childhood friend Yoni, exclaimed "I want to eat vegetables, I want to eat tomatoes" after he had already finished his boiled cabbage and mini-tomato during lunch. So I decided to carefully, secretly pass one of my tomatoes to his dish. About ten minutes later it had disappeared from his plate. The tomatoes of Kyushu are outstanding. So are the restaurants! And affordable! Ahh!

Also I happened to glance down at my feet today and notice how awkward those body parts really are. It became apparent to me, more than ever, that feet haven't always been used to hold us upright - we humans have such an awkward posture; I mean, have you ever tried to stand up for three hours straight without walking or sitting? It's really hard. From time to time I can see the humanity beneath the surface of a dominating social reality; it's bizarre to say the least.

Oh yeah, I haven't forgotten about my new project; I am actually in the process of designing a website for it.