yesterday we visited a local junior high school called kawakami jr. high where we visited several classrooms and met to talk, sing, and play a few games with students. it was fun and everyone acted like it was a REALLY big deal that we had come to visit. nevertheless they were kind and helpful and many of the students spoke a little english (they all must go to english class, as well as japanese class, everyday) so we were able to communicate some; my trusty phrasebook came in handy once again, however. it was sure nice to see and talk with kids again... so many adults on this trip, talking, talking, talking... it was fun to laugh again!

today, in about an hour, i leave the hotel i am staying in to go and spend a night in the ishida's home. i am quite nervous about staying in their house, but when i met them last night they were all very nice. the older daughter, eriko, goes to the jr. high i visited today and saw me there when i was visiting classes... she wondered if i was the person who would stay in their home... isn't that a funny coincidence... i don't know what we will do together, but since they lived in canada for a little over four years, all but the youngest child, kei-kei, can speak english quite well... i think i am quite fortunate in this regard... many fmfers are with families where no one speaks english... imagine that experience... whew... scary.

i had sushi from a convenience store for thanksgiving dinner... i almost forgot it was thanksgiving day... and the sushi was REALLY awful... sad, huh.

just about a week to go... i have had a fantastic time so far... i hope you've enjoyed keeping up with me here and on the photo pages everyday... please continue to send emails with your questions... reading your words makes me feel closer to home.