Liｌｙ's Journal
Lily has arrived at Kagoshima airport safe and sound. After long flights, her journey towards cultural encounters has just begun!
12月2日 Lilyは無事、鹿児島空港へ到着しました。12月15日までの約2週間、鹿児島県に滞在し、日本の家庭生活や学校生活を体験します。
| December 14, 2019 | Today was Saturday. It was an amazing last day. Sad, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. School was short today, only three classes long. I gave a short speech to the teachers, which was really hard because right before, the principal gave a speech about how they were so happy to have me. I was sobbing by the end of my speech. After that, I went over the intercom and said a goodbye to the whole school. I didn’t cry during this one, luckily. At the end of the day, my homework class has a goodbye ceremony. They gave me a letter, which my good friend Saki wrote, they gave me a signed board with little messages from each student, and my teacher, Ms. Matsunaga, gave me a gift as well. I was sobbing again! I took pictures with the students and gave many many hugs. It was so sad to say goodbye! By the end, many students were in tears as well. After school, Hima, some friends and I went to a restaurant. I had to say goodbye to two great friends there, then we went home. We took pictures, danced in the street, and picked up another friend. When we got back to the house, some more friends that I didn’t get to say goodbye to showed up. I had been sad that I didn’t get to say goodbye, but Hima surprised me by inviting them for dinner! We had a great dinner, watched Frozen, sang songs and played card games. I had an incredible time! I was crying when we had to say goodbye. I don’t want to go tomorrow! |
| December 13, 2019 | Today was Friday. I had a busy day today! In the morning, I went to English class at the High School. We sat down and talked about how teenage culture was different in America and Japan. It was so interesting, because that isn’t something I’ve ever learned about. I loved talking to the students, and even though I have only spent a few classes with them, I don’t want to say goodbye! In science, we were experimenting with static. It was so fun! After class the teacher gave me the feedback of all the students on my weather presentation. They had assembled it in a little folder with pictures and everything. So sweet! I had lunch with my class for the last time, and after lunch I hung out with my host sister. We walked around with her friends, and I got people’s signatures in my notebook. I got to talk with teachers and students, and lots of students weren’t shy at all anymore. It was sweet to see them open up to me overtime. We cleaned and sang Christmas music. Then we walked home with more friends I am so sad that tomorrow is my last day! |
| December 12, 2019 | Today was a beautiful day! It was windy, but the sky was gorgeous. We walked to school, and I found that it’s been getting easier and easier to communicate. It’s funny, I find myself speaking much differently that when I first arrived. Now I will automatically use as few words in sentences as possible, or all nouns, even when I’m talking to someone who is a native English speaker (some of the language teachers in the school). That being said, we have found ways to communicate, through gestures and sounds and piecing together English and Japanese. It’s not only very entertaining for everyone involved, but also incredibly rewarding once we finally understand each other. Today I had four English classes! After Judo and Social Studies, I went to my host brother’s English class. We played Jeopardy, and I both played on a team and also asked questions about myself (“Lily” was one of the categories - I asked simple questions in English and the students had to figure out the answers). After my host brother’s class, I also got to go to my host sister’s English class. She is two grades above her brother, so the English was harder. Four of us (three English teachers and I) pretended to be lost, and the students had to go around and give us each direction in English with the help of a map. It was a very creative activity, and it was a good way to be able to talk with each student. At lunch, I went to my host brother’s class to eat. This was the first lunch that I really had an ongoing conversation in English, and that was surprising to me because this is a younger class. After lunch was break. I went into a classroom with the Language teachers from before (these are teachers who are native English speakers, and they travel to different schools to teach) We had students come in and ask us all sorts of questions. A whole wave of students came in asking for all of us to sign their folders and notebooks. It was very sweet, and I unfortunately didn’t have any paper on me, but I want to get signatures of my new friends before I go, too. After that, I had two more English classes, both with my homeroom. The first class was spent playing Jeopardy again, and in the second we made speeches about our hometowns. I love listening to the students speak English. It makes me so proud, even though I had no part in teaching them. After school, we went to my host sister’s friend’s house. We played guitar and piano, and just talked. There was a full moon, and it was absolutely gorgeous! I love it here. It feels like these two weeks have passed in the blink of an eye. I don’t want to have to say goodby yet! |
| December 11, 2019 | Today was a great day! I seem to say that everyday, and I’m so thankful that I’m having such an amazing time. Today was a busy day (in a good way)! During second period, I went to the Judo Gym with the girls in my grade. We put on Judo clothes, and practiced falling safely. It was very cool! The teacher used a giant stuffed animal as a dummy, and it was quite entertaining. In fourth period, I got to go back to the High school for a little bit. I visited the Home Economics class, where they had made a meal of beef and mushrooms with soup. They also made little cakes! I got to try a cake, and it was delicious! It makes me wish our school had Home Ec. After that was lunch. I visited my host brother’s class for lunch today. They we very sweet and welcoming, and they asked me all sorts of questions about food at home and in Japan, what sports I played, and many other things. After lunch, I was able to visit the High School for a while class. I made friends with one of the Alternative Language Teachers, am English teacher from Canada. She will be coming to the Junior High school tomorrow, and I’m excited to see her and talk with her again. She brought me to what she calls her English “Superclass” which had about 10 kids in it. They were all very friendly, and spoke better English than I had expected. I introduced myself in English, and they each did as well. The class was very fun, and a great opportunity for me to really talk with students about the smaller differences in our cultures. I had a great time, and hopefully I will be able to see the class again on Friday. In science, it was my turn to give a presentation (in English) on what we had been learning. It was fun, and short and easy English, so I wasn’t too worried. All the students are so supportive! During every person’s presentations, we each give feedback, and for my presentation, they wrote feedback in English. The science teacher said I will get the feedback on Friday. I can’t wait to see what the students have written! After school, my host sister and I went to a clothes shop near the house. I got Christmas presents for some friends at home, and I also got gifts for each of the members of my host family. They all loved them! It made me so happy. I’m so sad that I only have three full days left. I don’t want to leave! |
| December 10, 2019 | Today was so much fun! We walked to school. It was very warm today (the students thought it was cold but it was much warmer than winter at home, so I was happy). We started the day going to the Judo gym with the rest of the grade. We had announcements, and my homeroom teacher asked me to speak to the students. My English teacher translated very well. Personally, and not something I was expecting, I think I’ve gotten a lot more comfortable speaking in front of a lot of people from this trip, and I’m happy about that as well. After the meeting, we went to Japanese class We did Japanese calligraphy with brushes and ink. I got to try it out! It was hard, but very satisfying. The students were all very comfortable with the brush, and it was very cool to watch them write. Later, we had art. We are doing the same thing as last time, imitating sculptures in brass. It is very fun to do, and while at first it didn’t seem like it would work, I’m happy with how it’s coming along. All of the students seem very talented, and they all take it seriously, which I admire. Next, I went with the principal and social studies teacher to a kindergarten not far from the junior high school. My host sister’s class was working with little kids, and it was totally adorable! The kids were very surprised to see me (they can immediately tell I look different), and some were shy, but some were friendly and gave high fives. Adorable! I had lunch with my host sister again, and after lunch we sat outside and hung out. Then, the principal took me to the High School, which is right next-door to the junior high school. I got a quick look around with the principal of the High school. I’m going again tomorrow! When I got back, I got a chance to talk to some of the teachers in the teachers room. They were looking at the MNCC website and asking me questions about the pictures and entries. For dinner today we went out to a restaurant that is famous for its shrimp tempura. It was delicious! We went to the store, and my host family got me nice stationary. I love stationary! My host family has been so kind and generous, and I’m so sad that I only get to spend a few more days with them. (*From yesterday’s entry, I meant Yasuko, not Yumeka! I apologize - so many names to remember!!) |
| December 9, 2019 | Today is Monday. Back to school! We slept in a bit later than usual today so we had a late start, but we didn’t walk with the friend we usually do, so we went straight to the school. Today we had presentations in Science class about weather in Kagoshima. On Wednesday, my teacher wants me to give a short presentation in English on the material. Hima is going to teach me the material! Afterwards, we had Home Economics. At my school at home we don’t have Home Economics class, so this was very nice. We made a vegetable soup, sprouts and pork. I like cooking a lot, and it was so interesting to do when the instructions were in a different language! The students in my group were very good at communicating through short words and gestures, and we had to laugh every once in a while at the difficulty and entertainment of trying to talk in this way. For lunch, I ate with Hima and her class. They are a grade above my homeroom, but the students in that class are the same age as I am. Many of the students in the class I had not spoken to yet, and they had noticeably better English speaking skills than the grade below, I found. Yumeka, a woman from MNC, came to the school to take pictures. I also met for the first time one of the assistant English teachers who is from Canada. It was weird talking to someone who’s accent was the same as my own. We walked around, and I got to meet many more students from the new classes. We had a free study class in the afternoon, and I worked on homework from my school at home. I can’t believe it’s already been a week here, and I only have five more days before I have to say goodbye to this amazing city, the school, and all the wonderful friends I’ve made so far. I’m not ready to leave just yet! I can’t wait to go back tomorrow! |
| December 8, 2019 | Today was Sunday. Back to school tomorrow! At 9:00, we went to a hair salon and got our hair done with flowers and braids. We then went to get kimonos. We got to pick out each part, and I got the kimono as a souvenir afterwards. We went into Samurai houses and took pictures, and we did “Bukiashki.” I got to hold a Samurai sword! When we left, we went back to the same temple as yesterday and took pictures. We then went to take off our kimonos. We came home for a bit, then went shopping. It was a long drive, and we listened to music, seeing if we knew the songs each person was playing. Shopping was fun! We drove home after two hours of shopping, and we are about to eat dinner! I had so much fun this weekend, and I’m excited to go back to school and see everyone! |
| December 7, 2019 | Today was the first day out of school, and it was a lot of fun! I met my friend Saki at the game center while Hima was at “cram school.” We took photos in the photo booth, then went to get clothes. We got noodles for lunch, went to a shrine (where we got fortunes), and picked oranges. Then we went to karaoke. Karaoke was so much fun! At home, karaoke is a little machine that we use at home. Karaoke here is an individual room with a tv! I had so much fun today! |
| December 6, 2019 | Today was a great day! It was the
last day of school for the week, so we didn’t have our last
two classes. Instead, a magician came to the school and
performed for the students. It was my friend Ami’s birthday
today, so I made her a birthday card. She loved it! She made me
a thank you card, and when she gave it to me she started crying,
because she was sad I was leaving in a week. That made me sad,
but it also warmed my heart that I had made such good friends
already. In Japanese class, we did Japanese calligraphy. We had
to copy symbols down. It was hard for me, but fun to see it all
done! In English I wrote about my hometown, Kittery. The teacher
speaks very good English. Also, next week, my homeroom teacher
is bringing me to my host brother and sister’s English class.
Many more students are talking to me now instead of just waving
and running away, and I’m so excited to keep meeting people
and making friends. Tonight, we are eating McDonalds and
watching Avengers. In lunch today, we had Indian food, which
surprised me! I love Indian food. I’m having so much fun!
Thank you! |
| December 5, 2019 | Today was very fun! We walked to school again today, and I met another of Hima’s friends, Honoka. The girls at the school are getting more and more comfortable with me, and many are coming up to talk to me. The boys still are shy, but many will shout and wave when they see me. Everyone is so nice! We had two PE classes today, one for Health and one for Gym. In health we watched a slideshow and videos about giving first aid, and Daiki and I drew swords and shields and other things on our paper. He is very shy and doesn’t speak much English, but this was a good way of connecting with him. In English class we listened to a story about a boy being afraid of donuts. The teacher is very good at speaking English, and his accent isn’t very strong. That is a fun class for me because I get to hear even the more shy students speak in English. Lunch was very good. It was a stew, and it reminded me of clam chowder from home. All the meals have been very good! After lunch we went outside and took more pictures. Many students were excited to pose for pictures. I am making many close friends, and I am so excited that it’s only the fourth day. I still have more than a week! |
| December 4, 2019 | Today was very fun! We got up and got ready for school. Today I had PE, so I
wore gym clothes under my uniform. We walked to school and met Hima’s
friend Rinka again. The sky was very pretty, and we saw their cat sitting on
a bike outside. At school, I had the same classes except today we didn’t have art, and I had PE and science. All of the students were very friendly, and my goal of making good friends at school is going very well. Some students are very shy, but many still do their best to introduce themselves in English. Also, today I learned some new words in Japanese. It is great to see the students’ reactions when I use Japanese words. During break, some friends and I walked around the school to take pictures, and I got to say hello to many new students I hadn’t met yet. Then we swept outside. Many teachers also came to speak to me in English. Many speak very good English! After school, Hima, Rinka, Hinata I walked home. Later, went to get “revolving sushi.” It was very good! I had a great day today! |
| December 3, 2019 | Today was my first day going to Komenotsu Junior High School. I was nervous to start out, but it was a really fun experience, and I can't wait for tomorrow! We started the day off by eating breakfast, and I got to wear the school uniform. We walked to school from my host family's house, and met Hima's friend on the way. The walk was only a few minutes, and it is a very pretty area, with mountains and trees all around. When we got to the school, I met with the Principal and my homeroom teacher. After that, we went to the gym, where all of the students were sitting. The Principal introduced me in Japanese, and then I introduced myself in English. It went well, although I was nervous to talk in front of all these students. After that, two students, Saki and Airi, walked me to our homeroom. All of the students were very very friendly, and they all tried their best to introduce themselves to me in English. We had classes in Japanese, Social Studies, Mathematics, Art, and English. While I wasn't able to do much during the Japanese class, I had fun participating in the activities I could in the other classes. I helped out to sweep and played volleyball with some students I had met. After school, Hima, some of her friends, Rinka, Rin, and I walked home. Hima and I relaxed in the house and watched The Secret Life of Pets. We had dinner with one of Koto's friends, Yoshi, and watched Frozen. I had a fun day, and I'm excited to go back to school tomorrow! |
| December 2, 2019 | Today was quite the adventure! It was a lot of change, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone. I am nervous, but very excited as well! After disembarking from the last plane, I, along with the two girls who had also been chosen, Tania and Liana, went stood in the customs line. When the door to the room opened, I looked and saw my host parents waiting for me with a big sign that read "WELCOME LILY!" At which point we both frantically started waving at each other. After a first introductions and lots of pictures, we started making our way to my hosts' home. The drive was gorgeous, with mountains and fields and trees all around. We hung out at the house for a little while, then drove to the Junior High School, where I first got to meet Hima and Koto, my host sister and brother who both go to the Junior High School. First I had a quick conversation with the Principal, who mentioned that I am going to introduce myself to the school at an assembly tomorrow morning. Hima and her friends showed me around a bit, and I got to see students playing sports and working in classrooms. We drove to an Elementary school, where we picked up Moko, my other host sister. We picked up my uniform for tomorrow, went to the convenience store, and ate dinner. I was very tired today, but I am excited to be able to do more things with my host family, and although I am nervous to go to school, I am very excited. |
| リリーの写真 Lily's Photo album |