Dazaifu, Day 17 - School times

We have had more rain in the past week, and this morning it even rained during the greeting time. The principal told me to grab any available umbrella, and we managed to say good morning to nearly all of the students.

It's still far too dry in some parts of Japan; there have even been discussions about water rationing because of the shortage of rain and the unusual heat. Conversely, other parts have had far too much water; Kanazawa, in Ishikawa (near Komatsu, where I was two years ago), has had at least one day of localized flooding because of too much rain.

I am having fun at lunch time - sometimes one of the English teachers can come with me, and sometimes they are busy, but I go ahead and eat and try a little bit of conversation with the students. While many of them are still rather shy, there are more and more students who are willing to try some basic English conversation (usually an introduction, and a question about music or sports activities that are favorites). Once the students find out that I don't 'grade' them on their speech, they are far more interested in giving it a try, which is the most important part.

I have finally got enough pictures put together (and, more importantly, sized correctly) to create some Powerpoint presentations about Jefferson MS and our spring BUGS collection. Now we just have to find a good time to show them to students here at Gakugyoin JHS.

Tomorrow and Wednesday will be different; both days are labeled as "job experience with students", and, as of right now, I have no idea what to expect. I've been told it's something that all of the junior high students do during this part of the school year, so it should be interesting.

More later....