Tokyo's Trains and angels

I just spent 5 hours on the train system of Tokyo going to and from tutoring a little girl for an hour lesson. Something definitely wrong with that ratio. The good thing was, I am so proud of my tech savy skills. I got lost a number of times and used my google map to locate myself and which train line to connect with. I also happened upon several very sweet Japanese girls who helped me in their broken English. Lesson learned: we are all in this world to touch each other's lives, we can help others no matter where or in what language. A smile and a look of "where am I" and a silent prayer is answered immediately by a loving Father who really cared about me today. Life's journey is a series of missed connections and going the wrong way, either by choice or accident. There are throngs of angels out there willing to gently nudge us back onto the right train. Lovely lesson learned today.

Mac's demise

My Mac met it's demise yesterday. Sad, but true. The journey to buy a new computer started at 6:30 p.m. and ended at 10:00 p.m. I had to take the train to Shibuya. Only 5 stops from Yoga. Okay. No biggie. Getting lost in Shibuya! Ha, I took the Hacthiko exit and came out right where I wanted to be, and I headed in the direction I was sure was right. It wasn't exactly...but after wondering around for about half and hour, I finally used my cell-phone's GPS and tracked down the store. I had been oh, so close. I met a friendly salesman that knew English!! (God bless Apple Employees that speak my language). I picked out my new MacBook Pro, got an Educator's discount (score another Apple point) and then I went to pay for it. I had informed my Credit Card company of my impending purchase, but alas, they didn't believe me. So, I had to transfer funds from my savings acct. to my checking and was able to use my acct. to purchase this marvelous invention.  It only took 3 phone calls, waiting on hold with lovely music for about an hour. The salesman was very courteous and patient. Finally, success. Then another employee, a sweet girl (who also speaks English) helped me set up my computer. I walked happily out of the store, back to the station and rode the train home. I nice guy let me sit on the train, (not easily done) and then I stayed up til about 2 a.m. fiddling around with my new toy, er, I mean work laptop. I desperately needed it, for tutoring my 3 students and then for Teaching Seminary and for producing the weekly Sunday Bulletin. Yay for me, Yay for Apple!!!

Time is a funny thing. It sometimes passes so quickly, you can hardly catch your breath and often comment, "where did the time go?' Other times, it drags it's feet as if stuck in a quagmire. You think, "wow, will this day ever end?" As a teacher, I mark time by school years. I break that down into events that happen within a given time frame. When I taught First Grade, I marked time by major holidays or seasonal happenings. Now, teaching 4th Graders, it's different. More like from Unit test to Unit test, report card grading period. But, still, overall, it's by the school year. This one has passed very quickly, yet it seems like an age ago I landed in Tokyo to start my new life. It's kind of an puzzlement. Here it is, only 6.5 weeks left 'til June 9 when the school year officially ends. Only that much time left to cram everything in that I wanted to cover. Only that much time until my fabulous brother leaves for the States for good, he's retiring. It has been such a blessing to be spending this time with him. He's always been a huge fan of mine. He's always cheered me on and was there for me during some pretty rough years after John died. He would call me every Friday night without fail for 5 years. We landed in Tokyo in August. He showed me around my new neighborhood of Yoga. He showed me the train system, where to find food, shop, how to figure out Yen. We went on great weekend outings to Kamakura, Yokahama, a million (almost) Buddhist Shrines and Temples. He showed me the Hard Rock Cafe, Hobgobblins, Roppongi, Shabuya, and a bunch of other sites every tourist must see. We have traveled either by train or on foot to school and home daily. We've dashed into 7-11 or Fuji for a snack, or for lunch or for a Diet Pepsi. We have stopped at McDonald's and eaten an ice cream cone and watched the people passing by. We have eaten a whole dinner and claimed we just stopped in for snack. We have gone to Ali Babba's for yummy curry. At school, he has introduced me to so many people who adore him. He always has a smile on his face, the boys will yell, "Hey, Mr. Johnson" as we go down the hill to catch the train at the Eki. He showed me where to eat lunch, how to find things and tricks to make my life easier at St. Mary's. He's let the missionaries come to my apt. and he's sat in and listen to their message. He'll always listen to me, when I am happy, sad, angry, frustrated, whatever. He'll give me words of encouragement, cheer me on and let me know he believes in me. He'll tell me endless stories, give me morsels of advice, or just entertain me with pearls of wisdom. He'll advise me, to always have an umbrella or two at school and the same at home. You never know. So, as time winds down, and he gets ready to leave, I will miss him terribly. I couldn't have made it here without him. Sure, I could have, but not nearly as easily, it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun. Looking down the road, as I continue living here, a part of him will remain. I'll conjure up a memory or two at unexpected moments and smile. He gets to go home. He gets to retire and enjoy McCall and Dad and Kent and look forward to more adventures. I'll get to go visit and catch up with him. I'll get to listen to his laugh and his great words of advice, mingled in with his stories. Time, it's getting away from me, yet it's here and now. I don't want to miss a minute of it.

A Difference a Year Makes!

Wow, I forgot, or more honestly, neglected this blog because I was distracted by life. I ended my teaching career in Idaho, spent the summer getting ready for Kasen and Jenn's wedding, and my move to Japan to teach in August. Thus is goes. My life here is so simple. I have a tiny, yet efficient apt. 2 doors down from my brother Mike and Pat. It is in a quiet part of Tokyo called Yoga, in Setagaya-ku. It is one train stop away from my school, sans a 10 minute walk up a monster hill. Teaching in an all boys school is a delight. No, really, I love it. They are great boys, try hard, work hard, well behaved, a Teacher's dream. My transition to this new life has been seamless, with Mikes'help. My experience with the Branch has been sweet, just what I needed. The Lord has put people in my path that have been helpful, caring and nurturing. I love those who are in my life. Pres. Nagano has listened to me and my story and has been with me every step of the way. May 13 will be my date of renewal. My Temple recommend renewal. It's been a long year, but worth the journey and wait. I have come to know my Savoir well. I have cried a mighty river of tears. I have felt the Savior wrap his arms around me. I have felt the comfort of the Holy Ghost. I have felt the understanding of a Loving Father in Heaven. Blessings abound. Life is sweet. I am at peace.

Cardigan in Raspberry Sherbet

My darling children gave me knitting lesson for Christmas. I have been knitting for 45 years off and on, mostly on for the last 6 years. I have knitted miles and miles of scarves, and afghans. Then I got brave and figured out how to read a pattern and make baby sweaters. I expanded my horizons and made a pair of socks, some hats and hand warmers. I also have become a yarn snob, and a needle snob. It is true. Good yarn does make a difference, and needles are a valuable tool. I love my Harmony wood needles.
So, I arrived at my knitting lesson at the Fuzz shop and met Libby, who happens to be a good friend of my kids. She is adorable. Early 20's and bubbly. We had a blast figuring out what kind of sweater I am going to make to fit ME!! I decided on a cardigan with a lacy pattern and 3 quarter length sleeves. I picked out some scrumptious alpaca, silk blend yarn called raspberry sherbet. Yum. It looks as good and it's name and is knitting up so lovely. I have knitting homework! I have 2 weeks to knit up to my armpits. (I told Libby that that sounded like a good country western song title). My next session I will learn how to fashion the top and sleeves, then I will have another 2 weeks to work on that part, the 3rd session I am putting on the finishing touches. I am way excited to get this done. I rush home from teaching school so I can knit. I knit in the morning before school. I resent it when I have an interruption, like making dinner! This sweater is taking on a life of it's own. Watch for pictures to follow!

Thanfuls

I have lots of thankfuls this year. Kasen is home for the first time in two years, Steven is living with me this year while he student teaches, Anne is off on her own adventure in Kazahkstan. We are all well and healthy. We get to spend the day with my Dad in McCall where the snow is deep, temperatures cold, but the hearth and hearts are warm.
Thankful, also for a healthy attitude and outlook on life. I was able to lose 51 lbs and regain some energy and a healthier lifestyle. Living with less stress and being able to do my job at school has been an incredible blessing. Anne will join us for Christmas in a few weeks. This year will end happily and set up 2011 quite nicely. The best is yet to come!

The Burden of a Sigh

145 Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire : 2 — Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye
When none but God is near.
I was singing this song in Sacrament meeting recently. This particular verse spoke to me clearly, that when I am too tired or weak to pray formally, my sighs and tears have been acknowledged as prayers. How dear these penned words are to me. It is a miracle and blessing to know that my burdens have been carried by my Savior, that my sighs are less frequent and deep. My tears are now more tears of joy than sorrows. Yet, those tears are prayers as well. My Savior has held me closely, has caught my tears in his hands and has comforted me and given me the peace and serenity I so desperately needed. I give thanks to Him daily in both word and deed, sighs and tears.