a thousand blue fish

I know that I have been scarce and, to be honest I have very good reason.  Our laptop is still...well...sad and though I am uber blessed to have a spiffy iPhone 4S blogging from it is not the most fun thing I could be doing. My darling hubs thought it would be best we took a chance and set up the laptop, I think I was starting to worry him.  Creatively, except for Instagram, I am suffering just a tad.  So here I am doing what I love best, blogging. (And now I am sitting here wondering what to blog about.  And my darling hubs has music on that is only distracting me more) About a week ago, while at the park with my class, it suddenly dawned on me that we live in Japan.  We have moved out of the newness feel and are settled.  Our days are filled with children, ours and other peoples, grocery store visits, bicycle rides, runs, moments lost staring out of the window and laundry.  We are happy, happier than I would have thought possible two m...

Last night we lost Alexander while shopping.  We'd actually gone to look for a blanket for bicycle rides and he was really excited.  We'd also allowed him to walk beside us not attached to us.  Being 2 he abused this privilege and bolted.  I don't know why we took so long to register that we couldn't see him or why nobody paid us any attention when we started screaming his name.  Last night I'm sure I became the crazy gajin (foreigner) ranting.  Imagine the scene: I'm dressed like a ... I don't know-someone who didn't go to fashion school... and my eyes are already red and swollen from crying (another tale for another time.)  Bebe calmly perched on my hip, didn't even peep.  Emiel had the sense to remember that Alexander had wanted to go downstairs and went to look for him.  Alexander had taken himself down the escalators (I hated the stupid moving stairs before now I have even more yucky emotion towards them).  A woman on the basement ...

On Friday we became bicycle people and joined the masses of other bicycle people in Japan.  The bicycles were a gift from the mother of a child in my class.  She also goes to the church we go to.  She was so sweet about it and so used by God.  You see that morning as I'd walked to school I'd told my Daddy God that birthdays have away of making me sad.  I got a bit disappointed when I found out my birthday and Alexander's wasn't go to be going the way we'd planned. My last year behavior would have had me sulking and moaning and just generally a big old emotional wreck.  (I know why, and I'm working on it.) But on that Friday morning I told my Daddy God that I know He loves me and that He knows me and that I was going to sort my attitude out.  This was while I was rushing to school after waking up late.  I was also carrying Alexander who was cold and his leg was sore and he couldn't walk and I don't know what else that only happens when walking to o...

On Saturday we walked to Diamond City (its a mall) which is about 40mins walk away. It was raining but we had a goal.  We were off to buy a kitchen... for our children.  For the first time in their lives we can buy them toys. God has turned things upside down for us and we are feeling that refreshing feeling of rain on dry land.  In other ways we're still a bit confused. The kitchen was an incredible privilege.  We are able to buy our children presents, buy food, eat out, save and pay our bills all in the same month.  I so believe this is a reflection of "and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28. We've allowed and said yes, to God cutting, pruning, chopping, we've fallen at His feet and now He is just loving on us in a most amazing way. Thank you Lord. Much love Philippa

Shoes have to be left at the door.  In this pic Alexander is trying on his new shoes. we left them with all the other shoes and told him to tidy the shoes.  Way cool! And a bit big! I am the man! My attempt at obento the Japanese way of packing school lunches.  Heck, mum's who want to complain about lack  of ideas should try walk in my shoes. Bebe stuffing her face with a segment! of a mikon (I think that's what its called-Japanese orange) I am utterly exhausted.  My body is aching just a wee bit and my eyes are just that bit sore.  It was a surprisingly long day with my class behaving something like little hooligans.  Alexander was really, really awful. He was up at 5:30 which affected the way he responded to me which is a tad awkward as I am his teacher..  I don't think his little system understands the long days.  Have I mentioned I am teaching a kindergarten class?  I probably have but I can't reme...

We are completely overwhelmed by all of the treats and yummy things we walk by every day. The Japanese really seem to love their sweet stuff.  It has really not helped that fruit and vegetable are pricey, meat is not and the deli food tastes better than my cooking at the moment.  Aagh !!!! I could really pull my hair out!  My children were eating so well! My husband was eating so well!  Aagh!!!! The truth is I cannot understand a word written on the labels of any product in any of the stores.  We're also waiting to pick up our Alien Cards, then we can open up a bank account and then get a credit card.  We've never wanted to do that but for our particular needs online shopping is a necessity. Tomorrow marks two weeks in Japan!  We have gone through a whole range of emotions, many of them calling us home to the freedom and space and familiarity of South Africa, but more importantly to the warmth and comfort of family.  Friends, we miss you to...