a thousand blue fish

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 had been planning to take a trip to Umeda, Osaka all week.  It was to be this great adventure as 1. it would be all aboard a train and 2. it was seeing something new.  Alexander was so excited to take his first train ride, but was also exhausted from his first week at school.  I am so impressed by how my little man has grown and is constantly improving.   We arrived at our local station around 10, but ended up spending 25mins trying to figure out how to buy tickets. We managed to get on the train, all a bit weary.  The trip was around twenty minutes, it could have been longer, or shorter for that matter.  There were loads of stops and people getting on and off and it was really quiet.  Alexander and BeBe always get some attention from strangers, but this was even done in hushed tones. It freaks me out, the quieter the surroundings the more I shush my children who probably don't need quite so much shushing.  ...