Konbanwa (good evening),

 

It's pretty late on Wednesday evening.  We had a very busy day today.  We visited Ysunishi Elementary School.  We started the day in front of the school saying good morning (Ohiyo gozaimasu) to children as they arrived at school.  They were pretty surprised to see us.  Some of them were very shy but many of them came up and shook our hands and said hello.  The first part of the day was a whole school assembly where we were welcomed as honored guests.  We all introduced ourselves and then the students sang, played instruments and gave speeches in our honor.  The first graders gave each of us a gift bag.  Mine has a game called "Big Mouth Ghost".  It's a game made with origami.  I can't wait to show you how to play it and how to make it!

 

I visited a 6th grade English class, a 3rd grade calligraphy class and a 6th grade math class.  I also had lunch with a 6th grade class and got a tour of the school from 2 6th grade girls. I got to be captain of a 6th grade team when we played an English language vocabulary game.

 

We also had a long visit with the principal and vice-principal and got to play with kids at recess.  School started at 8:00 and ended at 4:00 so it was a long and busy day.  Spending time with all those boys and girls made me miss you even more.

 

I have added new photos to my website but I'm about 1 1/2 days behind in my posting.  Days are so full that it's hard to squeeze everything in.  I'll keep adding photos as quickly as I can.  Thank you for all your comments on my blog.  I am having a great time.  Tommy, the fish are so white because they are frozen.  Wyatt, the fish tastes fresh, sweet and yummy.  Abby, Jack and Adaira, I am definitely having a good time.  Sam, I hung our cranes at the Childrens' Memorial in the Peace Park.  If I haven't answered you all, I will try to respond in my next post.

 

I think of you all often and miss you.

 

love,

Mrs. Calkins