I made it!

I am in Japan...pretty crazy!!! I think I just might love it here! So, my flights weren't bad, just long. I'm so thankful that I got on all of them and made it to Okinawa with all of my luggage. (Last year, when I went to England, I was without a suitcase for 3 days!) First, I flew to Atlanta, then Tokyo, then Okinawa. Once in Atlanta, I didn't have much time in between flights and went right from one plane to another. When I got into Tokyo, I actually had to take a bus to another airport. I was a little nervous that I wouldn't have enough time and made it to the airport 20 minutes before my flight was scheduled to leave. Then, to make things worse, they made me check my violin because they said it wouldn't fit above the seats. I was so annoyed when I boarded the plane and saw that it was huge and there was plenty of room...I just about lost it right there. I told the flight attendants what happened and they felt really bad. The entire flight I was so worried about it and think I would have had a heart attack if anything had happened to it. Anyway, it arrived safe and sound; thank goodness! The other bad thing was that the day before I left, I couldn't stop sneezing and my nose was a faucet that would not stop. Then, with perfect timing, of course, I was extremely congested the entire way here. Let me just tell you that flying and congestion do not go well together. At times, I could hardly hear anything and my head felt like it was going to explode! Not fun! Anyway, I made it in one piece! I don't feel too tired; I slept really well last night, but completely out of it. I think the best way to describe it would be like being hung over. (Like I know what that feels like! It's only a guess!) Anyway, it's a weird feeling to have your nights become days and vice versa!

I am staying with a family whose twin daughters took lessons from me in IL a couple of years ago. They are nine now and the cutest! Their dad is in the air force and was stationed in Okinawa soon after I began teaching them. Their apartment is on the 6th floor of a building up on a hill; the view is amazing! My room overlooks houses below, hills in the distance, and the ocean! It is absolutely incredible! It's muggy and cloudy right now, but I think it will be even more beautiful when the sun is out! I will post pictures soon!

I'm going to be helping the sensei 3 days a week and tagging along with Kaylyn (the mom) while she teaches English at the girls' Japanese school a couple days a week. I think it will be fascinating to learn of their culture. The rest of the time will be spent exploring, shopping, eating, and relaxing. Next weekend, we are going camping and hiking up to some waterfalls. I'm also excited for snorkeling and spending lots of time on the beach! I don't think I'll ever be ready to leave!

Summer time!

So, I have officially finished my first year of teaching here...I can't believe it! Seems like just yesterday that I was setting up my classroom! I am actually really going to miss my students over the summer. It makes me sad to see everyone go. But, I'm so excited for this summer! I'm taking off for Japan early tomorrow morning and will be back in about a month. I'll have regular access to email there, so I'll try and keep everyone posted. Have a great summer!

Japan here I come!

I'm such a slacker...not too good with this whole blogging thing. Anyway, I can't believe it, but school is just about over; only 9 MORE DAYS!!! Can you tell I'm excited for summer? The crazy part is that I'm leaving the country at 5 am the day after school gets out. It's official...I'm going to Japan! When I was in Illinois, I taught twin girls violin for a few months. Their dad's in the air force and was later stationed in Okinawa. They found a great Suzuki teacher (who actually studied with Dr. Suzuki) and invited me to come study with him. I am leaving right after school's out so that I can make it there in time for his studio's rehearsal and concert, which by the way, I'm performing in :-~ ! So, for a month, I'll be doing more observing, teaching, and playing Suzuki in Japan, living it up on a tropical island, and stuffing my face with sushi! I've been only thinking about it for so long that now it seems so surreal. I'm so not ready to leave in two weeks, but I am very excited. I never thought I'd ever have opportunities like this!

Anyway, there's one update. Another one is that I had my first very own performance with my group class today. I was a little worried about it all coming together, but they definitely came through...I love my students and think I'll actually miss them this summer! The cutest thing was when this little 1st grade hispanic boy who was watching the program came up to me while I was talking to my principal and said, "Ms. Benne, your concert was beautiful!" and then gave me a hug. I teach him lessons and he can be a handful, but he also has a huge heart! Another funny part was when I thanked several people at the end and started getting choked up. I turned to my class and they were all looking at me wide-eyed...they couldn't believe it! How embarrassing...in front of teachers, students, administration, and parents! I'm finally starting to feel relief from the stressful past couple weeks. We have another performance on Monday at a retirement home, but now that today's over, I feel much better.

I guess I should give an update on my neck as well. I'm still extremely sore...it's unbelievable how long the pain has lasted, but I've been going to a doctor that specializes in a technique that helps loosen muscles and heal injuries. They do physical therapy and show me exercises to do at home. I've always had back and shoulder pain, anyway, so now that my neck's starting to get better, we're working on getting my back and shoulders loosened up. Their goal is to heal people, so that they don't have to come back. I've gone 6 times now and I think it's really helping. Anyway, hooray for Fridays!