Ikebana Festival-my interpretation

Today I had the chance to go to an Ikebana Festival in Osaka. In English "Ikebana" would be translated as "flower arranging". I know it doesn't sound very interesting. I mean who takes their whole Sunday afternoon to go to a "flower arranging festival"? Ikebana, however, is actually very interesting and fun. Each of us had our own mat (to stick the flowers into), scissors (to cut the flowers-obviously) and a bunch of flowers to use in our arrangement. Each pattern, each flower, each color has a meaning. It is a very traditional Japanese art. Unfortunately, I never actually caught the meaning of our arrangement. I was too busy concentrating on how to get my arrangement to look like the model and noticing how the girl across from me (who was from Korea) was doing a significantly better job than I was. Actually, a quick glance around the table told me that everyone was doing a better job than me. Oh well, at least the Japanese are encouraging and kept telling me what a good job I was doing. Liz and I even got interviewed by a reporter from a Japanese newspaper. Maybe I'll be famous for being the foriegner who "just kept trying, no matter how good it looked." Well, it was a fun day and another Japanese cultural experience.


me and my arrangement. Maybe it is supposed to be the picture of a person growing out of oppression, among the pressures of this world and standing tall, being all they were meant to be. (This must have been set in the 70's because according to this flower, the person had a 'fro)

The Passion of my Heart

I have a daily devotional I read entitled Voices of the Faithful, by Beth Moore. It is a book of testimonies and encouragement from missionaries all over the world. The chapter I am reading now is about Witnessing. I realized that one reason I want to do missions is because the desire of my heart is evangelism. There is nothing that is quicker to bring me to tears, wrench my heart, bring me to my knees or convict me of sin than a story about someone hearing about Christ or accepting Him personally. And those times when the Lord uses me to share with others are the most humbling experiences I have had. This is the passion of my heart; to help others to know the truth. And yet, this morning as I read through the devotional I was convicted by how easily I let nervousness, embarassment, weakness and sin interfere with that passion. With that command really. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. " This is my purpose in life and today the Holy Spirit gently nudged me and asked, "are you doing what I've called you to do?"

Randomness about me :)

Okay, so I copied this from Katie's blog because, well, her blog is cool.

Full Name: Shiona "Shifumi" Eileen Gonsalves
Were you named after anyone: Shiona is from a book my mom was reading and it means "girl running through field of flowers." So if you ever seea a girl in a field of flowers and she is running, you can just say, "look, there's a Shiona."
What do you like most about yourself: I think I am pretty friendly....and well, I think I am funny, but I think that is just because Japanese are polite and they laugh at me.
When was the last time you cried: Last week. Thinking about leaving Japan. Sad day.
Have you ever sung into a hairbrush: Of course! It's a great microphone.
What's your favorite lunch meat: turkey
Any bad habits: I don't do my laundry until I have the risk of having to go to school naked the next day.
What's your most embarrassing CD: Veggitales Christmas :)
If you were another person, would you be friends with yourself: I think so.
What word do you consistently misspell: veteranarian (wait, is that right?)
What is the last book you read: "A Chance to Die" a biography of Amy Charmichael, by Elizabeth Elliott.
What is your favorite piece of clothing: my Whitworth hat with paint on it. It's worn and faded and the most wonderful peice of clothing I own. No matter what everyone else thinks.
Where is your second home: I have two: Spokane, Washington and Nishinomiya, Japan.
What is your current ringtone: "something, something, o-hana" by SMAP (I can never remember the name)
Do you have a journal: yes. I have about 5. Everytime I get bored, I think I need to start a NEW one.
First thing you notice about opposite sex: smile and the way they dress. I like guys who dress nice. (Grayden, you dress nice)
Do you get along better with girls or boys: girls
Would you ever bungee jump: hmmm, maybe. If I was on Amazing Race :)
Do you untie your shoes when you take them off: Nope
Do you think you're strong: I am when others are weak.
What's your favorite color: pink, and blue....but it changes regularly.
How many wisdom teeth to you have: None
Who do you miss the most right now: Grayden, because we are talking on Skype.
What are you listening to right now: the sound of my refigerator making it's annoying buzzing sounds.
Who was the last person you talked to on the phone: my mom
Who would play you in a movie: Me, I'd have to play myself.
What place have you visited is your favorite: Japan
What's your eye color: light brown
What is the last movie you watched: Sweet Home Alabama
What is your favorite day of the year: I don't have ONE favorite day. I like fall and spring.
How often do you check your email: Every day
Do you floss your teeth: Only after dentist appointments because I feel guilty.

Mystery Solved

Well.....A personal thanks to all "4" of you who answered (I know some of you just read the question, but did not leave a comment.) Anyways, I got an email from my friend Yui who read my blog and then emailed me with the answer, so I will quote her....
"It is to prevent cats from coming into houses.Bottles filled with water reflects sunlight and cats don't like sparkling sunshine.That's why people put them out,but now a days,cats are more intelligent so no cats care them at all."

So, there you go. I am satisfied and I believe Katie is too, because that is what she told me when I asked her but I said I didn't beleive her so....yeah. Everyone's happy. Mystery solved.

Stumped

Every day when I walk to school in the morning and walk home at night I see 2 liter bottles filled with water lined up on top of people's fences and in front of their homes. Ever since I came to Japan I have wondered what they are for. And here I am, a year and a half later still wondering. So, please reply to this post with your ideas about what these bottles of water are for. As for me, I will do some investigating and post the answer later.

Not in the least bit interesting

Well, it is hard to write a post that compares to "adventures in Guam" but I thought I would just write a bit about the last few days.....So, um....


I did go to a sento (public bath) last week with two American friends and a Japanese. That was an interesting experience and one I was determined to have before I left Japan. When I say public bath, I do mean public. It was really nice though. But everyone (women and men were separate) bathed together in these hot tub like baths. They also had three saunas there and a group of baths outside. It was definitely a bonding experience and so much fun that I am going again on Thursday! If you want to bond with the Japanese, just take a bath together :)
In other news, my students have tests this week so I don't have a whole lot to do (don't tell anybody that). Right now, I am at school, thinking about what I can write that would make this entry interesting. But alas, there is nothing and I leave you with a recommended book that I have just finished: "A Chance to Die"-biography of Amy Charmichael

Ja ne

Ghetto Fabulous Guam!

For all of you who have been checking my blog everyday (Chelsea), here's a new post. (yea!!) My eyes are better, thanks for asking. My students have been asking about my eyes since I got back. That, and asking what happened to my hair (I got a perm) and then touching it, commenting on how soft it is. I lead a wierd life.
So, back from Guam, with a TAN! Kind of a farmer's tan, but nevertheless, darker than before. Guam, was different than expected. I had loads of fun! Katie, Koni and Kaori are three crazy girls. I am glad they had me (the normal one) to even them out. The key words of the weekend were "ghetto fabulous" and "drama". But, I'll get on to the pics and talk more later.

Our hotel






As you can see, Guam is beautiful!



The infamous TaLaFoFo FaLLs

On the tourist map, Talafofo Falls looked like a great place to go. It is a historical site where a Japanese man lived for 28 years after the war, in a "gave" (Guam's definition of a cave...actually, a hole in the ground). When we got there we were a little surprised at the site. Let's just say that they know the meaning of "ripping people off". But the pigs (yes, there were pigs) were cute. :)


On the suspension bridge (smaller in real life) at Talafofo Falls



Kaori and I at Talafofo Falls








The bEaCh






tWo LoVeRs PoInT



This is us at "Two Lover's Point" where it is said that hundreds of years ago, there was a beautiful Chamorro(native people of Guam) princess who fell in love with a poor Chamarro man. They wanted to marry, but the woman's father wanted her to marry one of the Spanish soldiers. The two lovers were determined to be together so they met on the night before her wedding. When her father found out about this he told the town that the Chamorro man had kidnapped her. So, they pursued them. The two lovers were driven to this mountain edge. They realized that there was no way they could be together if they were caught. So they tied strands of their hair together and jumped off this cliff onto the rocks below. Now, tourists can go up and see the view from this historical landmark. The Guam version of Romeo and Juliett.




Here's us in our formal attire. On the last night we went to a Tropical BBQ. It was amazing!!! They had an all-you-can-eat buffet with T-bone steak, shrimp, chicken, and lobster and tons of food! Then afterwards there was a show which was put on by native Chamorros. This was definitely the best thing we went to.




Interestingly enough, Kaitie and I were both asked at different times to go up on stage to dance. When I went up it was to participate in a "dance contestt" of sorts. And, guess who won?

Yep, you guessed it! Me! And I got this beautiful lay as a prize.

So, these are just a few of the many pictures that I took. It was a great weekend. I especially loved the trips to K-mart, Taco Bell, Burger King and Pizza Hut. I am currently making a DVD of the trip and if I can find someway to put it online, I'll put a link on my blog. Yea for Guam and yea for friends!!!

Infectious Disease, who me?

Today was my first venture to the hospital, alone, without ANY interpreter. But, I was well equipped. I had not just one, but two Japanese phrase books. I had my hospital card and enough money. And if they doubted I needed to see a doctor, all they would have to do is look at both of my red, swollen eyes and know something was wrong. I arrived (45 minutes before it opened) and then sat in the area where other people were waiting (this turned out to be the wrong area). Finally by 8:30, I found the correct waiting area, went up to the front desk and repeated the phrase I had been practicing from my phrase book for the last 45 minutes; "o-isha san ni mite morai tai desu" (I want to see a doctor). The two ladies at the front desk looked at me and then looked at eachother and looked at me as I repeated it again. They still did not get it. I thought about it, spoke slower and more clearly and said it again. Finally I gave up and said one simple word which they understood; "doctor". I went upstairs to the waiting room where I was by far the youngest one there. I don't think they are as private here as in America because one nurse was changing an old man's guaze which he had over his eye, right in the waiting room. All this while all the little old ladies watched her with great interest. And of course afterwards, they all began talking about their different ailments and how they knew somebody who knew somebody else with that same infection and giving all the advice they could. As for me, I felt a bit odd. Both of my eyes were swollen and bright red. I looked like a "huge contagious infection" who spoke only English. But after I saw the doctor, who in English told me I had a viral infection and needed to be absent from school for 10 days, things got better. Well, that was really only because I got medicine and was allowed to leave. A whole day worth of adventure packed into 2 hours. Whew! I'm tired.

the sPoNgE bOb sQuArE pAnTs sleepover

It was a cool Tuesday night. There were three of us meeting at the apartment. We all knew why we were there. I had brought the bag, we made the phone call and then each of us separated. Five minutes later we came back together and it was official; the sPoNgE bOb sQuArE pAnTs sleepover was beginning. We all had our matching bright yellow Bob pajama pants on. The doorbell rang-our pizza was here. A Large "Ouattro", four diffferent flavors on one big pizza. Afterwards, the snacks came out; Combos, shrimp crackers, soda, Peppridge Farm cookies, green tea cakes....a schmorgusbourg (that word is defintiely misspelled). We played a game of Quiddler and then, to end the night, what better to do than watch the actual sPoNgE bOb sQuArE pAnTs movie. As an "aftershow" Yuka did a re-enactment of the movie with my stuffed animal lion (as Patrick) and my stuffed animal dog (as Bob). The end.


So, I am not a huge Sponge Bob Fan. Actually I wouldn't say that I am a fan at all, but the pajamas are cute and I highly recommend having a sleepover like we did. It was great fun! I wish I would have gotten pictures but my camera died....sad day.

Riding the Waves-well kind of

A long awaited vacation came this weekend. School ended for me at 6 on Saturday and at 9pm I found myself on my way to Tokushima (2 hours south of me) and the next day on my way to Shishikui (if you've never heard of it, don't worry, nobody else has either) with Katie, Megumi and Mark and Jennifer (2 surfer missionaries here). All day Sunday was spent at the beach in Shishikui. We got a tan (a red tan actually), tried surfing, nobody actually stood up but it was fun, and I found two hermit crabs which I wanted to bring back as pets, but my conscious got the better of me and I let them go.



Katie and Megumi














surfing USA! On the board, under the wave, and back up again.




finally, I did it! Okay, that's not really me. But someday ne.