September 18th

To me, today is like any other day...But for my Asian World, it's a day to remember... I'm not politically savvy. I tend to avoid the topic with my students and nationals here. However, the unavoidable topic is all around. Japan and China have never gotten along. Or at least not fot the past +50 years. Many students have expressed their hatred of Japan. Most of the time, I let them vent and express their opinions freely. I encourage them to forgive Japan and move on. This hate in their hearts is only hurting them. I think some of them are truly hurt by Japan's actions. Others have simply taken on the opinions of those around them. And VERY few have moved on and ask others to do so as well. The video is full of photos of peaceful protesters, posters on buildings, school property and cars. My limited reading ability lets me know that China loves its homeland and doesn't seem to have a positive attitude towards Japan. Quotes from Students

"We show anger to express our love for our homeland."

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"We should not beat someone if we are angry. But it is okay to talk badly about them. Japan can not here us. There are no Japanese here. We should not keep it in. We should let our anger out."

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:25-27

"We would forgive, if they just apologize."

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:3-5

a heavy heart

This week in class we are doing some discussion questions. The students bring in topics and I choose a couple for us to talk about.

The hot topic was the earthquake in Japan. Which I figured would be a buzzin subject. However, my heart fell when I read how some of the questions were asked; Do you think Japan deserved the earthquake? Do you think it is right for people to think Japan deserved the earthquake? I know the people of this country don't typically like Japan because of their sour past, but my heart was crushed and I just wanted to cry. Students gasped when I read off some of the questions. And then I was quickly annoyed by their false innocence. I have previously had conversations with some students about Japan. And most of them have said, "We hate Japan because of what they did to us." But it seems so unreasonable. And when I joined in some discussions, I heard things like, "I don't think the people of Japan deserved it, but the country deserved it." But I was thinking, "The people are the nation! The nation is the people!!!"

It just made me sad.

On a higher note, I taught some girls how to use air quotes :)

Sushi

Well, all our foreign friends in the city had tried this Japanese restuarant in town except my roommate, Jessica and I. So, Jess and I said Let's Go! So, we did. And I have to say it was amazing!!! Sometimes people over use that word and use it to describe just about anything. But this place was truely great. It felt like I was in Japan. Not that I have ever been there. But anyways, I had a tuna roll and assorted tempura, which is fried stuff. Delish!!! I really was hoping for some spicy tuna roll, but the regular tuna roll was good anyways. Jess got the California roll and wrapped beef with mushrooms. I wish I had taken my camera. The beef was wrapped AROUND the mushrooms so they looked like little squid. So cute. And I had fried shrimp, sweet potatoes and onions. DELISH! I don't feel bad about the price. Some of the other people thought it was a little pricey. But I'm okay with spending a little more than $2 on a good meal. Well, it was a little more than just a little more. But it's one night out.