Musings from Patmos: Discourse on Display: Blogging from Japan

Greetings and salutations!

The time has come for my monthly blog update! I have been trying to decide whether or not to update my blog template to the new Google system but have so far resisted the urge to do so. You can find new photos and videos posted below:

Browse my latest photos
View my latest YouTube videos

Of Current Updates

Some short updates:

My mother has returned safely from Pakistan; thanks for your prayers in this regard.
The Israel process continues despite ongoing delays. Presently, I am expecting to be able to move in August.

Of Japan and Recent Tragedies

I had my contract review observation today, the observation which determines whether or not a teacher's contract with Nova is renewed for the following year. By all accounts, my observation went very well. Of course, I only plan to be here for another few months, but it is important that I be able to continue working at Nova for now. The downside to this whole process is the hassle of going through visa renewal and having to pay municipal tax. It actually amazes me that I've been in Japan nearly an entire year! Time simply flies by.....but overall it continues to be a rewarding experience.

That being said, there is more bad news to report. In the ongoing rash of bad news for Nova, last month a female British instructor, based in Tokyo, was murdered. This tragic case echoes the murder of another British female instructor nearly 7 years ago. Speaking of murder (such a pleasant topic, I know), the mayor of Nagasaki was assassinated the day before yesterday. Both of these events are tragic in themselves, and particularly shocking in the generally safe country of Japan, which is in great contrast to the latest school shooting in America.

The senseless deaths of 32 students and instructors at Virginia Tech is nothing short of a horrific tragedy and my prayers and condolences certainly go out to those affected by this event. Of course this most recent slaughter, so close to the anniversary of the Columbine shooting, once again has people discussing the state of gun control in America and the prevalent gun culture in that nation. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that any serious progress will be made in this regard, especially as members of the influential gun lobby suggest the attack should prompt the US government to allow all students to carry guns to school. Sometimes there really are no words...

In more positive news, the spring holiday season has been both educational and immensely enjoyable this year. While I was unable to spend Easter with my family, I was able to take part in local Sakura (Cherry Blossom) events, something many Japanese look forward to each year. I also took in some Noh theatre on a recent visit to Kyoto. I was also lucky enough to take part in two Seders (the Jewish celebration of Passover). The first event was quite formal and followed the orthodox traditions quite closely. The second was a much less formal, but much more intimate and enjoyable affair. Photos are up on my Picasa album. Plans in the near future involve a short trip to Hiroshima at the end of the month.

Of Entertainment and Various Media