September 21st, 2006

• As we were warned, CI’s are a bit different here in Japan. Instead of conducting community service, much of what we will do will be in the form of cultural exchange. Our first two CIs happened today. For me and about 20 others from UWP , we went to two elementary schools this morning. Ayako, Leanne, Julie, Mia, Omer, Beto Deka, Katleen, and myself went together. We were greeted in their (non-airconditioned) gymnasium by 600 children.

• Go to elementary school.
• Audience of 600, all of whom sang “Small World”.
• I'm called “Sensei” :)
• We teach 600 students how to do "stomp"
  
• Cultural exchange at lunch time.
  
• Fureai
• Many mentally challenged. Different language, but the symptoms are familiar.
  
• We sing and dance with hundreds of Fureai members.
  
• Communication through smiles and dancing
• Birthday party for Ryu (age 6)
• Gifts and candles first