Christmas

It's already past the middle of December and I realized that it has been a long time since I have updated  my blog. In October, the new semester started and I met my next big class of second year students who will be with me through the next year. And again, I find myself falling in love with my students--with their energy, their curiosity, their hopes to change the world. It seems that no sooner do I say goodbye to one group of students that have found their way into my heart than I am greeted by a new and energetic group of students who jump right into their place. The joys of teaching! It makes me wonder what life will be like after I retire--will I be able to go on without this never ending process of goodbyes and hellos? Only time will tell.

Christmas 2011 is fast approaching and I'm dreading the quiet Christmas morning on Dec. 25th this year. It will be the first Christmas in 19 years that has been without children in our home. In this new age of technology that brings us so much closer even when we're oceans apart (Skype, Facebook, etc.), there is still no replacement for the hugs that we shared with our kids.  But there is no mistaking the Christmas spirit is still here, even without the kids.  Nearly 20 students and friends gathered at my house for a Christmas party a few nights ago, so the tree and decorations went up as usual. Hubby and I will spend our Christmas Eve at church surrounded by our "church family" again  this year, as usual, and Christmas day will be in church too since it falls on a Sunday this year (usually Dec. 25 is not a church day in Japan because it is not a national holiday).  So, life goes on, even with a few empty spaces in my heart.

And with this, dear students, I would like to wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a happy new year!! And I'll see in you in class on 12/22 for RAT#5!  Wooohooo!

Love,
FT