Under the weather

I have been sick for the past few days. Yesterday I broke down and called in sick. I had a never-ending cold from mid-November through mid-December and just dealt with it. But this time is got worse rapidly and there was no way I should have gone to school, so I called. Those who know me well know that I do NOT go to a doctor unless I see no alternative. On the one hand, this is a good thing because I am not immune to antibiotics. On the other hand, this is a bad thing because, well, it is just not good to never see a doctor. I have been especially nervous about seeing a doctor in Japan.

My supervisor picked me up and gave me three options for where to see a doctor. Option 1) the clinic in my town; Option 2) a large clinic in Toyoto with two male doctors; Option 3) a clinic in Ozuki with a female doctor. At one of those orientations in Tokyo or maybe pre-orientation in Chicago, I recall someone saying that if you live in a small town you should avoid going to a clinic in your town or else everyone will be more in your business than they already are. So I opted for the female doctor.

We walked in the door and the receptionist was obviously taken aback by the sight of my non-Japanese face. She wasn't horrified, more like suprised and slightly amused. I can understand enough Japanese now that I could tell she was asking about me, my country and why I was in Japan. She didn't seem so concerned about why I was at the clinic, which I thought was strange. My supervisor helped fill out the forms and told my ailments. I had to take a urine test, which was kind of awkward, as my supervisor (my supervisor is a male) led me to the proper toilet and told me where to put the pee cup after I had finished my business. About 10 minutes later a nurse took me to a room and my supervisor stayed in the waiting room. The room was very open to the staff, not private in the slightest. She didn't speak a lick of English. All I could say was "Nani nani ga itai," as she wrote down my ailments. On the table under glass was a prayer of health, one version in Japanese and another in English. I was suprised and comforted by this. About 3 minutes later a kind-looking, older woman in a white coat came around the corner. She said, "Ohayo..." before looking at me, then when she saw me said, "Oh!" as her eyes got bigger. Oh no, I thought to myself, how will I ever explain myself. But then...she started speaking English. Thank God! It only took about 5 minutes, then another 20 to get medicines. I paid (the amazingly cheap price of approx. $16) and we left. A very painless adventure.

In America when you tell someone you have a cold, few people really care. So throughout the day, I was suprised by all the well wishes from people here. I received emails from both JTEs at Kikugaw Jr. High, three people from my office, and my neighbor who offered to make me food. All inquired about my health and asked if I needed any help. The head of my office told me I could rest today. But my supervisor informed me that if I did not go into work today it would be considered nenkyu. So I was honest with my supervisor's supervisor (we have a very informal relationship) and told him I didn't want to use nenkyu and that I would most likely go into work. He understood.

I needed to go to school today. I was scheduled to go to an elementary school today, which I knew was an important visit. This school only gets an ALT visit two times a year, and I knew how disappointed the students would be if I didn't come. Also, this was also one of the few time I got to be in control over ALL the material in ALL the lessons, so I was pumped about the opportunity. I am so glad I went. The teachers and students were all as lovely as they were the first time, and we had a nice time. My supervisor thanked me for coming in, despite me not feeling well, and told me that after I was finished at 1pm, I could go home and not return to the office. Wow. Does that ever happen in Japan?

Some of you may wonder why on earth I have agreed to re-contract when I live in the inaka with no car and where it takes 1,300 yen round trip just to go to Shimonoseki (that 1,300 really adds up). Well, it is honestly because of the people in my community. I have earned their trust and respect, and they genuinely care about me. Likewise, I have developed a deep affection for them. Not to mention the town children know me and are excited to see me, rather than scared and nervous like they were at first.

Here are the lovely meals my neighbors, the Fujinos, prepared for me yesterday and today.

I love the pumpkin soup! It looks like mustard but tastes so good.

5th graders at school today. I know I look like death here. One should never wear black when s/he is feeling ill. It only makes you look paler than you already are. Learn from my mistake.