Monday, April 23rd.
I had a meeting set at noon with Mr. Daiko Hata, a Presbyterian minister and professor at ICU (International Christian University) High School in Mitaka. The Stewart had to get their long term visa renewed and were leaving early, so they dropped me off at Kamatori Station around 8:15am.
I got to board a train to Tokyo during rush hour. It is quite an experience. Since I lived in Japan for a few years in the 1980s I knew what to do when the train pulled up packed with sardines (I mean people ~ on the way to work) ~ you turn around an back in. Whew! Made it. I thought maybe one or two more people would back in before we left. Well, twelve people later I was 4 feet from the door and could not move ~ anything. If your hands are down at your sides (like me) they stay there because there is no room to raise them.
2 hours later I was in Mitaka and took a 30 minute bus ride to ICU campus. I was a student there in 1982 and 1983 and the campus was about the same (a few new buildings and some paint here and there) except the trees were bigger (it was 25 years ago after all). I had plenty of time so I went to the book store and bought some t-shirts for the kids, wandered by the apartment I lived in with my parents when dad was teaching there and remembered what it was like then. Ahh, to be young(er) again.
Well I met with Hata Sensei. He kept calling me Sensei and I kept thinking who is he talking about. We drank green tea for a half an hour and then I spoke to 20 Japanese university students on the subject of intelligent design and darwinism. I think it went really well. Many of them were nodding their heads as I made various points and they asked some good questions.
Then, Hata Sensei and I walked over to ICU High School and I spoke to 11 high school seniors and three adults (teachers). They were also very interested and asked even better questions.
I am still jet lagging and need to go to bed so I am posting this. [More details later.] I will have time tomorrow to load some pictures too.
Stay tuned.
Taylor
1 comment:
Tay Tay the musical!!! Bringing joy and levity to Japan! How cool is that! I was laughing about the train ride...that you back in! Now that is a cultural thing you wouldnt know unless someone told you! I hope the discussons are going well. I am assuming you are doing them in Japanese!?
We promise to keep an eye on Sally...you know how she gets when you are gone...very weepy and sad. Ill be sure to check in on her frequently!
Gods blessing on you dear friend, Patti
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