Last days in Hachinohe

Parker and I with the Kocho sensei (principal) and other teachers.

Todd's speech and the Hakusandai JHS English teachers.

Today was my last day of work in Japan.  I am relieved all of the speeches and farewell parties are past. Last week we attended two farewell parties, a ceremony and met with the mayor and superintendent of the city to say goodbye.

Friday was the closing ceremony for the schools and the beginning of the summer break. Todd, Parker and I attended the ceremony at the junior high school where we taught.  Todd and I both gave a speech (his in English and mine in Japanese).  We handed Parker off as we both spoke.  He just stared out at the sea of Japanese students. After our speeches the students sang the school song and gave us flowers.  Parker was so sweet and calm during the ceremony and as many teachers passed him around.  They all asked, "does he ever cry?" 

Friday evening all three of us attended the JHS farewell party.  Parker slept through most of the party, his usual bedtime being around 7-7:30.  We enjoyed good food, conversation and gave more speeches (I gave three speeches to the same group of people?!)

On Saturday we celebrated Lindsay's birthday.  We ate at a nice sushi restaurant. I got the set pictured above with scallops, they were so tender and sweet.  We enjoyed great conversation for the last time with our friends Lindsay and Oliver, Kiri, Simon and Koyuki. Their friendships improved our Hachinohe life.

Parker especially enjoyed seeing his Japanese girlfriend again.  They even played footsies!

We had fun passing around sweet Koyuki.  She has quite the personality with those eye brows!

Finally it is time to pack our bags and clean our apartment.  Sunday I succeeded in organizing some of my stuff and packing a bag with a three month old who loves to be held. For short bursts of time Parker can be found playing in his chair.  His latest obsession is licking anything that comes to his mouth. Today he was really intent on licking his ball and trying to get it into his mouth. 

Tomorrow Todd and I may be tag teaming, one packing and one on Parker duty.  Here is to moving!