Friday June 30, after teaching in the morning, Yao and I set out to visit a special auto body shop. This business has 8 deaf employees. The company's president and his wife who also works there began to learn sign from the employees 30 years ago. This is an amazing business because it seeks to make sure communication is open between the deaf and hearing. The bosses know sign language and can communicate directly with the deaf employees. When asked what they like best, the deaf said they liked that they could communicate. Kudos to this company.

Saturday was the conference and it was nice to see everyone.

Sunday I took a Japanese bus tour trip to Zao because I wanted to see the crater lake. I was the only American on the bus and the tour guide only spoke Japanese but was very friendly to me. I was happy I could figure out the times to be back to the bus from the Japanese. But that was all I could figure out.
The weather was absolutely perfect....for someone, like me, who forgot their camera. It was so foggy that you could barely see your hand in front of your face. Needless to say I still haven't seen the crater!

Monday I enjoyed a visit to the Miyagi School for the Blind. I met a darling 7 year old who was excited to practice English. I also learned that there is a separate Japanese braille system. The school also has an adult program that provides services to those who become blind later in life.

Tuesday was a visit to the Sendai Science museum. It was a lot of fun. Tons of hands on activities for students to play and learn. In the afternoon I met with a group of teachers who wanted to know more about 0-3 services for deaf and hearing ability.
This evening I went with Ito, a teacher, to see the Rakuen Eagles play baseball. It was definitely an experience! I loved watching the stadium and the cheering from the fans! It is a very organized event- in that there is an order to things. The opposing team cheers when theri team is to bat, the home team cheers when they are batting. After the 7th inning balloons are let loose after a song. Very fun!

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What a great story. So much more can be accomplished with a cooperative effort. Did you have any dried squid at the baseball game? Baseball in Japan is so much fun. The fans really get into the game. Jim, Cheyenne East HS

I'm trying to add more pics!

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What a great photo of people blowing balloons! Fun photo, fun time!
MiSang

Sherry,

I hope you enjoyed the Sendai Museum. I had the opportunity to visit last year, and enjoyed it immensely.

See you soon!

Danita
Callisburg Elementary School
Texas