Leaving already?

My dear friend and co-worker Grace graced us with her presence for almost a year at Okisho, but the time has already come for her to leave. Actually, she's still here for another 3 weeks or so, but Sayaka (2nd from the right) is going to the States for a few weeks to chaperone our exchange program, so we had the farewell party early. Let me say a few things about Grace.

She likes pockets and trees. She must never wear glasses ever again. She sings the awesome song from ELF where Buddy meets his father and the father thinks he's some telegram. She loves The Princess Bride and has been "reading" my book now for about 3 months. She made fun of me in front of many students back in the day when we used to team teach together. And last but not least... I'm going to miss her.

Thanks, Grace, for all the awesome times, for listening to me vent about my less-than-successful classes, and for giving your all, even on days when no one knew what was going on. I wish you all the best in the States. Do not forget about us, let us know how things are going, and one more thing: "Would it be okay if I called you the 'crowning beauty' of everything?"

金曜日はスペシャルな一日だった。アメリカの独立記念日でもあったが、皆さん、覚えてください：僕はアメリカ人ではありません。カナダ人です！金曜日はグレース先生の送別会だった。グレースは私のとって最高のコーワーカー＆友達だった。たぶん学校とだいこんの花以外、一度しか遊ばなかったけど、あの日の花見、愛実と圭佑と一緒に回ったり、良いレストランを探したりして最高だったね！本当にグレースが沖縄に残って欲しいけど、彼女は色んな夢があって、どうしても帰らなければならないと言ってので、アメリカのほうでもがんばって欲しいです。

だいこんの花でまたいつものメンバーで大食いして帰りました。ケニーは遅れてきたので、いきなり大量の食べ物を集めてガツガツ食べた。とても楽しい夜だった！