I know Monday’s I usually post a lesson of some sort. I thought today would be better spent telling you guys a little about the amazing Japanese people and how you could help them.

We moved to Japan a year and a half ago due to my husband’s job in the military. As soon as we got here we fell in love. The people of Japan are the kindest people I have ever met and I grew up in the South so that says a lot :O) Here I am, this stupid american (which I now know how to say in Japanese :O) who didn’t know anything about their language, customs, or food. I remember the first time I went to a store to try on some clothes I didn’t realize you had to take your shoes off to go in the dressing room. The sweet Japanese girl ran over and very kindly asked me with hand motions and in Japanese to take off my shoes. I was MORTIFIED that I had already offended someone but she did not act offended. She just smiled and continued to help us with our purchases.

Every restaurant we go to, we point at pictures like children while we order and butcher their language, that is if we even attempt to try it. They are always so happy when you attempt Japanese but even if you don’t they don’t roll their eyes or get annoyed. As I laid in bed last night thinking about this post I realize I could not think of one time a Japanese person was rude to me. Now, can you say that about American’s?? People here go above and beyond to help you out even though I am clearly not from their country.

I wish I was a better writer so you could truly understand the wonderfulness of the Japanese people. I am amazed each and every day how kind and courteous they are.

Please check out this CNN article Orderly Disaster Reaction in Line with Deep Cultural Roots.  Here is an excerpt.

[box]“Looting simply does not take place in Japan. I’m not even sure if there’s a word for it that is as clear in its implications as when we hear ‘looting,’” said Gregory Pflugfelder, director of the Donald Keene Center of Japanese Culture at Columbia University.[/box]

Despite their terrible tragedy there is still order and a sense of community in Japan. So many innocent people have lost their lives and thousands more have lost loved ones and their homes. Please consider making a donation to the Red Cross to help!!  Continue to pray for all of those affected by this horrible tragedy!!!

Click HERE to donate. Thank you!!

P.S. I apologize for not commenting on everyone’s I Learned submissions!! I was pretty sick for the past couple of days and hope to comment on all of them soon!