I'm staying home sick again this morning. My voice comes and goes, and one of the teachers offered to teach my preschool and kindergarten classes again today since he doesn't have any morning classes.

The pastor has arranged for the teachers to go to Cheonan by one of the school's vans tomorrow to visit Independence Hall so we "can learn how terrible the Japanese are." Someone asked him if he meant how terrible the Japanese WERE, but he maintained that they're still terrible. Interesting to hear, coming from a pastor! Do not suggest loving one's enemies around here when the enemy is Japanese. When I give my kids writing assignments like "Tell me how you and your friend are similar," they'll write "We both hate Japan." Or "Where would you like to go on your vacation?" They'll write "I'd like to go to another country but not Japan." I've had more than a few comments from people when they've heard that I visited Japan briefly BEFORE I came to Korea. They think I should have gone to Korea first. And then when they hear that I LIKED Japan . . . oh my. I've learned not to bring it up unless someone asks.