2018.08.12
ゾウイー
佐藤賢太郎

   たった4日間のウーファーがやって来た。彼女は到着時間を守らず、私たちは困ってしまった。車で来るのか電車で来るのか、さっぱり分かりません。到着するなり、時間を守ることを言いました。すると彼女は今にも泣きそうな顔でした。シャイな20歳の女性でした。 

 私は対応を吉田麻希さんに任せて、あまり話しませんでした。ところが吉田麻希さんが不在になり、私が話をするしかない事態になりました。つまり直接相手をしなければならなくなりました。

彼女は絵を描くのが好き、といったような気がしました。そこでペンキでシートに絵を描かせようと思いました。ところが、もうペンキがありません。そこで野沢のコメリーにペンキを買いに彼女と行くことにしました。

道中車の中は2人きりです。早速話しかけました。彼女はまるで少女のようです。日本語はあまり分らず、私の英語がなかなか通じなく困ってしまいました。

しかし彼女に「人間はスマイルが大切です」と言いますと、話しているうちに時々、笑顔が戻っていました。

「返事はウンではなく、ハイの方がチャーミングな女性に見えますよ」と教え、「あなたはとってもいい笑顔があります。今あなたは幸せですか?」と聞くと、通じたのか、「ハイ」と答えました。 

たった3日で変化が見られるようになりました。忙しいので相手をしていられなかったのですが、やっぱり他人に任せっぱなしは良くないと反省しました。


 
 Zowie Fox

8/13/18

When I first arrived at Kentaro-san and Makiko-san home I felt nervous because this was my first experience WWOOFing and I was late; however, I am happy my first WWOOFing experience was at their home! Kentaro-san and Makiko-san both are very energetic and kind which has made this experience enjoyable. Kentaro-san is an amazing artist and a great teacher. Makiko-san is a fantastic cook, her food is very delicious, and she sings and dances beautifully. I am a shy person, but Makiko-san, Kentaro-san, Kasen-san, and Maki-san have made me feel welcomed and comfortable. I learned a lot from everyone even though my stay is short.

On my first day of work I learned how to weed the rice field. Maki-san showed me the difference between delicious rice and not delicious rice. I got many cuts from the grass and the work was difficult, but good. I love being in nature. I met Chiro the dog and Mei the goat as well who live next to the rice field. Also, Kentaro-san showed me a structure him and Maki-san build, it is impressive, and I took pictures of them sitting together.

On the second day, I attended morning study in Niigata City. I learned that in the study the people read to practice their Kanji and share their life with others. I think morning study is a good practice to keep a sharp mind, meet people, and feel good. At the end of the study I met Kohei-san who is the next WWOOFer coming today.

Furthermore, Kentaro-san showed me how to make a fire to warm the water for the bath. The bath is in the mountain surrounded by nature. It is beautiful. The wood was heavy and it was hard work. But it feels good to work hard and take a bath after, it is relaxing. After, Kentaro-san asked if I would like to paint a tarp near the bath. It was a great idea, I love to paint! We went to the store together in the car to buy red, blue, yellow, white, and black paint. During the car ride we spoke about Japanese culture, language, and mixing paints to make different colors. I enjoyed our time together it was nice. After dinner I sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Kasen sang a song, and Makiko-san Hula danced. Singing was uncomfortable, but I am glad I did it. It was nice to share this time with them because we got to know each other better and build a stronger relationship.

Today, I will paint flowers and butterflies on the tarp. I am excited to create something here for Kentaro-san, Makiko-san, and other people who visit. After I leave tomorrow I hope to come back to visit Aga City for the Satoyama Art Exhibition and once more before I return to the United States. I am grateful I got to meet everyone and create a new relationship with them!