エッセイ

Notes:
crab:蟹
*********************
I was a volunteer at an environmental day camp for children on Saturday. The weather was beautiful. It was sunny, and there was hardly any wind. In the morning we went down to the river to look at crabs and other kinds of living creatures. The temperature got up to 18 degrees, and the crabs were moving around in the warm sun. We caught 5 different kinds. These crabs stay underground when it gets cold, so this was our last chance to see them this year. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
*********************

Notes:
labor pain 分娩(ぶんべん), 陣痛;
be relieved ほっとした;
delivery 分娩(ぶんべん), 出産;
miracle 奇跡;
————————–
Last night I got an e-mail from my sister. She said, “My labor pains have started. Come back to Okinawa ASAP!!” This morning, on my way to Okinawa, my sister called me up and said, “Sorry, but the baby has already been born!” I was relieved and learned that a safe delivery is like a miracle. Finally, I met the two-hour-old baby. Our family is filled with great joy. Although I couldn’t attend the birthing, I’m so happy now because I have a new family member. There are now 17 people in my family! Can you believe it? We’re such a big family!! Ha ha ha… (written by student Miss Miyali, Medical School, Shimane University; edited by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)