It's Saturday afternoon, and I've got the window open as I enjoy a rare cool Japanese summer day. Our apartment is clean, and my bags are already in Narita airport, waiting for me to pick them up and check them in. The only thing left to pack up is my computer, and I've said my farewells to almost all of my students and friends here. I'll leave Tsu early early early on Monday morning and take three trains up to Tokyo in time for my afternoon departure. My desk at OBC has already been transitioned, and I taught my final class last night. Physically speaking, then, I'm ready to come home.
Emotionally? Well, that's another story.
In the past few weeks, as I've watched the new teachers take over my classes and get to know my - now their - students, I've realized just how attached I've become to this place and to these people. OBC has been my home, and Tsu has been my city. I knew when I came here that I'd only be here for a year, and I was open and ready to get as much out of this adventure as I could. I looked forward to making friends and experiencing real Japanese life, but I never anticipated becoming this invested. My students have become my friends, and I will miss each and every one of them in their own special ways. I know I'll keep in touch with many of them, and when I come back to visit Japan, I'll be spending my time catching up with everyone here in Tsu. The fact that I'm not going to see them all again this week hasn't really set in yet, and I'm sure it'll hit me hard one random day in America when I look at the clock and think about what class I should be in at that time. One of the hopes I had when I came to Japan was that I'd figure out of the whole teaching thing is for me, and I can tell you without hesitation that it is. I absolutely love the work that happens in a classroom, the relationships that are formed, the conversations that are had. And I owe my realizations about what I want to do in the future to the incredible talent and kindness of my students.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am very excited to come home and be reunited with all of my family and friends. August is going to be a fantasic month: Chris and Alex's wedding, a welcome home/good luck at school party for me and my sisters, a trip to Madison with Andy, moving Amanda into St. Ben's. But in the back of my mind, I know I'll be scripting letters to my students during all of this, telling them about the events of my first month back at home and taking pictures to share with them. I've got my own quirky little family on this side of the world now, and as I've said many times, family is the most important thing to me. So while experiencing this country and this culture has been awesome, I'm leaving here with my deepest connection to Japan left with the people - my friends, my students, my co-workers, Sarah. Arigato gozaimashita, Japan.
This is the final entry for this chapter of my blog. Thanks for reading and keeping in touch this year, dear friends. Until we meet again...
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| Wednesday 10:00 |
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| Thursday 17:00 |
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| Friday 19:00 |
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| Monday 20:00 |
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| Formerly Friday 11:00 |
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| Monday 17:00 (plus her little sister) |
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| Tuesday 10:00 |
Ki wo tsukete. Take care.
10 comments:
Hi Angela. I sobbed like a baby reading this. So excited that you have had such a wonderful, successful year. Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us. You are a very talented writer. Looking forward to your next blog adventure, whatever and wherever it may be. Glad you are coming home, safe travels home and see you soon. Love, MOM
I cried too and I'm not even your mother! I'm so glad that you have enjoyed your time in Japan.
Safe travels!
Liz
Ang,
I've been thinking about you a lot these last few days, wondering how your final days in Japan are. What a beautifully written post. I'm so happy this last year has been so wonderful for you. Lord knows we've all missed you, but it's a comfort knowing that you have been so happy in your year of life on the other side of the world. I can't wait to see you in the coming days!
I too had tears in my eyes as I read this. What a wonderful opportunity and experience you have had. What a gift to have such treasured friends around the world. August sounds like an adventure as well. Safe travels Angela, hope to see you soon!
Sheila
Angela,
I am so glad that this past year has been so amazing for you. I have truly enjoyed reading all your entries. Safe travels! Hope to visit with you soon!
~Amy Huberty
Such a great adventure for you. I admire your free spirit and the gusto with which you approach life. You will miss your students and friends, but your life is much richer for having had this experience. Welcome home!
Aunt Carol
I remember sitting with you at the wine bar at the Kalahari. There you told me that you had finally made the decision to go to Japan for a year to teach after school. I remember being super excited and nervous for you all at once, yet I had no doubt in my mind that you were going to do one fantastic job once you were there. And you have. I also had hope that you would return one year and some odd months later having thoroughly enjoyed your experience, and I believe that you are. For this I am so happy for you and proud of you. Congrats on one amazing year. Can't wait to see you, friend.
Lots of love, Abby
Thanks for sharing. Safe travels! You've been an amazing sister-friend to my sister, thanks for that :)
Hi, Angela
As your heart adjusts to being back in Minnesota, I hope your re-entry will be gentle. I rejoice with you that your Japan/1 year experience was such a gift - one that is now part of your forever.
When you are at St. Ben's later this month and if you have a moment drop in for a 5-minute visit. I go to Japan in mid September so i might have some questions.
Peace & blessings, Hélène
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