Last time we talked, I had just gotten back from Hiroshima....
I still had about a week and a half left of vacation. But one of my students, Kana, had made it to the prefectural round of Interactive Forum that was being held on the 21st of August..so I agreed to meet with her a few times before to practice. So, basically the rest of my summer break was going to school in the morning to help her practice, then coming home and chilling out in the AC. On the 21st, I went with Kato-sensei and Kana to the IF competition. Kana did so great!!! The competition was fierce, and a little unfair in my opinion. There were a lot of kids competing that weren't 100% Japanese, or even Japanese at all. Now before you start getting all crazy mad, let me explain. No, these kids weren't from English speaking countries, per se, but they definitely had a distinct advantage over the regular Japanese kids. Which I felt kind of defeated the purpose of the competition....anyway......Kana did great- she didn't place, but I'm soo proud of her. And she had a great time, which is all I wanted. She's totally excited to do it again next year!!
We went back to school on the 28th of August and for the next week it was all about Sports Day. Sports Day was on Saturday, September 5 ( also my birthday) and so the kids basically spent all week practicing and preparing for it. This was my 3rd Sports Day, and my 2nd one having to participate- yes, I ran in the relay again!! It was fun to watch, but a little boring too. Everyone is so involved in the competitions that they kind of forget about me and I'm left just sitting there. Plus, it was my birthday and it took until about midnight for me to actually hear the words "Happy Birthday!!". So, it was a little depressing. Yeah, I know, poor me! Ha!
Anyway, after the day's events, we had an enkai, of course! That was a lot of fun- I spent a lot of time talking with kouchou-sensei about Japanese culture and American culture. It was very interesting to hear his take on things. But it was also really sad for me, as it was probably my last enkai with everyone and yet no one knew that. My school still doesn't know I'm leaving at the end of October. So, at times I got a little choked up!
The Sunday after Sports Day, I celebrated the B-day. Talked to Mom & Dad in the morning and then a group of us went out to dinner. We went to this fun little Hawaiian place- and, yes, I did eat SPAM. Love the stuff!!! It was so much fun- a perfect way to celebrate.
So, on to much bigger news.....I finally quit my job!! I had been waiting until summer break was over to tell my company that I'm leaving Japan. And I finally got up the nerve to tell my boss this past week. It didn't really go over that well- which I guess is a good thing, at least I know I was doing a good job and they didn't want to lose me!! So now they know, and my school should be finding out shortly. That's the part that will be the hardest. Though the way the 2nd years are turning like bad milk, I'm not too broken up about them!! But my precious 3rd years....that's a different story. It's heart breaking that I won't see them graduate, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do, right?!
Which brings me to now.....about 45 days away from leaving Japan and heading to another foreign country! Geez, am I insane???!!! I don't know. But I feel like it right now. I'm soo stressed out about packing up my stuff, shipping stuff home, figuring things out about Prague, wondering what it's going to be like there, stressed about moving to another country where I don't speak the language, having to leave friends here and make new friends there..........
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*deep breath*
OK, I think the panic just passed for a bit.
I'm so excited to be going- and to be leaving Japan- and starting a new adventure. I can't wait, but I will miss so many people and things about Japan. It will be hard to do (leave) but it's the path I'm supposed to be on, so I'm just letting it happen!!
Alright...that's got you updated now. This week is a full week at school and then we have a 5 day weekend. I think I'll be going down to Tokyo for the last time then. There might be a trip to Okinawa ( I stress might, because I just don't think I can afford it or spend the time away from packing). But I'll keep you in the loop!!
Until next time- take care.
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