How many weeks has it been already? Perhaps 3 or weeks already~ I had to admit when I had first arrived, I was terribly homesick! I was raised in a small town and could be considered as a "country girl..." I just missed everything about AR, and as hard to believe, I wished I was back home attending University of Arkansas, seeing all of my dear friends, and being able to use a language that I was able to comprehend and understand. Furthermore, I felt sort of depress on the fact that I could not be able to reach anyone in America due to the fact that they are busy themselves.. Not to mention I had not internet/phone access the first week here.
Yet, 3 weeks had quickly passed, and I've realized that it won't be long before I have to adjust to a Japanese family lifestyle. Many things to expect, to see, to learn ne? I guess I'm slowly discovering profound uniqueness's to Japan as well.
Among the profound things that I have discovered in Japan that's different from where I came from was that in America your car was your main transportation. When I first arrived here, my dependency was on the train, bus, and walking. It's extremely hot and humid here, but every single day I walk to school with the other exchange students, literally an hour before catching the train; in doing so, we save a lot of money.
I really admire Japan on the fact that the kids here become very independent at a young age. Their parents would teach them what they need to know, guide them to a point where it's enough, and then they let them off on their own. I really admire the fact that the kids are always able to get off to their destination on the train or on the bus. I know that in America, it isn't really common for kids to be on their own due to dangers, but I think I would like to at least let my kid be independent in some aspects; that way, they'll learn and gain more experiences. Believe it or not, they actually inspired me to not be scared of being on my own and taking the train to where I need to go without always having to have someone beside me.. Yet, the only difference is that I cannot fluently speak Japanese; just enough to get me by and where I need to go.
In addition to what have been said, I was able to take the train to Yokohama from Hayama last weekend to visit a friend I haven't seen in half a year! It was literally 30 minutes, but I got on the right express train and went home on the right one as well. I did ask for help too!! I just managed to speak like a 4 year old, saying what I need to say in maybe 4 or 5 words. ahahaha GREAT! I'm actually better at navigating trains than when I'm driving. hehaha
Well, sad enough to say the days are going by much faster than the days I had anticipated in going to Japan. Slowly and slowly, I feel that I'm forgetting English every now and then. Yet, I'm enjoying the lifestyle now, people, food, friends, environment, atmosphere, and whatever you could name it.. I'm traveling as much as I can, not to mention TOKYO this weekend!! Likely Korea in October.. Yes, life is enjoyable now, and I thank God for this opportunity. One of the things I've come to realize the most out of everything here is that home isn't necessarily where you came from, where you were born; rather, it's where you make your home to be in your heart- finding your own happiness. I hope you all are doing well.
-Ai
