Hindsight

If I were to attempt to place all my thoughts this posting, it would go on forever.

I spent my last day meeting up with Nanae in Ueno and then sending off some emails at a net cafe in Akihabara. The evening was spent packing (it was harder than I thought) – I can’t wait to meet customs agents. Not so much those in Asia, but the guys in Los Angeles. You know, the “warm” welcome they give whether you are local or not.

***

Back home, a year doesn’t do very much to you. You change a job here and there, you go through a bit of personal drama on the side (or in the foreground perhaps). But it is nowhere near the experience of being abroad. And especially in Japan. Outside Japan, looking in, it’s impossible to experience and see all the subtleties of daily life and interaction. The ups and downs, so on and so forth.

It’s been easy for everyone not in Japan to sympathize, but to empathize? No one who has lived here abroad (more so after college) can come close. Ask Dion, Alex or Chris. Hell, ask any other ALT out here. We’re on the same track so far. Now, though, I’ve chosen to head back.

I’ve said the same thing over and over recently. Prior to this opportunity, I never worked with kids. Even now I still consider myself a pretty serious type of guy. But I’ll say (and happily) that they got to me. Reciprocation. Interaction, internationalization, communication – call it what you will. It was fun. I miss them, you know. I imagine going to the school just to talk to them and say “hello” today. But it’s over now. It’s time for me to go home.

I’ve had my ups and downs. Looking back, that’s supposed to happen, isn’t it? I flashback through moments of laughter with the kids and/or staff, to the moment I stood in my doorway for five minutes because I had no idea what to do that day and no one to talk to. I think about the drunken stupor of yesteryear or the best 3-nensei class at Chiyo. There are so many thoughts – I’m glad that I wrote a bit of them down throughout the year. I’ll be referring to them often.

Some wonder if the JET Program is worth it. It’s worth it. Like people will say, it’s what you make of it. Chris said a year ago that “it changes you”. And how can I not change after being so far away, for one year? Yes, it goes by fast, but what a change.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So rather than say goodbye, I will say this:
Until next time, Japan. Until next time.