I realized it is almost impossible for me now to maintain this blog well, so I am going to take another extended break, and post a wrap-up in June, after I’ve moved home (return date May 25th) and settled a little!
What’s going on in Fujieda? Many things! The cherry blossoms have been blooming, and longer than usual because of the extended cold (but sunny) weather!! The kids have started their new school year… people have started new jobs… everything begins in April.
I have been working at organizing all my stuff in the apartment, and updating the teacher manual for the next teacher! I have just under 3 weeks to work hard at everything, and then my father is coming back to Japan for Golden Week, so I will take a final tour! After that I will have 2 weeks left for final tasks, goodbye visits, etc.
My emotions are very mixed, and I know it’ll be worse in May, but I am doing my best to deal with it. I’ve made a home here… but I know home is Canada. I miss my Canadian folks, but it will be so strange not to see my Japanese friends anymore. My last visit home in January, I felt so excited to be there… then I came back to Japan and it felt right to be here, too. Anyway, I know I’ll see everyone again… I have to come back! And I’m really, really grateful for all the time I have had here… it just went so fast! Too fast.
There is a provincial tournament next weekend, which I will attend. My last chance to observe a karate event here! Next month, we’ll have a dojo bbq, and Sakurai Sensei is planning a sayonara party on my last weekend. I already know I’m going to cry, so I have massive quantities of tissue ready. I apologize to the trees…
It’s been amazing here. Best life decision I ever made. Arigatou gozaimashita Sensei, and arigatou gozaimashita Nippon.
Here are some pictures from Rengejiike, and random spots around Fujieda! I will share more photos with many of you in person very soon! Ahh Sakura, such a fitting metaphor. Make the most of each day… they will be gone before you know it.
Take care & see you soon! Osu!
