Mixed Emotions and Returning

This is the first blog I'm writing from the United States.

To sum it up, being back in Texas is strange. I feel numb and as out of place as ever. I can't really fathom the idea that I am back at the place I grew up. Everything looks the same, and the people are how I remember, but I feel like a part of my mind is missing.

As it were when I left Japan, I feel as though a large chunk of my life has been a dream, a nd I'm starting again.

My time in Japan was perfect, despite all the difficulties and challenges. However, I feel as though it were longer than one year, but distant in a moment, as if I had woken from a great dream.

I think my heart is aching, but the emotions won't come to my eyes.

In any case, I am in Texas.

Sai-Sai Sayonara, Bye bye, Wait...See you later

Today is the last time that I will write from Japan. Well, the last time that I will write from my stay in Japan this time. I told myself, "This isn't goodbye, but see you later." Yet, it still feels heavy and surreal.

I am getting excited messages about my going home, but it feels as if I'm waking up from a dream. I remember landing in Japan nearly a year ago, but that memory in itself is hazy. It feels as though I've lived in this country for a majority of my life, and I feel essentially more at place here than I do in the States. I could talk about this in more detail, but while it might be cathartic, it's not the time nor the place.

In a few hours, I will be boarding a plane from Narita, and bound for the States. It feels like I'm going to sleep. My body is light, but my mind and heart are heavy. I'm going from life to a dream, and I'm uncertain of what will happen when I go home.

I want to preserve the memory of the Rurouni Kenshin Move, The L'Arc~en~Ciel concert, nights of karaoke, late-night drinking with friends, and everything I've learned.

From this point forward, I'll do my best.

I'm not going to give up until I make it back to this country.

Until I land in the states, See you later.

Rainbows, Kids, and English Immersion

I'm writing while sitting onthe floor of a hotel somewhere in Japan, listening to "Niji" by L'Arc~en~Ciel, and preparing myself mentally for another set of long days, happy faces, and tears.

English Immersion Camp is a great experience for those involved. I've been volunteering with the Kumon Company for a little while now, and my skills were finally put to the test a little over a week ago. The 6 Day camp began, and I have had the pleasure of working with many people from all over the world. Our journey together is far from over, as we have another four days to go starting tomorrow. Now, we all enjoy some down time, take some time to get back to our healthy selves, and enjoy our time together as human beings.

Working with Kumon on the journey for world peace through children has taught me a lot of things. I need to open my mind to more people, try new things, and listen.

The world is a big place, but we're all linked together as human kind. This means we must learn to love one another, respect one anothers culture, and ultimately, laugh together as we share in each others warmth.

I love the people I have met here with all of my heart.