Finals... not the test kind.

Well I am confronted with the most lasts ever! I have had three lasts- so far- goodbye to Jonan Chu Gakko students, church family, and most of my host family. These have been very bi-emotional- (i made that up) sad and wonderful.

First Jonan. The students and teachers (thought I told them every month till I left), thought I was not leaving. I told them the day before I left just so they could do whatever formality they needed to as far as a ceremony of sorts, or something-( not because I wanted it but because it is always done here in Japan.) So I gave a short speech- as prior blogs attest to, and stood outside after school giving my final goodbyes to around 600-700 students. There were many arigato-s and doitashimashita-s, many high fives- a few hundred hugs, and shy kids just looking saying goodbye with their shy-ness (which I have come to appreciate). There were also a few sad goodbyes from students who have enjoyed random convos with me- or running with me while we did the race, and a few confessions of I love... ENGLISH (gottcha) and I will study very hard.... I want to come to America! I will miss them so and already do! 

Next, church. It was music night where we all came together to raise praise to God through singing, and dancing. It was such a wonderful time of worship. I heard many solos- a Jeremy Camp song- sung by a Japanese Guy who sounded like him- it was crazy. Also, A friend, Prescilla from Oregon, brought a song written by her sister to us and asked if we could get a group together to sing it. Her sisters song was wonderful! Four of us stood with a guitar to worship God- what a sound like heaven. Also Annie and I belted out the Doxology accapella style, (which is a family fav to do). As we prepared and practiced - like two hours before we sang ( which is another family favorite thing to do), we so felt the presence of God come over us. No matter how we did- no matter what harmony was horrible- God was there and we felt him. It was so wonderful!  They have been my family of God this year- and such a wonderful international family! I love them very much and will definitely be supporting them as they seek God with all they are... 

Then My J-family. Last night we had a party to celebrate this year but also to celebrate Nagisa going to Kyrgystan very soon. She is joining a peace corps of sorts and will teach the people of a village crafts that they can use to sell. She is such a wonderful craft person. She has been a craft outlet for me taking me to so many rare and wonderful places as well as just being a wonderful person to talk to. She is so gifted at to many things such as textiles, drawing and just everything artsy. So this night was wonderful. We cooked together us daughters with mom, making fried chicken (Japanese style), fried potatoes (not to be confused with french fries) they were real potatoes and grown from their garden- which does make a difference.  Then Nagisa made some nepal bread (like corn tortillas) and a sauce which was out of this world. As well as rice, tofu and eggplant mix, and my little fruit salad. It was a wonderful night. Shun and Miyu (grand children) were there showing everyone how much they could eat and how cute they could be- they were too cute. I couldn't handle it! They gave me die ski (which is translates give her loves) after I gave them two cute puzzles, then us girls enjoyed trying on the earrings I made for them- and taking pictures. Then we all just sat around talked in Japanese and English (me speaking more English) and just enjoying each other. It was so relaxing and just comforting. I love them also and will miss them much...

I am starting to say goodbye to my students. I have had a few last classes even when I have a week of teaching left. It has been unreal this time around because in a  few days give or take 9 or so I will be back in the states doing not knowing what to do.. Well doing a lot but not doing what I have struggled through and learned to do here in Japan. I will be loud again (well maybe- for those who do not know- I have actually come to enjoy a more quiet life, one that requires less talking and more actions, but also just the Japanese way of life), I will be speaking English everyday (not from a textbook), I guess I will have more say on what happens in my life, I will teach for my first year in the States, and things I just do not know now.  Again I am trying to keep up with my brain so I shall publish this and move on as I know how- One day at a time relying on God with all I am.

Remember: Before you face certain pain (climbing Mnt. Fuji) one must consider how long 6 hours up and 3 hours down will be all in one time.............. Or you just stop thinking and do it. 

~MOlly