i was on a plane traveling across the world to live in a place i'd barely even read anything about. a place where i wouldn't know the language, the culture, the people. i haven't made a better decision in my life. living in japan has brought me closer to the ones i love in america, and close to so many new people i'd never have met otherwise. sure, it's been hard--learning something new, somewhere new for the first time--in a country where i can't read or speak no less. but i've grown SO much. i've learned that i am capable of much more than i ever thought possible. it's ok to get out of my comfort zone and even ok to fail miserably. it's ok to miss people and things. it's ok to get lost and have a meltdown. that's how you grow. experience is the best teacher.
when i found out i got this job, i had to continually remind myself that i was the one who had to live my life--i couldn't waste mine watching other people live theirs. so i've stopped saying "i'm sorry i can't be there" or "i'm sorry i missed _______" because the truth is, i'm not sorry. sure i'm sad i couldn't be there for a certain something or other, but to me being sorry would mean that i regretted making the decision i did when i chose to leave everything i knew for an adventure that is just beginning. and thus far, i regret nothing. i can only hope the next 6 months of my adventure are as great as the last 6 have been. and that the 6 after that are better than the previous 12. with a new school year starting and getting my own class of japanese-speaking 4-year-olds, the next 6 months look promising.
God has been showing me some great stuff here and He's been opening my eyes, ears, and heart in a way i've never known. it's refreshing to my soul to be surrounded daily by encouraging people who share my passions. i keep praying God will continue to show me joy in the little things, and see where these itchy feet will go next....
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Thanks for updating this blog! I am glad you have no regrets and that you feel this was a good decision. It would make me sad to know that you were stuck over there for another year feeling that it was a huge mistake. But it also makes me sad wondering how long you will separate yourself from your family and friends in the U.S. I guess God will take care of that issue for me as long as I am assured that you are following His will for your life. I love you and I miss you!! ~ Mom
ReplyDeleteHope, I have enjoyed reading your blog but didn't understand how to make a comment. Your mom explained. I just had not noticed the place for it. Anyway, I am proud of you for being so brave and doing something that I would never have had the courage to do. I'm glad that you are having a good time, as I observe in all your photos that you post on Facebook. You always have that sweet smile, and I can tell you're having the time of your life. I'm glad it has also turned out to be a spiritual journey for you. We miss you, even though I'm probably seeing more of you than in the past living so far apart, but just knowing how far away you are.
ReplyDeleteI think of you often and pray that God will keep you safe. Love ya, Aunt Carolyn
Thanks for updating the blog...when can I get another 4 am chat on facebook???? That seems to be the time Ben is up these days! :( So glad to hear you are doing well and are happy! Kristin
ReplyDeleteHi Hope,
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting time in your life! It's great to hear you are doing well and fun to hear of what you are doing. Will you be teaching the four year olds English? Take care. Love, Jackie Bressler