Well the past few days have been a little low key, but its alright. On the 27th, we went to Dazaifu Shrine, which was really pretty and I took lots of pictures as usual. We ate way too much for lunch (also as usual) and it was wonderful (the word for wonderful in japanese is すばらしい, which is read as "subarashii").
The 28th Noemi and I were completely lazy. Both of our parents were at work, so we made instant ramen (YUM) and watched Memoirs of a Geisha. It was really nice because both of us read the book while we have been in Japan, and then to watch the movie in Japan was really great. It is a beautiful story.
The 29th we went to Michelle's school, where she wore yukata and gave a presentation about Switzerland (her home country) and Japan. She has been here for four months so far, and goes home in February. She is really sweet and incredibly smart. She can speak Swiss-German, German, English, Japanese, Italian, and French fluently. Needless to say, I am jealous.
Today, the 30th, Noemi and I spent the day in Kurume with Oscar, Cameron, and Daniel. We saw the science and art museums. The Ishibashi Art museum was great; it had lots of famous artists and was interesting to see. We are currently waiting for my host brother to bring us pizza, so we can watch The Devil Wears Prada with my host family. Can you tell school is over? Haha. Noemi and I did pay for the pizza for my whole family though, because they have done so much for both of us. Today it was really great because on the bus ride home a woman started to talk to us in Japanese, and we actually understood her! She asked us if we were students, where we were attending school, where in Japan we were living, where we were from, and when we go home. And we could answer all of her questions, it was a great feeling.
This morning on the bus ride on the way to Kurume, we made some serious plans (Mom, Dad, I hope this is okay with you, haha)! We decided that next summer Noemi should come to the U.S. for a couple weeks; visit New York, San Francisco (with me and hopefully one of my parents of course), and then spend a week in Sedalia with us. And the summer after that, I will go to Italy and do the same, We think this is a wonderful plan, so we hope you do too. :):)
We have a busy couple of days coming up. Tomorrow we have a few errands to run, then we go out to lunch with my family, and then spend the night at Michelle's house. The next day we go to Yanagawa (a more traditional Japanese town where Daniel and his host family live) and spend the night there with a friend of Noemi's okaasan. Sometimes I have the feeling that we are simplybeing passed from Japanese person to Japanese person, but I don't mind. :) No plans on Monday, Tuesday Noemi goes home (much crying will be involved- we've already made a decison not to wear mascara that day), and Wednesday I go home (it's probably also wise not to wear mascara this day either, since I will be saying goodbye to my family). It's just insane. When I first arrived here, I was upset, homesick, and disappointed that Japan was different than I though it would be (foolish, I know). But after the first week here, I realized I had it all wrong. I am so happy to have been here. I am very happy to come home and see everyone that I love and miss, but I love and will miss the people here too. It's such a cliche, but this truly has gone by in the blink of an eye. I plan on enjoying every moment of this last week, and I will see you all very soon.
:)
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Sweet Audrey:
ReplyDeleteIt seems that I should not have worn mascara today, because your blog brought me to many happy tears. I can almost feel your sadness and bittersweetness about leaving. No mother has ever been more proud of what you have done, what you have learned, the love and kindness you've accepted from others and shown to others. When I learned I was pregnant with you so many years ago, I knew God was going to use you to bless me and you just keep proving that to me over and over again. Have fun these last days my love and travel home safely. I might break one of you ribs when I hug you because I won't be able to let you go!
Future travels with Noemi sound great to me. She is always welcome in our home.
We've have some great emails from Shun lately -- can't wait to share them with you when you get home.
BIG HUG & KISS! -- Mama
Dear Audrey,
ReplyDeleteI don't think any of us care about the titles of your blogs--we are all just so happy to read what you are saying, to know that you are okay, and to know that you are having such a wonderful time. It's kind of freaky to think about how you would communicate without the internet, isn't it?
You have truly been blessed with a wonderful Japanese family for this experience. I am so happy for you in that regard. I knew of an AFS student who had a miserable family, thus guaranteeing her a miserable time. But, I can see that your Japanese family has gone above and beyond to make you happy there.
And what a blessing that your own parents are so loving and supportive as well. I would tell you to count your blessings but I know you already do!
Looking forward to your every blog, titled or not!
PS. Think Big Brother and 1984. Ever since I made the comment about the strange word verifications I have had a lot of normal words. LOL
HA! So much for Big Brother and 1984. I just had to type in "serthip".
ReplyDeleteMama, your comment almost made me cry. I read it to Michelle and Noemi, and they were like, "Oh my gosh we love your mom!!" And i agreed completely. :) You are an amazing mom, and I would not be here if it weren`t for you. Noemi is very happy to hear that she is welcome in our home, and I am serious about her coming to the US and me going to Italy!! And today, Michelle fed me more Swiss chocolate, and it made me veryyy excited to go to Switzerland. She says she wants us to come back some day when she is there, because when we go she will still be in Japan. I love you. Home so soon! Let's watch Law & Order and go shopping!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Engles, Thank you, youre right. I am extremely blessed. I really appreciate all your support and comments!! I need to have lunch with you and Mrs. Epp as soon as I get home. Haha and what did you have to type in the weird thing to leave the comment about "serthip"?? haa.
Audrey-
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons I love teaching high school students so much is that often I find that it is the students who end up teaching me. I LOVE that I read your blogs toward the end of the experience and I have no advice to give, no lessons to teach. You have become a true student of the world! If I tried to add to what you are saying it would probably subtract from the experience... I will look forward to lunch when you return!
P.S. Mrs. Willadsen and Mr. Willson told me to say hello. They haven't been posting on the blog since they were packing and leaving for their honeymoon, but they ask about you and send you their best. Today they are seeing London. This weekend they will set out for Scotland and Whales, followed by Denmark and Iceland to visit our family there.
Hi Audrey
ReplyDeleteI will be delighted to have lunch with you and Mrs. Epp when you return. Just 4 more days now. I know you are ready to come home, just as we are all ready to have you safely back in Sedalia.
mitersa!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Epp, you are wondeful! My friend from Italy, Noemi, has been reading yours and Mrs. Engles's comments and said, "Wow, I don't have relationships with my teachers like this at all. It's so sweet." And it really is. :) Thank you! I can't wait for lunch with you and Mrs. Engles in the US. I have a Japanese gift for both of you, I can't wait. :)Tell Mr. Willson and Mrs. Willadsen I say hello and I hope they are having a wonderful honeymoon!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Engles, Basically the message above to Mrs. Epp is for you too! Thanks for suffering all the weird words to comment on my blog, I appreciate it. :)