Kinda like Dreams...

Its was so strange returning to Vancouver for a week... Its like I've put my life in Japan asside and just returned to the way things were before I left. I felt as if I didn't spend 4/5 months living in Japan! The whole time I was there, all I was thinking about was how I was going to spend another 8 agonizing months away from the beautiful place I called home.

It was great to be back in Vancouver... most people treated me as if I never left and we were able to catch up like old times and such. I was really thankful I didn't feel much awkwardness while I was there... but then again I haven't really been gone that long! hahahah.

I got to see everyone I wanted to see!! It was great! I even got to see people that I wouldn't normally see too.... WAHHHHHH

Now that I'm back in Japan... it was like it was a dream that I was even in Vancouver at all... HAHAHAH.... just back into the pattern of things here...

But now I'm striving for more! I think my trip home help renew my drive to do things while in Japan... to personally challenge myself...

Ian gave me a great book -its such an awesome read, I totally recommend it to anyone!!- Blue like Jazz is a book that bridges the gap that I felt between how to make my personal walk as a christian understandable to the people who are so different here that I've had the privilage of getting to know. Also its challenged me in my faith to really work as well as trust in God to really continue to grow as a person... I think its put some things I've made too important back in their places priority wise.... I hope that sticks...

Also, its good to get back in touch with reality... make sure I stay sharp in pushing myself into doing more with my life here, to do as much as I can to aid myself to returning home.... hmmm lots of typing from me... hope its not just typing...

WAHHHH *huggles every one in Vancouver* I love you!!!!!!!!

Home Sweet Home

Its 'Japan-Intermission time" ... whoa thats so bad jap english.. HOHOHO

Today I had a conversation with the ticket booth guy for the earliest train available cause my domestic flight (or what I tell japanese people inland flight... man.. my english is dying... conversely my chinese may be improving as I've been watching this Taiwanese drama based on this jap comic I used to like.. LOL they're terrible actors!!! hahaha... so funny to watch its so bad I can't stop...the female characters lips twist in ways my arms can't wave... and the guy's eyebrows dance...) is at 7 ish AM in the morning!!!

For those who have an inkling of japanese I said this to the ticket guy:

"Sumimasen. Eto..... nihon-go sukoshi desu... "
*Wierd look given*
"Ummm... Kuko...."
"Centrair?"
"Hai... Eto... Kuko.... ichiban densha nan ji desuka?"
"EH!?..... ICHIBAN?!"
".... err.... hai........? nan ji!?"
"Densha wa.... go-ji 39 pun desu."
"Ahh...... ehhhhhhh... ikura desuka?"
"ichi man sen (something.. I always zone out after the first numbers...)...."
"ima.... ka-te?....kippu.... daijobou?"
"Iie..." *gestures national no sign, making an "x" with the arms*
"ahhhh.... errr... arigatou!"

Translation:
"Excuse me... Japanese... little" (at which upon reflection I should have used the verb - to speak... HAHAHAHAHA)
"Ummm... airport"
"Centrair? (Nagoya international airport)"
"Yes... ummm.... Best/no. 1 train what time?"
*insert look*
".... what time?"
"Train is at 5:39am"
"ahh... how much?"
"~ 1100 yen"
"Now.... may I buy?....... ticket...... okay?"
**BUU BUU** -- thats what I say to my students when they get things wrong... hahahah
"Ahhh... thanks..."

Sighhh... upon actual usage my japanese crumbles... after walking away I realized the many grammatical errors I could have avoided... Oo;;.... oyes......

HAHAHA I actually have jap lessons tomorrow too...

I was so excited to be heading home a week ago... just yesterday I felt the opposite... and unknown fear got to me.... I'm returning to reality.... to all the responsibilities I left behind... To all the people that have moved on with their lives in ways I have no idea....

I'm kind of scared to find how things are now.... this is something I have to go through tho'.... seeing as I'll be doing the same thing about 8 months from now as well....

I think its because its the unknown about people I really care about... coming to japan was a different set of fears... but now that I've faced most of them (with God's help... LOTS of it hahah) I'm starting to feel comfortable... but i guess thats the point.. I can't really feel too comfortable... otherwise I'm in danger of letting God go.... and venturing into things and eventually straying as all us humans do... then learning another painful lesson.... hahaha... fear of comfort.... but I don't know if its the right kind of fear.... hence something to still work through... hmmm hmmm...

So tentitive plans....

Feb 9 - Japan
wake up 4:45 am, get to meitetsu trains by 5:20 am.... pass out on the train - arrive at 6:40 am.
6:50am - pick up tickets
7:50am - flight should take off for Tokyo.
8:55am - arrive in Tokyo
Somehow make it into Roppongi by 11:30 am for lunch with Asumi (dad's friend's daughter who is about the same age as me.... my plan is to treat her, depending on where we go oO;;...)
Maybe shop a bit in the area and head back at 3pm for my 7pm flight to Canada (it'll take at least 1.5 hours to get back.....)
7pm - Vancouver here I come... Sometime during this flight I'll probably get hungry... stupid Air Canada and cheaping out on a meal...
Arrive Feb 9 - 10:55 am Vancouver....

YEAH!!!!