These are a few of my favorite things...

1. Extreme talent

2. Engrish

3. Privately owned shops

4. Unidentifiable, but delicious, foods

5. Eyes that smile bigger than mouths

This past week has been killer. I have been editing and recording English speeches day and night, visiting churches and homes, making a lot of new friends, watching a Kabuki performance, and trying new food. It feels like the first week all over again. I also had a few unexpected expenses and stresses from the other side of the ocean. I typed up a resume for my first job application. And I think I have a hangover from some candy I ate last night. (I didn't know they were full of real whiskey!)

To say the least, I am tired and stressed. I have wanted to collapse and cry and sleep all week. BUT...I think my mood has a lot more to do with leaving than busyness. As the work piles up, I am reminded how close my departure is (32 days to be exact). Then I get tense thinking about leaving all of this behind and starting fresh. As appealing as fresh starts are, change is always partially negative.

I don't want to leave behind my students. Sure, they wear ridiculous amounts of eye makeup and embarrassing Engrish clothing. But have you ever met an American student who didn't want to win a game of Scrabble? Who wanted to forget the point system and work as a team? And yes, in class they ALL answer "shopping" as their hobby and "he is handsome"/"she is beautiful" as the reason for their favorite celebrity. But do you have a class where the students bow and say thank you to their professor afterward?

I don't want to leave my apartment. It is ugly, tiny, outdated, and very UNsoundproof (as my elementary neighbors are constantly reminding me). But it is mine. I have my own space, my own tiny fridge, sink-bath, cherry blossom bed, and rice maker. Registering for wedding gifts has made me a little excited for my future place with Brian, but it is still hard to accept never being completely independent again.

I don't want to leave this country. Not because it is perfect. Not because all the beautiful, preserved images we see in America are accurate - because they aren't. My region is one of the worst when it comes to unemployment, poverty, homelessness, crime, and...westernization (which still isn't that bad compared to the rest of the world). But that is just more reason to want to stay. I could see myself serving here in so many roles - never getting bored because there are so many people to help and learn from. It's like the artificial shell is being cracked open and revealing the real, authentic, imperfect core - just as I have to turn away.

I don't love Japan any more than America. It's not that I don't miss homecooked meals, fast food, English, RWC, my friends, etc...but I know I will return to that in time. Who knows if I will ever return to Japan?

Riot

I got to ride my bike through a riot. That's right. And I lived to tell about it. How? Because this is Japan, and even their riots are safe and orderly. Long story short, the police in this homeless/day laborer area are corrupt and treat all the citizens like criminals (because some of them are, the rest earn a bad reputation). Recently, four officers at Nishinari station in Kamagasaki (where I make and deliver onigiri on Wednesday nights) beat/tortured a day laborer brought in on charges of...take a deep breath...complaining about the service at a food shop. Though I would want to throw some beer bottles at the station, too, I can't imagine it is doing any good or serving any purpose but to further ruin the reputation of the citizens and their relations with the police force.

Unfortunately, last night was the only night I have gone to the rice cafeteria without my camera, sorry.


[blog and pictures of the riot]
[more pictures]

Homecoming

I booked my flight! I will be back to Rochester on July 28 at 11:33pm.

Light's out

[more photos]

Last night, on a whim, I went to Umeda with two girls from my Bible study to investigate Candle Night 2008. I'd heard from a student that around summer solstice, many cities have events like these. In Umeda (a VERY busy shopping and entertainment district), a ton of companies and stores agree to turn their lights off (or dim them to the bare minimum) and light candles. They either use the candles to illuminate their store (instead of a huge billboard or lit-up sign), or they simply construct something bizarre on the sidewalk so we can gawk and take pictures.

Lights are turned off between June 21-July 7 from 8-10pm each night. This particular event (the candle displays) was just a one night thing. I'm glad we went. It was incredibly crowded, but really peaceful. Sounds impossible for that to occur in the middle of Osaka, but it's true. With skyscrapers black, everyone's eyes were drawn to the ground. Of course...in the end I bet the electrical cost of re-charging thousands of cell phones and cameras will negate the savings of a voluntary blackout. But it's the thought that counts.

RWC Visit

[more photos]

I wish I had had time to update along the way, because now that the week is over, I can hardly remember the details. I'll give you an overall summary, I guess, and then fill in the blanks for the days I do remember.

The group was a good mix: they were each mesmerized by different aspects of Japanese culture and lifestyle, which in turn fascinated me. They were always asking questions, taking pictures, or searching for Japanese fashion, art, history, food, and more. However, I don't think we had any takers for J-pop. Too bad.

They also had a lot of energy. Add that to the Japanese pace, and you get really tired legs and hungry bellies. So we always topped off each day with delicious dining. I added just about every variety of tofu possible, soy ramen, hiroshimayaki, cheese okonomiyaki, and some other unknowns to my list of accomplishments. Some other random bragging points: We fit 13 people into a tiny purikura booth, I scratched Buddha's feet, and I got a Japanese haircut (not necessarily a Japanese haircut, but a Japanese haircut).

Their visit has left me extremely exhausted and all I want to do is sleep for the next week. However, I know in the back of my mind that after that week, I want to do a lot more exploring and interacting. It was so good touring Japan with the Kiritan students. They didn't necessarily serve as expert tour guides (as some of them have never left Osaka), but they added some authenticity to the experience. They can help explain or commentate or even make fun of what I'm seeing. And it added something to our relationship. After the RWC students left yesterday, my students were treating me differently. They were texting me, planning sleepovers, chatting about which boys they liked, etc. Being with them outside of the classroom seems to have given them a different perspective...they aren't nearly as intimidated or shy around me.

The sudden increase in my exposure and appreciation of unknown cities, shops, and people along with my increased intimacy with my students is making my countdown less exciting. Of course I can't wait to come home and see everyone, but every day closer to seeing you all brings me a day closer to saying goodbye to all of this.