Dear Kelly-chan,

You had a postcard waiting for me when I arrived in Japan last year, depressed and alone. So I figured it was my turn to have a greeting waiting for you as you return to NY, no doubt feeling like you are in a foreign country as well. I hope your flight was pleasant, your jet lag minimal, and your reverse culture-shock inspiring.
I am no good at expressing gratitude or sentimental feelings in person (we both hate Japanese goodbyes). So now - an ocean apart - I want to let you know how amazing it was to share this past year with you. Often, I found myself jealous of your position - you had a great friend network, better pay, and a much better view. Other times, I found myself feeling proud - I got to know my students (because I taught on a more regular basis), my job was easy and convenient, and I experienced city life.
In the end, I reached the not so difficult conclusion: How amazing is it that two girls from tiny RWC went to Japan at the exact same time for almost the exact same reason, yet experienced completely different facets of a surprisingly diverse country? How boring would it have been to both have been in Osaka or both to have been countryside JETs?...How one dimensional! Because we were mere acquaintances at first and we were at just enough of a distance apart, we didn't rely on each other for everything (and therefore stifle our individual, independent growth). Because we taught different ages, spent time with different friends, lived in different areas, traveled to different cities, and fell in love with different aspects of Japan, we were able to learn that much more through each other. Looking back, I am so grateful I didn't live on the beach or have JET friends, and I'm glad you lived in the boonies and taught cute little kids. I feel like I have had two experiences in Japan because of you.
Japan would have been great regardless, but I thank God I had you to encourage me and visit me and challenge me - it turned a great experience into an life-altering, unforgettably amazing experience. Your upbeat attitude, objectivity, humor, insight, and eagerness to learn drove me to try to maintain the same attitude. Thank you for coming to Japan, thanks for being there for me, and thanks for the kind of person you are. I can't wait to see you again and learn about your ever continuing adventures (they're not over yet!).

Love always,

Cassie