I can’t even believe that I am actually here-

In this paradise of a foreign country, in this beautiful place so serene-

So many kind, new people-

With scenery I take in on a bated breath-

On this place where everything is new and different-

And where I find myself at total peace.

On the opposite side of the globe, no one I’ve knew-

I’ll walk on to another day-

I’ll continue to journey and find new things.

Today I took the wrong bus in Sakuranosato-

And ended up far away from where I was supposed to be-

As I walked I considered crying, wondering if I’d find my way-

But I did and it filled me with pride-

And even if this mountain filled country-

Sucks to walk up hill-

And even if I realized that I didn’t know anything originally-

I find this way more entertaining-

And my new ‘family’ is amazing-

A mother who knows little English-

A daughter who begs me to hug her-

And a father who tries his best to communicate-

The beer here may be more expensive-

But you don’t need it to have a good time-

Because as our sensei told us, 90% of people wouldn’t want to do this-

Throw away everything familiar for something desperately new-

So I am the minority-

And I feel as if I can do anything with my current abilities-

And if I can’t, I can learn it-

Moving forward, accelerating to that future I’ve dreamed of-

And I find myself crying for a different reason-

Because my childhood dream is fulfilled-

I can state that I’ve changed myself for the better-

And that I’ve found something to hold onto-

And I’m so stoked-

Because this is amazing.

Sugoi, watashi genki desu ne-

More than I’ve ever been-

And as the card my best friend sent me sits on my desk-

I’m remembering the feeling of being home-

And not missing it yet, but I will-

‘culture shock’ they call it-

Though it will be but a short time before I return-

And for now I will bask in the euphoria-

That my life is where I want it to be-

And that my soul is at peace.

I am so thankful.