Homesick is overrated

Its very easy to get caught up in what things from home I miss. Barbeque, Mexican food, days without rain. Last night I was reminded of one reason why I am here and why I can still really enjoy myself. So far when I go out places, it doesn't take very long for someone to come strike up a conversation. A lot of people are interested not only in the fact that I am foreign but are looking to practice their English a little. In Japan, children study English for a certain number of years in school but may not use the language again after that. Their rusty English skills paired with the practice I get communicating with a lower level non-native speaker makes conversations much more exciting. Every bit of successful conversation is a reason to celebrate, so the further it goes, the more celebrating that gets to happen! Language barriers can be frustrating when something very important needs to get done, but can sometimes be fun, adding a little extra. I love little reminders like that of how cool it is that I am living in Japan. I must remind myself that I could be experiencing things at home that feel so safe, but I am here to learn what I can make of the unfamiliar.

Next week, my branch manager begins her lessons as the first student Coco Juku Matsue has ever taught! I am splitting the lessons in half with the other instructor, but having something to do once a week will hopefully help. With no students, the job drags on a bit. I am still just getting to know the textbooks and making lesson plans to be prepared for students. Luckily, getting to know the textbooks means getting to know the interactive web-books which have some really excellent pop songs. They have a song for every chapter, covering topics such as "Anything Goes" ("I wear my socks on my fingers and my gloves on my toes") or a whole song complaining about a travel experience and how the person's romantic interest ditched them. Many of the lyrics are actually a little depressing, but the songs themselves are pretty hilarious.