(written 26 June 2011) 20y17
I’m sitting on our warm South African stoep (porch) on a cold Sunday Morning, after a sleepless night. Cappchino was probably not a good idea before bed, being a none-coffee drinker, but the real reason for my restlessness is that I’m just so excited. Less than a month till Japan and yesterday we had a Q&A session at the Embassy of Japan in preparation for the trip, so it’s all feeling very real now. In less than a month we’ll be living and working in Japan.
Culture Shock Already?
After dinner with Julia’s folks we went book shopping and I picked up a copy of the Lonely Planet’s Discover Japan. Flipping through the pictures just brings home how different it is in Japan compared to SA. Obviously, the publishers will choose pictures that are striking, but Japan truly is as far removed as east from west. That, and fully appreciating that communication, both visually and verbally, is going to be so different, is feeling quite daunting. Is it possible to expriance culture shock before arriving in a new country? We’re in for a big change, and that’s starting to dawn on me.
Nerves
Adding to all of this is the stress of the unknown, such as where we’ll be placed and will we be staying together, as well as what age group we’ll be teaching. Also, the long to do list of things we need to sort out looms over us like a dark tower. These all fray the nerves a little, and the only solution is to get to work clearing the list and trusting in God for the rest. We’re jumping into ice cold water here, and all we can do is hold our breath and leap.
Winning the Battle of the Mind
The trick, as we figure it, is to channel all our excitement and nervous energy into preparing. Can’t sleep? Figure out your packing list. Fed up? Stuff some clothes into boxes. Just keep that ball rolling.
We also need to keep a positive attitude, something that will be even more critically in Japan. Understanding that our attitude colours our perception will help us deal with culture shock, and makes all the difference in how much we enjoy the experience. In my opinion, we’re going over to work, but it’s still a holiday, every moment an opportunity for adventure and experiences. After all, a change is as good as a holiday.
Lastly, I really believe in setting goals and staying focused on them. Easily achievable goals are rewarding and let you implement a long term plan. Going to Japan is the result of such goals.
I’ve decided to write down twelve goals for Japan, sort of an objectives list. I’ll change it as I go along, because I believe goals need to be adaptable and reflect changes in your own life. Still, this list of goals does reflect why I want to go to Japan. They are in no particular order:
1. Get my shodan (1st rank) in Iaido.
2. Get a certification in Japanese.
3. Write for 20 minutes every day.
4. Train at Esaka Dojo.
5. Meet the head of Esaka dojo.
6. Meet with Iaido sensei’s from Japan.
7. Meet friends from the Japanese embassy who are now in Japan.
8. Visit Mt. Fuji.
9. Meet with friends who are already on the JET program.
10. Learn more about Musashi and visit some related sites.
11. Take a hike.
12. Be active in the local Christian community.
Yata! (Yay!)
It’s so exciting that we’re heading to Japan, and despite all the stress, we’re just getting more and more amped for the trip over.
Word of the Day
Hashi: You’ll know them as chopsticks. These are eating utensils, commonly made of wood or plastic. Like western cutlery, etiquette when using hashi is very important, for example, you don’t food between hashi, as this is how bones are ed in Japanese funeral rites.
Site of the Day
Today’s site is our very own kanjiFlipper. This site uses flash cards to help you learn hiragana, katakana and kanji. While it’s still a work in progress, it’s already quite useful, and new updates are being made on a weekly basis. Check it out here: http://risingphoenixgames.casinowinning.net/japanese/