Transitions...

((Rewind))

August 22, 2008: Originally I should have been departing on this date to begin my new life on the other side of the world. But, due to uncontrollable circumstances, I asked for a later departure date.

Around August 31, 2008 I told my mother I no longer wanted to go. I think she knew I was going to change my mind because she didn't react to this at all. I was adamant about not going until around September 3rd when I decided to go shopping for my September 5th departure. On September 4th I said my last goodbyes and was off on the 5th. I was numb to leaving. I wasn't excited. I wasn't scared. Quite frankly, I didn't have any major emotions at all.

Now, its November 18, 2009. In less than one month I will be back on American soil. I'm anxious. I'm nervous. I'm scared. I'm excited. I'm happy. I'm sad. I'm hesitant. I'm very weary. I'm unsettled. But, in essence, I'm ready.

In the past year and a half I learned a lot. I learned what tenacity is. I learned what stress is. I learned what discipline is. I learned what fortune is. I learned what faith is. I learned what friendship is. I learned what depression is. I learned what translations are. I learned what body language is. I learned what fear is. I learned what dedication is. I learned what love is. But, most of all, I learned what living is.

According to my mother, I have been on a paid vacation for the past several months. In essence, I have. I have been able to travel, party, eat, socialize, learn new languages, see new countries and experience new cultures ... oh yes, and stay in LOTS of hostels. My life has been simply amazing over the past few months. I have seen sakura (cherry blossoms) that are so beautiful a picture could not even begin to capture the beauty of them. I have been atop mountains that have shown me how simple life is. The breath of fresh air that can be consumed amongst the clouds is one of the most joyful feelings on Earth. Standing in the Peace Park in Hiroshima that was full of history only to think about how much peace is actually missing in the world. Living here has made me realize how many breaths people take failing to recognize the moments that are actually taking their breath away. It has allowed me to refocus on the simple things that maintain my sanity. I have been reintroduced to the serenity of solitude. I have been reminded of how beautiful life is.

Japan has been more than wonderful and simply amazing. There are not enough words in the history of words to describe how appreciative I am of this time.

I pray that everything that I have seen, heard, felt, smelled and tasted can help me to have the best life on Earth.

I love my life. Thank you japan.

本当にありがとうございます。

また近いうちに。

ガーネット