A Change in Scenery...

Hey-o folks.

Thank you for your faithful following of my blog. However, as the title suggests, I am moving my blog to a different URL. Don't worry, all of my previous posts and all of your comments have been exported to that blog, so we haven't lost anything.

A friend has been "highly-recommending" that I switch to wordpress, and then my dear sister has been blogging there, and I'm interested in traffic to my blog (which Google doesn't offer), and I've fiddled around with their settings and such, sooooooo.....

Here is the URL to the new blog, and henceforth, all updates and posts shall be posted there.

http://roadmapsrevelationsandraindrops.wordpress.com/

Thanks for your accomodating spirit everyone!

This is still a dream, right? No town could possibly sound so perfect... JET Update 9

A welcome letter from my supervisor:

Dear --,

Welcome to Kuroshio Town. Everyone is looking forward to you coming from the bottom of their hearts. My name is --, and I will be your supervisor. I am looking forward to meeting you and working together. I think you will find the children in Kuroshio very energetic and enthusiastic, although, of course, there will be a few unenthusiastic children too. The children are really cute and can’t wait for you to come. In kuroshio Town there is lots of beautiful nature: pine forests, mountains, oceans and beaches. I think you will find the people in Kuroshio very warm, but sometimes a little shy. In Kuroshio we have lots of events and activities, which we would love for you to join (if you want to). I hope you will make many friends and come to experience Kuroshio life. We will be doing our best to make your transition from Canada to Kuroshio go as smoothly as possible...

HOW MANY MORE DAYS???? FORTY????!!!! AHHHH!!!!

How do you fix a day that starts at 3am?

If anyone knows the answer to that question, I'd dearly love to know it.

Truthfully though, the started out well, and it wasn't until approximately 9:30am that things started to descend into disaster.

Let me begin:

I woke up at 3am today. Waited for my alarm to go off for 30 minutes. That's ok. I need that time to get the brain working too. I got up, got ready, went to work for 4:15am.

The people who closed the cafe last night clearly had other things on their mind. In their defense, two of the three don't close the cafe all too often, but they do often enough to know the basic things that ought to have been done. Not really a big deal, as there were three of us in the morning (which doesn't happen often) so we adjusted, tweaked some things and moved on. No hard feelings.

Working out the breaks schedule was less than enjoyable as well. I've never liked that particular aspect of being a supervisor (which is odd, as I do love puzzles, and that's basically what it is, a puzzle that involves people, coffee, predictions and blackout periods). Odd shifts, and odd tasks. That got done. So I moved on. And people I enjoy working with were working with me today. That was good.

Our district manager shows up. All is well. There are enough staff that I can deploy and plant one person to be cleaning. Always cleaning, and maintaining a tidy cafe. Things are good.

I started the deposit at an excellent time, got it all done in 23 minutes (woo! only 5 minutes more than the store record I set earlier this year!) and set the safe to put it away. Except that the safe suddenly lost power, and I couldn't access it. And so the descent steepened. Begin calling help desks, playing with power cords etc. Hear a sizzling sound when touching the power cord. Shriek. Note that there is now no power to the stereo, security moniter, and still to the safe. Help desk says that they will send a tech over within 24 hours.

Fine. Move along.

And I don't really know what happened after that. I was slow AND clumsy on bar. I couldn't pull it together and bust out the drinks, and serve customers in an efficient amount of time. Then I spilled the splash sticks all over the bar, into steamed milk, into prepared drinks, into the milk rag container, into a milk jug and onto the floor. I forgot about a 80-cup coffee service until 5 minutes before it was due, and it takes 15-20 to get it ready. Flames appeared as the descent reached maximum velocity.

I ask to go home early. I can't countdown the safe, so I just punch out. Then the safe gets fixed. Now I have to countdown. And it takes a long time. And I don't get paid for those 15 minutes.

I check my cell phone. Drama on the friend front. I make a call, say something I had no intention of saying in front of a co-worker, and spill the beans on a subject I didn't want to discuss.

I finally get to my car, I drive home, and there is TONS of traffic. And while waiting to turn right onto a street beside a truck that is waiting to turn left (and thus obstructing my view and the view of the car behind me) I inch up in order to be able to see. I get a clear view, see about 15 cars headed my way with a few of them clearly speeding, and the car behind me honks. Not once, not twice, and not three times. Four times, and each one louder and longer than the last. Poop to you. Poop and vomit and diarrhea. All to you sir. I finally turn right, the driver behind me turns as though attached to my trunk, and earns himself a honk from the car that would have hit him. He ZOOMS past me, in and out and between lanes, and finally out of my sight. Thank goodness. I was losing it.

I'm home now, starting a cleaning process, waiting for crepe batter to sit, and hoping, hoping, hoping that the rest of the afternoon is a breeze with nothing but smiles, laughter and colourful pictures. Please God, let it be so. I can't take any more like this on my strength, only Yours.

JET Update 8

Here is an excerpt from the e-mail from my predecessor (spelling errors are his):

"Congratulations

Greetings --,

Welcome from Kuroshio Town! Everyone is excited to have you come. You will find Kuroshio a warm and friendly town full of down to earth people. It is a fishing and farming community, surrounded by beautiful vistas and gorgeous mountains and beaches. As for work, you will be based at the town board of education (5 mins bike ride from your modern apartment). It’s a typical Japanese office, so everyone is very busy, but they are always willing to help you. You will be teaching at 5 schools: 4 elementary schools and 1 Junior high school and average about 16 lessons a week. Your role will be a mixture of teaching English, culture and getting involved in town events. Everyone is super friendly, so you will be greeted everywhere you go by the students, parents and locals who might have heard of you. I’m sure you will come to love Kuroshio Cho as much as I have.

...

You will be located in Kuroshio Cho (Town), Kochi Ken (Prefecture), which is in the island of Shikoku. Kuroshio, until 3 years ago, was two distinct towns called Saga and Ogata, but they were amalgamated to cut costs. While the official name is Kuroshio, everyone still uses Ogata and Saga. You will be living in an area called Irino, which is the ‘central hub’ of Ogata. There is another ALT who lives in Saga, --, who is really friendly and will be able to help you out all year long.

Kuroshio is a small beach town, famous for surfing, whale watching and its katsuo no tataki (a fish dish). It’s also really close to the Shimanto River, reputedly ‘the most beautiful river in Japan’. As it is right next to Shimanto City, the conveniences of a big city are close at hand, but you still get to experience small town community. Everyone in town is super friendly and laidback, the scenery is beautiful and the food is best (no where in Japan has fresher fish).

Kuroshio has a population of about 14,000, most of which falls into Ogata. Kuroshio actually covers a fairly large territory but it’s primarily on the coast, so it’s full of beaches. It has also has beautiful mountains, great for cycling. In the town there lots of Izakayas and other small restaurants, as well as one nice hotel called NEST that serves western food. There’s a supermarket, a convenience store and lots of little fruit and vegetable shops. There’s also a dollar store and a huge hardware store (near your apartment). There are lots of other stores, pharmacies and hair salons as well. In short, the bulk of your needs can be met in the town itself. The town is also home to Tosa-Irino, a major train stop on the Kuroshio-Line.

Nakamura (Shimanto City) is a 15 minute drive away. It’s the biggest city in western Kochi with a population of about 50,000. There are tons of bars, restaurants, stores and pretty much everything you will need. Any needs that can’t be met in Ogata, can easily be done there.　Its also the home the beautiful Shimanto river, which is great for walks, canoeing and other activities. Between Nakamura and Ogata, you can do just about any Japanese activity you want. You can do kendo, karate, pottery, calligraphy, tea ceremony, Japanese archery as well as outdoor pursuits: biking, kayaking, fishing, surfing, body boarding, running, tennis, soccer, swimming, walking. There is also a gym in Nakamura; it’s pretty run down, but very cheap at 50$ for 6 months.

Ogata is about 2-2.5 hours drive (or about 2 hours by train) from Kochi city. The closest airport is in Kochi, as well movie theatres (but you can rent tons of DVDs from Tsutaya, a 15 min drive from your apartment). The downside to Ogata is that it can be a bit quiet and you might find it a bit lonely at times. Additionally Kochi is one of the most remote prefectures in Japan so travel is a bit difficult. That being said, I never got lonely, in large part because the KOCHI JETS have a really close knit community, especially in and around Nakamura. Additionally because Ogata is the home of 7km stretch of white beach called Irino Beach, lots of jets come to visit..."

47 days left!

How Many Days? JET Update 7

I leave for Japan in 57 days!  That's less than two months folks!

The person who I will be taking over for has kindly contacted me so that I can ask questions, and so I now have some new information.

I've found out that I'll be teaching at 4 elementary schools, and one junior high school- so basically a different school for every day of the week.  It sounds like I might be the only JET participant in town- especially since the town is so small.

My apartment is considered big and new by Japanese standards.  It has a separated bedroom, living room, kitchen/dining area, and a bathroom with a clothes washer.  Apparently it's so hot in Kuroshio-cho that everyone just air dries their clothes.

I have the option of being called by my English first name, or my Japanese middle name.  I decided to stick with my first name, just so that there isn't any confusion on my level of fluency in Japanese.

The town atmosphere is "pretty casual" and is "predominatly a surfer town" which sounds awesome.

I'm off to work right now (no 4:15am for me today!  WOOOO!) so this is as much as I can post!

JET Update 6 and a General Update on Life

Hey everyone!  It's been a long time since my last update, and I apologise.

I've had some news from JET, as you've gathered from the title... I know the city I'll be posted in!  Hehe...it was formerly two fishing villages that combined into one so that they could be called a town...  That should give you a hint about what it'll be like living with just under 14, 000 people on the Pacific side of Shikoku.  Kuroshio-cho, Kochi-ken, on Shikoku.  Kuroshio is the town name, Kochi is the prefecture, and Shikoku is the island.

When I got the news, first thing I did was load Google Earth and searched for it (you need to remove the 'cho' and 'ken' in order for Google Earth to recognise it).  As that was loading, I Googled it, and lo and behold, one of the first two entries that popped up was talking about a SURFING SCHOOL (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) that was located in my town!  WOOOO!  As many of you know, I've wanted to surf for a long time, and not just once or twice, but really learn to surf.  This is perfect.

Then, I started researching the local art traditions, and wouldn't you know it, but that matches my interests too!  Apparently this prefecture is well-known for it's washi, the paper making that results in the paper lanterns, kites, origami paper, etc.  Excellent.  I have been interested in paper making and the like for  a while, especially since my grandmother uses the Japanese paper to make special birthday cards for me and my sister.  I hope that I'll be able to learn part of this traditional art...

The prefecture is beautiful.  The mountains in the area lead right into the Pacific, in a very similar fashion to my current home (although there is no island sheltering me from crazy wind and waves...).  There are gorgeous beaches, and it looks so lush and green.  It reminds me of some of the landscape that is featured in the movie "My Neighbour Totoro" which would be awesome!!!!

The next thing to pray about is finding a church there.  I'm worried that there may not be one in the town at all.  I wouldn't mind travelling to another town or city, but I really don't want to have to take a six-hour train ride to get there, yeah?  Please pray for this, and begin praying for my supervisors, teachers, students, and neighbours that I will have there.

Other than that, my life is pretty much as per the usual.  My sister is currently gadding about Europe, and will return exactly one month before I depart to Japan.  I'm still working at both of my jobs, and am looking forward to my convocation ceremony from University with my B.Arts.

Warmer spring weather is upon us, and I've been playing beach volleyball at a local park with some friends a couple of times a week.

Life is pretty darn good right now.

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

Does anyone have a copy of the Beatles' version of "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da"?  iTunes Canada doesn't sell it, and I don't really want to buy the whole album to get just one song...

JET Update 5

Hey everyone!

Thank you for all of the congratulations that you've passed my way! I'm very excited and glad to know that I have all of your support!

As an update, I now have lots of forms to fill out.  I just sent off the key "acceptance" form today, as it is due at the Consulate by the end of business hours on the 24th.  Then there is the police record check, the visa application, the alien registration card, etc etc.  I'm going to be so sick of paperwork by the end of it.

I'm getting very excited!  I'll depart Vancouver on August 1st!  It seems so far away, but there is so much stuff left to do!  I've told both of the teachers I volunteer with now, and they have both offered to help me find resources for ESL learning once I know what age group I'll be teaching.

For now, I know only that I am accepted into the program, and I will find out where I'll be by the end of May.  I believe that is also when I'll find out what age group I'll be teaching!

Only 103 days until I leave!

JET Update 4

Well, I have some news that I would like to share with the world.  It came to me in the form of a letter, part of which I will quote here.

"Dear Amy:

'It is our great pleasure to inform you that you have successfully passed the 2nd stage of the screening process for the 2009 Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme year and are now on the final short-list for ALT candidates.  You are now scheduled for placement in a Contracting Organisation [...]

'[...] once again, congratulations on being accepted into the 2009 JET Programme!

'Sincerely,

'Naoki Yoshimura

Vice Consul"

It's PLAYOFF Time!

WOOOOOOOOOO!

A revised, better version of the pre-playoff hype that the NHL sent to me via e-mail:

"You've chosen quadruple-OT over sleep (YES!).
You believe in the power of the hot goalie (YES!).
You can grow a better Playoff Beard than Joe Thornton (umm… no).
You feel a little chill every time Ovechkin's stick touches the puck.
You need a 17-minute break between the periods as much as the players (YES!).
You watch pregame, postgame and in-game interviews and it's still not enough (YES!).
You pray the hockey gods will finally smile upon Jarome Iginla the Vancouver Canucks and let him them win the Cup.
You're slightly disappointed when every series doesn't go to seven games (YES!).
You count your blessings that you get to live during the Brodeur Era.
The only thing that can improve your bagel and coffee is watching Kane and Toews during the morning skate.
You dream in loops of skate, puck and whistle.  You wonder just how do teams gameplan for Roberto Luongo (YES!).
You live in constant awe of Zdeno Chara (who?).
You can’t wait to tell your grandchildren stories that begin with “I remember the time Sidney Crosby…”.
To prepare for the Canadiens playoff run, you learned to say “25 Cups in 100 years” in French.
You think the Red Wings might be more dangerous with a target on their back.
And in-between playoff games, the only thing you want is more hockey (YES!)."

Starting the Day with Prayer

Last night I was with my small group (you are all such a blessing by the way) and we mentioned worry, anxiety and quiet times with God.  I shared that I had been remiss in my quiet times for months, mainly because of my crazy schedule, especially the 4:15am shifts.  I want to do my quiet times before I start my day, but when the day starts that early for me, it's difficult to get up even a few moments earlier.

So this morning, I found myself waiting in the car for the other barista to arrive at 4:08am, and realised that I could use that time to at least pray.  So I did.  I knew who I was scheduled to work with, and I have some difficulties holding onto a cheerful attitude with that person, so I really focussed on that, and for an overall smooth day.

Then, it's 4:15, and the other person still hasn't arrived.  I head in, and discover, hey, it's not the person I thought it was, and so I call them and they arrive a couple minutes late.  No biggie, but still fun to tease them about.  Still, it throws off the day a little bit.  Not a pothole, but rather a rough patch.

Then, it's 4:30, and the person scheduled to start at 7am calls in sick.  Ugh.  I hate dealing with sick calls.  There is a lot of grovelling involved, and I hate that.  I really hate waking people up.  I decided not to deal with it right away.

At 5, a young woman comes in, and introduces herself as the borrowed partner that had been scheduled.  Cool.  Shen turns out to be pretty cool too.  And competent.  Even better.

Then at 5:20, another young woman comes in, and introduces herself as the borrowed partner that had been scheduled.  Huh?  I tell her that someone else has already come in, but would she be willing to start at 7?  No, but I offer her the hours (ie to do the shift she was supposed to).  She takes them, and we are good to go!  The sick shift is covered!  Woohoo!  And she turns our to be pretty cool as well!  And competent!  AWESOME!

What an answer to prayer that the day would run smoothly!  It did, and how cool, and awesome, and wonderful, and provisionary that God would have two girls show up on the day where I was completely not in the mood to deal with a sick call, and grovel.

I realise that starting every day with prayer is not going to result in a perfect, or wonderful day, but it was still super cool that it happened today.  I am very grateful.

To Catch Up...

Here are some things that I wish to share with you, and while they may seem unconnected, they all had some sort of root in my day today...

-My favourite sandwich is plain cream cheese, cucumber and pepper on whole wheat or flax bread.
-My new favourite colour, in addition to green and white, is yellow. (But not that awful mustard yellow)
-I miss Hawai'i, the heat and the tan that goes along with that particular US state.
-I think my fashion-forward friends would be quite happy with me today
-I had a shopping trip with my mother today, and we got along! No fight, no arguments, and that continued into the rest of the day.
-I am amazed that there are only 22 days left until my sister leaves for a 62-day trip to Europe.
-I am completely done my Bach. Arts. DONE! I handed in my last paper, and I don't have any exams!
-I am really looking forward to the Convocation Ceremony on June 4th.
-I most definitely want to go karaoke-ing with some friends soon.
-When I find out about JET, I will most definitely will NOT be announcing it on Facebook.
-The end of this semester was one of the best ever. Last class was in the pub, involved beer, home-made wine and beer, and mead.
-I really enjoy mead.

Regarding my Last Paper before I Have my Bachelor of Arts:

This paper is for ENGL 400, which is a course completely focused on reading the epic poem of Beowulf in its original Old English language (and we're talking English in 700 AD here folks, not Shakespeare; Shakespeare is Early Modern English).  The paper is a research paper, and is expected to be between twelve and fifteen pages long, and of course, arguing something that would enhance the reading of the 3182-line poem.

Eight pages later, four pages to go, and eighteen hours before it's due, my paper has a thesis.

I am one brilliant procrastinating hamster-ninja.

JET Update 3

From the official Canadian website for the JET Programme:

"Candidates who have interviewed for the 2009 JET Programme will be notified of the results by letter in early April."

http://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/jetcanada/NewUpdates.html

April 1st is in two days!

Question. Answer? Please!

Here's the question that is bothering me:

is not creating a back-up plan demonstrating/encouraging trust in the Lord, or is not creating a back-up plan not using the abilities He has given me?

I've looked into other possible options; that is, I've researched some of them, but I haven't taken any steps towards even making the back-up options into real possibilities.

So, is this not showing faith in God's plan for me, or is this being unwise?

I don't know.  And I want some opinions.

Update On Life

It's been a while since I last posted, so I thought I'd do a quick update.

I'm currently house-sitting for someone and their demon-cat, who used to love me, but has tried to swipe me five times already (and it's only been three days)!  I have a tiny glass of Pinot Noir by my laptop, and I'm glad it was such a miniscule amount, because it's disgusting.  I really don't know how anyone can drink that!  Too bad I'm cutting my sugar intake, or I'd add some to see what happened.

I have so many news stories buzzing around in my head.  There's one that I've wanted to discuss for so long, but I simply don't have the time to analyse it as well as I would like to before posting about it.  But now I've discovered that the BBC has taken it off their site, I can't find it in my bookmarks AND I've lost the hard copy I had.  It was about the negative effect ambitious parents had on their children....I'm pretty sure it was the BBC...

I cleaned my room for the first time in about two years.  And I took pictures to prove it.  A Before-and-After moment (hours!) if you will.  But now the camera is lost!

I've been working on a paper for my Beowulf class.  I really appreciate having this as my only class.  I wouldn't be able to handle another class with all the working I've been doing.

I still haven't heard anything from JET.  That won't be until sometime in April.  Which is really hard because a friend and I are trying to plan a trip to celebrate our graduation from Uni.  My worry and anxiety has gotten really bad.  However, I did recognise the problem, and through the grace and promises of God, I am worrying a lot less about it.  I'm also not thinking about it.  I actually went through the Bible and wrote down verses that seemed applicable to me.  I wrote them down on sticky-notes and put them on the dresser by my bed, so that they are the first thing I see when I pry open my eyes.  And then I made a set of verses for my purse, and another for my car.  I'll read those ones when I'm having a bout of anxiety.

I'm really clinging to God's promises right now.  So many people told me that whatever happens, happens for the best or better.  I KNOW that!  I've heard it so many times!  BUT, another friend put it a different way that really stuck with me.  If God doesn't put you in the program, it's because His plan for you is THAT much better.

It's amazing how simply changing the wording can really get one's attention.  In this case, my friend made God the subject of the sentance, and that makes all the difference, doesn't it?

And that's the way we should be living our lives, isn't it?  Because God really is the subject of the story that our lives live out.

Please Help!

The Government of Sudan has ordered the closure of humanitarian aid programs in Darfur as well as North and East Sudan.

This decision puts the lives of millions of men, women, and children who depend on humanitarian aid for survival at risk.

Join me and call on the international community to urge the Government of Sudan to reconsider this deplorable decision and ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid to vulnerable Sudanese people. Visit www.theIRC.org/aidsudan and make your voice heard now.

After you take action, please help spread the word by clicking here.

Thank you.

-The International Rescue Committee

Please, please, please sign the petition at the very least!  Sudan desperately needs humanitarian aid, and our prayers!  Thank you in advance!

For more information, the following links are from the BBC News Website:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7924982.stm (About the issuing of the arrest warrant)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7921311.stm (Confessions of a Sudanese deserter)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3496731.stm (Q&A about the Darfur Conflict, updated this morning)

One month to go!

Yesterday, a dear friend of mine pointed out to me that the two of us only have one month of university left.  One month.  And that blew me away.

At first, I was thrilled!  Only one more month of my B.A. studies?  Wooohoo!

And today I find myself back where I was before.  Not that I can't see the finish line any more.  My friend's point made me look up and see that (no more head-down anymore!).  But in light of my impending graduation, I find myself worrying even more.

I am having a very hard time believing that my plan for the next few years may not be God's plan for my next few years.

I want to get into JET.

Maybe God doesn't have that in store for me.

I want to become a teacher.

Maybe God doesn't have that in store for me.

I want to live in New Zealand (still).

Maybe God doesn't have that in store for me.

The list is longer, but I am just barely clinging to the promises God has given me.   And yet, I just reminded another friend (not the one above) that the plans God has for us, although they may not be our plans, these plans give us HOPE and a FUTURE.  And right now, that is what I am holding onto.

Today

Today I am thankful for warm sunshine, dry grass and barefeet.

Things Guys Should NEVER Say/Do to Girls

All of the following are true stories.

Each has been said to, or done to either me, or another girl that I know personally.

-"Your purse looks like a diaper bag."

-"Can we sit on your coat?  Mine is nicer."

-"Guess what!  I'm not wearing any underwear!"

-"Would you share a Love Boat with me?"

-"Please pray for a girlfriend for me."

-"Just so you know, I'm saving for a ring." (On the SECOND date!)

-"The well is dry" with an 'eyebrow-wiggle'. (This was in regards to finding a woman to date)

-"Are you kidding me?! I'm waaaaaaaay skinnier than BOTH of you!!"

-Discuss sexual fantasies in front of a girl (even if you consider her to be 'one of the guys')

-Refer to a girl as 'one of the guys' (especially to her face)

-Draw a girl's attention to your comic strip underwear on purpose

-Rate the hotness of other girls in front a girl

-Discuss bodily functions

-Discuss what happens in the men's bathroom in front of/with a girl

True stories.  And truly, don't do them!

How to Know You Have a Crush on Someone

-you see them, and go out of your way for an interaction with them

-you can't seem to find the courage to speak with them beyond the 'hey' usual

-your heart beats faster

-your face turns pink

-your body temperature rises

-your glasses fog up

That is why contact lenses are so much better.  Now I know.

What a Mess

I poured a bag of pony beads all over the floor of my house today. One split second of an open bag, and then FIVE minutes of clean-up time.

I was in a rush too.

Reminds me of a story about lying.
To summarise:

The main character tells a lie about somebody, and then asks for advice from someone about how they can fix what they've done. The counsellor tells them to find a dandelion and to scatter the seeds to the wind, then come back.
Protagonist follows the advice, and then returns for the next set of instructions.
Then the protagonist is told, "Now go gather up the seeds that you scattered to the wind."

One moment, but the consequences can be huge.

JET Update 2

I now know when my JET interview will be held, so to update:

Wednesday February 18th, 3pm.

SFU Harbour Centre

Now all I need to do is go over the forms, application, reference letters, my essay, get my visa photo, shop for interview clothes, find practice questions, and pray, pray, pray.

JET Update 1

From:

Embassy of Japan

JET Programme Office

...

"Dear Ms. Yoshimaru,

'The 2009 JET Programme Selection Committee is pleased to inform you that you have been selected to proceed to the interview stage.

'You will be contacted shortly by the Consulate-General of Japan at which you requested your interview with detailed information about the time, date and location for this process.

...

'The Embassy of Japan and the Japanese Consulates General in Canada wish you the best, and are looking forward to meeting you at the interview.

'Sincerely,

'Masataka Tarahara

Minister

Embassy of Japan in Canada"

I HAVE AN INTERVIEW! And now my appetite is back!

Sunshine and Birdsong

Ever since I've come back from my trip to New Zealand, I have moments where I suddenly want nothing more than to be back there, in New Zealand. I'm not certain what triggers these moments, but I'm starting to believe that these moments come when I need to escape/de-stress/a change. One of these moments happened today at work.

It hadn't been a rough day, but I had been worrying about my JET application and imagining the worst-case scenarios (which would make me an emotional wreck if it should occur). I was putting fresh pastries into the pastry case when all of a sudden, all I wanted was to be in New Zealand.

I became so dissatisfied. Here I am stuck, serving coffee to random people who think they need it. I don't think I could stand doing that for another year, should I not get into JET. But then, what else would I do?

Anyway, an hour and some prayers later, I'm standing at the bus stop, still feeling down, but frantically trying to translate 135 lines of Beowulf from Old English into Modern English, when I gradually become aware of the sun shining and warming my face, and of birds singing songs that I only hear in spring. And then, I don't feel down anymore. These things reminded me of the hope that spring represents- the hope I have in Jesus. God knew how down I was feeling, how dissatisfied I was, and how emotional I was. So He sent me what He knew would cheer me in that moment: sunshine and birdsong. He knew this ahead of this day; He knew that I would need it, and so He caused the fog and clouds to vanish, and those birds to choose that particular tree to stop and sing in. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Yes, I will still cry if I don't get into JET, and yes, I still want to live in New Zealand one day, BUT, I have the hope of the plans God has for me and the evidence of his love- both seen through a few "everyday miracles."

To the One who loves me THAT much, Thank You.

JET Programme

From the official Canadian website for the JET Programme:

"Notification letters for the 2009 JET Programme are in the mail. Applicants who have passed to the interview stage will be notified of the exact date, time and location for their interviews by the embassy or consulate in which they requested their interview. Interviews in all cities will take place in February. PLEASE NOTE: Interview dates are not flexible. Should you be unable to attend your scheduled interview your candidacy will be forfeit.
[...]
'Please be aware that the decisions made by the JET Programme Application Review Committee are final, and there is no appeals process. We ask that you please refrain from calling our office to ask specifically why you were not selected for an interview because it is our policy not to comment on this information.
[...]
'We thank all applicants for their interest in the JET Programme."

http://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/jetcanada/NewUpdates.html

OH MY GOODNESS. The letter is in the mail. OH MY GOODNESS.

The Future

is unknown.

Will I get into JET?
Does my Romantic interest also have a R.I., and is it me?
When will I start my career?
Will I live in Canada?
Or New Zealand?
Or Elsewhere?

Time to pray.