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!!!!

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.

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"

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!

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.

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.

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.

Jehovah Jireh

Can I just say how amazing God is? GOD IS AMAZING! He is the ultimate provider. He has already provided me with an answer to pray, and despite my constant unbelief, He is always doing this for me. Lord, help my unbelief.

That's the short version. Here's the story that led up to this:

For many years now, I have wanted to participate in a prestigious program called JET (Japan Exchange Teaching), where I would travel to Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) and provide insight in culture, pronunciation, accent etc to Japanese school children. This is important to me, as I would have the opportunity to explore my racial heritage, learn some Japanese, experience independence, save some money to pay off student loans, and get classroom experience for my teaching program at SFU.

The deadline for the application forms is end of November, and I need at least one university professor to provide a letter of reference with my expected date of graduation. However, the professor I was going to approach is on Maternity Leave (congratulations), and I didn't feel that any of the other professors I have (or have had) would be able to provide the reference letter needed.

Anyway, major stress last night and this morning as I'm thinking about this. I also hadn't finished my homework, double ouch! I decided to skip my morning class in order to finish my homework, see the academic advisor, and pray about it. Actually, I was praying about this on the bus all the way to SFU.

I had to keep on reminding myself that God is Provider; He knows who would be able to help me; I have to make God THE plan in my life, not a back-up plan (which is something I recently realised I was doing).

I get to SFU, see the academic advisor (another praise item: I AM DEFINATELY DONE AFTER SPRING 2009!!!!!!!), and I was reading some of the comics a professor had posted on their door, when one of my current professors sees me, and we begin to talk. Turns out, her daughter has done the JET programme, and she would LOVE to do a reference letter for me! I had honestly not thought that this professor would be willing to do this for me (especially since JET is so specific about what they want...picky picky). PRAISE GOD!

The Lord is amazing. I pray that I never forget this moment of realisation of how great, mighty and loving God is, not matter how the application pans out.

Thank you God. I do not doubt you to be Jehovah Jireh.