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 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 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!

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!