JUNE 3Oth:

It has been about three months into my study abroad trip at the time I'm writing this. I'm extremely grateful because I haven't had any severe challenges since I arrived. My main challenge deals with the language and my skill levels. I am not the best at speaking and listening, so in situations where I need help from an employee at a shop, for example, I have a lot of difficulty. I usually need someone there who can help me understand everything that I don't catch. Soon after I got here, I needed to purchase wifi for my apartment, so I went with a group that included a couple of very kind Japanese girls. However, their English skills were about the same level as mine, so the process ended up taking a few hours to get everything settled. I also struggle with making closer connections to native friends because I still have difficulties being able to fully express myself and my interests in conversation. The same issue occurs in my classes, as they are all taught in Japanese. Because they are mostly language courses, they help me improve my knowledge; the issue lies more in listening and being able to keep up with the professor. That being said, I am still determined to improve to become fluent in Japanese. i just need to continue to find the right techniques for me to grow and connect better.

Aside from that challenge, I don't have any others, at this point. The food here is wonderful, the people are kind and hospitable, and the school and community are so peaceful and fun.

AUGUST 23rd:

At this point in time, it's summer break here at Hakuoh. Usually many people think that's when a lot of traveling will be done. However, it seems for us international students, not too much. I think it's because most of the others have returned home as their programs ended with this past semester. We are used to going on trips with groups; it's more fun that way, I feel. However, the problem arises from people leaving and classes not going on - I am now feeling some homesickness. It hits randomly, in small or large bursts. It's strange. But at times I will just wonder what I'm missing out on with my family. Especially when I see updates on Facebook and from Skyping them. One of the worst things is that right after I came to Japan, my family got two puppies to join the family. I think of the fact that those puppies don't know me, I'm not a part of their childhood, and when I return they will be fully grown. It saddens me. I also wonder about and miss my close friends, the friends that I did everything with. I wonder what I'm missing from their lives. It's sad, but once the newcomers arrive, I know my spirits will be lifted. We'll have great times and experience amazing things! I'm a strongly optimistic person, so this won't bring me down too much!