::@:: Reality of Dreams ::@::

Ok, so I’ve “borrowed” DC’s logo but today does mark for me, One Year Later… today, one year ago I landed at Narita airport Japan to begin my year teaching at Yohan International Christian School!… yeah… so that kinda all went south really quickly. Before I go further for nostalgia’s sake here is a list of the blog posts from that time:

Well I’m here…
Day One
Day Two
Day Two - epilogue
I’ll be back…
Days 3, 4, and 5
Days 6 and 7
Days 8 and 9
Days 10 to 13
Days 14 and 15
The end of what was…

Its been interesting, if admittedly slightly emotional, re-reading those posts, especially the first one where I reference the theological clashes and that “I don’t think it will result in me coming home early”, ironic really. I can remember the muggy heat, and my acclimatisation to it taking a long time, I never got used to it but it did stop feeling like I was dying after a few days… well… mostly. I do have to admit that although at times I wished that I had kept my mouth shut and went along with it all and so spared myself the troubles of this year, I am glad that I didn’t. If I had I would haved compromised my beliefs and in doing so I may have lost more than that. Although I may have forgotten some of what I was taught in my short time there I do have a firmer belief in the truths within my heart of what is central to my relationship with Christ.

Having read through the trip I can still picture snapshots of the it all in my mind, the photos do help Anyway, a year has passed, its not been a great year, full of hard times, struggles, good times, and joys. Things have not gone as I would have liked over the year. But if Japan taught me one thing it was that what I want and what is best for me can be two different things and sometimes you need to go through something you don’t like to come out of it stronger. I believe, now more than ever, that everything works together for good. Every experience I have develops me, allows me to grow in character and faith and so become like what I have the potential to be.

I want to take this oppertunity to again say a massive thanks to all who sent me emails, posted comments, taked to me, during my time in Japan. Also to Norman who was a great help and freind to me over there, helping me get to grips with the trains and helping me find a hotel after I left the job, and of course also to the Yoshidas who re-taught me hospitality and generosity, their kindness to me is a debt I can never repay. Of course the largest thanks goes to my parents who supported me physically and spiritually not just in Japan but to this day as I try and find my feet again.

So, here’s to the last year, problems and all! As for whats next, I don’t care, I know that if I am faithful to who I am and what I believe then whatever comes will be and with Christ there is nothing I cannot face.

<cue dramatic silhouette against a sunset with hair blowing in the wind>