The school year is wrapping up, and so are the moving boxes in my house.
You guessed it... next destination: Nagoya, Japan
Growing up, I was fascinated by Japan...everything from the traditional kimono to the anime, I was simply drawn to it...Up until 2010, my perspective of Japan was one of an ignorant foreigner's. With no understand of the culture, language, or the state of the country, I made several life changing decisions.
Early 2010, I took my first step into exploring Japan. I signed up for a student teaching program called Cultural Immersions Project. This program, through the Indiana University's Education department, allowed me to prepare for 2 months of student teaching Hiroshima. My student teaching didn't start until 2012, but I wanted to 'check out' Japan and visit my sister, Masayo. My mom and I hosted an exchange student during my senior year in high school. I learned so much from Masayo. Whether it was gaining insight to Japan or how to live in a foreign country, she truly influenced me.
NYC Marching Band Trip 2006
Summer of 2010, I went to Japan for 8 days. In the span of ONLY 8 days, I had never felt more excluded. Not knowing the language or the systems really put a damper to the experience. Looking back, Masayo had a great deal of patience for me because I was probably the most annoying Chinese American girl to babysit. For that, I love her. She showed me a lot of grace. We had fun. We ate. We did sight-seeing. I learned. At the end of the trip, the people left such an impression on me, especially Masayo's family.
Kyoto Station, my first love
After that trip, I told myself that I would never go back unless,,,I learn the language.
Suddenly, I had this urge to study the language on my own (I'm normally not very studious). I managed to memorize both hiragana and katagana in two months. Following that, I found new friends in Bloomington and Indianapolis to study and practice with. It was as if I was meant to meet those people that year....crazy how God works.... At this point, I still had general education to complete at IU. Funny enough, the 3 courses I took that fell into the requirements were: international relations, introduction to East Asia, and Society and Education in Japan. EVERYTHING kept lining up.
met Aya in Blue Stars
2012 Shinonome Jr. HS
When I left Japan that summer... I....
- didn't want to leave
- wanted to keep teaching the students
- wanted to move to Japan right away
- thought I could easily sign up for JET or ALT
- would teach ANYTHING to go back!
- How? how? how?????
Luckily, my adviser kept me in line. Dr. Stachowski mentioned I should not be irrational and act on my emotions. I was clearly on travel high. She was right, I was. I heeded her advise and waited.
....and I waited.... (1st year teaching, Indiana)
...got called to HK and moved in 2013....
Kept studying Japanese and made more Japanese friends in Hong Kong.
....visited Japan in summer 2014....(to check my heart)....
Conclusion? I felt at home when I arrived. I thought maybe by now, I would've lost the passion for it.
Nope. Still want to live there.
Started thinking it'll be another 5 years before I get to go....
....and waited another year (2015)....
Meanwhile, God led me by preparing me emotionally, financially, physically, and spiritually.
It's funny, because God knows me so well. He knows how stubborn I am in terms of how I want to plan every detail. I wanted to stay in Hong Kong and study for 5 years. I wanted to take the language test in 2018. I wanted to apply for Hiroshima University in 2019. I wanted to take the teacher license test in 2023. I wanted to teach there until 2028. That was my plan.
So he swoops in and shared an amazing opportunity to me....
I have never been to Nagoya. There will be major finance adjustments compared to now. No family in that city/country. And, much more "negatives"....at first glance.
After prayers and reflection...I am now.... excited!!!
I now remember how...
- I asked God when I graduated college to let me travel and teach....well. Here I am!
- I also asked if I could go and build music programs.... check! I'm going to do that!
- I asked to go to Japan..... Yay! He's answering that too!
This was very unexpected and quite a turn of events, but I feel so blessed.
Ladies and gentlemen, starting in August 2015, I will start a NEW ADVENTURE in Nagoya, Japan!
1. Please pray for me or keep me in mind (lots of transitions and adjustments)
2. Please come visit me or write me letters/emails (address/email/LINE/whatsapp/fb)
Thanks friends!!!
~ Ingy ~
