There is a TV show in Japan that airs on Monday nights called “Why Did You Come to Japan?” A Japanese camera crew stops foreigners arriving at the airport and asks them what the purpose is for their visit. My friend’s dad told me about this show a week or so after I arrived and joked that my purpose was “to sleep and fold laundry!” That made me laugh because it was partially true, especially for the first couple of weeks I was there until the mysterious virus I had finally left my body.
When I wasn’t sleeping or folding laundry I was actually busy doing a lot of other things. I taught my friend’s nine-year-old son an English lesson almost every morning and I actually learned many Japanese words in the process too. I took a train from Osaka to Tokyo with a stranger I met on the plane on the day I arrived because our plane got diverted to an airport a couple hundred miles south due to extreme turbulence. (Thank you again, Tim!!!). I had my own brand new bicycle and ventured out almost daily exploring the area, some days riding six or more miles. I made friends with the family across the street and they took me on several outings including two very nice flower gardens, a gigantic mall, and they invited me to their backyard BBQ dinner. The entire family speaks fluent English, which was refreshing…even the three-year-old grandson…who is the sweetest little boy and can sing Row Row Row Your Boat like a professional! I survived FOUR earthquakes. Okay, they were small ones but that is nearly as many as I have felt in my entire life up to this point. I conquered an illness that almost got the best of me mentally…but God was there taking care of me…as well as my best friend (I love you!) who was a great nurse! I took hot baths at two public Japanese spas and experienced a hot rock bed for the first time. I ate delicious meals prepared at home by my friend’s husband for breakfast and her father for dinner and I actually learned how to cook many dishes myself. I made dinner for my family there on my last night and they enjoyed it so I was pleased! I tried to go to the local zoo twice but never made it for two separate reasons. But I realized that I didn’t need to go to the zoo…I needed to learn the lessons from the reasons I didn’t make it there. I ate A LOT of ice cream. I ate A LOT of homemade miso soup and rice. I took myself out to restaurants and ordered food. Pointing at pictures on the menu works just as well in Japan as it does here at Denny’s! I became a regular at the consignment shop, the pet store, and the 100 Yen shop in the neighborhood. But my favorite hangout was Starbucks, which was a treat because I don’t go there often at home. Thanks to my friend for spoiling me with a prepaid card, I had a comfortable place to go that reminded me of home. I helped my Japanese “dad” feed their multiple outdoor SPOILED, feisty, funny, “homeless cats with a home” every day. I took a train alone into Tokyo and visited Meiji Shrine, conquering many fears. I visited MANY shrines, temples, and even a castle with my friend and her husband and I have the details written in a journal to remember. I went to Okinawa for three nights with my friend on a girls only trip. We enjoyed hanging out on the beautiful beach, touring a pineapple park and winery, eating a lot of good food, shopping, exploring nature, revisiting my Fuguki Tree Road, and just enjoying quality time together. I did go to one zoo quite far away with my family there and we hung out with the COOLEST ring tailed lemurs…and ah the fireflies! I took a boat tour and visited the southernmost peninsula in Chiba prefecture…it was GORGEOUS. I visited a Christian church and made some new friends. I toured a retired Japanese Antartic Icebreaker ship. I attended a beautiful cello, violin and piano concert in Tokyo. I had a favorite TV show that I looked forward to watching every Monday. I participated in the parents tug of war contest on Sports Day at the elementary school and my team won! Go Team Red!
I actually did do a lot during my six weeks in Japan! Those are just some the highlights and I plan to share more details through my writing as I go. So yes I did sleep and fold a lot of laundry but I did manage to accomplish a few other things. I overcame MANY fears. I left behind a lot of anxiety that I took there with me. I slept in the top bunk and looked at the glowing stars on the ceiling as I drifted off to sleep every night. I prayed a lot. I thanked God a lot. I became physically active again. I wanted to go home sometimes and I learned patience and endurance in a way I never experienced before. I learned that people are the same on the inside EVERYWHERE.
To simply answer the question, “Why did you come to Japan?” I could say because I am currently unemployed and I had the free time. I could say because my friend invited me and wanted to give me this gift. I could say because it fulfills a bucket list dream to live in another country. I could say because I got to sleep a lot and not have much responsibility. And yes I could say because I took over laundry folding duties for my “brother.” But the main reason I went to Japan I am finding out since I returned. I went there to feel ALIVE again. God has a plan for me even when I do not see it and this trip was a gift from Him given to me through my best friend. I thank them both…I KNOW I AM LOVED. And I feel more gratitude for just being alive than ever before. I do not need a lot to be happy anymore. I have it inside of me all the time. It is NOT always easy but keeping faith and trusting God through it all is the key. He takes care of those who seek Him.
Genesis 35:3 “You are the God who answered me in the day of my distress and have been with me wherever I have gone.” Amen
God did answer me that day in 2013 when I rode my bike through the Fuguki Trees the first time I went to Okinawa. I was lost and broken and wanted to die and He gave me new life and has been with me since. He has ALWAYS been there I just had to open my eyes. He shows me signs that He is there almost every single day now. The number 41 is a reminder. My dried Fuguki Tree leaf pressed in a book is a reminder. The feeling of gratitude in my heart that I feel when I least expect it is a reminder. I am thankful for this journey and I am looking so forward to my next adventure. Thanks for following along with me. Our purpose is to love and help one another and I hope you find something relatable here.
Why did I go to Japan? To find joy, peace, and inner strength again. My life is not over because I lost my job in January. My life is only beginning. God opened a window for me when those doors closed and I am enjoying the view. I don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to find joy though. I just need to look up.
Picture below was taken Sunday 5/29/16 at the Lousiville, KY airport picking up my rental car in spot #41. My reminder…I made it. After six weeks away, it is good to be home.
Blessings,
Stacey ~ iamalive
