It was a normal work day, although I only had one class which doesn't happen too often. When the class was over, a class of 7th graders, one of the friendly girls who is good at English asked me, "When's your birthday?" I was so surprised, because there was no way she could know. I told her it was today and she, as well as her friend, started shrieking. They couldn't believe they had asked on my birthday!! It was so funny. One of them quickly made me a happy birthday note before I left the room, and a couple students who had overheard came up to say happy birthday, too.
The rest of the school day went by as usual. Lunch was seafood curry over rice, chicken, and salad with corn. Not bad for a birthday lunch!
As I was getting ready to leave work for home, the Japanese English teacher I taught with earlier, who is also the homeroom teacher for that class, handed me some notes. (Her name is Mrs. Takazawa and she wrote on the note, too.) On these notes were a ton of birthday wishes from kids in that class! I was so surprised, I almost started crying right there. Just like that, I stopped feeling depressed and only could feel how blessed I am to be teaching these students. Japanese students may not have the best English, but they are, in general, kind and hard-working kids. I will be sad to say goodbye to them in just two weeks from tomorrow.
I am leaving Japan in 24 days. My time here is almost done. I have experienced so many things and met so many people. I know I would have regretted it if I had not come here. It's going to be stressful and a lot of work to get ready to leave for America, but it's okay. I will focus on the small things and before I know it, I will be in Tokyo, having one last great adventure with my best friend before returning to the States!
