I have been in Japan since late March and I am finally in a state where I feel comfortable calling Isesaki my home. How do you come to this state? I think the only honest way is through time. There are many aspects of being in a new country that I believe are universally experienced. The key is to just be, let it happen, know that it is part of the experience. You need to get used to always hearing a foreign language every time you go out, often not being able to understand others. Establishing new and lasting relationships with others is key to becoming happy and secure. Keeping in contact with those back home is necessary. The daily routine most importantly is something that helps to make a new environment comfortable. I have recently had my largest break until my summer vacation in August. I will now be on a consistent track of work and weekends, learning to become even more efficient at how I spend my time. Every day at work is a challenge and I don’t expect that to change. But the more often I share a drink and a laugh with my friends and my co-workers the more I believe we’re in this together and we are here for each other. This is why having a community and establishing new ones when in a new country is essential.

      I have gone through my first big phase of missing home and gotten through it. I realize that I have spent alot of time out of my home town of Isesaki, especially in the Tokyo area and Yokohama. This last weekend I was home in Isesaki, saving some money and socializing with my co-workers. I still am trying to become a better cook and one that buys better food. I have mastered the art of having fun but more importantly I am learning how to live well on my own and be happy. I have gone on alot of weekend runs but still need to incorporate exercise into my regular work day routine. The good thing is I have 6 months here in Japan, and as I have found out so far, time is the key.