Icharibachode

Pronounced, "EE-CHADEE-BAH-CHOU-DAY" is a Miyakojiman saying that means, "Once we meet, we are as brothers and sisters." It is a lovely sentiment that captures the essence of my time in Japan. Everyone I met was gracious and helpful. The American teachers eager to learn; the Japanese eager to teach us. There are so many thoughts and observations swirling around in my head that I cannot possibly attempt to put them in writing right now.

I tried to capture some of my experiences visually, but these previous entries are only little tastes of the full-on feast that I experienced. Suffice it to say here that my prior assumptions of what I would see/experience were shadows of the real thing. Teachers around the globe deal with similar issues, students are students, and schools are schools. The Japanese government and JFMF gave us a fair and well rounded glimpse into the education system for better and for worse. I worked a LOT, learned a LOT, and had a LOT of fun. I am exhausted and I am energized. I am sad to leave Japan but I am looking forward to getting back to the students and colleagues I have missed seeing. (FYI- if you are reading this and at FA - come by my room for some Japanese treats....)
I feel privileged and thankful to have participated in this program. And with that, Domo Arigato Gozaimasu and Sayonara Japan... for now.