I know I speak for all exchange students when I say this moment has truly snuck up. Not in a bad way, but in a "I sent in my application more than 6 months ago, and I leave in a WEEK?!" type of way. It's exciting, invigorating, nerve-racking, thrilling, and basically every other sensation you could imagine. It is hard to type about Japan from my home in Minnesota, for I have only seen the country through grainy google images. My imagination has had a hay day trying to picture what my life will be like this next year, from Katakana to katanas, sumo-wrestling to shoguns, I have envisioned it all. Perhaps I am being struck by what I may call pre-culture shock. I do not know what to expect, and therefore imagine the craziest scenarios. I would have probably drove myself insane trying to fabricate my life in Japan if it wasn't for my host brother, Yusuke. Yusuke has answered all my silly email questions, and has truly eased many of my worries, like whether or not my house will have electricity (it sure does, wifi too!). He is the same age as I, and will be my host brother for 24 hours. You see, My flight arrives in Japan on the 23rd, and on the 24th, Yusuke will be taking a flight to start his Rotary Exchange year in Hopkins, MN. If any of you readers are from those parts, know you are gaining an amazing exchange student. Needless to say I am still nervous about this trip, but it is that excited type of nervous that comes with embarking on an adventure of a life time. As the clock continues to tick down to my departure, I will continue to make the most of the time I have left. I am so thankful for the support group that I have surrounded myself with that has made such an opportunity like this possible. From my loving family to my amazing girlfriend, loyal friends and Rotary officials. I want to extend the sincerest thank you for encouraging and supporting me through such a decision.
It's probably time I spare you all from my blogging, if you are indeed still reading, and say goodbye. If you truly did enjoy this, fret not, for I will post again once in Japan.
Until then,
Connor
