So everyone knows that I am still in Japan, even after the big earthquake. I have had a lot of people tell me it would be safer to come home, and that I shouldn't go back. But I feel that I belong here, in Japan. I am in love with this country, and I worked hard to get here. It took me months to get to where I am, but only 7 days for it all to crumble around me.
Life didn't stop when the earthquake hit. I kept on going out with my friends, and I went to class, and I lived my life. I know it's dangerous, but I need to live my life. I joke with my friends, we get coffee, and I am having a good time in Japan. Everyday is still a little scary, I don't know what's going to happen, but that won't stop me.
I just gotta keep on keeping on. My life is here, with my friends in Japan. My life is just starting. And I am staying for right now, and I will (hopefully) be coming back in May. I am happy here, and it'll take more than a little radiation to make me leave. From destruction comes creation. The pheonix rises from his ashes, as do I. (don't think I made that up. Can't remember where I heard it though) Japan is a strong country. And we will roll with the punches, and keep going.
I am in Japan, and I will come back to Japan. I love you all, but nothing is going to change that.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Earthquakes
So, today there was an earthquake. My very first ever. And let me tell you, that was not a fun experience. Today started out really nice and sunny. I went to Bunchkins in the morning, and it seemed like a great day. BUT THEN.....
I was walking to the station from Bunchkins, listening to music and not really paying attention, when all of a sudden, it got really windy. I didn't think much of it, because that happens sometimes. I wasn't thinking "OMG EARTHQUAKE" at all. I was just thinking "huh, wind sucks."
Then a young mother came running out of her house carrying her (probably) 2 year old son, and her dachshund. She was very obviously terrified, so without thinking I went over to her, and attempted to comfort her. Because I speak almost no Japanese, I just kept repeating, daijobu, (it's okay) over and over while patting her arm. Her son was young enough that he had no idea what was going on, and I did my best to keep it that way. This poor woman seemed on the brink of tears, so I stayed there throughout the whole thing, which felt like I was on a boat. Not the fun kind of boat that's on the open water, but the petrifying kind of boat that is made up of earth, which is NOT SUPPOSED TO MOVE. The mother kept apologizing to me, and I kept trying to tell her it was no problem. After she thanked me profusely, I kept walking. That's when I felt it.
The panic started to rise. I knew the only reason I hadn't broken down earlier was because of the mother and her child. I tried to keep my breathing under control as I attempted to calm down. The entire rest of the walk, (about 15 minutes) my jaw was so tightly clenched, it still hurts. I managed to not break down, and I finally got to the bus stop. I had about 20 minutes until my bus came, so I thought about getting some food. I quickly realized I felt sick, and eating was a big no no. Then it was time for the bus.
I got on the bus, and was sitting down waiting for it to start, when all of a sudden it happened again. The earth started to move, and I started to panic all over again. I convinced myself not to start hyperventilating on the bus, and made it home with no issues. I am currently typing this from the house, which is still standing and fine. All the animals are fine, not panicked at all, and I only broke down for about 15-20 minutes. I still am worried about the mother I sat with earlier, and I hope she was okay during the second set of tremors. I wish I could have gone back for her, but I am glad I could be there for her at all. I am safe, so is my host family, and I am calming down quickly.
I hope you all weren't too worried, and I love all of you.
<3
I was walking to the station from Bunchkins, listening to music and not really paying attention, when all of a sudden, it got really windy. I didn't think much of it, because that happens sometimes. I wasn't thinking "OMG EARTHQUAKE" at all. I was just thinking "huh, wind sucks."
Then a young mother came running out of her house carrying her (probably) 2 year old son, and her dachshund. She was very obviously terrified, so without thinking I went over to her, and attempted to comfort her. Because I speak almost no Japanese, I just kept repeating, daijobu, (it's okay) over and over while patting her arm. Her son was young enough that he had no idea what was going on, and I did my best to keep it that way. This poor woman seemed on the brink of tears, so I stayed there throughout the whole thing, which felt like I was on a boat. Not the fun kind of boat that's on the open water, but the petrifying kind of boat that is made up of earth, which is NOT SUPPOSED TO MOVE. The mother kept apologizing to me, and I kept trying to tell her it was no problem. After she thanked me profusely, I kept walking. That's when I felt it.
The panic started to rise. I knew the only reason I hadn't broken down earlier was because of the mother and her child. I tried to keep my breathing under control as I attempted to calm down. The entire rest of the walk, (about 15 minutes) my jaw was so tightly clenched, it still hurts. I managed to not break down, and I finally got to the bus stop. I had about 20 minutes until my bus came, so I thought about getting some food. I quickly realized I felt sick, and eating was a big no no. Then it was time for the bus.
I got on the bus, and was sitting down waiting for it to start, when all of a sudden it happened again. The earth started to move, and I started to panic all over again. I convinced myself not to start hyperventilating on the bus, and made it home with no issues. I am currently typing this from the house, which is still standing and fine. All the animals are fine, not panicked at all, and I only broke down for about 15-20 minutes. I still am worried about the mother I sat with earlier, and I hope she was okay during the second set of tremors. I wish I could have gone back for her, but I am glad I could be there for her at all. I am safe, so is my host family, and I am calming down quickly.
I hope you all weren't too worried, and I love all of you.
<3
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