I'm sure I'm not alone in having difficulty remembering much of consequence that happened to me or that I did or saw this year prior to what everyone refers to as 3/11. The triple disasters in Japan have colored and changed much of what is said and done here even now, nearly 9 months later. Experiencing the earthquake in it's milder form here in Ichikawa was frightening, I was alone at the time. When the shaking stopped, no one quite seemed to know what to do next. It seems we've spent the days and months since making up our own script. It's been difficult, but taken as it was given, in increments, we were able to mostly figure it out.
The very day of the earthquake, my friends and coworkers, the Aylings learned of the return of a long dormant cancer that would change their plans, and mine too, in time. When it was determined that stronger action needed to be taken, they made preparations for returning to England for an early retirement. It seemed a natural decision to offer to step into the breach in running the Guest Home. I had, after all, done it before, albeit in a less busy era when I was ten years younger and, as I realize now, was much more actively supported by my co-workers.
It didn't seem, when I left the US almost exactly three years ago that I would ever be able to work here this long. My finances, while adequate throughout the time, are now on a different footing, and even though I am providing a service for the mission, and to quote our business manager, I'm "cheap as chips to keep on the field," I loathe the thought that I might not be holding up my end financially here. It's difficult.
As I said, I'm here three years - on a three year visa. I had to make application for extension. The last time I did this was in 2002. I remember it as being a confusing process that involved lots of form filling and waiting with a large group of other aliens until one's number was called, then answering questions asked by officials in Japanese. Last time, a bilingual colleague went with me and fielded the Japanese. This time no one stepped in to that gap. Our Admin Assistant, however, was asked to prepare paperwork for me. I didn't like the idea of going on my own. I anticipated difficulty, and feeling stupid. Afterward, despite having to ask directions to the monorail several times and walking to the wrong building, it went exceptionally well. I especially appreciated all that our Japanese staff did on the paperwork/instruction side of things.
There were difficult separations this year as a cherished coworker got married and moved to another part of Japan, a colleague and her family left for Home Assignment in Northern Ireland, and Our Dear Ruth went to be with Jesus.
So what's the moral to this story? I've got a little less than a month to decide.
Before going to bed I saw out my window that there was some snow on the ground.
This morning, this was my view of the deck and the street beyond.
Turning the other direction the neighbor's houses and Ando's car are covered. The sun is shining however, and that with the rising temperatures mean that this afternoon it will be mostly a pleasant memory.
