December 9, 2013
Host Rotary Club: 7190
Sponsor Rotary Club: 2560
Current Host Family: Sumimoto
Counselor Name: Nishiyama-san
It
has been four months already? It's shocking to even think that!
November was a very busy month. I went on the Rotary Excursion to
Hiroshima. On the way we visited some beautiful shrines and temples,
including one that required me to climb 1300 steps. It was hard, but the
view was beautiful. We went to the Hiroshima Memorial, and it was
difficult for everyone in the group. However, one thing I noticed, and
was appreciative for was the message of the memorial. It wasn't placing
blame on anyone, but it preached for peace and a message of: "let's
never let this happen again". I really found the memorial beautiful in
many different aspects.
School
life is pretty much the same. I just began my one month of winter
vacation! After that one month ends, I will be moved to a different
class. The class I was with finished their college entrance exams and no
longer need to attend school. I'm a little bit sad and excited for a
new class and new friends. I took a Japanese Proficiency exam a week
ago. I think it went pretty well. I did find that the listening section
was the easiest among the sections, that's due to the immersion.
I
changed host families. This host family is pretty different from my
first one. They're an elderly couple and are very traditional and
conservative. We do have a good relationship....It will be a good
learning experience.
My
relationship with my host club is good. Among the other exchange
students, their expectations run higher for me. I'm not allowed to make
the same mistakes as the others, because I'm held at a higher
expectation. That is a little bit stressful, but I think it's because I
often act as a translator for the other exchange students. My counselor
is still amazing! Nishiyama-san is the kindest and thoughtful consoler I
could wish for here.
So
all in all, it has been a great month! I'm really looking forward to
Christmas and New Year's here. I am a little sad that it won't be the
same warm Christmas I'm used to every year. I won't sing carols or watch
Christmas movies with my family because Christmas isn't that big of a
deal here. It's actually considered a romantic holiday, like Valentine's
Day. I will be spending Christmas with my Japanese best friend and her
lovely family. I'm really looking forward to it!
Sincerely,
Shilo Christiansen
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