There But Not Gone

In about 56 hours I’ll move to Japan. My brain is already there but my body is still at home. I’ve been reading Shogun to get myself in the mood but I have forgotten to pack. I’ll get on that very soon, I swear.

I spent my summer visiting all the family I could before leaving for a year (maybe more) to teach English in Japan. Though I love all my family, the most important visit was one with my grandfather in Houston B.C.. He’s an old man, my grandfather, but he still gives ‘er shit when he wants to. I find him encouraging and curious and full of life and I love being around him. He asked me for a hand-written letter from Japan so that will be first on my list of things to do when I get to my new home in Kibichuo, Okayama, Japan.

I had a wonderful time this summer enjoying all Canada has to offer. These days I feel very nostalgic about leaving. I love Canada. I love riding a motorcycle in the B.C. mountains on Canada Day, and I love going to gay weddings on Pelican Lake, and I love quietly fishing with friends on the family lake in the Canadian Shield. I love the prairies too, so much. I love the hot sun and the dust, and I love the long straight gravel roads, and I love watching the crops come off the field, and I love a good year, and Lord I love the sunsets. I will miss you Canada.