Japan Reflections

Preface #1: I’ve never claimed to be a writer, much less any good at it.  I hope you are able to find the contents informative and entertaining, but don’t get your hopes up.

Preface# 2: The first thing I want to say is that this post is extremely difficult to write.  It's taken me a few weeks for me to even seriously consider the fact that I won't be returning to Japan in the next month or so.

Preface #3: This post is a transition post in more ways than one.  As I transition from Japan to America I’ll continue to blog about what is going on in my life. However, the  audience has changed to include my family and friends from Japan.  I’ve always thought that blogging itself was a narcissistic practice, but people have asked me to keep them updated with what I’m doing in America.  This isn’t to say that my American audience isn’t allowed to follow anymore, but the focus of the blog is shifting and might not be as interesting anymore (if it ever was). With that I’d like to say:

Welcome to all new comers! And regulars! And the occasional check-inners!

As the title suggest this blog post is a reminiscence on my two years in Japan.  The implication that I can really reflect on the past two years in any adequate way on this blog is preposterous so I'll focus on the main influences.  There will be some open letters to people and I do humbly apologize for not including everyone in these but there are too many people to get to.  To those who the letters are addressed I apologize if it is uncomfortable for you.

CAJ

Obviously CAJ has had the largest influence in my life. When people asked me how I ended up at CAJ I always respond with, “God”.  I never had any intentions of ever teaching over seas or teaching at a private school.  But God had another idea in mind.  I will be forever grateful to CAJ for the opportunity it provided me.  The experience, friends, and memories created through CAJ won’t be forgotten.

- Staff: The staff/faculty at CAJ are remarkable.  One of my biggest issues with schools is the lack of passion for students that the teachers have, yet CAJ has this in abundance.  It’s been a consummate blessing and encouragement to work with those employed at CAJ.  I’ve received many lessons in and out of the classrroom from my colleagues.  To the music department especially a special debt of gratitude is due.  I didn’t know that colleagues could get along so well.  While some other departments weren’t always so excited about PLC’s I always enjoyed ours.  Thanks for your guidance as I started into my career as a teacher.

- Students: There are days you all drive me up a wall and then there are days you drive me through it.  However, it was the students that kept me back a second year in Japan and it was more than worth it.  I would encourage you all to make the most of your chances, but in a reasonable fashion (that means go to bed at a reasonable time).  Also, give the teachers a chance, they ALL want what’s best for you.  I know it might sometime suck, but they’re not unreasonable (usually). 

- Classes: This is why I left CAJ. While working with the jazz band was a great experience, I still missed teaching my other classes. What made it worse was seeing the classes so close at hand, but so far away. After every time I subbed I had to take about 20-30 minutes to come back to reality and let it all go again.  It was very difficult. *Please understand this is not a critism of Mr. Ekstrand.  I honestly believe him to be an excellent director and I have learned A LOT from him this year (whether he knows it or not). I’m very grateful to him and for him and you all need to be too.

- Jazz: Oh my jazz students, you all will forever have a warm place in my heart, in spite of all the listenings not turned in and tardiness.  You all made this year bearable (a long with Mr. Willson).  I’m glad you all started to see: 1) how much fun you can have playing jazz and 2) how much potential you all have.  We’ve started a good thing these past two years, don’t let it stop just because I’m not there.  Keep playing and keep jamming, there is too much music in you all for you to keep it bottled up.

Reno’s

My goodness, what can I say about Reno's that would properly express my gratitude and appreciation to the owners as well as the establishment? Nothing.  If you're in Japan and you haven't been there yet then stop reading this blog post and go...right now....I'm serious, I'll wait.  Reno's became much more than a restaurant for me.  It is a community, a place where everyone knows each other and has vested interest in each other.  Reno's Bistro has played a large role in shaping my Japan experience and made me a better individual altogether.

- Kevin + Meg: The owners of the establishment and my Japanese parents.  I honestly have no idea where to start to express my gratitude for all they did for me.  Not only did they feed me but they encouraged, motivated, challenged, and pushed me (sometimes literally) to become a better musician and a better person.  Thank you Kevin and Meg, for everything.

- Food: Again, if you haven't been to Reno's go right now, and get the....well, get anything it's all good.  I'm serious everything they serve is amazing, why do you think I spent so much time there?  Reno's has seriously ruined for me back here in America.  I'm scared to eat anything considered American (except Chick-fil-A, no hesitation there).  I'm going through withdrawals, which could be a good way for me to lose weight, but man what I wouldn't do for a Japan Burger (my personal favorite).

- Music: As much as the food was apart of the experience for me at Reno's the music was just as much so.  It was last summer when Kevin finally got me to play a set.  I was nervous and felt ridiculous playing by myself.  But the experience was invaluable for me.  It really pushed me to get better and helped me better understand my own music.  This translated to the jazz band too as I was able to take my newly learned ideas to the students and share them with them.  Even further than that it gave me the courage to actually play actual gigs in Tokyo, Chiba, and Sendai. It all came to a head on June 9th with the "Sons of Reno's". The "Sons of Reno's" was a group of regulars that came together for an evening of fun and music. It was an awesome experience and every bit of a fitting going away party. Thanks to all who came out and made it possible.  Reiji, Sou, I'll always remember "September".

KBF (Kurume Bible Fellowship)

I would admit to people that if it wasn't for me getting involved in the sound/lights for KBF I likely would not have stayed at the church.  Fortunately God knew better (as he always does).  What I got with KBF was the first church I'd actually felt connected to since I was 15 in Virginia at KPC.  The community at KBF is encouraging and if you're looking for a place to get plugged into check it out because it'll be worth it when you do.

- Sunday School: When I first started teaching the middle school Sunday school class I was extremely cautious as I had never done anything remotely close to teaching Sunday school before and wouldn't even remotely consider myself a Biblical scholar. After the first month or so I decided that I was going to talk to the pastors and tell them I couldn't do it anymore.  During this talk we decided that I would try it a little bit longer  with some new material that I got from the pastors.  I'm extremely glad I stuck with it because it was definitely one of the more spiritually enriching experiences I've been a part of.  The students really challenged me, and I hope I challenged them to understand not only what it is we believe but how to best convey our beliefs through love in Christ.

People

I want to take the opportunity to single out a few people:

Sachie: I've said it before but I'll say it again. Your friendship has meant a great deal to me.  This past year hasn't been easy for me and you've been very instrumental in helping me get through it.  From our "House" parties (Disclaimer: not an actual party, we would just watch an episode of the TV show "House") to our Kyoto trip you've been there. Thank you for listening and for always being there.

Aaron: First of all, for those of you who don't know, Aaron is extremely jumpy when he's practicing in his office at midnight.   I loved that we could connect beyond the music and were able to establish the relationship we did. Our conversations, and your honesty and openness in particular, have provided me encouragement for me as I traverse uncertainty. Hold on to your faith because God is carving something awesome out of you.

Sunil: He is one of the best people I've ever met.  He's very genuine and very intentional, but also loves to have fun.  He might not always be organized but he always has others best interests before his own.  He's always good for a donut, ramen, a trip to FujiQ, or a jam session. Thank you Sunil for being you and for being awesome.