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JUNE 2016 Monthly Report- Japan
Madi Zimmerman
 
I  had my last small Rotary meeting today- and took so many pictures- although I only see them about once or twice a month- they really impacted the way my exchange went- I’m very thankful to have been able to meet all of them. They are sad to see me go- which means I did my job, right?
This month was also my last big district rotary meeting in Yamanashi- by Mt. Fuji.  We had to give 15 minute presentations. I went first- and cried- but everyone cried- I made jokes in Japanese- and people laughed. It was great. After the sadness and presentations- we all had a BBQ and Karaoke and danced. I was able to show everyone the ‘right’ way to grill corn.  It was also a rotarian’s birthday- so I made pancakes and we decorated them like a cake and ate it at midnight.. I stayed up talking to my close friends- and the inbound students.
My French Friend, Marie, and I stayed up talking until 4am in the morning. This was really difficult because of how close we had become. I gave her my Nebraska Husker sweater- and she’s worn it almost everyday since. We plan on visiting each other in the future.
The next day we all woke up super early and went to the Mt. Fuji theme park where we rode roller coasters and ate ice cream. It was bitter sweet. We all started to cry on the carousel- because afterwards we all had to say goodbye.  I don’t think I’ve cried that much in a while. I felt like such a baby. But the experiences you share with each other- even in the short time you’re able to all meet- it really impacts you. My friend Calista’s little host sister came as well- she was hugging me and didn’t want me to leave. She’s 9 years old. I had to pinky swear her I would come back and cook with her for her to calm down. - A promise I intend to keep. She’s such a sweetheart.
On Sunday, I was able to meet my friend Seiya at the station. Seiya was my host brother in America. We kept in contact- but I hadn’t been able to meet him since America- and that was FOUR YEARS AGO. It was amazing. I was so happy to catch up with him. After lunch- Ciana and her friend ALbert joined us. It was a little odd because Albert reminded me a lot of my little brother- they are both the same age- 17 years old.  It was hard to say goodbye to Seiya-
Time is moving so fast. I keep getting closer and closer to everyone- sharing laughs, it’s weird- I’m barely thinking in English anymore. School has become my second home. I shared so many smiles, and so many tears.
I have only 11 days left now.  On Saturday I meet with my second host family once again- for volunteering. Next Monday I had my district Goodbye Party, Wednesday is my last day of school- I will give a speech, and then on Friday I will be on a plane- bound for America.
And it all still feels like a dream.
 
 
 
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