#thisisprojecttrust

Yesterday I spent the whole day with my childhood friend: we went out to Hamamatsucho where we saw the Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Shrine. Afterwards, we went to a nice pizza place, which we are also hoping to go to tomorrow but at a different location. As well as that, we went over to Don Quijote, where we bought a few bits and miscellaneous pieces before heading home because the heat was crazy hot!

Today on Tuesday, I managed to finally post my packages of coats and other bits home after asking for some help from a teacher from Junten. Then my childhood friend and I went over to Harujuku to see Meiji Jingu and Yoyogi Park for the day. Again, because it was scorching hot and ridiculously humid, we went home and had dinner at a local place.

Saturday was my farewell speech to Junten. Despite practicing a lot I was just so nervous and didn't want to say goodbye so I could concentrate! However that isn't to say that my final message was taken to heart: I managed to show them how I really felt and get through it! 

I was able to say a few more personal farewells, but the most emotional of all was definitely call 2-3. I was able to hold it together up until my final message to them because that class is just awesome. Some of their personal messages also brought me to tears.

Farewell to some of the teachers too was quite moving, but they know how it goes: I am just one in the chain of volunteers that come to the school. 

On Sunday I had a lovely meal with some of my ex-evening students. It was great to spend a nice time with them for one last time. 

Today I am just doing nothing. Waiting to get a nights rest before I head home tomorrow. 

Yesterday I made a surprise trip into Tama as basketball club was off. All clubs this week are canceled due to test week coming up. The school wants the students to study rather than spend time on club activities. I understand but I wanted to play basketball!

Classes are progressing as usual but ending with a thank you for our time together. Some students wish to exchange social media once I have left the school, but at the same time I have been thinking that it is best for everyone to move on. This is especially the case as two new volunteers will be arriving in two months or so to start the experience all over again.

Last night I had a wonderful dinner with my old host mother for the last time. We went to a stunning buffet-style restaurant and it was amazing! I’m happy I didn't eat too much that day so I could scoff down more than I usually would!

Today I went into school to confirm a few times for handing in my residence card and other bits like that. Also I helped out one of the teachers with marking some test papers as it has been overwhelming at the moment. Afterwards we went out for lunch at a very local curry place: it was fun to have a nice meal with two of the teachers again. 

Yesterday I finally managed to spend some quality time with my childhood friend: we went out for a nice meal and ended the short day watching a film. 

Earlier today I went into school to collect my final payment before having a meal with a teacher who has been with the school for only three months. He has always been advising me on what teaching licences I should pursue if I really want to go towards teaching abroad and his personal experiences. 

Just now I have finished packing some boxes of bits and bobs that I won't need for a while and will allow for more space in my suitcase. Hopefully I can pack everything now!

On the last day of school I received a lovely card with messaged from all of the teachers close to me and who I have worked with. I could talk days and days about each of them as they are so special in their own individual ways. I wish them all the best on their unique adventures and can't wait to come across them again someday.

Last night I had yet another farewell party! I was with what we call the ex-PTA class: moths of past students, who have now graduated from the school. This time we went to a very local Italian restaurant where we were just talking and enjoying our last ‘lesson’ together. I was so tired because of the two I have already had this week! It was very touching of them to put together such a lovely card with messages and of course a picture of us all together!

It has been a while since the sports festival was held in the midsts of rainy season. I mentioned how I gathered many little messages and signatures from my students on my old basketball jersey. Upon reading them and having help with the Japanese messages, most of them were not about the sports festival, but actually farewells. It seems that the students understood the true meaning of writing on my jersey without me even telling them!

The plan I had was to generally have Japanese on the front and English on the back! That way I could remember where each person wrote their message as well as looking a bit cooler in my opinion.

Next time I wear this will be on the 14th, where we will have a final basketball club day of games and saying goodbye! I am sure I will do another post about that once it comes!