There Goes the Fear

It's starting to get colder here.  The sun is setting earlier and earlier each day. My year is continuing.

This post isn't for any particular event that happened; just a little reflection.

I've never been on my own for so long before, and I've certainly never been away from home for this long.  It's been almost exactly 3 months since I came here.  I look at my room and the place that I've built for myself and it feels like so much longer than that.  

If only 3 months feels long... I've still got over 3x that much time left here (that sounded redundant, but I'm not sure how to fix it). The prospect of that much time is a little scary.  

I'm making friends, and that helps make it a little less scary.  I'm making future plans, too.  

I still can't help but miss home from time to time.  It's stupid little things that make me miss home, too. For instance, on the train to Kurama today I was sleeping on Jen's back (she was sitting in my lap) and the smell of her jacket reminded me of the sofas at the taiko house.  Or one girl's dress looks like something my mom would wear. 

It's lonely sometimes, but I persevere.  I don't really have the option of not persevering, but beyond that, I want to push my limits.  I came here not only to learn about a different culture, but also to learn about myself.  I want to become a better person all around and I can't do that if I stay in my comfort zone all the time.

So here's to new things, new people, new places, and new experiences.  

Love until later,

Caitlin D.

p.s. -That's not to say out with the old... because I still love you all beyond belief and can't wait till I can hug and play and cook and smile with you all again.  <3

p.p.s. -Keep an eye out for my post tomorrow about Kurama no Hi no Matsuri and Ji-dai Festival!