Things I've done since the last time I was home

Most of the time, I take for granted the lifestyle that the job here allows me to live. As I look back on the fact that its been a full year since I've been to America. I thought it would be interesting to see the places and events that God has allowed me to see.

• I went skiing with high schoolers at Mt. Zao

March

• I completed my first full year as a teacher at MeySen even though I wasn't sure about coming back after the earthquake.
• Visited Malaysia and Singapore, where I walked across the Langkawai Sky Bridge, went up the Petronas Towers, and visited the southernmost point in  continental Asia.

May

• Climbed Tokyo Tower, then visited South Korea (for a 4 day weekend).
• After always saying we would go to the Philippines together, I went to one of my best childhood friend's wedding in the Philippines.

June/July

• Went camping near Fukushima (yes that Fukushima) where I went canoeing and park golfing. 
• Surfed for the first time and fell in love. I can't wait to try it again next year!
• My brother and his wife moved here to teach at MeySen!
• 
  

August

• Went to Europe for the first time. I got to be a part of the Olympic atmosphere.  I watched the Summer Olympics live during the marathon and race/walk. I visited Dublin, Ireland and got to drink Guinness straight from the factory. I saw Mona Lisa and the Eiffel Tower. I stayed with a great family out in the French countryside and felt like I was home. 

September/October

• Went back to Misawa, where we stayed right after the Earthquake, to watch an Airshow. 
• climbed Yamadera, the mountain temple
• Experienced Disney magic in Japan at Tokyo Disney
• Ran a 5k in Matsushima

November/December

• Dressed up like Santa and passed out candy canes to random people at the Ichibancho (shopping district). 

I know I'm forgetting a lot of awesome things that have happened. I get lost in it all and don't take enough time to think about  all the really cool things that God has allowed me to experience through this job and life here in Japan. 

So in less than a week, I will come back to America, older, skinnier, balder, grayer, wiser(?). Its been interesting to look back at where life has taken me since my last visit home.