International Friendship Turns Into Forever

I thought that entering Jishukan I'd find it difficult to make a lot of friends. The difference in language, preferences and what not. I honestly felt so nervous trying to fit in with the life style of a Japanese family member but as a student? Constantly wanting to feel accepted I was a bit anxious in making friends.

Mana made it very easy for me. She introduced me to everyone. I've now gotten over being this introverted extrovert. I can now say that I'm finally able to express myself more frequently and with confidence. While in Jishukan it's safe to say that basically every person in 4th and 5th grade I have come to known and love. Although the staring is a bit much, once they finally got the courage to talk to me or I just approached them like, "wassup", things went smoothly. My tie is filled with the names of my pals. My overalls are covered in messages that I will treasure and wear with pride. 

I made a very important group of friends. My first group of friends at Jishukan High School. Mana, Shiori, Moe, Miki and Fuka. Those names I will forever remember as they were the people that brought me out of my shell and helped me make this experience something I will always rave on about, think about, tell my grandchildren about. 

When I first got here, they threw a welcoming party for me. I was shocked. Really shocked. I thought they were just coming over for some snacks and gossip. There was snacks and there was gossip. There was more than that. There was getting to know every individual. Shiori and Mana loves to play basketball. Moe is a dancing queen. Miki loves English and Fuka plays badminton. They taught me about the do's and don'ts of Japan. The important reasons behind why they do certain things. They introduced me to many other sports and I've come to like Tennis and Badminton. Everyone is very supportive even though I'm legit trash at those sports but they just, "don't mind, don't mind", it out. I've picked up on their slang and their Japanese expressions so don't mind me when I come back to New Zealand bowing to everyone.