Last December (1996), for the first time in three years, I got the chance to spend time with my family back home in Australia. After such a long time away from my family, and Australia, I have to admit I felt a little nervous to see them all again; had they changed, had I changed, and although it was only for two weeks, what would it feel like to fit in again back home with my parents? After a long flight with too many hours in a Thai airport, and too many questions from Customs in Australia, I was greeted by some of my family who were able to make it to the airport at 8:00 in the morning. As soon as I hugged them all, all my fears dissipated, I felt right at home again.
Almost everyone together!
Many great memories came back as we chatted over lunch, and many new memories were made as we spoke of what we’d been doing over the past few years. I got reacquainted with my nieces and nephews, who have all grown in size and maturity, as well as getting to know a couple of new nieces and a nephew born while I was away.
I have always been very proud of my family, but felt especially so after seeing what fine people my nieces and nephews are growing into, a testament to their parents and to the values and qualities our parents instilled in us.
It felt almost as if as soon as I arrived it was time to come back to Japan. I had a wonderful time catching up with most of my family and some of my friends, as well as eating some great food (including kangaroo and crocodile!). It was a really relaxing time perfect preparation for a busy year back at Wright Language School.
I’d like to say thank you to those students who changed their schedule or took make-up lessons to fit in with my schedule, I really appreciate the opportunity you gave me to spend time with my family.