Host Family and The Future of this Blog...

So, I got my host family letter today (although it wasn't much of a letter, but just basic facts).

Father: Tadao Oikawa
Mother: Mitsuyo
Sister: Age 17
Brother: Age 15
Grandparents at Home: Grandfather
School Name: Minato Sogo High School

My family lives in Yokohama, and golly that's a big city! Second biggest in Japan. I checked out the school website (Clicky!) and it's huge! I looks twice the size of Abington SHS. That's pretty big. I can call them if I want, but I really don't know what to say. I can't stand awkward phone conversations... I might know some Japanese, but not enough to talk on the phone, which is harder than speaking in real life! I'll call Paige and see where she's at. I can't wait!

Anyway, as for other matters, this blog... might be halted. I really would like to put my thoughts online and all, because it really is good to keep track of these things. But we were advised in the YFU orientation that if we're going abroad wanting to learn a language, then being exposed to English for 5 minutes can wipe out 2 months of learning! While I think it's a bit of an exaggeration, I do believe I should be immersing myself in Japanese at all times. What I might do is update this blog every 2 weeks, but I'm not sure if I'll keep it or not. I will not be on facebook/myspace the entire summer everyone, so please don't look for me there. Call me cruel, but I honestly don't want to have any connection with the US during my trip. It will keep my back from adjusting to Japanese life, culture, etc. But I haven't made my decision yet. I'll tell everyone in two days time. Thank you all who are reading this for understanding.

-Vanessa <3

This is Only the Beginning...

So... it's Official.

I'M GOING TO JAPAN!!!

The large CAPS are supposed to suggest excitement, which I find hard to do over the Internet, especially for something as cool as this! Mom found money for me to go, and I'm so grateful! Thank God! It's definitely going to be the best summer ever I think. I wanted an adventure so bad, and now I get one!

Well, anyway, this blog is where I'm going to put everything! I'll update about every two days or so. Maye not this coming week, but the next week (after Term Paper Season) I'll begin. I'll be sure to take lots of photos, and tell lots of stories! I can't wait until I get my host family letter! I'm so curious as to who'll they'll be and what they're like! I'm going to make sure I have so much fun! I'm also excited about orientation... there's 90 of us going to Japan, all on one plane!

I decided not to cut my hair after all. That just means I have to avoid summer showers and the beach! That's not so bad, but I wish I didn't... (-__-)

Anyway, that's all I can say. Oh, and in upcoming weeks, I'll be practicing my Japanese on here. It's important that I do!

Wish me Luck!

-Vanessa <3