"The Convenience of it All"

While training in Tokyo,

I was told horror stories of ICs

{internship coordinators}

who abandoned their interns after the first day.

I was worried it might happen to me,

but Yoshiko has stayed by my side

and checked up on me

the entire time I've been here.

She's helped me

file my alien registration,

set up my bank account,

shop for home necessities,

configure my internet settings,

learn the layout of the city,

and even acted as my lawyer

to the principal and staff of my junior high school.

She's been with me every step of the way,

and I am forever grateful to her.

My chocolat apartment is located near

the train station

the post office/bank

{they're in the same building}

the mall

the grocery store

a multitude of restaurants

the barber shoppe

and, miraculously, my new ward

{which is conducted entirely in Japanese}.

I don't have to pay to go to Church anymore!

The only place that isn't close to me

is the junior high school, where I teach.

Since Monday is a holiday over here

{"Coming of Age" Day}

I start work on Tuesday.

Cross your fingers for me.

I'll need all the prayers I can get.