Wrapping it up...

Well, am finally down to just one day (8 lessons) left. It was come both surprisingly fast and painfully slow. The goodbyes are well under way, and have brought a tear or two to my eyes.

Some students are just so great! It's sad to leave them and not be able to see what kind of English speakers they become.

One student today just found out I was leaving, but she waited around until I was done my next lesson to take a photo with me and to give me a present. It was super sweet! She LOVES Chip n' Dale, so I got a Chip n' Dale photo album and a Chip n' Dale mug. I'm sure never to forget her now. She's the sweetest girl, a kindergarden teacher. She wrote me a note too, here's what it said:

Dear Verena

How are you?
I'm good!
But, I'll miss you very much.

Verena's lesson was very simple and happy.
I like Verena and Verena's lesson.

We enjoyed your lesson very much!!

I never forget Verena and Verena's lesson.

I'll try my best!!
and I'll be good English speaker.

Good luck to you!

Thank you very much x10000000

Now, how can you not be sad to leave students when they are that sweet and kind!!

Another student told me today that she will not be able to advance to the next level without me because I am her "lucky lady". She said I taught her her first Level 7a, first Level 6 and first Level 5 lesson and that she is very grateful. Another super kind lady. She is a farmer and has improved so much in my time here. I know she will continue to do great!

Also, on Sunday, the Bento (lunchbox) man, gave me another free bento! We see him everyday on our way to work at the train station and I always say hello and speak a very little with him. And one day back in November when Jason and I went to the Tokyo Motorshow we wanted to buy bentos from him, but he wouldn't let us and insisted we take them as a present. Well since he has given me two more and will never let me pay for them! He's so kind too!!!

Anyway, I could go on for a while yet, but I've procrastinated finishing packing my bag for Korea, and I've really got to get to bed as I have to wake up early and do a bunch of things before my LAST day of work! Then Ked and I are off to Tokyo for the night before heading out to Seoul for 4 days! I'll write Saturday night!

Oh, and below's a picture taken at my work farewell party last night. Taken with Kedist, Aya, Billy and Satomi, some of the other teachers and Japanese staff at my branch. It was a good night. Miyuki made me some homemade cookies which were so good! (Told you they were all so kind!!!)