It's coming and I'm loving it!

Now don't get me wrong! I loved my students and life back in Shibata but I am so glad I'm not still working for GEOS.
Yesterday I realized that had GEOS not gone under I would still be there, working until the 17th, possibly the 15th as I had some un-used holidays left.
The thought actually made me cringe. I never realized how truly unhappy I was there. The money would have been nice and being able to say a proper good bye would have been nice but the stress and sadness... Not so nice.
I would be in the process of closing the school and explaining to my students why they wouldn't be able to continue taking English lessons and that I was moving to Northern Hokkaido to start a new job.
With the bankruptcy I wasn't leaving them, I wasn't closing their school, I wasn't cutting their lessons short. I think even with all the problems (mainly financial, especially for my friend) I'm glad to no longer be there for these few months.
Instead I've been introduced to the JET way of life and been able to experience so many amazing things!
I've been able to meet some of the amazing friendly JETs in Hokkaido and attend many different events.
I was able to visit my future home up in the North!

I was able to attend the HAJET (Hokkaido Association of JETs) Summer meeting/camping party.









I was able to participate in the Yakumo lantern festival.








I have also been to many smaller gatherings and spend time with people down South as well as up North.





My article was published in the HAJET newsletter, the Polestar.
I'm considering joining the PC (like a student council but for HAJET).
Already I can tell JET is going to be drastically different from my experience with GEOS and I am excited.
JET has been welcoming, friendly, helpful and like joining a community. I still plan to be very involved with the town I live in but it is so nice to know that I have this huge support system outside of my town to help me when I'm in trouble and if I just need to get out for a bit.
I feel so much less alone...
It's a nice feeling.