Alice has completed her time in Japan and we asked her for one more story to conclude our series of stories from her trip. Thank you, Alice, for sending us updates last year, the school and community enjoyed hearing from you, and Welcome Home!
And now, Alice...
Returning home after a year in Japan was both a relief and a shock. After spending twelve months abroad, coming back to familiar surroundings felt comforting yet strangely unsettling.
Leaving Japan was tough. Saying goodbye to my host families and friends was emotional. As I headed to the airport, I felt a mix of sadness and gratitude, reflecting on the amazing experiences I was leaving behind. The drive was quiet, filled with thoughts of the journey I had just completed. As I looked back at the beautiful scenery of Japan one last time, my heart ached with the realization that this chapter was closing.
The flight back was long and gave me plenty of time to think. I was exhausted and overwhelmed, torn between the excitement of returning home and the sadness of leaving my new life behind. When the plane landed in the great city of Chicago and I saw the American flags, I felt a rush of familiarity and belonging. It was a powerful reminder of where I was coming from and where I was headed.
Reuniting with my family was an emotional moment. Hugging them and seeing their familiar faces brought a deep sense of comfort and relief. Over the next few days, adjusting back to life at home was a mix of joy and confusion. I was struck by how much I had changed and how different everything felt.
Coming home wasn’t just about returning to a place; it was about reconciling who I was before my journey with who I had become during it. This return marked the end of one chapter and the start of another. The experience of coming back gave me a clear view of how much I had grown and the lasting impact of my time abroad, and I will definitely come back to Japan and see everyone again sometime.
Thank you to everyone for reading my story and experiences! I am so grateful for all of the support and encouragement.
