I left for Japan in August 2000, for one year spent teaching English on the JET Programme.
I finally returned to the UK in June… 2005.
My aim had been to see a mysterious country, learn a seemingly impossible language, taste raw fish and feel the submersion into a culture totally different from my own.
I found so much more. Japan remodelled me.
I found a kindness in others that encouraged me to reflect more on my own actions.
I found a curiosity in me which was overwhelming at times and exhausting to sustain, but drove me to unbelievable achievements.
And now…
Shock and disbelief.
We are still unclear of the numbers of people that have been lost to the earthquake and tsunami, but everyone around the world has been affected by the reports of sadness and of heroism.
Taylor Anderson is the first-known American victim of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
The 24-year-old taught English for the JET programme in the seaside town of Ishinomaki.
Officials there say she spent her final moments making sure her young students were safe. But ultimately, she ran out of time to save herself.
A second JET, Monty Dickson, has been confirmed to have lost his life. He moved with his students to the third floor of the city's town hall. Even there, the water came.
Everyone around the world has been affected by the reports of community. An anonymous foreigner wrote:
“Utterly amazingly where I am, there has been no looting, no pushing in lines. People leave their front door open, as it is safer when an earthquake strikes.
I find food and water left in my entranceway. I have no idea from whom, but it is there.
Old men in green hats go from door to door checking to see if everyone is OK.
People talk to complete strangers asking if they need help. I see no signs of fear. Resignation, yes, but fear or panic, no”.
Japan continues to teach me from afar and I feel honoured to continue to learn.
