Just a note

Just a note: I wanted to say how much I enjoy writing this blog and how much I appreciate those who read and enjoy it. I was never a big fan of blogs myself; I always thought they were kind of self-centered and unneccessary. It was only somewhat half-heartedly that I opened this Blogger account before I left for Japan. As soon as I got to Japan, though, I saw what an amazing communication device it can be to exchange ideas, stories, and feelings. I'm surprised at how much I enjoy finding stories in my everyday life here, and then finding a good way to tell them. They are almost always trifles, it seems, but these are the little bits of humor and good will that get me through those days when I'm wondering just why I'm here. Moreover, they make this experience something worthwhile. I hope that you can get some entertainment from these little stories and also a sense for the kind heart of the people who live on this island. I don't pretend to fully understand them, nor do I think they're perfect, but I do find them kind of remarkable in their way and I feel very lucky to be able to call this a home for a time.

In short, thanks for reading. I'll do my best to write something worth reading.