Happy December. One more month before the new year. Today was a fun day. I woke up and couldn’t go back to sleep for some reason so I just hope out of bed and got ready for my first day of school. Today breakfast was fish, Tamagoyaki, and lettuce miso soup. Yummy breakfast. I’m going to be honest. I never thought I get to see the day where I wear a uniform. Let alone a Japanese uniform. Good thing it was today because it was comfy. The skirt was flowy and the sewing craftsman was clean.

 On my way to school, I was nervous. I was supposed to write a speech for my introduction assembly. I still did but my Japanese was limited. Also going up in front of 900 hundred people were a lot. Thankful it went well. The principal and staff were really nice. When I went to class, a lot of kids kept saying “かわいい” as they pass by. Some followed me to class to. I didn’t mind it at all. I made sure to say “ありがとうございます” whenever I can.

 My class was 2-1. Durning science I had to introduce myself. It get’s better as you keep introducing yourself. I met a lot of new people. There were two girls I met. One of the girls name was Airi (あいり). She was super nice. I don’t remember the other girl’s name. She was who I spend the most with. She also help me transition some stuff into English. I’m so bad at remembering names. I make sure to ask again tomorrow. If I had to describe each class with two words here are my choices. 🧬Science: Weather Temperature (we were learning about temperature changes). 🍳Home Economics: Hiragana Alphabet (I know it not related but I was writing them to help me read Japanese without guessing). 🧑‍💻Technology: Metal blending. It was so much fun. We had to fix parts of a green tech board. We using a melting tool and metal. Thus Metal Bending. English: Mizuki Akiyama 🎀. I never thought I get see one of my favorite characters of all time on a school TV. I can official say Mizuki was at my school one time lol. Someone even show me a Mizuki Poster!!!! I really like Mizuki. 🍕Lunch: Yummy Yummy (We had rice, miso soup, and Salmon. It was yummy). We had free time for a bit after that. As I was walking to go hang out with friends. I saw Ms Asade-San!!! She was so nice. We hug, and chatted, and more hugs. I told her how even if it wasn’t for long. She is still my host mom. Her family are my host family, I hope she like my gifts and get better. I also hope I can see her one more time before I go back to America. 🏃‍♀️Pe: watch Kudo (It was fun to watch kudo, I think. Though classmates ask me questions durning this time which I don’t mind). Then finally we had our class meeting and finish school.

 I decide to do club activities today. I choose Wind orchestra. It was fun but hard. You had to blow in a certain way for each instrument. Even though it was hard. It was fun. My favorite instrument was the Tumbo and Saxophone

 After club activities, me and Mr Sadoka-San when to go pick up Mamori-Chan from Kindergarten. She was so happy to see us. After that we got home and wash up. Asaki friends were coming over for dinner so we had to dress casual. Her friends were so nice and fun to hang out with. We made Okonomiyaki together (which was super yummy. Another MVP dish of the day :3 ) and chatted. I show them pictures of what America was like and talk about it. We even ate some snacks. I try this chocolate cover Strawberry candy which made my tongue cold and had a brain freeze. I text “See SOS for my tongue” to everyone which everyone laughed, including me. Sadly our night came to an end when they all went home. We made sure to exchange Instagrams.

 Overall another 10/10 of my book. The Okonomiyaki was so good. I want to make it for my family in America. Tomorrow is another day to make more memories ٩( 'ω' )و. Any way night night. Go Mizuki and An ٩( 'ω' )و

 こんにちは。Another day in Japan has happened and it was kinda an emotional day. Only at the end but I tell you more later. Though I do have a few says for the 11/29 of November as I didn’t write for that day.

 To summarize it, mom drop me off at airport. Cry when she left, met up with Mason and Kaylie. Got through security. Established a sibling dynamic (Mason as oldest , Kailey as the 2nd child, then Me as the youngest. Later established Evelyn as the 3rd child). Got on plane. 10h 55m of travel. Project Sekai movie took about 45 percent of the 10h and 55m. Listen to Fire Dance (VBS) over and over again (Ts was peak). Landed. Got on bus. Traffic. Got to airport. Met up with Evelyn. Barely were on time for boarding. Fly to Kagoshima and finally met Sadoka’s family. That was a mouthful to say but hey. Here is proof of travel effects and Fire Dance

 Anyway back to today. I woke up around 6:13 and couldn’t go back to sleep. Nightmare woke me up. Got dress. Got ready and ate breakfast with Sadoka’s family. Got ready more and head to school. I chatted with a couple of classmates before school started. I also try doing American Math homework though stop because I got bored. Now time for the daily special…… describe each subject with two words 🤚🤩🤚. First up science 🧬 : weather temperature. Same thing as yesterday but the teacher wanted me to say the elements in English. I think I did fine. Next, Social Studies 🌎: favorite class. I really like the teacher and the subject topic. Queen Elizabeth I was a good ruler. Math 🧮: Brain Fried. So many Kanji words….. not a bad thing. Good practice. Without the help of Airi-Chan and Sai-Chan. My kanji would look so messy. ありがとう。 My brain and hand were fried by the end of the period. PE 🏃‍♀️‍➡️ next: New friends. While watching my classmates do Judo. I was talking with my classmates (with the help of google translate). They were so nice 😊. I give my instagram contact to them. I can’t wait to see them tomorrow. English 📖: Shorter, Taller. We were working on somewhat the same thing like yesterday except with new words. Japanese: brain fried. My brain and hand were also fried. Thank you Sai-Chan and Airi-Chan. Finally, Afternoon meeting. Nothing much. I think there were a few announcements. Overall chill period.

 After school. Me and Mr Sadoka-San went to table tennis club. Both girls and boys. It was SO MUCH fun. My favorite club so far. The people at the girls table tennis club were super good. I hope to meet them again soon. Ms Sadoka-San came and pick me up.

 We went to go pick up Manori-San from kindergarten. She so cute 🥰. After that we went to go pick up a few stuff from the super market. We had hotpot for dinner but we need a few stuff to make it. On our way inside and back outside we saw a cat!!!! It was so cute. Dirty brown and black (I think). That reminds me. I know the kanji name for cat: 猫猫　(ねこねこ)。

 Once we got home, I wash myself up and play with Manori-Chan. We got this 1-100 chart and match up the number buttons next to each other. After that hotpot was made and ready. I try a few things today. I try しらたき and ちくわ (Shirataki and Chikuwa). The were good. I forgot today was my last full day with the Sakoka family so when Mr Sadoka-San told me tomorrow plan and how Ms Hamada-San was going to pick me up at school, I started to get teary. I’m really going to miss them. They are so kind and I really felt like a 6th member to the Sadoka’s Family. I hope that if I come to Japan again. I can make plans to see them again. Today I welcome the Sadoka’s family into the Ava family. Even though we not related by blood. They still my family. ありがとうございます　

 Even though it was kinda emotional, I still had fun. To the Sadoka family. Thank you, ありがとうございます 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️. Let see what tomorrow brings. Go An and Mizuki 🎧🎀

-アヴァ

Hello. I have great news!!!! I have three new siblings and two new parents now!! Not by blood but by bond. Today was very emotional. I dreaded waking up and saying good bye. I woke up and realized that I be saying goodbye the Sadoka’s family. As the morning went by. I enjoyed each moment. I really enjoyed breakfast. I think it was leftover hotpot food with rice mixed. It my favorite breakfast. I started crying when Wakana-San and Ms Sadoka-San (Mom) were leaving. I didn’t want to leave them. I swear I had more time with them. Time goes by too fast 😭. Then I had to say goodbye to Asaki-San and Manori-San😭😭😭. My face was on flood mode now.  I hate saying goodbye. I knew my time with them will end but not this quick! Mr Sadoka-San even say that I’m like a daughter (I feel very honored. ありがとうございます 🙇‍♀️) to him!!! My heart…. They are so nice. At least I still get to see Mr Sadoka-San but still. I already miss them. Now I’m scary on how I will react to saying goodbye to everyone and the families now. I don’t want to leave 😭

 To make this not sad anymore. I talk about school. Math, Science, and Pe were good. Beside all the kanji writing being hard and precise. They were fine. I like all of my teachers. They are nice and kind. Lunch was interesting. Not in a bad way. One food item scared me. It was the small fishes. Like the really small ones. The eyes is what gets me. I think I look at them too long and now I can unsee them. I try some and they weren’t my favorite but still a new experience. Otherwise the rest were good. Two things happened though. Durning Japanese, we had a class observation!! It was cool seeing the other parents but I was mostly focusing on the kanji. Had to lock in. Otherwise I met Ms Hamada-San.

 She is super nice. She also good at cooking. She introduced me to Kota-San at school. He kinda reminds me of my brother. I don’t mind his shyness. Mr Hamada is really fun to hang out with. He show me around the house and the garden. I really like his garden. He even had a palm tree. Now that’s cool. We talk for a little bit about family and America. I really like the Hamada’s. I can’t wait to make memories with them. After before dinner, we play video games together. Kota-San is very good at Splatoon. Splat Splat Splat💥

 The Sadoka’s family give me there gift and OMG they are so cute. Asaki-San draw stretch’s of my favorite characters, An and Mizuki. They are so cute. They also drawn so good. Go An and Mizuki ٩( 'ω' )و

 Overall nice day. Here to the next part of them day with lemonade 🍋

 -アヴァ

Ya hoo )^o^(

 Day……. Um 4???? 5?????? Ehh I lost count 😓. When you been in Japan for some many days. You start to lose count. It could be like… I dont know, day 11 for all we know. I should probably call my mom or someone…. I don’t know. Enough side tracking! Let’s talk about today. Since it late. I make this journal entry short though I can’t promise it though.

 Getting ready was kinda the same as the days before except this time. I walk to school. With Kota-San and his friends/cousins. It was chilly but I didn’t mind it. Here the thing. When you been in the pool for so many days durning water polo season. You get used to the coldness

 As for school. A few things happened. Durning Japanese class, we got to write Japanese with the brush pens and ink. It was messy and slightly difficult but fun. I had to write out Hiragana letters with the brush. Then we had music class. It was interesting . We sing a song which is was actually fun. Hard because I kept miss pronouncing the words but that’s ok. Though half way through the class. We got scolded. Mostly some of the boys. They weren’t following the directions or playing any attention to the teacher. That was “really” fun to listen to 🙃🙁. One more that happened today was I had to speak in front of my class about my high school. I was nervous but once you started speaking in front of people. You don’t get nervous. I think I did fine explaining some of the characteristics is EHS. They all seem to like it which that a win for me.

 I had baseball club today. It was SO SO much fun. I wasn’t allow to play with them since it would be danger. I was able to play catch. My speed hasn’t fully left. After that we went home. “Mom” (りかさん) took me to this barkey. Everything look SO delicious. There were different breads, desserts, and pastries but most were sold out. I can’t wait to show you what I got for tomorrow breakfast.

 “Mom”-San friends came over to our house. It was fun. We ate food (consisting of Pizza, French fries, and Fired Chicken. The fired chicken was so juicy. Then we play Mario Party. It was kinda intense. There were so many games where I was kinda suck but still fun. I tied with one of Mom friends by the end of the game. Rosalina is best girl and my favorite

 That was pretty much today. Tomorrow is my last day 😭 at the middle school. I don’t want to leave. Or take off my uniform. We can worry about tomorrow. Anyways my eyes are falling asleep on. I’m heading out. Night Night 😃🤚

-アヴァ

 FRIDAY! FRIDAY! Better get your fries on Friday! \o(^v^\o). Better….

 Ohh! Shoot sorry. Was just chanting a little song. I heard it from Game theory, a YouTube channel that I really like. I don’t know. Maybe it not just a theory….. A FOOD TH…..

 No I can’t said that. Otherwise this journal might get copyrighted. Oh well. Too bad I’m going to say it. It not just a theory. A FOOD THEORY! Thanks for watching.

 Now where was I???? Oh yea. As I was saying. It Friday! Meaning weekend time though it was a little sad.

 Throughout the school day. I felt sad that my time with KHJH was coming to an end. Everyone is so kind. I don’t want to leave them

 The club I choose today was Kudo. It like archery but a lot more different. They have bigger bows and different procedures. I didn’t mind it though it made my hand kinda cramp but it was worth it. I almost made it to the target but I was a little off. After the club. Mr Hamada came to pick me up and take me and Kato-San home. I then said my last goodbye to KHJH and walk out. Knowing I had a lot of great memories.

 After getting home. We play the cup and ball game. I don’t know what it’s called but there a song game where you had to get the ball on big cup and Long stick ans much as you can. It was fun. I think I did well. Once Mrs Hamada got home. She took me and Kato-San to this one supermarket called “Thank You”. They had so many things. Even gachapons!!! There were these Project Sekai keychains that I had to get. Guess who I got?????? 杏とこはね

 After we got home. We had sushi. But this time we had to construct them. It was yummy and a fun challenge. I put egg and fish on my. Then we chatted for a bit. Then later, Mom helps me try on a Yukata! It was so beautiful. I never try on a Yukata before. It was comfy. Hard to walk in but it was worth it. It was a blue Yukata with I think Lilies on them. I hope to wear one again. I make sure to figure something out with my hair lol.

 One of my favorite days have happened today. I can’t wait to go to Sakurajima tomorrow. Oh I also forgot to mention someone gifted me Project Sekai merch. I’m so grateful. ありがとうございます. Best part is it had Mizuki on it. Go Mizuki and An

-アヴァ

Day 8:

 Today was such a fun day! We did so much. Though I did forget something. So…..  I forgot I was going to the Fukushima’s family. I didn’t pack the night before like I usually do so in the morning I had to speedrun packing. IN MY DEFENSE, I was having so mich fun. And to make things a tad bit worse…. I may have ran out of Yen

 BEFORE EVERYONE PANICS. The good news is I manage to pay back the Hamada’s family. All 10,000 yen which is a win! HUZZAY ✋

 After we left the house, we went this amazing bakery. Everything look so yummy. I got this sausage deep fried stick food and chocolate swirl bread. Ts was peak. I’m going to miss this when I go back to America. We then drive to Sakurajima (さくらじま). Those science images won’t lying. The mountain was beautiful. Even with all the ash, it was worth it. We kinda walk around the “park”. Ts was wonderful. Next we took a ferry into Kagoshima city. It was fun. It remind me of this time where me and my siblings and took this ferry to Victoria. It was calming. Same with this one. Once we got into Kagoshima city, we went to this amazing mall. It look so cool. There was a Pokémon pop-up store (gurl went there and spent good money プロジェクトセカイカラフルステージ anthropology books vol 1-4. I GOT THE GOODS

 Once we got home, I mange to give the money back to my host family. Then we had to leave so I got all my stuff and we headed to where we were going to meet them.

 It was at this mall. The biggest one in Kanoya. It look huge. I then met the Fukushima’s family. They all look so happy. We went to the car and grab my suitcase and backpack. Once that’s was done. I said goodbye to the Hamada’s…

 MAN it so hard saying goodbye to people. You get to make lots of memories but then you have to go. It never easy 😖. The good thing is everyone in the Fukushima’s family was able to cheer me up. Our first thing we did was head to a shrine. It was very nice. The Torii (とりい) was made out of glass? Ms Fukushima told me that glass Torii are rare! We made a wish and got fortune cards. My was number 49. I don’t remember much but when it mention about Love. It basically said “do it in moderation”!!! I laugh so much. It was funny to me. Then we headed to a shop and then home. Once we got home, we went to the grandfather and Grandmother house to have dinner and to make mochi. It was fun talking to them. They all were so cheerful 😊. I think I’m going to have so much fun. After we got home we stop by the supermarket to pick up snacks (I got vanilla) and head home to eat.

 One of my favorite’s days. I hope to come back to さくらじま。Let’s hope I’m not cooked figures crossed

Day 9:IM NOT COOKED, HUZZAY ✋

 IM NOT COOKED, HUZZAY ✋😃🤚!!!!!! I manage to convert my money into yen which is yay. I be able to buy stuff now. Let’s hope this money last me till the 13, figure cross 🤞. Also I just got a email saying I will be interviewed on Wednesday after school by a local news paper company. Im happy and looking forward to this interview. I wonder what questions they will ask me? I should probably sharpen my Japanese skill up.

 Today was another fun day. I had mochi this morning. It was good. Stretchy like cheese e singing the Ai Scream song. “アヴァちゃん！”.  “はい!” “何が好き？” “チョコレートと抹茶よりも あ-な-た”.

 Then we head back home and got ready for the fire work festival. It was so fun. We eat udon, walk around, and saw the Sakoda’s family and some friends from KHJH. I miss them so much

 I do realized that these journal entries get archive. So to anyone in the future or present looking at these journal entries for funnies, seeing what your friend or kid do for the day in Japan, or getting ready for YOUR homestay (Yes I “broke the fourth wall” and I don’t care) and seeing what we did. Thank you for reading these. I also read most of the journal entries from look ago so don’t worry. Keep read these. You might get a kick out of them. Lol. Night night

-アヴァ

 Hello Hello. I’m tired today but I want to make sure I get this done quick. Today was my first day of school at Kanoya High School. I got up 6:15 and got ready from there. I finally got to wear my school uniform. It so nice and cute. If allowed, I would love to take it home with me (I would buy it first before taking it with me lol)

 As for my classes. If I had to describe them in two words. This is what they would be: Morning Assembly: Yahoo time (I had to introduce myself infront of everyone) History: learning confusion?? (I was confused on what we were learning about. Turns out we were learning about WWII). English: Introduced time (I had to introduce myself in front of the class and walk around to meet everyone. It was fun), Language Culture: learning confusion (just more confusion, turn out we were learning about China :3), Math: Reading time (since everyone had a test today. I manage to finish up my book club book. It was so sad 😭),  PE: Nostalgia fun (we played solfball today. It brought me back memories. At least I know my skills are still going strong though I almost got hit in the fact), and Technology: Typing race (I did this program where I practiced my typing skill. Later I had a typing race with my classmates). Then we clean the school. I help with the Nurse’s workspace.

 After school we went to a couple of different clubs. One of them included caligapthy. I met a lot of new people and they show me how caliagpthy works. I did amazing today. I even got to try on competition outfit. It look so good. Then we went to the gym and watch clubs do their thing. We chatted a bit about girl stuff.

 Hina then took me to the AEON Mail near our school. I managed to get small gifts for my friends and HOLY MOLY they have PJSK waffle cards. I’m so excited to open them tomorrow. There were also Pikmin Gummies. I’m not leaving Japan without getting a week worth of supplies I swear.

 For dinner we had a omelette. It was so good. I had two. Then I play video games with my host siblings. We had so much fun. Also I heard there was an earthquake up north of Japan. I hope everyone is ok and safe.

 Overall good day. Can’t wait to open up my waffle cards tomorrow. I be happy if I get An, Mizuki, anyone from VBS, Nene, and pretty cards 🥰.

 -アヴァ　

 Today was a nice day. Kinda long but good. I open up my PJSK waffle cards. I got Kanade and Shiho!!! Yay. They both four star so that good. I got two more from AEON mail. Let’s see if I can get Mizuki or An.

 I got to sleep in a little bit. Woke up at 6:45 AM which was good. Breakfast was yummy. I got ready and head to school.

 School was fun today. Though a couple things happened. We had an English test 😭. Don’t even get me started on it. I struggle so much. I was basically clueless the entire time. I miss up the only two problems where I had somewhat of a clue of. Then later I had to become a teacher and help write the answer on the chalk board. It was fun writing on the chalk board. We barely have those in America. Though out the day. I went to different classes to introduce and interact with the students. It was nice talking to people. I like asking what they like to do or if they play Project Sekai or not . It was fun. One more thing that happens is I met my friend today who I been talking to since he and his group came to my school. It was so nice meeting him and his friends. I literally forgot “are you ok” in Japanese the second I walk out into the hallway. It was so embarrassing. Thank goodness they were chill about it. I hope to see them again at least one more time before I head back to America. Also I manage to draw Goldship on a poster we were working on. Im really proud of it as it the first time I draw someone running.

 After school, we went to the Tea ceremony club. I think it one of my favorite clubs. The sweets were good and everyone there were nice. The matcha was so good. It was a bit bitter but I don’t mind. I like it. After we said goodbye. We went to watch Judo (I think that the name. It is where people fight with bamboo sticks like samurai. It was fun watching though it kinda look painful at times. I hope they are fine.

 Hina and I met mom outside AEON mail. Once we got the stuff we need. We went to a light exhibit with these trees I saw with the Sadoka Family durning one explore adventure. It was so beautiful. There was one part where you could see Kagoshima city and the town close to us were. There were even heart shape leaves pile. They were so cute!!!!

 We pick up a few things from this store and had burger, salad, fired chicken, and fired rice ball. It was so good, I think I ate too much lol. Overall memories were made today. I even remember someone name today which is a win 🥳. Night night

 -アヴァ

 So sleepy. I got by daytime order. First of all. I remember 3 names. Which yay. That two people who I can confidently say without worrying. Also for the others. It getting there. We played Softball again today. It was super fun though tiring because we had to run a lot. But it worth it. I got to sit with a bunch of friends today. It was super fun. We talked, eat, and ask questions. So fun hanging out. Also someone from class 1-2 gave me a present. We were talking about PJSK when we told me he wanted to gift me something. Turns out it’s Ichkia and Nene but in figure form!!!! I was super happy. He did not have to do this but yet he did which I’m very grateful for his gift

 For dinner, we had tempura shrimp and soup. The tempura shrimp was so good. I ate a lot lol. Tomorrow we having dinner at Sushiro. They having a PJSK which I’m very excited. One of the first pop up started. I can’t wait. I hope to get An or Mizuki. Night night.

-アヴァ

 Oh guys, I’m so cooked. My going to be dead butt tired today. I might also need to get another suit case. The reason why Im writing this late is because, I was packing half of my stuff. My huge luggage is going to be mostly sovereigns. Can’t wait to see my mom and siblings reaction.

 I forgot today was my second to last day of school. It was fine. Two of my favorite classes happened, PE and Home Economics (Which is kinda weird that I like PE so much) I played badminton with ひなちゃん and るなちゃん. It was super fun. I may have accidentally hit the nose ball onto the window boarder. Thankfully we got it down. We had so much to the point where it’s one of my favorite school memories. Later that day we had home economics. We made chicken with tomato sauce, cornbread, and this dessert dish with Dumplings, Apples, Bananas, and oranges???? I don’t know but I wasn’t a big fan of it. I really like the Chicken. I was kinda hoping there would be more but alas nothing.

 After school, I took a couple pictures with my friend Miffee (I spelt it wrong didn’t I. ごめんなさい). She had her Mettaton plush, and I had An, Nene, and Kohane. Then we head back to class to say goodbye to each other. For the next couple hours, I hang out with Hina and classmates. やまとさん give me a min test on Katakana words. I totally ace that test 🥲👍. I also met new friends today, two of the names are あきやまさん and あおい. I enjoyed my time hanging out with them. Then Sushiro Time!!!!!

 So a couple days ago, me and ひなちゃん found out that PJSK was collabing with Sushiro which we HADED to go to. Mom took us there. I’m going to be honest with you, I CANNOT FATHOM to you how desperate I was for An. It may have not look like it BUT I WAS REALLY. After 15 Grilled Chicken Mayo topped with Mayo sushi and 3 Salmon Sushi later. We got it. Along with merch as well. It was as huge as I expected it to be but this is one memorable thing I will remember.

 I just realized something. Tomorrow I have to go back to America……

 Yea guys I don’t know how I’m going to take it. I been crying every time I go to a new host family. When I mean crying, I mean Balling my eyes out. Someone might have to drag though the gate tomorrow because I don’t know if I’m going to be able to do that. And the worst part is, the place I live is kinda flooding. I just got a post from my school account saying two hour delay. We might be slightly cooked. I don’t know. We see. I don’t want to leave. That’s mean I have wait a while to come back and I don’t want to 😭😭😭😭😭 (つД`)ノ. I don’t want to!!!! I guess I have to make the most of it. Night night

-アヴァ