My First Enkai

I have to write about tonight. It has been a night that I don’t think I will ever forget! Ironically, there is a lot about it that I’ve already forgotten! But the event itself was really unforgettable.

I’ve just been to my first welcoming party. :D These parties are called “enkai”, and everyone and their dog is throwing one for me! Tonight’s was organized by the OIEO-the international committee in charge of the exchange between Hastings and Ozu. It was incredibly heartwarming. I felt that if given the opportunity, I could probably have burst into a puddle of gratitude at any second!

The event lasted for over three hours. We sat on the floor Japanese style, and ate at a low table. The place was SO homey and lovely! There is only one small room where the guests sit and it’s upstairs. All of the food was prepared on the ground floor and brought up about 20 steps! There were about 20 people there and they filled up the room where we ate.

The occasion started with three speeches-one from the man who started the exchange program, one from the president of the committee, and one from me (eeeeek!). Even worse, I don’t know how it happened, but something I said got translated into “I want to drink alcohol.” (?) I don’t exactly remember what I said, but I’m SURE that it wasn’t that!! No one seemed to remember it for too long though, so it must not have been too bad.

I could go on and on about the evening’s events, but the thing that really hit home for me was the fact that everyone wanted to know me. : ) It sounds weird, but it’s true! They had come to the party, specifically to help me feel welcome. They spent three hours being slightly uncomfortable on the floor, just to make sure that I knew they cared. Not only that, but they introduced themselves, told me stories about their lives, talked about their experiences of Nebraska, answered all of my questions, and always tried out all of the English they possessed. This in itself was so wonderful-more than I can say. Usually people are shy about speaking English with me. And I completely understand! I’m intimidated by using Japanese! But nevertheless, sometimes it gets to me. I know they’re just shy, but I can’t help but feel like I’ve got the plague or something. This night was completely reversed-everyone felt open to talking with me…with the exception of a three year old who was very shy and didn’t really like me. ;) It was SO NICE to have conversation after conversation about Japan, about how I like it here, about past ALTs, the weather, whatever!. And everyone I spoke with was genuinely interested.

It was heartwarming beyond compare. I’ve already forgotten almost everyone’s names, but my heart will remember their intent.