If you were to visit Japan as a tourist and your only contact with the people was in public settings, you might easily come away with the impression that they are aloof or even unfriendly. On the street and on the trains they tend to be very reserved but we have been privileged to see beyond that outward appearance and have found them to be incredibly warm and generous. Never has that been more obvious than this, our final week here.

We knew that most of our students, especially the adults, were very appreciative of the job that we did as their teachers but the outpouring of gratitude that we experienced this week was overwhelming. For example, I taught a small class of older ladies for 85 minutes every Tuesday afternoon. When I arrived for class this week, they had planned a surprise farewell party for me. I was told to put away the textbook and relax. They provided cake and beverages, presented me with a beautiful gift and we spent the entire time in delightful conversation. Throughout the week many other students presented us with gifts and notes of appreciation.

Yesterday was our final day of teaching. I knew that saying good-bye to my playgroup would be particularly difficult. These are adorable preschoolers who attend class with a parent. They have been such fun to teach. At the end of every class we sing the Good-bye Song. I knew I’d have a very hard time getting through “good-bye dear friends, I’ll see you again”. When class came to a close, one little girl proudly presented me with a drawing, clearly meant to be me, and another student gave me a basket of flowers, one of several arrangements that now brighten the apartment. I was totally blown away, however, a few minutes later when a dear little boy stood in the corner of the reception area which was crowded with parents, students and staff and sang the first verse of Amazing Grace for me in perfect English! One of the other teacher’s commented afterward, “I dare you not to remember that for the rest of your life!”

My last class yesterday was another adult class. They asked a couple of weeks ago if they could take me out for dinner after our last class together. They actually ended up taking both Richard and I to a beautiful restaurant for a very traditional Japanese dinner. During class they each gave a short talk about what they appreciated about having me as their teacher this year and at dinner, they each presented me with a gift. Such amazing generosity!

Then there was church this morning. Unbelievable! Though many knew that today was our last Sunday, Pastor Steve announced it from the pulpit and had us come to the front for a special time of prayer. When service was over, we were surrounded by people thanking us and wishing us well. Many have become close friends over the past year, of course, but there were also some that we hardly know who came to shake our hands and say good-bye. Once again, we were showered with gifts!

We’ve been careful throughout the year not to buy too many mementos as we have limited space to carry things back but we weren’t counting on all the wonderful gifts! Fortunately, we came to Japan with less luggage than we were allowed and some of what we brought has worn out or been used up. Tomorrow, I begin packing and hope that I can fit everything in. If not, we’ll be shipping some things. One young couple in the church were wise enough to realize that we would have a lot to carry with us and told us that they would be mailing a gift to our home in Canada. Imagine our surprise and delight when she offered to take the things that we received today and mail them along with the gift that she was already planning to send! I gladly handed over all but the fragile ones. Again, such generosity! Is it any wonder that we’re having such a hard time saying good-bye?