So, what's happened in the past month? A lot...
School started for Yuki in mid August. The first few days were the hardest for her. She was really nervous and ate almost nothing for the first week or so. I don't blame her. She had some issues with teachers talking too fast and that we totally expected. Since a month has passed for school, Yuki has said that it no longer such a big issue. And she's eating more! YAY!!!
The biggest problem that she has at school is making friends. While she has connected with some of the kids in marching band, the vast majority are freshmen and sophomores. Yuki is 18. I can see where she is coming from with the age difference. I've talked to the school and the band director to help us improve things for her, and I'm hoping that things improve after homecoming. The whole problem has left her feeling really depressed and homesick. Culture shock in the worst way. We're trying to stay positive, and trying to get her to think positive.
Marching band was a major stress for her at the beginning of the school year. She has never had to balance school with an extra curricular and she was worried that she wouldn't be able to do it. A month has passed and she has done very well with it. Marching band will be over in a little under two months, and she's going to miss it. At least that is what I am thinking. I think getting her into marching band was the best thing we did for her.
Tomorrow is the homecoming game. Yuki gets to be in the parade and sing the national anthem with the choir. I think we may need to help her with the words! After all that, she also gets to perform at the half time show. Busy, busy girl! This past week has been spirit week, and Yuki has really been getting into dressing up!
Since school started, we really haven't had the opportunity to see and do too many things. Yuki did get to experience a Reds game on a Sunday a few weeks ago with Will. I don't think that was her most favorite activity, but she said she enjoyed it. On Sunday we went dress shopping for her homecoming dress, went to Oxford for shodo materials (who would have thought they would be there!?!), and went to the Cincinnati Museum Center. I'm glad that we're getting this opportunity to share our lives, our culture, and our community with her.
I just hope she can make it though this bout of homesickness and culture shock.
Saturday is Yuki's first school dance. She was invited to go with a group of girls from the band and color guard. Of all places for them to eat, they are going to Montgomery Inn. I told her to order a salad. Friday while Will and I are at the X Moeller game, Yuki will be at the L
oveland homecoming game with Liz. Anything with Liz is an adventure. She'll have fun even if she doesn't like football! Sunday will be a much needed day of rest.
Next weekend, Yuki has her first band competition in Kettering! She'll be gone all day, but the experience will be well worth it! The weekend after that, Yuki is going to New York for a YFU event.
It's hard to believe that she's been with us for one and a half months. I feel like she's been here so much longer. It's been fun to see her grow. Her English has improved so much (Even if she doesn't think so!), and she's beginning to share her life with us. What's really funny is that she's started to joke and play, and throw in some sarcasm. Hopefully the students at the school see this side of her too.
Here's to another great day, and to the hope that I can post something before next month!
