In a recent edition of Focus Japan, the newsletter from the Maryknoll Sisters in Japan, there was an article from Abby Avelino, who was a Maryknoll Affiliate with the Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter before entering the Maryknoll Sisters. Below is Abby's article.
Abby Avelino (April 2009)
FOCUS JAPAN
MARYKNOLL SISTERS-JAPAN, APRIL 2009, VOLUME 39, NUMBER 1
The phrase everyone keeps telling me here in Japan, "Gambate kudasai!", means "Don't give up! Keep at it!" It has been several months since I left the United States for Japan-about three months now. How time flies. Japan is a country with a long history and rich culture. Even in their daily life the Japanese retain values their people have treasured since olden days. It impresses me how the people embrace the richness of traditional Japanese culture. I find new things to learn everyday: sitting on tatami floors, bowing, using a squat toilet for the first time, viewing fascinating scenes of the crowds in train stations and streets. People, people everywhere-how they amaze me!
I visited lots of temples and shrines. It's fascinating to see the way that worshippers pray in different sects of Shinto and Buddhism. I like the part of purification of heart and soul. I've been to hot springs (onsen) twice already. Believe it or not, I liked, even enjoyed it. Learning and exploring new things help me to deepen my understanding of the Japanese culture. I need to immerse myself, trying everything out in order to get acculturated. I have experienced Zen meditation and the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. I really appreciated the concept of it. I was a little nervous at first, because I didn't know what to do or how to do it well, but I received help from the others enabling me to begin feeling comfortable and peaceful with the newness of it all. I have also visited the sisters at their places of ministry. I am very impressed with their work and their commitment.
As a foreigner I simply could not speak nor utter any words in Japanese at all at first, which was frustrating. But now I am in language school. I'm beginning language learning after a long break from my career studies. Three Japansese scripts [Kanji, Hiragana & Katakana] plus Roma-ji are quite interesting. But I must say that it is very HARD to learn the Japanese language! But I am learning it little by little. Learning a new language at my age is a challenging and humbling experience. I'm trying to remember everything I am learning. They tell me, "Language learning is a ‘marathon' not a ‘race'." And it isn't only the barrier of language but also the barrier of culture, which is challenging.
This is not the first time for me to live abroad; cultural shock and transition were expected. However, understanding this doesn't mean I won't feel the shock. I think this is normal. I know it will take time to become totally immersed and acculturated in my new country of Japan. "One day at a time... no need to rush!!!" I tell myself. I am very grateful to my sisters in Japan for their guidance and support. I thank each of you for your love and prayers.
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