In the previous blog, I shared with you the things you will need for departure. Today, let me share with you what I did during pre-departure.
I miscalculated the time I would need to prepare for my departure. There were so many things to do, but I had very little time. Of course, all the documents I need for departure are already prepared, but on my family's end, not yet.
We celebrated my Father's and Aunt's birthdays. I accompanied my father back to my mom's hometown. He wanted to live there instead of in Manila. I also visited my mom's grave and then went back to Manila.
I met my best friend I hadn't seen for quite some time, we celebrated her birthday and saw some artwork at the mall we went to. I shared my worries, fears, and heartaches. I tried not to shed any tears. She also accompanied me to look for luggage I would bring to Japan.
I had some quality time with some sister-like friends from my previous school. We all have worries but they took some of their precious time to meet with me. One of them will be working in Canada and planning to settle there for good. She said if I didn't want to stay in Japan anymore, I could go to Canada and live there instead. She said she'd help me. T-T I also had lunch with my nephew who I haven't seen for months. Of course, I met my other friends but we usually don't take pictures when we see each other and some I couldn't meet anymore because I had to do what I had to do for my family.
My uncle who our family have been living with since before I was born needs to have an eye operation. His cataract is getting worse and it's affecting his ability to see clearly. I wanted to help with his pre-operation laboratory tests before I leave, but time is against us so I had to bring him back to Albay where his daughter lives so someone can be with him during this time while I'm away. He will also live with her from then on. Before this, we had been in and out of the hospital because he had been feeling unwell.
I made sure he was settled and that he had everything he needed, all his meds taken care of for at least fifteen days before his next set of allowances arrived. During this time, it was just really a few days before my departure. There was a typhoon when I left Albay and it felt like the sky was crying for me. My aunt Becky (Uncle's wife's sister) has been crying every day. It was painful to see. I pushed myself not to cry in front of her because I knew she would be heartbroken. These people I am leaving behind have been a part of every event in my life. I love them to the very core, and yet I have to leave in order to survive. It wasn't an easy decision to make. Because I'm leaving, they had to live separately. I felt like that was my fault. But I really wanted to help the family, I won't be able to if I stay.
I also bought some Filipiñana outfits to wear in Japan if needed. And accompanied momshie Ingrid to get our JET customized jackets. We went to Divisoria where they had it made and then went to see Jamie to have coffee with her.
I had just finished packing the omiyage I will be giving my Board of Education Advisors, Principals, Vice Principals, Supervisor, JTEs, co-teachers, and students before the send-off dinner. The Send-off dinner at the Ambassador's residence took place on the night before our departure, July 29th. My pieces of luggage weren't packed yet. So, after the dinner, I was still packing until the time I had to leave around 4:00AM. I didn't ask my brother and my aunt to send me off to the airport because I knew she would cry again, so I left quietly and went to the airport alone.
