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Thank you again truly for sharing this with us Jodie! So inspiring. I love that language learning has been a big part of your life and planning. ♥️ Among other things, I had learned some basic Japanese, eons ago. I had taken JLPT, that was what the course was called. I didn’t retain much of it but just some basics. 😄 I find that when it comes to languages “use it or lose it” is very true!

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That's it exactly Kavitha! If you don't continue to practice then it's hard to retain what you learn :) Even though I study French and Spanish everyday, when I come across someone who speaks French or Spanish, my mind completely blanks out!! It's about gaining confidence in conversation that makes the biggest difference. My goal is to be able to converse in French when I get to France. :)

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When you were teaching in Japan, were you a part of the JET program? Our daughter taught near Shinjo for three years. I had the privilege of visiting her twice. Once during Obon, what a delight!

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I taught people who wanted to learn conversational English. I'm sure that was an amazing time for your daughter. How fabulous you got to experience the Obon Festival! What did you love most about your visits to Japan?

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I think the best part was being in a small, rural community rather than the big city. There was beauty around every corner. We got to see some truly hidden gems.

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Fabulous! In our family travels we lived in Japan for 6 months in the same area my husband and I taught English in our 20s. It too is a very rural area and we were so blessed to see natural beauty, peaceful temples and old castles. Not to mention being treated so kindly by everyone we met. :)

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I was amazed at the respect for "old" folks like me. For our daughter's farewell dinner, I was seated above her as the honorable mother. Who does that?

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There's so much to admire in Japanese culture! How lovely for you to be acknowledged in that way :)

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