Reunion After 10 Years
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of reuniting with a friend we hadn't seen in 10 years in Kobe!
We first met her during our time living on Mount Rokko before we moved to Sasayama. It was through a monthly friendship program we used to organize for JICA, where we invited overseas trainees who came to Kobe.
While we usually had quite a few participants, she was the only one who joined that particular day.
Regardless of the number of participants, we have always viewed each session as a special encounter and a meaningful connection, beyond just the program's success in terms of numbers.
On that day, we spent our time walking and exploring the autumn Mount Rokko together, enjoying lunch and engaging in various conversations. We talked about work, training experiences, family matters, and everything in between. When the program came to an end and we drove her to JICA Hyogo, we distinctly remember feeling that it had been an incredibly special time, and we were grateful for the opportunity to meet her.
A few years later, we received a message from her: "I'm going to Kobe for training. Can we meet?" "Of course!" I (Yoko) eagerly replied. By that time, we had already moved to Tamba Sasayama, but I went back to Kobe to meet her.
Although we had limited time, her daughter joined us, and the three of us shared a tea and conversation. I remember how cold and windy that day was.
Afterward, she would occasionally send messages on special occasions like Mother's Day or New Year, but our messenger exchanges became less frequent, and I wondered if we would grow apart.
Then, I received a message that she was coming to Kobe again, and we arranged to meet. During our reunion, we started discussing when we had last met and realized that it was exactly 10 years ago!
In the span of 10 years, we had both aged, but once we started talking, it felt like we had transcended time, reverting back to our former selves. Her daughter, who was just a middle school student back then, is now a 24-year-old adult. We even managed to have a brief video call while my friend was shopping for souvenirs at Don Quijote!
Thank you for taking the time to meet amidst your busy schedule of training, travel, and preparations for the next day!
We are grateful for the opportunity to have a friend with whom we can maintain a lasting connection that transcends borders and time.
"We should meet again within less than 10 years next time! 🤗"
With those words, we parted ways, wondering when our paths will cross again.
We hope that we can also be blessed with such meaningful connections and relationships with you. 🥰💓