A Love Letter Under The red Bud Tree written by Katie Carmack

Part 21: Flashback to Lily and Ethan in Hiroshima, Japan

The move to Hiroshima had been a significant change for the Miller family, but they embraced it with open hearts. Ethan and Lily, now in middle school, were about to start their first day at a Japanese school. The morning was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness as they prepared for this new adventure.

Emily and Jacob walked their children to the school gate, offering words of encouragement. "Remember, be yourselves and enjoy the experience," Emily said, giving them each a reassuring hug.

Ethan, ever the explorer, was eager to dive into this new world. "I can't wait to make new friends and learn Japanese!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Lily, holding her sketchbook close, nodded shyly. "I hope they like my drawings," she whispered, her gentle voice filled with hope.

As they entered the school, they were greeted by their homeroom teacher, Ms. Tanaka, who welcomed them warmly. "Konnichiwa, Ethan-kun, Lily-chan. We're so happy to have you here."

The classroom buzzed with chatter as the students introduced themselves. Ethan quickly made friends with a group of boys who shared his love for sports and outdoor activities. They invited him to join their soccer game during recess, and Ethan's laughter soon filled the playground.

Lily, meanwhile, found solace in the art room. She was drawn to the vibrant colors and the creative atmosphere. Ms. Tanaka introduced her to a group of students who loved drawing and painting. They admired Lily's sketches of the serene landscapes and moments from her life in Missouri and Hiroshima.

During lunch, Ethan and Lily sat together, sharing stories about their new friends and experiences. "I played soccer with Yuto and Kenji. They're really good!" Ethan said, his face beaming with excitement.

Lily smiled softly. "I met Aiko and Mei. They love drawing too. We're going to work on a mural together."

As the days turned into weeks, Ethan and Lily adapted to their new school life. Ethan's adventurous spirit and natural talent for building things made him popular among his classmates. He often helped with school projects and enjoyed exploring the city with his new friends.

Lily's gentle nature and artistic talent endeared her to everyone. She became known for her beautiful artwork, which decorated the school hallways. Her drawings captured the essence of both her Amish heritage and her new life in Japan, creating a bridge between two worlds.

Emily and Jacob watched with pride as their children thrived in their new environment. They continued to support them, encouraging their passions and celebrating their achievements. The Miller family's journey in Hiroshima was marked by growth, discovery, and the joy of embracing new experiences together.

Ethan and Lily faced several challenges when they started attending the Japanese school in Hiroshima:

Language BarrierEthan: Although he was eager to learn Japanese, the initial language barrier made it difficult for him to understand lessons and communicate with his classmates. He often felt frustrated when he couldn't express himself fully.Lily: Being naturally shy, Lily found it even more challenging to speak up in class. She was hesitant to ask questions or participate in discussions, fearing she might make mistakes.Cultural DifferencesEthan: Adjusting to different classroom norms and behaviors was a bit of a struggle. For instance, the emphasis on group harmony and collective activities was different from what he was used to in the U.S.Lily: She had to adapt to new social customs and etiquette, such as bowing and the importance of maintaining a respectful distance. This was particularly challenging during interactions with teachers and peers.Academic PressureEthan: The rigorous academic environment in Japan was a significant change. He had to keep up with a faster-paced curriculum and higher expectations, especially in subjects like math and science.Lily: The pressure to perform well academically added to her anxiety. She often worried about keeping up with her classmates and meeting the high standards set by the school.Making FriendsEthan: While he was naturally outgoing, the initial language and cultural barriers made it harder for him to connect with his peers. He had to work extra hard to build friendships and find common interests.Lily: Making friends was a slow process for Lily. Her shyness and the language barrier made it difficult for her to open up and form close bonds with her classmates.HomesicknessEthan and Lily: Both children missed their friends and the familiar surroundings of their home in Missouri. They often felt nostalgic for the simpler, slower-paced life of their Amish community.