And the next step is . . .

The acceptance letter was just the beginning of the process.

Once my head cleared and I could breath again, after I called my husband, I reread the letter.

Along with the acceptance letter came the Statement of Intention. Now I had to indicate my acceptance of their acceptance. Its a good thing that I pay attention to details. This letter had to be first faxed, then the original signed form had to be mailed, to the offices of the Institute of International Education.

No problem. I had the Statement of Intention signed and faxed in no time at all. I made a photocopy for my records and mailed it off promptly.

Then, the next letter came. Now there were eight items to accomplish:
1. Travel Registration Form
2. Terms and Conditions
3. Insurance Beneficiary Form
4. Medical Forms
5. Participant Update Form
6. Digital passport photos
7. Proof of Citizenship
8. Copy of photo page of passport
There were several different due dates. Some things could be done online. Some things had to be done in hardcopy.

I got out my calendar and marked out the dates. I went online. I followed instructions.

As each paper went off, as each e-document was sent out into cyberspace, I moved one small step closer to going to Japan.

I copied instructions from the website and made copies of the materials that I need to read before the trip.

I went to the book store and bought travel guides. I went on iTunes and downloaded Japanese language podcasts.

The Japan Festival was being held at Hermann Park. I went and wandered through marvelling at the thought that soon I would see the real thing, Japan itself. I stopped at the Consulate-General of Japan at Houston's booth. I spoke with the people at the Japan America Society-Houston's booth. I collected several business cards.

Business cards, now there was something that I needed! I talked to a young man about where to go to have business cards printed in Japanese and English. He asked if I needed a translation. It had never occurred to me. Yes, of course, I needed a translation.

When I left the festival I was well-fed and had a bag full of brochures and information about classes in the Japanese language. I didn't buy anything outside of food. All I could think was, if this is the Japan Festival in Houston, imagine what I'll find in Japan!

I got home and sorted through my bag. I reread the required Japan Basics reading material.

When time came to sleep I found I couldn't. My mind was churning.

Now the fun began. I started to think about what kind of luggage I need. New clothes, do I need new clothes? What about electronics? A laptop? A new camera? Finally, I dropped off as visions of Japan spun in my head.

The Journey Continues

I told myself that I wasn't waiting for it, but over spring break I found myself repeatedly checking to see if the mail had arrived yet each day. When the envelop finally came I was afraid to pick it up.

I could see the corner with the return address peeking out from under the bills and junk mail. I left it on the floor beneath the mail slot while I picked up the other mail, one envelop at a time. It was a slow striptease of lifting each envelop and then the next off of the light blue envelop with the Japanese return address.

Finally, all was revealed. Eying it carefully, I tried to determine at a distance what its contents might be. It was the same color of blue as the envelop I received when I was picked to be an alternate a couple of years back. It was larger than the rejection notices that I had received in the past.

I picked it up cautiously, feeling its weight in my palm, its thickness between my fingers. My heart was pounding as I carried it upstairs and used my letter opener to slowly open it. My hands shook as I read the opening line, "Dear Ms. King: It is a pleasure to inform you . . . . " I could barely breathe as I read the letter.

It was the middle of the day and I was home alone except for the dog, who was gazing at me with concern. "Ubu," I said as calmly as I could, "I'm going to Japan!"