Taking the Leap to Japan: My Faith-Fueled Journey"

"Taking the Leap to Japan: My Faith-Fueled Journey"

When I decided to leave Zimbabwe in search of better opportunities, I was chasing a dream that felt distant, even impossible at times. The constant struggle to make ends meet back home had worn me down, and I'd been sending out applications everywhere from Italy to Australia. But with each attempt, nothing seemed to fall into place. Then, a good friend mentioned the possibility of teaching in Japan. The idea felt surreal; I would always admired Japan's unique culture and iconic fashion scene, but I never imagined I would live there. Still, with a heart full of curiosity (and honestly, low expectations), I went for it.

I applied, went through a series of interviews, and at times, it felt like I was just grasping at thin air. My family even thought it might be a scam! But deep down, I felt a nudge, a sense of calm, a whisper to trust the process. And then came that life-changing call. I was literally on my way to a date when I got the news that I had landed the job! I was overwhelmed, sent my friend audio messages through tears, only to hear back that she’d also gotten the job. We were thrilled, but with the excitement came a rush of anxiety. We were about to dive into an entirely new life across the world.

The journey was far from smooth. Getting the funds together for flights, housing, and all the essentials was daunting. But step by step, doors opened. And on March 5th, with bags packed and hope in my heart, I landed in Japan, albeit with a few travel hiccups! I was supposed to arrive bright and early, but delays meant I got in at 6 p.m. instead of 9 a.m. There must have been some miscommunication, and I found myself stranded at the airport, unable to check in at the hotel where training was set to start. Tired, anxious, and alone, I sank onto a bench, closed my eyes, and whispered a prayer: "Lord, You brought me here for a reason; please make a way."

And then, as if by divine timing, my phone rang. A coordinator told me arrangements had been made, and I could proceed to the hotel. Relief washed over me. But the hurdles didn’t stop there. My apartment wouldn’t be ready until March 9th, meaning I'd need to travel to another city with my three hefty bags. In the middle of the rain, no less. Japan's train system was all new to me, and I’d need to make four train transfers to reach my destination before 10 p.m. I muttered another prayer, asking for strength  and somehow, complete strangers appeared to help with my bags, guiding me at every turn. By the time I arrived, dripping wet but right on time, I felt humbled and grateful for the kindness I had been shown.

Those early days in Japan weren’t easy. Culture shock hit hard, and the language barrier made even the simplest interactions a challenge. I had never felt so isolated. Without close friends nearby, my apartment became my refuge and, at times, my prison. The distance put a strain on my relationship, and being away from my family for so long was painful. But in these lonely moments, I grew closer to God. My faith became a lifeline, steadying me and reminding me that even when things seemed impossible, I was exactly where I needed to be.

With time, and a lot of prayers, I began to adjust. My family and friends back home stayed in close touch, their support giving me the courage to keep going. Through this whole journey, I learned that sometimes you have to leap, even when you can’t see the ground. And with every step, I was reminded that I wasn’t walking alone.

 "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." – Martin Luther King Jr.

That leap led me here, and it’s only just the beginning.