Parenthood is a gruelling journey of monotony, but even the clouds must part to allow a few rays of sunshine to trickle through.

Rushed off after work to meet Inadi and her family. I remember it like it happened yesterday - how she and her South African comrades tried out their Afrikaans lesson on us.

Life has taken a more serious turn since those carefree days in Kumamoto. We talked about its powerful punches - inflation, cost of living, having to do too much but be present too little - but for that one hour, our chatter was light and joyous.

I’m glad that my decision to join the Japan Exchange Teaching program so many years ago made me so happy today. My circumstances might have changed, but I’m the same old me, eager to learn more about the Big Bad World out there.

Lekker!