Train Wreck!

Not literally. I just mean that riding the train by myself for the first time could have gone much better. Let me see....where should I start.....

This morning okaasan went somewhere and was not back by the time I had to leave to go to class. Little did I know that she was talking to some of the other ladies from my class. Usually Sister Sato calls about ten minutes before she comes to pick me up. She was running late today and just called okaasan to let her know. Neither of them were around to talk to me, so I had no clue what was going on.

A quarter after 9 came, and there was still no sign of Sister Sato. We usually have left by that time. I figured that they probably wanted me to ride the train since they had me practice it yesterday. So, I grabbed my stuff, walked to the train station and got on the train. I even managed the switch between the express and the regular train okay, although I was really nervous. Then came the fun part - I misheard the operator and got off several stops too early. By the time I realized, the doors were already closing. Shoot. I wandered around for a minute and panicked, and then stood and waited for the next train. I could not find a schedule, and I am not quite familiar enough with the trains to know which one to get one. Luck smiled on me and the next train was a regular train that would take me to my destination - suwanomori eki. I got on the train and made it to my station about 10 minutes late. From there to the church where I teach it was fine. I had to run most of the way in the rain, so I arrived tired and out of breath.

When I walked in the door I was still slightly flustered from my train experience and from running late. I was immediately swarmed by old ladies who were so worried about me. I apologized for about 5 minutes before they stopped fretting and trying to apologize to me for not watching out for me. I also had to apologize to my class for being late. Apparently I was NOT supposed to ride the train today. They intended me to get rides to class until the end of May and then gradually get used to the trains. Guess that didn`t happen. I managed ok on my own - definitely will be more careful next time. Now I just have to deal with okaasan continually apologizing for not being around, letting me know, or having someone come with me. It seems like everyone is taking responsibility for the misunderstanding (including me), so there is a lot of apologizing any time it comes up. *sigh* I`m fine. This morning I was panicking, but now I am ok. Now I just want them to let it go. That and realize that I would be fine taking the train myself from now on. When I am not panicking the trains are actually really fun.