[MMM]

That's a great summing up, Sinestra. It's a deeper subject than we usually get into here, but definately worth mentioning.

Less than 6 months after arriving I chose to spend Christmas and New Year's in Japan. I didn't expect how much I would miss the traditions I was accustomed to until I actually did it. I chose not to spend another winter holiday in Japan, and went home for Christmas ever since.

This is just one (though a major one) of dozens of the senses of sacrifice I didn't expect, but am not ready to experience again on a long term basis.