So, I met a Japanese language teacher and was assessed for my speaking and reading abilities. I have a long way to go it looks like. I have not studied in three years so I may just be rusty. I studied today already and don't know much vocabulary and enough Chinese characters. Japanese is a difficult language for a native English speaker. I am going to have to study daily for a year at least before I can be fluent. I am motivated though. I cannot keep teaching as is because the opportunities to teach are becoming less for me with less pay. I have to change paths. I would like to become bilingual and work in this capacity. I like Japanese as a language. Thus, studying it is not so much of a chore. I have already studied Japanese for five years before I arrived here in Japan. However, it is not good enough. I passed the most advanced level of the Japanese Language Test. I am still not fluent but am not discouraged. I have a teacher now and will maximize this opportunity. I know I can do this!!