Episode 1: End of Season 3, Beginning of Season 4

Sorry didn’t get the blog updated before we left for home leave. Had I, it would have been titled: Chicken pox, Sayonara sadness, Home leave happiness…

Lots of spots…Caden had chicken pox, twice. He missed his preschool graduation because of it. After he cleared up, he broke out again with spots all over his back. Lots of tears...three really close friends moved back to the states. Lots of anticipation...to reconnect with friends and family.

Home leave was, as always, enjoyable but hectic. This year we had a very full schedule. We stayed with my sister and both parents.

Had a great time with my cousins at our annual Cousins’ reunion. So happy to get to see all of them this year! Even those from Indy and LA. There was a week spent in Washington, IL visiting the pediatrician, the dentist and friends. One weekend was shared with Darin’s brother and his family in St. Louis. Couldn’t miss visiting the City Museum. Love that place!

The following day we went to a water park in southern IL. Great fun! Then on to Chicago where we reunited with some of our Rokko Island family who have since repatriated. Was a very special time. Our last weekend in the states was spent in Minneapolis with my sister and her family. We spent a day at the Mall of America and the next at the Science Museum of Minnesota where we viewed a King Tut exhibit.

Had a blast with everyone. Throughout July the boys had their fill of four wheeler, tractor and motorcycle rides. Not sure who enjoyed it more!

Well, that was it in a nutshell, now on to Season 4, Episode 1. Can’t believe we are beginning our fourth year here. August 16 was our third Japan Anniversary! Amazing how blessed we have been since moving here.

Took us a week or so but we finally got back into the swing of things. School started for both boys. Nathan entered sixth grade and Caden started KA, which is like kindergarten but not quite. He missed cut off for KB, which is like kindergarten, by four days.

On the first day of school I made “1^st day of school” pancakes for the boys. I filled a squirt bottle with pancake batter. Worked really well!

On the second day of school I used the left over batter to make “2^nd day of school” pancakes. On the third day of school I did not make pancakes. Caden cried, “I want third day of school pancakes!” Seriously? Since then EVERY day of school begins with numbered pancakes. Not sure when it will stop. Hopefully when Zero the Hero arrives on the 100^th day of school.

Nathan loves 6^th grade! He enjoys having multiple teachers and moving to different classrooms for every subject. Although he did mention he thinks the teachers should be the ones to move from classroom to classroom. Not sure that will ever happen. His schedule is unique. Have not seen anything like it before, but it seems to work for him. He is engaged, does his homework without being asked (most of the time) and is excited about his classes. Cannot complain about that!

Caden loves attending the “big” school. He rides his bike to and from school everyday. He is there from 8:30-3:30 and still seems to have energy left at the end of the day. All is well in his world!

And as you all know, Caden’s world IS slightly different than most. The other day Darin asked him for the second time to pick up his toys. Caden sighed and said, “I’m just a forgetter boy.” Darin said he could picture me getting ALL my boys t-shirts with “Forgetter Boy” on the front. Not an entirely bad idea.

The annual Summer Festival we all love and look so forward to was a bit of a disappointment this year. Our apartment building, including children, decorates the mikoshi (a float) every year. Of course we worked really hard getting it all put together. Cars 2 was the theme. It looked great!

As we walked out the door towards the mikoshi parade the wind picked up and the rain cut loose. Within 5 minutes our mikoshi was a wet, dripping mess. So much for using washable markers.

It was unbelievable! We, of course, laughed at the absurdity of the situation. It looked so pathetic. So did we. But we had a great time working on it. Guess that’s all that counts. It continued to rain off and on all evening. We did get our festival food, which is really all that matters.

Other than getting back into our routine we haven’t done much exciting, but seem busy all the time. Have had lots of meetings for school and the women’s group I attend. There are several new families in our building this year as well. I walk Caden to school daily then walk part of the green belt (a walking/running path surrounding the residential part of our island). Followed by coffee and mom’s social time at Tully’s (most essential for the expat mom's sanity).

I took on a Tohoku earthquake fundraising project. In May, banners supporting Tohoku were hung on several light posts around our island.

Immediately I fell in love with them. After contemplating thievery, I decided to go about it the right way and just ask for one. Long story short, in October I am getting all 100+ of them and am giving them away for a donation. All the money will be given to three different organizations instrumental in helping with the earthquake relief. I am really excited about this project. There has been quite a response. Can’t wait to see how much money we will be able to raise for the still suffering Tohoku area. If you are interested, let me know.

Although it is September, it is still 90 degrees here. Starbucks is doing its best to promote Fall. We call it "Fall in a Cup." Yummy!

Episode 7: Bowling, Baseball, and Sayonaras

As I was reviewing our recent activities, it seems the most frequent one was eating. Imagine. There were a couple date nights, a Young Life banquet, a sayonara luncheon (more to come), a sayonara party (also more to come), a ladies’ retreat, and Golden week (one of the most popular week long holidays in Japan).

Darin had the week of May 2 off for the holiday. The boys didn’t. Nathan only had Monday and Tuesday off. Caden had Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday off. Very difficult to do anything! We treated Nathan to a day out on Monday including lunch on the patio at The Brazilian restaruant. Awesome eats and beautiful view of the harbor! Tuesday we had grand plans of heading to Awaji Island, but the traffic was atrocious. Not to mention, the forecast was “sand”. The toxic yellow sands from China hovered for a couple of days. Not something you want to breathe in any more than you have to. (cough. cough.) We chose the indoor activity of bowling instead.

We haven’t been bowling in ages. Not sure how things have progressed in terms of automation in the US, but I would venture to guess the shoes don’t come out of vending machines. Well, they do here.

I suppose if there are beer and cigarette vending machines it really isn’t all that inconceivable that you would obtain your bowling shoes the same way. Even the medical community uses them. That’s how my friend got her urine specimen cup when she was in the hospital. She swiped her hospital card and out came a urine cup with her name already printed on it. Wish I were kidding.

The week before Golden Week, Nathan had a huge school presentation. This is the second year for 5^th graders to do an Exhibition. This is the first year it was done on such a grand scale. By that I mean there was an opening ceremony where all the 5^th graders sang, danced and played the drums. Quite a sight. This was a student-led project all the way from the design and ordering of t-shirts to the meal following the event.

In February the students selected various topics dealing with social responsibility…environmental issues, child rights, etc. For the next three months they researched, prepared visuals (both paper and power point), wrote poems, papers, and much more. The night of the Exhibition each group presented to the parents. Three groups presented simultaneously in three different rooms. The parents were able to select which presentation to attend.

It was quite a learning experience for Nathan. Not just because of his topic, but because he was chosen the leader of his group and learned first hand how difficult that responsibility can be. Suffice it to say he learned far more from that than he did researching his topic of Child Soldiers.

We made a trip into Osaka the other evening for the Hanshin Tigers and Orix Buffaloes baseball game.

This game is the equivalent of the Cubs-White Sox rivalry. Japanese baseball games are so much fun. The atmosphere is comparable to a college basketball game, nothing like pro baseball in the US. Each team has a little band that plays when their team is up to bat. The fans are quiet (literally) unless their team is up to bat. Then they chant something different for each player and bang their cheer bats together instead of clapping. It is quite a sight to see. By the 6^th inning of US baseball games I’m usually bored out of my mind, but that is not the case here in Japan.

The uniqueness extends beyond the game atmosphere. Our free “gift” as we walked into the stadium was a full size bottle (220ml) of antibacterial hand cleaner. Seriously.

Some food is similar. You can order the standard fries and corn dog (or American Dog as it is called here). But also available is a variety of noodles and a bento boxes.

The beer vendors carry kegs on their backs in a pack resembling the brand of beer they are peddling.

Between the 6^th and 7^th innings everyone blows up balloons and lets them go simultaneously.

The last game we attended two years ago was during the H1N1 scare/overreaction. They didn’t allow the balloons at that time for fear of spreading infected spittle around the stadium. Probably a good idea now that I think about it.

Nathan has been taking piano lessons since January and had his first public piano performance Saturday.

The recital included about ten other students. Nathan did a great job considering he is a beginner and doesn’t practice much. His solo choice was Axel F. He did very well even though he said he was really nervous.

He and his teacher did a duet as well. Although his teacher is Japanese, she went to college at U of I Champaign-Urbana. Another small world anecdote.

As usual, the boys are always making us smile….

Nathan is studying sex education during this last month of school. He informed me the other day that he is “going through a thing called puberty and will likely be having mood swings.” Alrighty then. Noted. There were a few more comments that made me smile, but considering the subject they aren't appropriate to share.

A few months ago Caden came running into my room naked with his clothes tucked under his arm. He have me very clear instructions, complete with hand gestures. He waved his hand in circles in front of his face and told me, “Only look here, mom.” Then said, again while waving his hand in circles in front of his “privacy”, as he refers to it, “Don’t look down here. Only look up here.”

In the mornings after stripping off his pajamas, Caden insists on getting dressed socks first. One day I suggested he start with his underwear. Completely unconvinced by my suggestion, he continued putting on his socks while offering this profound truth, “You can’t see it if you don’t look.” Can’t argue with that.

Saying sayonara is getting harder and harder every year. This year we already said goodbye to our neighbors. And have yet to bid farewell to three really good friends who will leave a huge void in our lives and hearts next year. Right now I’m in denial. Seems to make it easier to get through this part of the year. The next few weeks will be tough.

I will just keep focused on our anticipated home leave at the end of June. We will be leaving for the states on June 26 and returning to Japan on August 8. This will most likely be our last home leave. Next year we will be the ones saying sayonara…which will be even harder.

Episode 6: A Very Japanese Weekend

Last weekend we had the pleasure of traveling with our Japanese friends, Kenzo and Teruko to Haga-chou, a little farming and logging community located two and a half hours Northwest of Kobe. Teruko's brother's wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kikumoto, hosted us in their home. They own land just a motorbike ride away from their house where Mrs. Kikumoto tends the farm ground. Mr. Kikumoto is a carpenter and constructed their home. Both are in their mid-seventies and very genki (healthy and spry) for their age. Amazing couple!

Our visit began with a short hike to Haga castle. The small castle is nestled on the mountain side in the midst of fragrant cedar trees and a beautiful view.

After the castle excursion we literally immersed ourselves into one of the most Japanese experiences one can have, the onsen. Onsen is the Japanese for "hot spring". Basically, a public bath. One of the most unique experiences I've had so far in Japan, not to mention the most revealing. It didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. Mostly because I utilized the two-year-old worldview. When I took off my glasses I couldn't see anyone, so they obviously couldn't see me either, right? Whatever works.

For those of you unfamiliar with the onsen process, let me walk you through it. But please, no peeking. The facility itself looked like a spa. We paid for our onsen at the counter just inside the entrance where we were given a small locker to store our keys, cell phones, wallets etc. Then proceeded down a hallway to the entrance of the "locker/changing rooms" (not really sure what to call it) where there were more lockers...for our shoes. We girls went to one side and the boys to the other. Inside the "locker/changing room", more lockers...for our clothes. We disrobed, grabbed the tiny, and not very concealing, towel which was our washcloth. One must wash first before entering the onsen. This process, essentially a sit down shower, is also done in public. In reality no one is looking because they, too, are washing. The shampoo and soap are provided so you bring nothing but towels and clean clothes.

After washing, we soaked in the onsen. It was actually very relaxing (mostly because I didn't have Caden with me. Darin had to deal with Caden's aversion to getting water in his face. Guess he made a bit of a spectacle.) Teruko kept asking me if I was doing okay. After 15 minutes or so we got out. When I saw my face I understood why she asked so many times. It was quite red. Not the skin tone most Japanese are used to seeing. She thought I was going to collapse. It was an unique experience even considering my modesty. I fully understand why so many people go.

We headed back to Kikumoto-sans' where a full Japanese feast was waiting our arrival, complete with warm sake.

Shortly thereafter it was time for bed. Mrs. Kikumoto prepared our futon bed. That was a sight to see. She pulled out three big futon pads, topped those with another pad, then another thinner pad. Then piled on three big heavy blankets. That's a lot of bedding! It ended up being one giant bed. Traditionally the parents sleep on the outsides with the children in the middle. Of course, we followed the Japanese rule. I had Nathan next to me. Darin had Caden (along with a couple of feet in the ribs). All in all it was a very restful night. Now I understand what "snug as a bug in a rug" really feels like.

(all the futon bedding)

In the morning after breakfast we headed down the street to a temple. Although I don't agree with the teaching and tradition, I do appreciate the beauty of the temple and the grounds.

While we were out, Kikumoto-san prepared azuki paste (red bean paste). We later wrapped it with mochi (pounded rice) to make Japanese sweets. Mrs. Kikumoto had a mochi machine so no actual pounding was necessary. She added field grass to make it green and "healthy".

The kids enjoyed stretching the mochi around the bean paste balls. Unfortunately, I'm the only one in the family who really likes this treat. It was oishiidesu (tasty)!

After making the sweets we headed out to visit a 300 year old traditional Japanese thatched-roof house. So cool. I have never seen anything like it, but then, why would I?

After one last stop at Kikumoto-sans' son's house and a quick look at the Kikumotosan farmland we returned to the house for one last meal.

We ate, cleaned up, took a pictures then headed back to Kobe. A great weekend indeed! Thanks to our dear friends, Kenzo and Teruko and generous hosts, Mr. & Mrs. Kikumoto, we had yet another unforgettable Japanese adventure!

Episode 5: Well, where do I start?

So much has happened in last two months!

It began with a wonderful visit from my friend Valerie and her friend Nancy (who quickly became my friend). It was a very short week-long visit but we packed it full of sightseeing and Japanese culture. We rode the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto to the Plum Festival. Beautiful! My favorite Japanese experience yet. We attended a tea ceremony in the tea house located in our apartment building, went shopping, explored Rokko Island, drove to the top of Mt. Rokko, visited the deer at Nara, and enjoyed Osaka Castle. Although time was short and I had been to all these places before, it was still an amazing experience. Thanks again Valerie and Nancy for such a lovely time.On March 11, just eight days after Valerie and Nancy left, the Tohoku earthquake shook Japan, and our world.

(Picture taken at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle. This map was depicting all the of the worlds earthquakes that had happened within the previous two weeks. I was able to snap a picture when the 3.11 earthquake popped up. It is the big yellow blob at the top of the globe.)

At the time of the earthquake, Caden and I were on the third floor of our apartment building talking with the Front Reception staff. Nathan was at school. Darin was at work. As I stood talking with the staff about our Spring break trip to Tokyo I started feeling very dizzy and a bit nauseous. About the time I realized the building really WAS moving, my phone rang. It was Darin asking me if I was feeling the earthquake. He commented it felt like being in a washing machine. I tried calling him back a couple of times but the cell service was down. Kind of an eerie feeling not to be able to contact him.

Then the creaking started. The movement seemed to go on forever. There was an immediate aftershock, which seemed to keep things rocking even longer. There was a barrage of texting going on between myself, my friends up in their apartments and our friend who was at the school. Our kids finally were able to put into practice their “duck and cover” drills. Thankfully our friend at school was able to gather all the Entente apartment kids and bring them home safely. Many were visibly shaken (for lack of a better word) when they arrived home.

The elevators were unusable initially so we took the stairs. The stairwell was littered with ceiling debris and new cracks were visible in the tile. No structural damage was done to the apartment. In fact, friends who live in houses off the island didn’t feel much, if any movement. However we, along with my vertical neighbors, felt almost continuous movement for many days following the earthquake. I thought I had developed learned vertigo, because things were constantly moving (so it seemed) even on the ground.

Two days after the earthquake Darin headed to China for a previously planned work visit. When he got home we left for Spring Break. Our original spring break destination was Tokyo. (Did not take long to rethink that destination.) We decided to head outside of Asia altogether. We chose Seattle. It was so nice to be able to read the signs and understand the language. Not to mention be on stable ground. I didn’t feel Seattle move once, not even in the Space Needle.

It was great to get away from the moving building, but not so great watching the news. I have never been so disgusted with the sensationalism of American news reporting as I am now. They may have reported some facts, but not within the context of Japanese culture. Unless the news is presented within context, it becomes only (mis)perception.

Other than the irresponsible new reports, our Seattle stay was fun. We visited the Space Needle, the Museum of Flight (highly recommend this one), Pacific Science Center, Explore Music Project/Sci-fi Museum, Children’s Museum, Seattle Aquarium, and rode the Ducks. Yes, they are in Seattle too. Ducks are everywhere. And, we celebrated Nathan’s 11^th birthday with lunch at Hard Rock, a movie, and a yummy chocolate cake with cream cheese icing from Whole Foods. That makes it healthy, right? Maybe not so much the Ben and Jerry’s we had on the side.

We returned to Japan after break and have tried to resume our normal life. Other than the occasional swaying and creaking, we have been blessed with the opportunity to do just that. Unfortunately so many do not. Extreme devastation remains in Northern Japan. Although the aftershocks have slowed down, they will continue for many months.

There are teams from our church making frequent trips to Sendai to deliver food. My neighbor and I had the honor of filling her van with fresh food for the teams’ most recent trip. If you would like to help Japan, please consider donating to The Samaritan’s Purse. Our teams have seen this organization first hand and know the supplies are getting directly to those who need them most.

Please continue to pray for Japan, the government, the exhausted nuclear workers who have been working nonstop to protect this country, the US military helping with the clean up, and especially for those who have lost everything. May God be visible in the midst of this disaster.