On Our Way...

We began our journey with a tearful goodbye to our families. I didn't think I would get so choked up when saying goodbye, but when I hugged my brothers for the last time, I realized how much I'd be missing while I'm gone. The next time I see Josh, he'll most likely be taller than me! He'll begin his middle school years without me. We started school at the same time- his going into kindergarten and my going into the 8th grade. We always joked that maybe he'd have me as a teacher when he got into the 8th grade, and now, that will never be.

But as Mike and I made our way through the frenzy of security checkpoints and found our gate, my sense of loss was slowly replaced with a sense of excitement. We were actually on our way! Months and months of anticipation and preparation and here we were, awaiting the plane to begin our adventure. Included in our trip was a one night layover in Seattle. We decided to make the most of it and stayed at the Hilton with dinner at the Space Needle--very nice, very pricey, but very worth it. The restaurant was at the top of the Space Needle and slowly revolved to give you a 360 degree panoramic view of Seattle. We even got free dessert because our waitress thought we waited too long before she took our order!

The next morning, we were at the airport by 3:30am, but didn't actually board the plane until several hours later. Why we were required to be there so early, I'll never know, but it was interesting to see how so many people can just pick a spot on the floor and sleep in a public place. The plane ride wasn't bad at all. I slept most of the way, waking up every once in a while when the meals came around. Mike kept busy with his brand new PSP. I had doubted the practicality of getting such a thing, but in the end, it turned out to be a lifesaver for him.

We landed at Yokota Air Force Base fourteen hours later. From there, a bus took us to the Navy Lodge in Yokosuka, our home for the next few weeks. The trip took a couple of hours. Once we were checked into our room, we crashed for the next few hours. Even though our room had a teeny-tiny kitchenette, our dinner that night was pizza delivery. Although we were in a cramped and impersonal Navy Lodge room, it felt good to finally be in Japan. It can only get better from here...

Bon Voyage

We are so excited about our life in Japan, and the only bittersweet aspect of this adventure was saying goodbye to all of our family and friends. We are blessed to have such wonderful and supportive people in our lives and they will be sorely missed. What will I do without my circle of friends, my 'sisters'? You have always been there for me and a simple thank you for your friendship doesn't seem like enough.


And what of my brothers who have been my hangout buddies, my constant companions? I will treasure my memories of our bowling trips, DVD watching marathons, and my kicking your butts as we played Fusion Frenzy and Project Gotham Racing on Carl's XBox. I expect regular calls and updates on everything going on in your lives.

However difficult goodbyes can be, my consolation is in the fact that this isn't a permanent goodbye. We won't be so far away forever. And, of course, everyone is invited for a visit!

Alright everyone, now that my better half has spoken, let me do 'my part'.....before we left Virginia, our last two weeks were packed with get togethers with family and friends, and of course, packing out and closing on our house. Here are a few more events we took part in before we left...

Thanks to my parents for letting us crash at your house - again.

Jeff and Kat, thanks for taking us out to Chris Miller's new restaurant. And thanks so much for the Japanese phrase books - they've come in so handy!


Matt and Liz, thanks for the opportunity to take part in your special day. Enjoy the hell out of your newlywed year - it goes by fast, so make every day a special one!


And believe it or not, a couple of GW shipmates came to the big party. Bill and Julie, we know how busy you are with Hendley; it meant so much to us that y'all stopped by!


Okay all, my English Teacher of a wife told me I had to have a closing statement, so consider this it....so until we blog again, you'll continue to be in our hearts and prayers - God Bless each of you.