Thursday, June 25, 2009

On the boat and on the plane... We'e coming to America!

After almost 5 months, we are on our way back to America for 8 weeks of visiting family and friends. I am very excited and also nervous at the same time. Living from house to house out of suitcases will not be easy. Sami is already being the drama queen at why we can’t just stay in our house in North Carolina. I guess renting isn’t fully understandable to a 6 –year-old.

Our flight back to the states isn’t as easy as when we first made our journey to Japan back in January. Northwest has cancelled all flights directly into Osaka (apparently Osaka charges too much for their fees) so we now have to connect through Tokyo. Then we have a 6.5-hour layover in Minneapolis before we finally head to Raleigh. Add on top of that I am by myself with the 3 kids (Matt doesn't join us for another 2 weeks) and you have one heck of a traveling experience.

It’s hard to believe that we have been living in Japan for almost 5 months. Some days I have to pinch myself to really believe that I am living there. Time has sure flown by, but at the same time it feels like we have been living there forever. Many of the other expats have told us to enjoy everyday because time seems to fly by faster than any place else they have been.

I am just amazed when I think about all the things we have experienced in just 5 months–– going to Hong Kong and Thailand, hiking up mountains, climbing the spectacular cliffs that jet out over the Japan Sea, making friends from all over the world, going to our first auction fundraiser (handmade area rugs and floor rugs from the Middle East) learning how to speak a different language, taking trains everywhere and learning how to drive on the other side of the road are just a few. I can only imagine what all we will experience over the next few years. This truly is an experience that the kids, as well as Matt and I, will remember, and learn from, forever.

So the next 8 weeks will be full of visiting friends and family all over North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and even Missouri. We have beach trips, camping, sleepovers, shopping and camps for the kid all planned. We can’t wait.

7 comments:

Carey said...

Have a safe trip. I look forward to hearing about your journeys. Have fun along the way.

Melanie said...

Welcome back to America!!!! Hope you have safe travels and have fun visiting with everyone!!!

Kimmber said...

Such an extraordinary experience! I love reading about it and am jealous!! Enjoy your time home.

Anonymous said...

Where are you going to in Missouri?


Jenn

Spice said...

Have a great time here in the States! Driving on the other side of the road was hard for me to learn too in Ireland. :)

Terri said...

any chance you'll be in NE Indiana (Howe/Shipshiwana) area anytime the week of June 29-3??? :o)

Ang said...

Oh so happy for you guys! I know it will be hard living out of suitcases..... Enjoy spending time with family and friends. I only live 650 miles from our families and it's always so hard to say goodbye to them..You all are so strong and are experiencing things I could only dream about it.