Military Mama on the Move: March 2012

One more week left in Japan. I seriously cannot believe how fast the time has gone. I am getting emotional typing this as I think about how much I've changed since when I first stepped off the plane on to Yokota three years ago.

I was a newlywed, anxious, nervous and excited for our first assignment. I had no idea what to expect, only to be cautious of my foreign surroundings. I desperately wanted to establish roots in our new home, to unpack those dusty wedding gifts that had yet to be used and to live amongst our new normal. It seems that with every overseas assignment, other families just welcome you as you are one of their own. Right away I was invited to other lunches, dinners, barbecues and potlucks with more experienced spouses. I went to socials, out for drinks, shopping and exploring. Our first year in Japan was amazing. Every outing was a taste of our new beginning. I remember the first time Mike and I stayed at The New Sanno in Tokyo. We had an amazing time as the fall weather was crisp but delicate enough where you didn't need a jacket. We came out to celebrate my new job as the kindergarten teacher at Yokota West. How lucky we were to have things fall into place so easily for us. We walked along the streets of Tokyo and at one point, we even got lost. It was a fun excursion but fortunately, we were able to hail a taxi back to our hotel. I laugh now when I think about the taxi driver speaking to us in Japanese only for Mike and I to immediately respond in French! Japan was still so new to us and because our previous foreign experience was in Belgium, it felt more comfortable to answer with "Oui" rather than to say "Hai" for yes.

Our home is now glittered with remnants our time in Japan, most of being through photographs. I love to look back on them and see how much we've changed, how much our love has grown and how old we now feel. We went from being Mike and Bridget, to Mike, Bridget and Huey, to Mike, Bridget, Huey and Rory. What a wonderful time in our lives, to establish roots, to decide to start our own family and to share it with our Yokota family. Yesterday was one of many going away lunches that were hosted for us. Mike and I were stunned really with all of the generous comments and thoughtful things that people said. I found myself getting a lump in my throat and really not wanting to leave this beautiful country. Really and truly, Japan is just beautiful. The people, the food, the experiences. I am so grateful to have been blessed with this opportunity. Flash back to three and a half years ago and you would have found me crying in disbelief at the news that we were moving here. Why was I so selfish back then? I didn't want to leave my friends and family back home and live overseas again. That box was checked for me. I wanted to enjoy my time in America and Japan was not on my list of places to see. Well, neither was Singapore, South Korea, or China. Of course, once we moved here and the travel bug bit us, we wanted to go to LOTS of places, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia... the list could go on and on. Then, reality set in, we got in a routine, work became a little more demanding, TDY's and school holidays didn't seem to align, and most notably, the earthquake and tsunami that provided a 6.0 shake on our end and a 9.0 quake at the epicenter. Just like September 11th, March 11th will forever be imprinted on all of our Yokota family. It was a true testament of faith and strength, allegiance and bravery. We will be forever changed from that day.

Now I've got a squealing, talking and crawling baby, roaming around our barren house. I barely find time to devote to my blog these days, as religious as I once was when we first arrived at Yokota. I leave you now with some pictures and videos. One more week left in our first home with our Yokota family. Too many goodbyes, promises of future visits and hopes of reuniting at upcoming assignments. We love you Japan and all that you have taught us. Thanks for the memories.