Konichiwa!

It's been 3 weeks since we arrived in Okinawa. So much has happened - and at the same time it seems like we've done nothing but grocery shop and attempt to find our way back from the grocery store.

We moved into our house on Tuesday, but don't have any pictures yet. It is small but mortgage free, so you can't argue with that. I'm a little afraid that we won't have anywhere to put all our junk when it arrives, but I'll deal with that when it comes. One thing our home is really missing is Wesson. I can't even think of him without tearing up. We have replace him with four geckos - one of which lives in my closet. I know they eat other bugs, so I'm glad for that, but I'm terrified that I'm going to put on my shoes and find him in the toe. One more reason to only wear flip - flops .

Spring is here and we are headed north to see the Cherry Blossoms tomorrow. Reminds me of our days in DC. Back when we were in love and without kids. Oh, the good old days!

We spent Martin Luther King day at Torii Beach. I think the locals thought we were crazy because we were the only ones there and certainly the only people in swimsuits. But it feels great to be in the ocean in January!

Another island adventure was to the famous "Cocok" nail salon. In the first week we were here, I heard several woman talking about it. My feet were in desperate need of some attention, so a friend took me. I walked out 2 hours later with the fanciest toes I've ever had. They don't do just a regular pedicure. They do all the normal stuff plus a 20 minute leg massage and unbelievable toe art. Now I have a degree in art history, so I think I'm qualified to say that this really does qualify as art. I can't wait for visitors so I can take them here.

We are loving it here but also missing home and friends and family so much. There are times when I feel very alone and wonder what we were thinking when we accepted this assignment. I know from experience that these feelings will fade with time, but its always tough to make a big change, and this one is pretty big. The kids are adjusting well. Frankly, I think they are relieved to be in one spot...I know I am. So home, sweet home, is now Japan. If you read this blog entry and feel like sending us a message, we sure could use a friend. Lots of love to you from this side of the world.