Chapter One of the Japan Chapter of my Adult Life

I woke up in Japan, where 40 hours before i had woken up in America. Hard to believe that in such a short time I am across the ocean, in a new city and my parents are just down the hall from me. I have somebody to hug in the morning and when I go back to sleep. That is a nice thought. My trip was good. It was a long trip. I do not have a story of adventure from my travels.

I packed up my life into two suitcases (and some to be shipped to me later) and a carry on and a briefcase (which is a huge art bag actually). I stuffed my carry-on and bag. They were so heavy. Was painful to walk to the different terminals and sections of airport. Traveling alone makes you really appreciate others. When you have someone you are traveling with, you do not have to take everything with you to the bathroom, to get a snack, etc.

I flew into Sapporo and my parents came and picked me up. Was so awesome to see them. It almost seemed unreal. I felt that I was dreaming, and that us hugging was a figment of my imagination. But it so was not! It was the real thing. They are here and I am here with them. I can't wait to see their neighborhood, the church, the many friends they tell me about, and the city of Sapporo. I did not grow up here, so it is not my childhood home of Tokyo, but it will be the city I live in for the next few years.

So driving from the airport, I had to catch myself from telling dad that he is turning onto the wrong lane. I would catch my breath, and then remember that they drive on the left here. And guess what else I saw....SNOW.....piles of it all over. They pile them up so high. The roads are clear and safe to drive on, but you have piles of snow. I do not know when they will melt. Mom said probably May. Oh goody....So I am back to cold weather. My second winter in 2011, but then I will get a second spring as well :) I get blossoms twice this year!! That is a blessing because I love blossoms.

The houses in Sapporo look different from Tokyo . They are more square/boxed shape with flat roofs. In Tokyo they have a lot more traditional Japanese houses. These houses are made more for snow. It still looks like Japan. Just not the Japan I grew up in, as the houses look a little different. But inside is typical Japanese! I love it! I came into my parents apartment and like little trivial things I would not think twice about before, I now notice. The light switches are completely different from America. The kitchen is different, the way the house looks and made, is so different. It is hard to explain but I will try to take photo's of the place and post it on here.

Saying goodbye to my sister and my friends have been hard. Saying goodbye to my sister at the airport went well, as in we did not bawl our heads off. But then later, when I was sitting in Chicago I was thinking about whether that was actually a good thing. I think we both just stayed strong, held our emotion in for later. But I almost wonder if that was not a good closure. Why did I not want to show Andrea that I was aching in side. I remember when Andrea and I said goodbye to Rebekah we all were bawling, tears flowing strong. I think I have been trying really hard to be strong because the emotion of saying goodbye hurts so much. I still have not had a big cry for saying goodbye to my sister. I feel it coming, its in my throat right now, but I probably will swallow it. I know it will come, I know I will have a big cry over saying goodbye to her. Andrea and Rebekah are such amazing sisters to me. Andrea helped me so much with packing. She has a big heart and I sometimes feel so undeserving of her love. Love within family can be a glimpse of the love God has for us.

I love all my friends in Cleveland. I was sad to say goodbye. It was really hard to say goodbye to the Ito's, who have been my family away from home. It felt like I was saying goodbye to family members, it hurt so bad having to say goodbye to them. It was hard to hold my emotions in, and I failed. My emotions just broke free, especially right after they drove off. It is weird that I will not be able to drive over to their house and get bombarded by hugs and kisses from the kids. I know that crying can be a good part of closure and I stayed strong saying goodbye to many. But that does not mean it did not hurt to say goodbye. I just cry later about the goodbye's. It possible trying to stay strong and not cry is a defense mechanism. I have had to say a lot of goodbye's throughout my life. All of you in Cleveland and Atlanta mean a lot to me and I hope we keep in contact, despite the distance. At least read my blog :) I love comments too!

Well I am going to go say good morning to my parents and give them a hug :) I can actually do that!!! Let's see what this first day brings! I am excited!!!