Sunday, May 3, 2009

Time to say goodbye...

This is going to be my last post for a while. The time has come for us to move back to the US! We will have movers here Monday and Tuesday. We are also staying with our dear friends, the Deavers, on Monday and Tuesday. Then, we will go into the TLF (on base hotel) for 10 nights until we fly out on the 16th. When we did the numbers, it was cheaper for us to go to the TLF than to pay rent everyday. :)
The computer is being packed up tomorrow, so I won't be able to blog though I plan to still take MANY more pictures in the days (weeks) to come. I will have a lot to catch up on!
We have truly loved our time here on this wonderful island. We really had no idea what to expect, but we have been pleasantly suprised. Of course, it had its challenges. I realized today that even after two years, I still can't figure out the lint catcher on my Japanese dryer. I can't read the buttons on my dishwasher or AC. I never realized how much I am in love with having a garbage disposal, as it is one of those items that you miss once you haven't had it for a while. We have missed family terribly, but we found a special closeness within our own little family and that has made home quite the haven. The boys have only had themselves to be with for the majority of the time and they have formed such a strong bond of brotherhood.
We will miss the people here and their gentle, kind and humble personalities. We will miss the simpleness here. The Okinawan's are not into having to have lots of "stuff" and that has been such an eye opening and wonderful lesson for us. We will miss the way that this culture always treats everyone with respect and kindness. The way that everyone here just obeys the law, because it is the law.
We are looking forward to our new adventure in California; to being able to be with family once again on a more (hopefully!) regular basis. But, we will have a warm place in our hearts for this wonderful little island out in the East China Sea.

11 comments:

Jamie Lamb said...

Your family pictures are great! Good luck with the move back! I'm sure your family will be glad to have you guys closer.

rylissite said...

See, now I'm all sad. You guys are so wonderful, we'll really miss you!

Anonymous said...

You will totally be missed. I have come pretty attached to those cute smiles of the boys. What a wonderful family you have. We will miss you greatly!

DGreen said...

Here I am shedding a tear too and I will be the recipient of you all coming home!!! I have to say I did catch the "Spirit of Okinawa" while there. I loved being there. We are so very much looking forward to you all coming home soon, we love you!

thekerrclan said...

I can't wait for the updates..I've loved reading about your experiences. Welcome back to the US!

Amie said...

I'm excited to hear about your new adventures, hope the adjustment is easy. I miss you here and am sad that I can't type in your 30-digit telephone number and talk to you. (The 30-digit is a SLIGHT exaggeration, right? :) Best of luck in CA! Miss you!

Angie said...

Hi Cathryn,
I'm so happy for you and your family. You will be dearly missed. I've so enjoyed getting to know you. Your boys are so sweet. You and Dana do a wonderful job of raising your children. You're a wonderful example! I feel so blessed to have known you - your sincerity and genuine personality is a rarity. I love you. Good luck on your adventure (I will be checking in):) and God bless you all.

Anonymous said...

Have a fun time in the states!! I know it's an awesome feeling to move back after spending so much time overseas! Target, Walmart, the Mall are all easily accessible now :P

I use to live in Oki and a few other places in Asia just 2 short years ago and I miss the warm subtropicalness so much, but I love that I'm back in the US now.

~Tellie

Our Family said...

Great family pictures. And it was so fun to see you at of all places Costco. I can't wait to see what your new adventures in California have in store for you and your family. This is such a great way to reconnect and keep in touch.

Jessica said...

Hope your move back is pleasant. Living closer to family will be great. What a treasure of memories from that island! Like my mom says, "Enjoy the the journey."

The Shirleys said...

I scanned through some of your pictures in Japan. It is really very beautiful there. We are glad you moved here though! We are excited to get to know you and your family even more.