How to Catch a Crab

Hello Everyone!



I wish I could sum up all my adventures easily. But I feel like that is impossible to do. I'm sorry I haven't written for about a month. However, I am doing quite well, but I am starting to feel sad that my stay in Japan is coming to a close... The last time I wrote, I was about to move in with the Amimeyas. They were wonderful the two weeks I was at their house. I was able to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Amimeya about my life story and about my struggles, and I grew closer to Joy, their daughter, and we had a fun time doing different things. They introduced me to many Japanese movies made by the creators of Totorro. I loved them, and I loved just chilling with this special family. We also went crab hunting at the beach! That was a lot of fun! Mr. Amimeya told me I wasn't an amateur, more like a proffessional. Haha. So I decided to name my next blog post "How to Catch a Crab!" They definitely found a place in my heart in the two weeks I stayed with them.

This weekend, I went with the Ozasa family to the Hilton Hotel in Odawara. They have a Down Syndrome girl the same age as my sweet sister Keva. She can talk, unlike my sister, and she loves to write me notes! We met two other families with Down Syndrome kids and spent the night at the hotel. We went swimming, sang karoke, and ate lots of food! I also went to the Japanese baths with Keiko, the older sister in the family, and we bonded in a way hard to do otherwise. Neither of us can speak the other language very well, but we had fun none the less. It was a good trip. When I got back, I stayed with Yuko on July 4th. Being in Japan while it's July 4th is definitely interesting since no one is celebrating it except the army base and any other Americans who happen to be in Japan. I miss being in Georgia since July 4th is one of my most favorite holidays! However, I had fun too. I went to the evening service and then I watched a movie with Mrs. Edith's family. It was an enjoyable July 4th. :)

Right now I'm supposed to be staying with the Suzuki family, but Chisako, one of the daughters, has so much to do with the CMA dance team that came recently, Mrs. Edith and I both thought that it would lessen her pressure without me moving into her home too. So Mrs. Edith offered for me to stay at her house. I think she's quite fond of me, and we view each other in a kind of mother/daughter way. She's my adopted mother for the trip. So on Monday, I moved in with her and her family. Her husband in a pastor at the church, and her son is studying to be a nurse. I've really enjoyed being with them too since it's yet another experience with a different family. It's fun to hear her speak to her husband and son because they use three different languages! Sometimes it's Japanese, other times it's French, and occasionally English. Haha. I also can tell sometimes what they're saying in French even though I do need to brush up on it a bit. I made my first meal here in Japan last night for them, and I think it was a success. Not as good as Mom makes, but I think they still enjoyed it. It was a chicken and rice meal with a Japanese twist since I couldn't find everything I needed to make it like Mom does. I'm just glad to know my cooking skills are not extinct after being in college for a year. ;)

On Saturday, I am going to move in with the Suzukis, and I hope I will bond with them like I have bonded with everyone else I have stayed with. Only three more short weeks left until I leave. :( I can't believe it! This summer has gone by way too fast! But I have a sneaking suspicion I might see these wonderful people again. :)

Peace to you all!

Keri Lynn