Bye for now

Internet, I have so much to tell you about. It's my last day in California and I have had such a great time with the Valles - there have been beach walks and long drives, French toast and Lebanese dinners, big laughs and midnight meltdowns. But before I get to all of that, I need to say goodbye (for now) to a couple of dear friends. The Ivys, our sponsors and friends for the last year, are leaving Japan and the Navy to start a new life in Texas, and we are going to miss them so much!

Beth, Alex, Hannah, and Faith welcomed us to Japan on August 1, 2008, at the Navy Lodge. They came bearing a laundry basket full of snacks and supplies for our stay, took us out to dinner, and lent us their bikes for a few weeks. Even before all that they'd been answering our questions, making our reservations for the bus from the airport, and just generally helping us stay sane during that crazy move.
Once we settled in, though, was when the good times really began. There have been dinners and trips to Ikea, there have been long talks over coffee and knitting, there was a sleepover and even karaoke. Beth and I have spent quiet hours on my couch or hers, talking about marriage, children, love, God, feminism, sex, faith, and how to make the most of our Japanese lives. Our two families really connected over this past year, and their absence will be a void when I return.

Last Wednesday, a few hours before I headed out to the airport, Beth met me on base for one more cup of coffee and a chat. I think it was good for both of us that I went on vacation - we didn't have to say goodbye forever, just a few weeks! even though we both knew better. The Ivys have touched my life and I know we'll see each other soon, even if soon means when those little girls are teetering around in high heels and worrying about the SATs. Love and light will follow all four of them, I know.