This week I said goodbye to three things... but all for a good cause.

We gave one of our foster kittens, Louie, to a permanent home.  His foster sister, Cheyenne, is a little confused, as is our cat, Dara.  Funny how furry little animals can have such interesting group dynamics that reach over and grab us too.  It will be very strange to be in Japan with no animal companions.  Perhaps we can find a stray kitten and take it in while we are there.

Bye Louie!

I sold my 2008 VW Rabbit  back to the dealer at an almost $3000 profit.  I had initially thought of just selling it to someone I knew for what I owed, but on a whim, decided to see if I could get more at the dealer.  I love my dealership, the Dean Team Kirkwood (shout out!) and didn't feel the need to wheel and deal with them.  Their offer was what I needed, so I accepted on first go around.  Now I have a rental for the last month I am here, which lessens my stress about something happening to my car and then having to still sell it.  Added bonus, the kids think my new rental--a Jeep Patriot--is the most awesome thing they have ever seen.  They said the seats are higher, they have their own door, and overall, it is just cooler.  They are not paying for the gas, however...

My baby Rabbit

Alan is gone for the next 8 days to visit family and friends in Baltimore.  Though I wanted to go for at least the weekend, I thought all things considered, it was better if I made myself scarce.  It's good for us to have to miss each other, as we have been so stressed with all the to-do lists and planning I think half the time we forget we actually even like the other one.  Hopefully, it will also give me the opportunity to start packing and organizing.  In our small space, any major project is more difficult when another person is around.  I'm sure I will have a different story come day five or six...

We are using the profits from selling my car to buy our new one in Japan.  It is a Toyota Starlet Reflet X and looks something like this: http://www.japan-partner.com/Auto/1080/Toyota/Starlet/car-for-sale.html   I received my International Driver's Permit in the mail today, which will allow me to drive in Japan for the first year, and I am ordering the Japanese rules of the road tonight.  It will be so much fun to drive on mountainous roads on the wrong side with signs in Kanji.  Another challenge to be conquered!  Below is a link to some common road signs in Japan--I particularly like the Raccoon crossing sign, and the sign with only a giant exclamation point.  Good times.  I wonder what they think of our signs? http://www.yokota.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-100329-005.pdf

We have heard from our predecessor, and he has been most helpful in answering any and all questions related to the village and program.  He has also offered us some furniture free of charge and purchase of his air conditioner and car.  We took dibs on the a/c, and will take until Tuesday to decide about the car.  Because of the remoteness of the village, and how far we would have to go to get basic supplies or participate in extra curricular events, we will hopefully end up taking it.  But driving in Japan is not something I was hoping to do, and it means more cash up front which I am not sure we have.  However, it's lucky that we have an offer, as if we get there and decide we want one later, I am not sure how to do that, because of our lack of language fluency.

In other news-- hooray for the fact that Amazon delivers to Japan, and even has it's own Japanese site!  That means I do not have to pack multiple boxes of toiletries to be sent off to us at regular intervals.  It will save me from buying dish detergent, thinking it's facial wash, and burning my face off, because guess what?  We can order the same stuff we would buy in the U.S.!  Amazon is my new best friend.

Though our stress level grows in leaps in bounds, these tiny little victories are what get us through the day.:)

This is a picture of our new home come August, Ikusaka-mura, Japan.  In addition to my official contract, they were kind enough to attach a large fold out map of the village.

I have spent months studying hiragana and katakana--and I cannot read most of this map as it is in kanji.  I cannot conceive of a writing system that uses four different types of writing, often within one small block of text.  I thought I could get away with not learning kanji, as I have heard it is quite difficult.  I am currently looking for textbooks and programs, as none of the multitude of Japanese language learning devices I currently possess even go there.

The good news is, an official contract makes it--official!  Once I get on the plane, there is no turning back.  I reserved my spot on the flight to Tokyo, Alan's flight is booked, our train tickets and hotel to and from St. Louis, Rochester, and Chicago are done...
                                                              Sayonara!

We were contacted by our contracting organization today!  We are very excited that they have found us a reasonably priced, furnished apartment with a washing machine and TV--we will be in the lap of luxury!:)  Also, the apartment is within a 3 minute walk from the school so we will *not* have to go through all the hassle and expense of owning a car, unlike many of the others in my JET group.  Whew!

I will officially be the ALT at the Junior High School, which is a bit intimidating, but not as intimidating as high school.  It's great to know the age group I will be teaching so I can plan accordingly before I arrive.

Overall, we are so fortunate in our placement.  Not only will we not have to buy furniture or a car, but I have the luxury of remaining at only one school with one consistent group of students.  This is not the case for so many others in my position, and it is exactly what I had hoped to receive.  I am so grateful for everything we have been given!