The Journey

We left South Jordan at 6:15 am on Wednesday morning. When we got to the airport we realized the plane was delayed so we hung around for about 2.5 hours before it was time to go. By the time we got on the plane, we were all ready for a nap. Spencer fell asleep before the plane even left the gate. The idea of bringing the car seats was genius! It made it so the kids could fall asleep pretty comfortably at any time. Two hours later we were in San Fran, but the delay left us no time to go hangout at the USO L. We went from one gate to the next with a quick stop for (a very expensive) lunch. Two sandwiches, some chips, and a drink and it cost us $30.  Absolutely ridiculous!

            The flight from San Fran to Tokyo was on a massive plane so they start boarding an hour early. Since we had 2 kids, 2 car seats and we are military, we got on first. Unfortunately there was a mechanical problem and we sat on the plane for 3 hours before we even took off. Poor Brooke after about 2 hours asked if we were almost to Japan. Thank goodness we had a large bag of entertainment and snacks. The flight actually went pretty well. I think the kids slept for probably half the time (since we didn’t land until about 2am Utah time). I was amazed at how few tantrums there were and I know for a doubt it was because of all the prayers that were said for us, so thank you.

            12.5  hours after boarding the plane in San Fran we touched down in Tokyo. Because of the delay we missed our connecting flight and had to run to get the second (and probably last) flight out to Okinawa. What fun it was to go through the airport with the kids that are only half awake, 9 carry-ons and 6 checked bags. We had one casualty and left the car seat covers on the plane to Tokyo. I don’t think they will ever show up, despite their kindness in trying to tell us “they would call us when they are found.” Man am I glad that we are living on a base where people speak English!

            I am sure a lot of you know about going through customs and it actually ran quite smoothly, except for the fact that you have to get on a bus with all your luggage to go to a different terminal. I had no idea you could drive 10 minutes and still be “at the airport”.

            There was a slight problem with our tickets when we tried to check in, but we were not sure what it was. They kept talking in Japanese and then looking concerned while making multiple phone calls. We waited at the gate for about 20 minutes and finally they figured it out. We had to run to catch the plane and thank goodness they were holding it for us. The Japanese workers were so kind. They would carry a few of our bags and run with us to another worker and then tag team them to run with us. It was kind of funny. Then when you think you are getting to the gate you have to get on another bus which takes you way out on the tarmac. When we got on the plane the flight attendants were super friendly and brought out some little souveniers for the kids as well as a cup of juice. Then they brought us out a cup of juice as well.  We don’t know if they did this to everyone else or if they just felt sorry for us.

            Three hours later we arrived in Okinawa and our sponsors were there to pick us up. By the time we arrived at our hotel it was about 11:30 our time and guess who was NOT ready for bed. Yep, Brooke and Spencer were ready for play time. Since Curtis had to be at work at 7am I went into the other room with the kids. They slept from about 1:30-4:30 at which time Brooke told me “ I can’t sleep anymore!” Perfect, who needs more than 3 hours of sleep (and it doesn’t really count as sleep because I was in the same bed as both kids)….oh wait, I DO!

            At 11:30 this morning I couldn’t take it anymore and I put the kids down for naps. I slept for 2.5 hours and after 3 I figured I had better wake the kids up. To them, it was the middle of the night and they were not eager to wake. TOO BAD! I need a good night sleep tonight so that was all the nap they were getting.

            This afternoon we went and bought some phones and then looked at cars. We can’t actually buy a car until we have a driver’s license which won’t happen till Wednesday. Good thing our hotel is right across the street from the BX (mall) and the commissary. (We went and had lunch at the food court this morning at 9 am!)

            Tomorrow we would love to go exploring but there is only so far you can walk. Maybe we will try and learn the bus system.

            I just wanted to mention a few of the blessings we received while traveling. I know that they are due to the prayers and fasting that we and our family have done and for that we thank you.

-               no back pain for Jen while traveling (which was a miracle because I was in pain from a pulled muscle for days beforehand. Not only that but my cold took a break and I was able to breathe the whole time.

-               No one sat in front of Spencer on the long flight so he could kick the seat all he wanted

-               We made the second flight even though they should have left without us

-               Our sponsors stalked our hotel room with food!

-               We found Spencer’s blanket that we had lost at Baba’s house the night before we left (only after saying a prayer)

-               The car seats!

-               People who speak English

Something very interesting was that the whole time we were traveling, the sun never went down. It made me think about the Nephites waiting for the sign of Christ’s birth. We had a day, a night, and a day with no darkness. Last night before bed we read a quick scripture where we are in the Book of Mormon just happened to be in 3 Nephi. The people kept the faith that the sign would come. It was an answer to my prayers that the Lord is mindful of me and our little family that now live on a small island on the other side of the world. It will take some adjusting, but I am pretty sure we will learn to love it!