Life is different, living in a big city. We are used to suburban living: having a little space between neighbors, having our car parked right outside our dwelling, driving a few minutes away to buy groceries. Now, we look out the window of our second floor apartment and see other second story apartments, clothes hanging out on balconies a few feet away, electrical lines at eye level, and of course the neighborhood cats perched on top of fences and even roofs. Our car is parked a twenty minute walk away, so we don’t use it much. But I can walk to a grocery store or pharmacy within five minutes.
Another difference is the sheer number of people in the space of one city block. You can’t walk five paces before running into someone. I noticed, too, that people in the city are less likely to look you in the eye or acknowledge your existence. I was almost shocked when I visited Kikuyo (the suburb where we used to live). A little girl was walking past on her way to school, and she looked at me and said, “Ohayo gozaimasu!” (good morning). Her parents were some distance away, yet they greeted me without encouragement, as well. So friendly!
We have a small window of time in which to decide whether to continue renting or find a place to buy. We looked at a property to buy last week and are waiting to hear from the owners if they will accept our price. If they accept, we’re in for some major remodeling on this “fixer-upper.” Our entire family is praying that God would clearly lead us in this venture. Would you join us?
I am glad to know you all made it. How is your youngest, Melodie ?, adjusting to being back in Japan. I remember you had said it was a real culture shock for her in coming to the States for the first time.
Just out of curiosity what kinds of games, toys etc., does your family enjoy. What furniture, if any, do you have for the place you live? While in the States did you keep an apartment or did you have to store your things. I guess maybe someone could have stored things for you.
I guess I’d like to know what types of things do miss that you don’t have access to in Japan. What kinds of things do you or your kids do without for whatever the reason may be?
Thinking of you and praying
Deb
Melodie brightened up almost instantly once we returned to Japan! It was amazing to see the difference. All tnd kids have said they are glad to be back.
We have little furniture. A few bookcases and bunkbeds for the girls, fridge, table and chairs… that’s about it. We put everything in storage while we were in the States. You’ll have to wait for Susan to hear about games. I don’t much care for them. I like to read and make things with my hands. The kids are the same, they all love crafts, painting, models, etc. They might like games too, Susan is more into that stuff.
I don’t really miss a whole lot. Susan might have a different answer! I’ll let her know to check here and reply.
Hello! This is Susan. It was nice of you to think of us, and especially Melodie. We were all surprised that she has had no difficulty in returning to Japan. Maybe it feels more like “home” to her, since she has lived here most of her life!
As for games, we like to play Life, Uno, word-type games (making words from letters), etc. We did not have an apartment that needed furniture while in the States. We stayed with our family or in a furnished room. Our stuff here in Japan is what is in storage. We hope to get it all very soon!
What do we miss? For me, being lactose intolerant, eating in the States was much simpler. I could buy soy or rice cheese, non-dairy margarine, lactose-free ice cream, etc. All the bread here has milk in it, so I end up making my own. The kids particularly like instant flavored oatmeal (maple and brown sugar, for instance), which we don’t have here. It is also harder to find clothing for myself. I tried to buy tennis shoes, but was told I’d have to wear men’s since my size was too big! We usually can make do or buy while we’re in America. We don’t sit around pining for what we can’t have! 🙂
Thanks for your interest and your thoughtful response. Thanks for your prayers!
Susan