Christmas

Merry Christmas from Okinawa! Our first Christmas together. Because Nathan had to run several services on Christmas Day, we celebrated together on Christmas Eve. We received our PCS shipment that I had packed back in Michigan a few days ago, so our presents were placed under a tree made of packing boxes. After opening gifts from each other and family, we headed early to the chapel to set up for the candlelight service.

After Nathan got back from work today, we headed to a small dinner party at the chaplain's house. We spent a peaceful afternoon with close friends, which was the best way to spend the day when away from home.

And it rained all day. That's as close as we'll get to a white Christmas for several more years at least!

21st Century Park

Growing up on the East Coast, I should be wearing snow boots and mittens by now. But so far here in Okinawa, I only need a light jacket in the evening, and even that isn't always necessary. From what I understand, this is not yet the coldest part of the year, though I expect it won't be much colder than this.

A few days ago, Nathan had the afternoon off, and we decided to explore the northern part of the island. Most of the major sites and shopping areas are south of us, so the north is unexplored territory. We looked at a few attractions online, then decided to simple head to Nago, a major northern city, to see what we might find.

We have made a habit of reading together, especially while in the car. I read as he drove, ending up a little south of the aquarium at a place called 21st century park. Here we saw older men playing croquet, couples picnicking, and counting cats lounging. The park had lots of open grassy areas, and a concrete boardwalk along the beach front. In the water, a large group of young adults were yelling and laughing as bunches of them took turns riding a big floating raft towed by a jet ski. In another area, another group waded and swam. Away from the water, a group of young children played in the grass outside what I believe was a daycare. We walked along the boardwalk and the paths around the open areas, watching the people and smiling at the antics of the cats. It was a pleasant day, and a simple walk was all that was needed to enjoy it.

We left the park to drive further into Nago, but stopped shortly after at a digital camera shop and browsed their selection of lenses. When we got back into the car, it would not start. After some diagnostics, we determined there was problem with the ignition accepting the key, even though the key would open the doors. This wasn't terribly surprising as the key was worn from the previous owner and had given us a little trouble before. With the other key nearly an hour away in our apartment, we had to start making phone calls. By the time things were sorted out, a tow truck from our insurance was on its way. Thankfully I had packed snacks, and we had the Kindle, so the wait for the tow truck wasn't too bad.

After a lot of finagling (we had locked the wheel when trying to get the key to work), the driver got the car onto the tow truck, and we drove back to our apartment. We had decided to have him take us home so we could try the spare key before taking the car to a shop, and happily the spare worked fine, confirming our diagnosis that the old key was simply too worn. It was a bit of a stressful situation because neither Nathan nor I had ever really had car trouble before, so we didn't immediately know what steps to take. Also because it isn't exactly possible to live off base without a car, unless you want to pay for a taxi to take you to work every day. But it all worked out well, and it ended up being a good learning experience for us, though not quite the adventure we had set out to have that day.

November 25: One Month

Today makes one month that I have been in Okinawa. The time has gone fast, yet at the same time the memories of the summer apart are already fading. Although we are still learning how to make a home together, I've almost forgotten the long separation.

For the first week and a half I was here, we lived in the Hansen Christian Center. It looks like a house that is used as a ministry center. During the week, it is mostly empty with the only current planned event being on Friday nights. It was a good transitional place for us to live, as the upstairs is an apartment and the downstairs had a fully equipped kitchen. It was much better than living in a hotel, as we had planned before this was an option.

Since my flight was delayed, we arrived from the airport just a few hours before the Friday night meeting. We were able to spend a little time alone before people started arriving. Just being in the same room was amazing. When everyone showed up for the meeting (a dinner and Bible study of sorts), I was rapidly introduced to a lot of people, most of whom knew I was coming and were eager to meet me. Though I almost immediately forgot everyone's name in the rush, I now know the group well. Though the Friday night meetings are not part of our regular routine now, the group that attends is the central circle of most of the activities we are involved in.

From then on, things have been a rush of busyness and precious time together. I took the Newcomers' Orientation and got my Japanese driver's license a few days later, and in Okinawan style, ran six red lights within a week. The people drive like big city drivers, so you are expected to run some red lights, cut people off, and drive around turning vehicles. Motorcycles do whatever they want, and you just have to do your best to avoid hitting them when they zip around you. Learning to drive on the other side of the road and using an speedometer in kilometers wasn't hard. Navigating is the tricky part, as the roads aren't really named, or else are in Japanese. Only the main highways are marked in English. Even the GPS can get confused.

Once our government furniture was delivered, we moved in to our apartment. We are on the fifth floor of a building that was originally a sort of resort that was later converted. After the conversion, the restaurant in the basement remained, giving off a tantalizing aroma at mealtime. From our deck, we have an amazing ocean view and accompanying breeze. Although it doesn't sound like much, ~800 square feet is more than enough for us. We barely touch the living room, but will be glad of it when we entertain. But since it is mostly just the two of us, the space is plenty. Little by little, we have been converting it into our own. (Shout out to everyone who gave us money in lieu of bridal shower and wedding presents. Soon I'll post pictures of how your gifts were used!)

While I still have a lot to learn and explore about the island, I am comfortable in the sphere I'm in. I'm running the sound board at chapel, and tag along to work with Nathan frequently. We started decorating the chapels for Christmas today, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Christmas is even close. I am aware of the passing of time, but since I don't have a cell phone or a calendar to look at, I am surprised at the passing of days. The idea of living in one place for three years is still a little hard to grasp for us, but so far, we are enjoying getting to settle into a place we can call our own.

Traveling to Okinawa

Nathan and I are together at last. I am currently sitting next to him in our own apartment, overlooking the ocean. Let's start with getting here.

Last I posted, the movers had come and packed all our belongings. I boarded a plane a few days after that. I was happy because I only had a 20 hour itinerary. But that thought didn't last long. I flew from Lansing, Michigan to Minneapolis with no trouble. In Minneapolis, I boarded a plane headed for Tokyo. A few hours over the Pacific, there was a medical emergency that forced the plane to turn around and land in Seattle for about an hour. Having shut off my American phone line, I had to borrow someone's phone to email Nathan so he would know what was going on.

We landed in Tokyo around 11pm local time, about five hours behind our original plan. The delay caused everyone to miss their connections, so the airline shuttled us to various hotels where they put us up for the night, and arranged flights for the next day. If I had not been so upset, I would have enjoyed the delay, as it allowed to me spend a little time in Tokyo. But the long summer and letdown from the delay tainted it. I wasn't upset with the airline, but I was supposed to be spending that night with Nathan, but had to spend it alone in a hotel. I was able to chat online with him for awhile though, and that helped. The upside of the situation was that I was so tired from all the travel, I was able to sleep, which automatically adjusted me to the time change. Also it meant that the people picking me up wouldn't have to be out late, since my new flight would land in the afternoon instead of at night.

The next morning, I got breakfast from the hotel buffet, which was a combination of Japanese and American food. I took a shuttle to the airport, and had another round of confusion. I ended up in an international line, so I had to be sent to domestic. Once there, the Japanese workers looked at my ticket and began consulting with each other, looking worried. I soon found out that there are two airports in Tokyo, and I had been brought to the wrong one. The language barrier slowed down communications, yet they quickly made the point that I was going to be very close to missing my flight. One of the girls grabbed me and my stuff, ran me to the bus ticketing counter, and quickly got me on the next bus, telling me they would call the airport and tell them to hold the flight for me. 

Once I arrived, I found an airline worker and showed her my ticket, trying to explain what happened. Like the girl at the last airport, she grabbed me and my bags and rushed me to security, then to my gate, where they were already boarding. I wasn't the last person on the plane, but it was close. 

After a three hour flight, much shorter than the previous one, I landed in Naha, Okinawa. As I stood in the baggage claim, I spotted Nathan standing outside a one-way glass door, waiting anxiously for me. The wait for my bags was one of longest of my trip! Finally I had them all loaded onto a cart, and pushed it quickly out. We hugged for a long time, and kissed in front of an audience of people who had come with him. I met everyone in a blur, then rode with Chaplain Black, the chaplain Nathan works with, and his wife. Nathan held me the whole way while I looked out the window at all the new sites that were now home.

A lot has happened since then, so I will write another post about it. The past two weeks have been a flurry of many things, and there is a lot to say. I am overjoyed to at last be living with my husband, in our own place, with no separations in sight.

Moving Day

Moving day!

The entirety of our earthly possessions, packed, loaded, and gone in two hours.

before

during

after

bags for the plane

Updates, and Plane Ticket!

So I've missed a lot of days and happenings. Let me get you up to date.

I was promoted to manager at work, which has turned out to be a lot of fun. Even though I had never worked retail before, the position turned out to be a good fit. I've been having a bit of fun here in Lansing, from contra dancing to the Renaissance Festival. It's been good to keep busy. I went to North Carolina last weekend to visit my family and meet my new niece. Things are changing so fast, and I wanted to be able to see everyone all at once, for the last time in a long time.

Nathan went to a spiritual retreat with two congregations. A few days in a resort hotel discussing theology was good for him. He also has been dodging typhoons, and dealing with the government shutdown.

But really, I'm dying to tell you the big news.

I have my plane ticket. I'm leaving for Okinawa in about two weeks. It all slowly came together, through a lot of prayer and asking questions and waiting. Just yesterday Nathan went to look at several housing options. We are settling on a place to live, and will be staying in an apartment in a Christian community center near Hansen until we can move in. Nathan bought a car for us, though we have to wait for the personally own vehicle approval comes through to drive it. The movers are coming a few days before I leave to pack up everything and ship it sometime in the next few months.

It's a lot of craziness. It's a lot to figure out and learn about and settle while both of us still work. Everything is new to us, so we have to be guided.

But it's almost over. After almost five months apart, we have just two weeks to go.

Six Months!

Six months!

Promotion

After a crazy few days at my new job, today was the last day before the store opens tomorrow. I'm ready for the two days off I have. I've spent the past five days carrying boxes, climbing ladders, building shelves, folding clothes, jumping in dumpsters, and dressing manikins. Within the first day, my managers were mad that I am leaving in a few months because they wanted to promote me. I'm excited to work this job.

But the real news...

Nathan finally got pinned as RP3. He is now officially E4!

He knew all week this was happening, but didn't tell me so that I would be surprised. I'm one proud Navy wife. It was a great day in this Sisson family.

Settling In

Nathan and I are adjusting to the idea of being apart longer than planned. Within one day of job hunting, I had a position at rue21 (a trendy teen and young adult clothing chain) lined up. The store opens next week in the mall five minutes from where I live. Tomorrow is my first day, as it is for everyone else. I won't be the only one dealing with the new employee feeling! I haven't worked a retail or a fashion job before, but I am really looking forward to it. I will be working part time at minimum wage, but as the purpose is mostly to pass the time and provide structure, I do not mind.The location, store hours, and shifts are exactly what I was looking for. Although I was offered a job in cellular sales, I decided to try something new, and I'm excited about it.

I opened a gym membership at Planet Fitness, also five minutes from me. I went for the first time this evening, and was reminded how much I enjoy going. I had a membership to a health club when I lived in Maryland, and I definitely missed it. The game night in the cafe has become a regular part of my week. I also met some of Nathan's friends, and have been spending time with them. Although I would rather be with Nathan, I am settling in well to a longer-term lifestyle here in Michigan.

Over the past two weeks, I moved all of Nathan's belongings from the basement to the living room, sorting through everything from his babyhood to now. It was fun to see bits of his life before I knew him. I had quite a pile of things I wasn't sure what to do with, so we skyped twice and sorted through it together. Doing so brought up lots of memories and stories, and his parents joined the reminiscing too. At this point, everything is back in the basement, but sorted- some things coming to Okinawa, others not- just waiting to be packed.

Nathan splits his time between four chapels on three camps. With the chaplain on vacation, he has had extra responsibilities, including buying necessary items at the commissary. He frequently utilizes the library resources, his latest being Japanese language cds he listens to on his drive to work.He is becoming more confident and trusted in his duties with each day. He also appreciates the donuts left over from some of the services at his chapels.

July 10, 2013

Today is the one year anniversary since Nathan joined the Navy. Since then...

Nathan:

• survived and graduated boot camp with honors, Great Lakes, Illinois
• graduated top of his class in A School, Fort Jackson, South Carolina
• visited home for Christmas, Lansing, MI
• made a phone call to a certain girl that changed his future
• received orders to Okinawa, which were changed and changed back several times
• changed wedding date three times due to Navy scheduling
• worked a temporary RP position in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
• made the engagement official on March 7, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
• married his best friend on March 8, Jacksonville, North Carolina
• spent two weeks in a beachfront lodge with his new wife while working
• began CREST/FMBT training, Camp Johnson, North Carolina
• spent weekends with Alisa in various hotels, Jacksonville, North Carolina
• graduated as Honor RP from CREST on May 16, Camp Johnson, North Carolina
• got surprised by a weekend with a college friend, Williamsburg, Virginia
• spent a week with Alisa's family, Frederick, Maryland
• spent a week home, Lansing, Michigan
• traveled to Okinawa to begin his ~3 year command, Camp Butler, Okinawa

Alisa:

• spent two weeks with family and friends Raleigh, North Carolina and Chicago, Illinois
• worked as manager in a Verizon franchise, Frederick, Maryland
• worked briefly as a web content writer and tutored at the community college, Frederick, Maryland
• received a special phone call that changed her future
• changed wedding date three times due to Navy scheduling
• traveled early to avoid a northern snow storm, Raleigh, North Carolina
• officially said yes on March 7, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
• married her best friend on March 8, Jacksonville, North Carolina
• spent two weeks in a beachfront lodge with her new husband after work each day
• traveled back to her parents' house during Nathan's first week of CREST, Frederick, Maryland
• spent weekends with Nathan in various hotels, Jacksonville, North Carolina
• lived weekdays with her brother and his family, Raleigh, North Carolina
• attended CREST graduation with Nathan's parents and grandparents
• surprised Nathan with a weekend spent with a college friend, Williamsburg, Virginia
• spent a week at her parents' house, Frederick, Maryland
• spent a week at her in-laws' house with Nathan, Lansing, Michigan
• moved in with the in-laws, Lansing, Michigan
• traveled to her parents' house for a week, Frederick, Maryland
• attended a college friend's wedding, Indianapolis, Maryland
• returned to her in-laws' to stay until going overseas, Lansing, Michigan   

                                                                     one year ago

                         

 

July 18th, 2013

As I mentioned before, Nathan made E4 earlier this year, although he has yet to be pinned. Even though he made it, the pay raise does not kick in for awhile. We learned earlier this week that I cannot go to Okinawa until it does. At this point, we're looking at November. It's heartbreaking, thinking of being apart for several more months, especially after working so hard to get everything done and being told I could go next month.

The next few months, being honest, will be hard. The past few days have been long as the reality sinks in that I will not be spending the summer or most of the fall with him, and that I have already lived longer with my in-laws than I have with him. He has to spend the months alone, working and learning the area. Although we are each doing well in our respective locations, the time apart is heartache. But we know we will make it, so we keep pressing forward.

With this news, our perspectives have to change a little. I've begun job hunting, looking for something to pass the time. He is creating a better grocery plan that fits with his geo-bachlor state. We have to get used to the idea that our relationship will be a cyber one for several more months. It's an adjustment, and we do not cherish the idea of spending so much time apart. But we know it isn't forever, and our marriage is, so we will just keep waiting.

News from Here and There

Nathan left for Okinawa nearly six weeks ago. I find it hard to believe so much time has passed, yet I have felt every single day. The first week was heartbreaking, constantly aware of each other's absence. Since then, we've figured out a pattern of communication, allowing us to be in contact for several hours every day. Although the ache is still there, the bond is strong enough to keep us going.

At this point, he is finally working his job as an RP at several chapels in Okinawa. Explained simply, he is an assistant to a chaplain, running the chapel while also responsible for chaplain's personal safety. He has been going through job training at several different chapels and will soon replace several RPs. As his chapel is about an hour from where he is living, he will be issued a government vehicle. This past week, he had driver's training classes and got to drive his car- on the opposite side of the road.


He is also on commuter rations, so instead of going to chow at every meal, he is givin a monetary allotment and shops and prepares his own food. The first week resulted in a lot of Poptarts, but he figured out a system after that. Although he is skillful in the kitchen, I will be happy when I can get there and cook for the both of us. We learned in May that he passed the test and is being promoted to E4, though his indoctrination won't take place until early next year due to scheduling. Officially, he is now known as RP3 Sisson.

As for me, I have been getting acquainted with my in-laws in Michigan, which is where I am now living. They have made it very easy to be here, and we spent most of our time together. I initially did a little job hunting, but the job market here is very poor, and not knowing how long I am going to be here makes it difficult to commit to an employer.

After the first week without Nathan here, I went back to my parents' house for a week; it was a rather long roadtrip by myself, but still enjoyable. I got to catch up with some friends, purposefully spending time with them since I don't know if I will ever live nearby again. I finished a painting project in the kitchen that I had started nearly a year ago, and spent a lot of time with my family, including biking on the C & O canal in Harper's Ferry. My family is rapidly growing up, many of them moving on at once, so we were purposeful about our time together, knowing it may be the last for a long time. At the end of the week home, I caravaned with a friend to Indianapolis, Indiana, for a college friend's wedding. Catching up with a bunch of my classmates was great, especially since it was the first time I had seen any of them since grad, and it was so soon after my own sudden wedding.

Now I'm back in Michigan, spending most of my time with Nancy, my mother-in-law. I have joined a game night group nearby, which is full of great people and is a highlight of my week. This past week was busy with Independence Day plans and tours of Michigan sites led by my new family members. I've spent many days working on putting together my overseas screening, which is all the medical exams, shots, and papers required to join Nathan in Okinawa. Being new to all this, it has taken many phone calls and a lot of research, but as of now, I am waiting on a few results to come in, then I am finished. After this comes the waiting part, but I always find more things I need to handle and organize and research.

We're hoping I can go to Okinawa in a month or two, but are aware that we might have to wait six months. Nathan will be pinned as E4 in two weeks, but since the pay doesn't kick in until November, we might have to wait until then to fully apply. On the whole, things are going well. We are both settling in to our temporary lives, looking forward to our more permanent ones together in the hopefully not so distant future. As always, we spend much of our time talking about plans and schemes, wishing for the day when we can be together again.

New Beginnings

81 days of adventures together.

Our story is going to unfold little by little over time. Most of it hasn't even been written yet, because our life together is just starting. I will have to backtrack a few years to tell the whole story. It will all be written eventually, though it may take some time to catch up.

To start, I will say that today, we said goodbye. I watched as his plane left the ground, not knowing when I will see his face again, when I will hold his hand and laugh and smile with him. In about ten hours, he will arrive on base in Okinawa, and will not leave for the next three years at least. I must wait in the US until I can join him, which could be merely weeks, or several months. My heart is aching, but I know it's not forever. And being married to my best friend is worth it all. We both cried at the airport today, but there is enough hope and love to hold on to until we can be together again, however long it may be.

Hang tight! Posts are coming.