First few weeks in Sasebo

We flew out Sunday August 16th and right away on the LAX to Narita flight I could tell we were going to love it here.  Everyone has told us how helpful and nice the Japanese are, and the flight crew and people on the flight definitely were.  With the last minute government booking none of us had seats together but we were able to get 2 seats directly in front of another 2 seats.  Rather than have the girls complain about who got to sit next to Mom the entire way, we put the two of them next to each other and us behind.  An older Japanese guy sat next to Bella and he was so sweet and helpful to them the entire flight - changing their channels and helping with their meals.  Not once did he seem at all bothered to help and he was very nice to all of us when we deboarded.  I highly doubt we could have left 2 kids, talking loudly with their headphones on, watching TV next to just anyone and had them help for 11 hours! 

Bella and Morgan finally fell asleep about 30 minutes before arriving in Tokyo.  I couldn't rouse Bella, so I had to carry her off the plane, while Morgan stumbled and Jeff managed with our 8 carryons - 4 roller-boards and 4 personal backpacks each!  Bella was still asleep for the flight from Tokyo to FUK and the entire 2 hour drive to Sasebo, but once we got to the hotel guess who cheered -"I'm NOT tired!!!" 

Wednesday we took our Japanese driver's test - 50 question written test with symbols included and behind the wheel.  I will never again make fun of foreign drivers and am very happy to plaster the student driver stickers on our new car.  It was hard!  We had to reverse into a parking spot - and my new supervisor and Jeff had to yell as I was about to go into the bushes.  I thought for sure I failed but she just said I need more practice.  Like - yeah a lot! 

It's been hot and humid here, but there is a beautiful outdoor pool next to the Lodge which is nice.  Morgan instantly got invited to join the swim test after doing a quick test to be able to play in the deep end.  She was invited to swim at the last meet of the season but without a car we declined.  The fall swim season starts in about a week.  We hope to get Bella into group lessons too.  They also have a diving team and we are checking to see if Morgan can get a waiver as the lower age limit is 8. 

It's beautiful and green and has been rainy.  Two days ago we had typhoon warnings and they shut the base down.  We had a slow morning and had to check facebook for updates.  It was exciting.  Jeff gave me a lesson on how to hold an umbrella in serious wind.  I actually preferred to get wet but after a little while I figured how to hold the umbrella perpendicular to the wind and horizontal rain! 

We have been in an area orientation class and the girls have been going to kid watch.  They have made friends and love it.  Morgan gets her class assignment on Friday at a meet and greet.  School starts Monday.  Bella has a spot in the daycare. 

Today we were looking for a house and poor Bella had to go to the bathroom.  She called from inside that there was no toilet paper.  I told her to just shake and not worry about it, but she had gone number 2.  I told her to hang on while I pushed some buttons and sprayed water EVERYWHERE.  It was warm water too which she thought was too hot.  I guess later I saw there were different buttons for the amount of spray.  I ended up getting soaked too because her bum can't fill the opening to the toilet.  The agent looked horrified when we both came out wet and Jeff didn't want to know the details until later.  Ha! 

It has been an experience.  This Saturday we are going on a full day tour to see a festival.  My job is great and I really like the people that I work with.  So far - we all give it major thumbs up! 

Here is a picture of our new car. We still need to get insurance and complete some paperwork.