Actual post date: June 5th.
I have been wanting to write a blog post for weeks now, but every time I sit down to write, I go blank. How do I say all of the things that are bouncing around in my head? How do I express the simultaneous, mingling feelings of overwhelming stress, excitement and fear that are overtaking my mind? How do I begin this blog, and what is my purpose in it, really? Is it for me to share about my feelings and thoughts? Is it for you to stay updated with us? Is it for strangers looking for advice and insight on moving to Japan?
I don't know. I'm hoping I (we) figure it out along the way.
Regardless, you are invited to share in this blogging adventure with us. Joe and I will be sharing this blog and while I am sure we will write some posts together, we will write many separately. Those which are written by me will be labeled "Brittany's posts" and you will be able to see all of my posts by clicking on the label on the right side of the page.
As for now I will say that it's hard to write exactly how I'm feeling five days before we leave. The past two weeks have been spent tying up loose ends, saying goodbye to many different people and places and packing up our first home. It continues to be an emotional ride. On the one hand, it has been very freeing to get rid of so many of our things as we decide what is truly important to us and worth packing, whether it be in our suitcases or in our boxes for storage. On the other hand, it is hard to take down our first home. We have made so many memories in this apartment and I think we will always remembering our first home, including all of our favorite nearby restaurants and places (I'm looking at you, La Bonne Bouchee).
I know that we are on to exciting new places and adventures together, and that when we leave Japan, I'll be writing a similar post about how difficult it is to leave. And I truly am excited and eager and thrilled to make this big move... it just isn't easy leaving everything behind. At the same time, we are both at the point where we are so tired and emotionally drained from that past two weeks that we are ready to just get there and move past this "in between" phase. We are thankful, however, for the last few days to spend with friends and family before we set out.
Again, it is difficult to put my feelings into words because while I am sad and nostalgic, I am also ecstatic and just can't wait to get there and have a great new adventure. I'm just accepting that this post will only touch on things.
I am praying continuously for peace and that God will bless this move abundantly - which, of course, He has already! I know it will be amazing and I can't wait to see what is in store for us when we get there.
For those of you who don't know, we fly out Wednesday (June 10th) at 7 a.m. and will arrive in Osaka, Japan on Thursday at 3 p.m. Japan time, 1 a.m. central standard time. We will be staying Osaka until Saturday, when we will go down to Fukuyama, where we will be living. We launch full speed ahead into life in Japan once we arrive in Fukuyama, but more on that later. :)
Expect to see many pictures, stories, and transparent feelings in the next few weeks.
Until then...
ăăăȘă！
