Taadake = Taa Falls

Troy and I were so excited that the adventurous Momma K joined us, because we have been waiting to hike a water fall that requires some river trekking along the way. She was the perfect excuse to make the trip up North!

We loaded up the whole Fam-Damily and off we went.

The hike to the waterfall was a creek littered with big rocks,branches, George-of-the-Jungle-esque ropes, and interesting creatures. We rappelled down rocks, climbed ropes, scaled cliffs, splashed up mini-waterfalls, and ended the trek at the base of a 100 foot tall waterfall.

Troy just swingin' in the breeze.

Arrrrgh!

He is a little monkey.

This is my "I-give-up-on-hoisting-my-butt-up-here" pose.

After a fun but semi-treacherous hike, we reached our astonishing destination!

Taa-Daaa!

Momma K and Roo under an Okinawan waterfall!

It was impossible to keep our eyes open under the 100 feet of cascading water!

Chesty was dying to get out there and play in the waterfall!

Waterfall love <3

Do you love Okinawa, Momma K?

Thanks for reading! :)

Surprise visit from Momma K!

Momma K celebrating with her toes in the Pacific!

My Mom is crazy, fun, full of life, and- most importantly- my best friend. 

Last night, Troy left softball practice early because he said he had to pick up a Marine from the airport. I came home from practice and started working on a few things around the house. Shortly after, he arrived home and told me he "got me a present on the way home". This usually means Sour Patch Kids or a stray animal he wants to rescue, which are totally okay with me! Not this time! 

In walked the BEST surprise EVER. My beautiful Momma!!! 

Our first Momma-Roo pic. Dipping our toes in the Pacific. :) 

I was literally in shock for at least 20 minutes and cried about 15 times. I kept thinking "I am going to be so upset if this is a dream and when I wake up she is not here!" I don't think she expected that reaction, but I was so genuinely shocked and happy that I did not know how to form words! I am pleased to announce that when I woke up today and ran to the spare room, she was still here! 

(You can't post a blog when you're dreaming, which means it has to be real... right??)

Here are some pics from her first day in Oki! :)

:)

A little typhoon is on it's way (as usual) so there were some sweet waves!

My almost-very-favorite view of the island- from the top of Zanpa lighthouse.

Chillin' on a dirt road. Showing her some of our favorite stomping grounds.

And my not-so-favorite Okinawan creature. It was as big as my hand!

I can not believe she, Troy, and many of my friends pulled off this massive surprise! I am so excited to spend the next two weeks showing her the place I love to live. I can't even express my excitement! 

Cheers to many more Roo 'n' Mommy adventures in the weeks to come! 

LOVE my MOMMA!!!

Tassei = Accomplishment

I got unexpected news in the mail today that I am so excited to share!

In July, I took the Praxis II to finish up my teaching certifications. I have been patiently awaiting results and checking online weekly to see my scores. Sadly, they have not been posted any time that I have checked! When I came home from work today, I was surprised to see a giant envelope from the Praxis people. Scores are only posted online, so I assumed it was some sort of advertisement. When I opened the envelope this is what I found....

My Thoughts: Excellence? In what??

Then I ripped open the folder and found.... 

A letter that was not really sideways, but I can't seem to fix!

I received a letter and certificate stating that I am in the top 15% of all test takers in previous years. I was so excited that I cried! I have worked so hard to be a good teacher, mentor, and volunteer with the kids in Okinawa and my hard work is recognized. :)

I have been struggling to find an open position to fill here in Okinawa as a teacher. It breaks my heart everyday that the kids go to school and I am not there helping them learn. Seeing this letter brought on a wave of excitement- followed by disappointment. I know I deserve a job teaching, and this proves it! Now if only I could get someone in Okinawa to give me a job doing what I love!