Mail Call

We got 6 boxes of Christmas cheer in the mail today. :) 

It makes us so happy. We don't get to shop in malls adorned with trees, garland, and sale ads. We miss seeing the joy on our families faces as they open their perfectly hand picked presents. And that feeling of Santa Claus coming to town is often missed over here. Receiving so much love from our friends and family back home makes it feel a little more real... even if temperatures are only dipping to a frosty 61 degrees.

So this is a big THANK YOU! Christmas is not about gifts for us, don't get me wrong! You could send us a big box of snow (we did get two cans of fake snow-- thanks Momma W and Grandma A!) or hugs and we would be perfectly happy just knowing you took the time to think about us and act on it!

Our tree went from looking sparsely decorated...

To surrounded by love. Thanks, everyone!!

We also got to hang our stockings by the chimney window with care. :) Yes, the spoiled dogs have stockings.

We were excited to find a bag from our favorite organization hiding between some presents in a box from Momma Walton. Take the time to learn about the dolphin trade and slaughter in mainland Japan here. It is a crusade near and dear to our hearts... and we would like nothing more for Christmas than to educate you on the subject. :)

Merry Christmas!!!

Miyajima

Miyajima is an island located right in between Iwakuni and Hiroshima, just off the coast of mainland Japan. Heather and I hopped a train from just beside her house to a ferry that took us on a quick ride to the island. Why visit some island? There are many reasons we traveled to Miyajima!

As soon as we got to the island, I saw deer everywhere! They were wandering the streets and you could even touch them! This one was a cute little baby. :)

This one decided to see what a random child had for a snack inside his stroller.

This guy was singing sweet love songs to Heather.

Heather talked me into stepping out of my box and trying something new.... 

Grilled Oysters!

I really did not like them, but I am proud of myself for trying!

The fall foliage was gorgeous as well. We do not really get fall colors in Okinawa so it was nice to see them again. :) 

Some fall colors over the water.

The 5-Story Pagoda had perfectly matching leaves to accompany and match its beauty.

Two of my favorite Japanese cultural aspects: Shisha and Torii Gates.

Speaking of Torii gates, Miyajima is known for the Floating Torii Gate. At high tide, it appears the gate is floating. At low tide, people can walk out to the gate. I liked seeing it at high tide and am glad we timed it right! 

Individuals can pay to take a ride through the gate. It is believed that your wishes will come true as you pass through the gate.

Chillin' at yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

My favorite picture of the day!

My Iwakuni adventure was so much fun. I have to give a big THANK YOU! to Heather for the great experience. It was awesome to see some great parts of mainland Japan and simply connect with a good friend! Can't wait to hang out with Heather again.... soon, please! :)

Hiroshima

While I was visiting Heather in Iwakuni, she was such a great tour guide. I am so lucky to have a network of great military-wife-friends, literally all over the globe. My favorite thing we did, that still weighs on my mind daily, was visiting Hiroshima. 

Panoramic View of Hiroshima Peace Park

When most people think Hiroshima, they probably think of the few minutes spent in a classroom chronicling the first atomic bomb dropping on the city near the end of World War Two. History was certainly never my favorite class… so if more was said than that, it was lost on me. I recently read the book Unbroken, the story of a WWII vet who survived a long, hard war through much adversity.  It was a lengthy read, totally worth the hours I spent immersed in the pages to become more connected with the history Japan and America have together. Visiting the site of this brutal attack, only 66 years after the bombing and weeks after reading such an inspiring story, was eye opening and humbling. I could go on for days about the impact it made on me, but I will let you see it for yourself through the photos. 

The Cenotaph, Pond of Peace, Flame of Peace, and A-Bomb Dome (Look through the Cenotaph).

Inscriptions of Peace, in many different languages. My Mom put it best saying: "This proves we all want the same things....little bit of peace in a crazy world." I could not agree more.

Paper Cranes. The tradition started with Sadako, a girl who was 2 years old at the time of the bombing and passed away ten years later with leukemia. Cranes continue to be folded and sent to her monument from all over the world with prayers and wishes for peace.

A class of Japanese students dedicating paper cranes and wishing for peace. Everyone watching was brought to tears.

1,000 Cranes.

The imprint of an atom on the Peace Bell.

Heather ringing the bell for peace. It is said to resound in each corner of the world and reach the hearts of each and every human being.

Students of all ages were mobilized and sent to work after the bombing, helping reclaim the destroyed city. This memorial is dedicated to the 6,300 students killed while stepping up to duty during and after the attack.

The most memorable picture of the day for me... The A-Bomb Dome. It is the only building left standing from the bombing. When the atomic bomb exploded, it ravaged the building instantly. Heat blazing from above consumed the entire building, killing everyone in it. Because the blast attacked the building from virtually straight overhead, some walls escaped total collapse. Standing beside this building and thinking about what happened that day was life changing.

I never thought that I would be 25, visiting somewhere that the first atomic bomb was dropped. It is humbling, thought provoking, and awe-inspiring. I hope you have been pushed to think about our history... and maybe delve into it a bit farther to allow your own views to become more well-rounded. Maybe I have reached at least one individual. ;)

Next up on the blog list: MiyaJima. Much more lighthearted, I promise. :)

Christmas is upon us!

Just wanted to share a few pictures of us getting in the Christmas spirit! :) 

Love, Love, Love my Willow Tree Nativity Set :) Check out the link, there are some awesome additions I am going to look for after Christmas (in hopes that they will be on sale)!

A Pinterest inspired Christmas window.

Our Tree... with a few little presents from Momma W under there!

How are you getting in the holiday spirit?