At a new frontier

Lilica posing on her Miffy tricycle near Taki-gawa stream behind our apartment

Within a few weeks, we'll pack up all of our belongings, load ourselves up in a rental car and head on out for Kurashiki, Okayama, our new home. These are exciting times, though a bit sad, since we must say goodbye to the good friends we've made here in Akaiwa.

I've loved our walks around the area, sometimes all three of us, but mostly just Lilica and I. We've ventured between many rice fields, seen different kinds of birds, streams and rivers and, always, felt the sheer power of the surrounding mountains when talking these walks. At first sight, I felt like these mountains were old "ronin," the masterless samurai that sought a retainer to commit their loyalty to. They overshadowed us with their stories of old and their legends of bravery.

Now, I know that that was just a mental reflection of how I felt, being an employee of a company so far away, yet being a teacher locally. Now, there is no conflict of loyalty, nor any doubt as to my true purpose in profession. In any case, I'll continue to strive to be my best as a teacher, a learner, a husband, a father and a human being.

Yes, Lilica, we're moving on up and the best is yet to come! Let's cruise on down that promising road together with Okaachan and keep one another company as we walk the path to success.