Tune in Tokyo

When friends move away, it's always hard to say goodbye, even when you know you will see them again. However, when you're friends move back to Japan, that "see you again" may never really happen.

About 4 years ago, a wonderful Japanese family rented a house from my in-laws. At first, it was just the dad, Kenny, when he was transferred here with his company. His wife and 2 young children were still in Japan and joined him later that year.

When they got here, we all just instantly clicked. The children, Rudy and Ty (those were their American names) became like Jim and Sylvia's other grandchildren. They even went to Grandparent's Day at Rudy's school.

Christmas (right before they left)

They came here, not knowing anyone or a word of English... I can't imagine. By the time they left 4 years later, Rudy spoke and read English perfectly, and even managed to pick up the Nascar bug while he was here in the South! ha!

Kenny worked a LOT of hours when he was here, so every holiday we as Americans celebrated, they used to see the country. I honestly think they saw more of the USA in 4 years than I've seen in 34. They knew they had limited time here and they wanted to visit as much as they could. They went to Disney World every chance they got... lucky kids!

When it came time for them to go back to Japan, it was really hard to say goodbye. BUT, thanks to Skype...here they are! Jim and Sylvia talk to them a few times a week, but we were there the other night when they were logged on and got to say hello.


Blowing kisses from the other side of the world
It was bedtime here for us, and they were just getting up.
We keep saying that in a few years, we will all make a trip across the big blue and visit the Murishage's to learn about their culture. Until then... we'll have to settle for Skype!