My journey to Japan actually started on the one year anniversary of the passing of my dear mother. On the drive to my mother's grave, my brother said to me, "Life is short! You should go be with your new husband." I had been married a little over a month and was geographically separated from Jake at the time. Jake and I had decided that I would stay back in the states at our home and continue my career with PennDOT and he would finish up his tour in Japan. My brother's comment set my mind on a whirlwind of thoughts and by the time I got home that evening I called Jake and told him I wanted to be by his side as we started our new life together. Fast forward several months and all of the logistics to get me half way around the globe...I arrived with two suitcases, no job, no local friends, no car, no phone, and no knowledge of the local culture or language.
In honor of my dear Mom, I write my journey to you in the context of the way she lived and prioritized her life.
1. Trust in God/Go to Church - My mother was a woman of faith and very actively involved in our church. I remember as a child how our family always filled the front pew at Edenville UM Church. When the life you know disappears around you, the one and only constant I found was that God was right there by my side. God placed new friends in our life through our church family and Christian Fellowship group here in Okinawa.
2. Work Hard - For the first time in 20 years I was without a job. I had always identified who I was by the jobs I had through the years. All of a sudden I was "Natasha - stay at home person". I struggled quite a bit with this at first. How was I to define who I was now? Growing up I watched my mom juggle her career, school, church, all 8 of us kids and still have dinner every night on the table. It took time, but I learned that I was still the same person I was before, when I had a job. As luck would have it, when home in the states a few months ago, I was presented an opportunity to become an independent consultant with Rodan + Fields. Now I am blessed to have a job that has given me my confidence back - not only by improving my own skin (Okinawa weather conditions wreak havoc on skin) but by sharing great skin care products to help others look their best with healthy skin too! The best part is I can manage this business from anywhere in the world. This journey taught me that no matter what job you have or don't have at the moment, it doesn't define who you are.
3. Give back - My mother was one of the most giving people I know - with her time, her talents, her blessings. With all my new found time on my hands, I thought what better to do then find ways to bless others the way God has blessed me. It took me awhile to find the right opportunities, but now I truly enjoy serving at the USO, my church here and am looking forward to my upcoming mission trip in June. I'm excited to see what other doors God will open for us to serve others during our time here in Okinawa.
4. "Run a tight ship" - I honestly don't know how my mother kept our house running so smoothly. Imagine how much laundry 10 people produce in a week and how much food must be prepared to feed all of us! I rarely saw my mom relax - she seemed to always be doing something. When I first arrived here, Jake kept saying "Relax, enjoy your free time." But like my mother, I didn't know how to do that! At first I felt guilty if I spent time relaxing during the day - wasn't there something I should be doing?! The one thing that kept me sane in the first few months was 'running a tight ship' - I made it my job to keep the house spotless, the laundry done, the groceries purchased, the meals prepared. Not only did it give me something to do, but it allowed me to have evenings free to spend quality time with Jake.
5. Value Relationships - My mother loved her family and friends and cherished time she spent with others. When I first arrived in Okinawa, it was tough being home alone all day when Jake left for work. I was used to being around people all day! I missed 'girls night out' and lunch with my friends. I learned quickly that even though I was half way around the world, that I could still have a relationship with my friends and family back home. One of my favorite parts of my day is first thing in the morning having breakfast with my husband before he leaves for work and then being able to call and email home for a few hours to talk with all of you. The one relationship I value most is the one I have with Jake. It's the whole reason I moved here in the first place! We have been blessed to have so much quality time together to grow closer as a couple.
6. Count your Blessings - I know my mom sacrificed a lot to be able to provide and care for our family. I never heard her complain that she didn't have a free moment to herself. And yet when I first arrived here, my biggest challenge was all my free time. It took me awhile to count it as a blessing!! And while I have so very much to be thankful for, my biggest blessing has been my husband. A true gem who has stood by my side while I traveled this journey to where we are today.
We leave Tuesday, May 15th for our honeymoon trip to China and Thailand. We ask for your prayers for safe travels and perseverance for our race on the Great Wall on the 19th.
Happy Mother's Day!!
Until next week...
Natasha and Jake
