Friday, July 31, 2009

We're doing it

Ten minutes to the shuttle. All our bags are waiting in the lobby. Phone calls, glow sticks, crying kids....we're doing this. Poor Stacia is going to be glued to me....she panicked when I stepped out the room to put a suitcase on the cart......wants to go with me.....I told her she'll see Daddy soon.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Thursday, July 30, 2009

One More Sleep

Yep, just one more day until we begin our journey to Misawa....wellllll.....let me rephrase that...I have a key chain that says, "Every step of the journey is the journey," or something similar. We've begun THIS journey months ago, but one more sleep until we board the International flight to take us to Japan.

The suitcases are packed, AGAIN. I've printed boarding passes. We've checked liquid sizes and packed snacks.

Today, we fed the ducks at Tukwilla Pond.

Photobucket

Photobucket
Photobucket

We walked to Sizzlers for lunch.

Stacia and I walked to Target to buy a few "things".

We played games.

We swam.

We walked to McDonald's for dinner.

We talked to all the family we could reach on the phone. I couldn't reach Dad and Mom G all day and will try again tomorrow. I did talk to Mike, our 4 adult children and my parents.

We're winding it all down.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Something Fun

Have you ever visited Bible-College.net? I hadn't. ::snort::

However, they've written an article on 100 Blogs for Christian Homeschoolers and Choosing Joy is number 20. It looks like this will be a fun list to visit. I haven't a clue how they found me....but I look forward to checking out some of the others they've listed.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Prayer Request

Jared woke up not feeling well.....please pray its nerves and he's fine in a couple of hours...or pray for healing of whatever it is ...either way, he can't have the flu. We fly tomorrow.


Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Falling in Love with Seattle, Again!

This was a LONG day and this post is destined to be long.

It began with a bus ride into downtown Seattle. Several gave us various options for stops and we ended up right where we needed to be. Thanks, Lauri, for the bus schedule.


Photobucket

Notice everyone leaning BACK....this was a steep decline (and of course later it was a STEEPER INCLINE!)
Photobucket

We stopped here at Ivar's for fish and chips....or rather *I* had fish and chips and the kids had chicken and chips. ::snort::
Photobucket

I thought the setting was idyllic....
Photobucket
until I noticed how aggressively this bird was watching my fish and chips.
Photobucket

Notice the bird has his french fry
Photobucket

Photobucket

After lunch we visited the Seattle Aquarium (military discount).
Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Just Keep Swimming....Just Keep Swimming...
Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket
FINALLY - we made it to the Seattle Passport Office. Did you know that it is "illegal" to take photos in a Federal Building. You should have seen the guards snap to. It was great that the lady at the window is the one who had helped us Monday. She called me right up and gave me the passports. Stacia is hugging them below.
Photobucket
We loved the tunnels for the trains and buses.
Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

These were big buses! I can't recreate the entire story...but Zander held court on this bus....told our entire life story (or at least his) to everyone in the back of the bus. This resulted in a Goth escort when we got off the bus and lots of well wishes.

Jared and Arielle sat in the "accordion" part of the bus...two joined together....and they had quite a ride. They thought it funny to hear their name and look back to see everyone waving at them and calling them by name. ::snort::

We came back to the hotel and swam.

We walked to dinner. YES, it is still hot here...yes, we did walk all over downtown today. No, the AC doesn't work on the buses in the tunnels. Yes, it is MUCH cooler down on the waterfront.

Deja called tonight! Yahoo! We're going to watch a movie in our room and call it a day.

Did you catch that we have our passports? I was going to put them in the safe deposit box downstairs, but Jared mentioned that I might forget to take them if I do that. ::snort::

The plan is to fly on Friday.
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

I'm so Precious

Zander: "Why can't we go to the ponds to feed the ducks?"

Jared: "It's getting dark and you don't want to be down there when it's dark."

Zander: "Why not?"

Jared: "Bad stuff down there after dark..."

Zander: "Oh, is it because someone will steal me because I'm so precious?"


Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Exploring S Seattle

There are so MANY things within walking distance of our hotel.

This a.m. we walked to BK for "brunch". Walked to Office Depot for a power cord. Walked to Barnes and Nobel for...well... we DID have a suitcase of books stolen.

Photobucket

Then walked back to the hotel and swam. Did I mention it is 102* today?

This evening we walked to a Japanese Steakhouse! and had dinner with my 4 cousins, their children and grand children. What a treat! Our chef was full of helpful advice when we told him we were moving to Misawa. He said that this sort of food would be very expensive in Japan and to enjoy now. It wasn't terribly cheap here. ::snort:: He asked if we'd like to try Chicken Sushi. ::snort::

He said we could pick up the bowls and drink the soup?
Photobucket

The kids figured out the chopsticks fairly quickly.
Photobucket

Photobucket

I got tired of flinging salad around the table and working diligently for one grain of rice....and asked for some kiddy chopsticks. This was a source of great fun, but I was able to eat my meal with chopsticks. ::snort::

Zander was enthralled with the antics of the chef.
Photobucket

Photobucket

He shot a shrimp into Jared's mouth. ::snort::
Photobucket

My cousin Launnie kept Zander entertained with spinning coins.
Photobucket

After dinner we walked to Target for a few things. We bought bread to feed the ducks in the pond behind the hotel....but it was too dark to do that tonight. We'll try tomorrow.

The kids did get bored with the walking and staying in a hotel room. In fact, Jared, decided to ride the elevators up and down and listen to conversations. Hmmm....if he ever DOES run for President someone from today is sure to come forward with the story. ::snort::

I've decided rather than riding the bus alone to get our passports, we'll all go. I have a map and a bus schedule. I think I can get us downtown and to a few tourist spots. We'll stay away from bookstores...but there IS a great mystery bookstore that I spotted in Pioneer Square.

Walking back to the hotel from dinner, Arielle spotted Borders. Can you believe it? Three big bookstores within walking distance of the hotel. I didn't even PLAN it that way. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

3 Ups

Deb, a dear friend on the PWOC Central Region board, likes to ask us for 3 ups and 3 (not sure what she calls them, not downs but things that could be improved) after various events.

Tonight I'm going to share 3 ups...

1. Misawa had discontinued the Space A flights due to budget cuts. As of Oct, they will have them back. This is HUGE - it means we can fly back to the states for $30 and then buy domestic tickets to wherever we need to get, instead of paying $12 - 18,000 to fly. This makes the distance from loved ones seem much closer.

2. Mike was given an old minivan by a chapel attendee. The idea is that this takes the pressure off having to buy something NOW and allows me to have input in the decision on the family purchase.

And a BIG one! I could have done it. I would have done it....but I don't have to do it!!!!

3. Some who read comments may have seen Kim comment. Kim's sister, Kathy, and I were roommates at college. Kim has been living in Japan for a long time (decades I think). She's married to Ryu, who told her to "go take care of them (us)." Kim informs me that her family will meet us when we come through customs. They will stay at the same hotel as us and will make sure we get on the shuttle to Haneda for our flight to Misawa. I am so humbled. I am grateful beyond measure. God has taken care of this so beautifully. I'm excited to meet Kim's family on THIS trip....She tells me they will take care of us Japanese style. I haven't a clue what that means but the idea that they would go this expense and bother to minister to me is surely above and beyond anything I expected. Maybe this sort of brotherly kindness is the Japanese style.

See? The joyful reaping is already starting.....

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Scenery, Passports & Farewell

Jared snapped this photo of the amazing scenery around here. It was like this from Olympia to FT Lewis....come to think of it, it was like this all the way from the Tacoma Dome to 2nd street too.... ::snort::
Photobucket

6:45 a.m. breakfast before we go into the fray...
Photobucket

I don't have a photo of saying goodbye to Krista....she is now home safe and sound in Eugene and reports that the van is going into its well-earned 3 year rest. LOL

We began exploring last night. We walked to dinner, then to Half Price Books and then...
Photobucket

On the way back to the hotel we found the pond you mentioned mom. We plan to buy some bread and go back.

I'm looking forward to walking everywhere we want to go....though the heat wave around here is making it a bit of a challenge. ::snort::


Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Goodbye to Bre

Bre came down to say goodbye Sunday a.m. We prayed. Then the hugs and tears began.

Zander surpised us all by picking Bre up!
Photobucket

Group Hug!
Photobucket
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Last few days in Eugene

The round bldg behind the boys is the old girls dorm - it's now a co-ed type dorm...and to the right is the old student center which is now something else and a music center.
Photobucket

Dad played b-ball with the boys in the HEAT
Photobucket

LOVES her new backpack
Photobucket

Tag at Grandma and Grandpa's
Photobucket

The kids loved to play with Mikhail & he seemed to enjoy it as well
Photobucket

Mafia one late afternoon at my parents
Photobucket

Saturday night we went to Chuck E Cheese...all of us and Mom and Dad
Photobucket

I guess some never grow up. ::snort::
Photobucket

This was cool - you controlled it with the reins
Photobucket


Photobucket


Photobucket

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Monday, July 27, 2009

Sidebar

Are you chuckling, Debbie (in NY)? I've shared with Debbie before that when life feels "out of control," I change the blog....something "under my control".

I finally got some of our new family photos loaded into the sidebar...but I can't decide if I like the big photos, or if I should go back to thumbnails? What do you guys think? Does it make difference in the loading time?

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Well Executed Plan

This is a rather long post...but remember this blog exists as a family journal and this will all be interesting to us as a family in a decade or two. ::snort:: The rest of you are welcome to skip it.

We rock.

The kids were up and dressed. The suitcases were loaded back into the van and we were at Burger King for breakfast at 6:30 a.m.

We headed to the MPF and were waiting when Sgt arrived. I honestly think he was hoping I'd go away until I wasn't his responsibility. I left repeated messages last week that I'd be at his office Monday a.m. He wasn't real excited to see me that early....

"Maaaa'am, I don't have your passports!"

I reminded him that I was bringing him Stacia's birth certificate and was here to pick up the duplicate copies for the rest of us.

"Oh."

It turns out he is moving sections and had passed us off to a Sgt. Brooks, a Christian brother who endeared himself to the kids and I earlier in the month. Sgt. Brooks, however, was on leave. SO..... He gave me the copies of the birth certificates. I asked for a DSN number so that Mike can call them with the address to send our military passports.

He stopped, looked at me, frowned and said, "So, you're going to go ahead and get a tourist passport instead of waiting?"

I told him I was headed to the appointment. I had not MENTIONED Misawa, when he said, "Well, if that's what MISAWA wants you to do, then you'd better do it." ::snort:: I think he had heard from someone that there was more than one official way to handle the situation.

We weren't sure about traffic and so we headed into the Federal Building directly from the MPF. We arrived at 9:00 a.m. Krista stayed with the van and luggage while the rest of us went in to get the lay of the land. We'd been told NOT to show up more than 15 min early, but I wanted to be sure we knew where things were. By the time we found the building several needed the rest room. We passed security and they directed us to the 9th floor for passports. The line was long. As I waited outside the restroom one of the ladies told me to go ahead and check in even though we were 1 1/2 hours early. It turns out the computer had hiccuped...I was told my appt was at 10:30, but the Processing Center had it down as 9:00. Oh well. I apologized and they said it was fine, I was on time. It took a long time for them to work through 6 applications. Everyone in the room knew the story by the time we were done. Some of them remembered us and the kids were sort of obvious saying, "Ohio gozaimas" to everyone that walked by. ::snort::

I about threw up when she motioned me up and said we had a problem with MY passport. It appears that my AK driver's license had a different name on it than the passport application. Huh? Yep...AK uses your maiden name on your driver's license... De'Etta T Goecker. I explained. I showed her my military id...she'd have none of it. She had my birth certificate, my marriage license and still she and the supervisor decided the passport must match my driver's license. I must remember to show my driver's license and not military id when I travel on the tourist passport, as it will match the AK driver's license. At that point, I was ready to fly as Charlie Brown if that is what they wanted.

She called me back again and said they couldn't release the passports to a p.o. box.... She needed my permanent mailing address. I explained that this WAS my permanent address. That the only address I was given was an APO. I suggested I could use a stateside one if they wanted. She said, "You mean a relative?" That won't work at all. Back to the supervisor who decided that they would accept the APO address. This was causing quite a bit of drama relief for the full waiting room.

I confessed to her that we had applied for military passports but that we wanted to fly NOW on tourist passports. She said, "Honey, that is perfectly o.k. We understand your situation." I felt better as I didn't want to be doing anything sneaky.....there were signs everywhere that said that could result in 20 years in prison. ::snort::

The moment came when we all stood in front of the window, raised our right hands and swore that we didn't lie on our applications.....WAIT...she stopped mid-swear and said, "Right hand young man!"

Zander fixed the problem by raising both hands and enthusiastically yelling, "I DO!" Ah, the friendly chuckles and smiles from our fellow travelers.....

She made my day when she wished us a wonderful assignment in Misawa and said we deserved it. I'm not sure we deserve any of the blessings a loving Father showers on us, but I appreciated the concern. Our passports can be picked up Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. I wanted them TODAY....but no one was getting them that quickly and I heard several being told they'd have a week's wait.

We fought the traffic again. Did you know that if you are mildly claustrophobic driving in bumper to bumper, rush hour traffic is a bit challenging? I told the kids it was more practice for Tokyo....except we'll all drive on the other side of the road in Tokyo.

We arrived at the hotel before check in time. I asked if we could store the luggage and go get some lunch. Irony - the receptionist told me, "leave the bags there, they'll be fine."

I struggled with my concern, and finally told her that I was the lady whose luggage, van and documents were stolen on the 5th and I was nervous leaving our luggage in the doorway of the hotel. ::snort:: She ran right over to help us move it to the sales' office. She also told me she'd been praying for me and that she'd try to have our room ready a couple of hours early. God takes care of us so well.

We had lunch and then said goodbye to Krista.

Some have asked how I'm REALLY doing? Am I really this strong? No, I'm not. God, who sustains me, IS. The secret is (and I shared this on Facebook) it is quite possible to be confident and terrified at the same time. Remember, going into labor for the first time after graduating from Lamaze classes? I didn't realize how stressed I was until I was talking to Mike last night and mentioned that I hadn't been able to eat Saturday or Sunday. I ate lunch today. Knowing that the passports are on the way, is a great stress reliever....I'm nervous about the next phase...but this is almost over...and God is breaking fear in my life...which is very good. This is simply a time when I HAVE to go through the fear, through the experience that is outside of my comfort zone to arrive where I know I'm supposed to be. I'm fairly certain several readers can relate.

Who knows? Maybe I'm about to become a world traveler for Jesus. ::Snort:: Flying isn't worrying me, customs isn't worrying me...it's the language difference in Tokyo that has me concerned....I'm a bit worried I'll get us on a shuttle away from Misawa and end up in Okinawa. ::snort:: But Shhhhhh......don't tell the kids this...they have complete confidence in me. ::snort::

I need to go buy a USB cord so that I can load photos....not sure how I lost mine and the reader on the laptop has stopped working.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

"I want to go home, this IS our home!"

Poor Stacia is getting confused. We are back at the hotel we were in when our van/documents/clothes were stolen.

She was SO excited. Then I heard the age-old whine that I've been listening to since May, "I want to go hooooommmme!" with an added twist, "This IS our home!" Great - now she thinks her home is the hotel. ::snort:: I've been explaining that on Friday we are going to fly to Japan....but I think she thinks this hotel life has some perks worth keeping...pool, free cookies, lots of staff making lots over her....

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

In This Scenario.....

Jared breaks both arms and fractures several ribs. ::snort::

Throughout this trip, the kids have been practicing getting on and off elevators, QUICKLY. This WAS in practice for the Bullet Train. The kids and I have decided to FLY to Misawa instead of taking the train, nonetheless, the practice continues. When one doesn't make it into the elevator in time someone makes up a "scenario"... ala penguins in Madagascar. "In this scenario, Dad is lost in Tokyo."

As we left the Passport Processing Center this a.m. Jared jumped into the closing elevator door to hold it for the little ones. I smiled at him and nodded my approval of his looking out for the little ones.

THEN!!! The doors CRUNCHED him. I've never seen them do that. Poor kid. After realizing he was OK, we couldn't help laughing....."in this scenario..."

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Executing the Plan

WOW - talk about TRAFFIC.....I told the kids we were getting ready for Tokyo traffic...but taking 3 - 4 minutes to drive 1 minute is NOT my idea of fun. I'm glad to be done with driving for the day.

We're checked in to McChord. We're eating, the kids are playing at the play structure at the BX and I'm enjoying the wifi.

I'll try to make contact with Sgt A at 0730 tomorrow.

Passport appt at 1030.

Prayer for both of those appointments (and for the travel time between them) are appreciated. Krista will be driving the van back to OR tomorrow. Please pray for her safety and less traffic as well. ::snort::

We said goodbye to Bre and my parents today. We're sad...and I'm finding, now that I'm back up here, I'm nervous. I am dreaming of the day that this will be over and we'll be settled in Japan.

We'll have wifi at the hotel tomorrow. Nate, my baby brother, reported that all his pre-international move stress disappeared when he got on a plane last week....I'm hoping for the same.....

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Friday, July 24, 2009

Quick update

I saw a doc today (and that's a story I'll save for another day). I have a whopper pill that is supposed to work wonders....and some other med that I'm not sure WHAT it is supposed to do....They ran a bunch of tests and I'm waiting to see what other goodies I may be in for. I'm about to launch a full out war on Tri-care.....but I LOVE the clinic at GAFB. They finally told me to GO and they'd fax a referral...which no one around here wants to take because they say Tri-care Prime won't pay them. I decided I'd see the doctor anyway as I had been approved to do so by the GAFB doc and would argue with Tricare as needed. I'm waiting for the doc to call.

I'm waiting for Sgt. A at McChord to call.

I'm waiting for the travel office at GAFB to call.

I'm done shopping. I bought new Life Journals. The girls will take Arielle out this afternoon. We've had hair cuts. We're doing laundry and preparing to move back to WA.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

I am NOT homeless


Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come; You have given commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress. Ps 71:3 NASB

Habitation - dwelling place, den, refuge, lair

I have much to write about this verse, but left my life journal at the house - and I'm not at the house. ::snort::

This verse has ministered to me greatly during this pcs (military move). God is my immovable, strong and secure habitation. He's my dwelling place, my den and He welcomes me to continually come to this secure location. ::snort:: HE has given commandments to save me....He is my rock and my CASTLE...my stronghold.

Regardless of where I live....be that a trailer, a hotel room, a campus house, a single family dwelling, a duplex, a 4plex, a high rise apartment, off base house, on base house or that infamous box at the side of the rice paddy (family joke)...I always have a habitation to which I can run. I am not homeless. I have a secure and permanent residence. He, Himself, His name and Presence are my home. I am at home!

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Productive Day

Today was productive...though I thought I should have gotten more done.

  • We're scheduled at McChord Sunday night.
  • I hope I have an appt with Sgt. A at 0730 on Monday.
  • I have a tourist passport appt scheduled for 10:30 on Monday.
  • We have discounted rooms from M-F night.
  • I've priced rental vans. Still thinking on that one. If we don't do that, I'll need to get insurance on the van before Sunday.
  • I did more paperwork for Well's Fargo.
  • Mom bought running shoes for Mike and Jared.
  • Mom and I took Stacia shopping for "pink running shoes" - hers were stolen.
  • We visited with Mom and Dad.
  • We got Krista home in time to get to work.
  • We are now going to go relax......and hit it all again in the a.m. - the list is still long. LOL

You KNOW you've been traveling too long when the laptop is called the "big screen" by your son. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Tuesday -

I ran wild trying to get THINGS done. I spent a lot of time with Wells Fargo - trying to convince them that though I didn't know my mortgage number it was not fraud to attempt to pay it. ::snort:: I also got some shopping done and waited for Mike to call.

The kids....

Games....Bre played then went to run errands while Krista played....note the cool retro table from craig's list for $20 and the chairs were rescued from a building project for free by Dad. The girls painted them silver and black....and they are decorating the living/dining room with a retro/ black/family theme.
Photobucket

Singing in the Rain....
Photobucket

Krista started work last night. She'll be cleaning a medical office.
Photobucket

Today, I need to keep moving. Mom is out shopping for running shoes for Mike and Jared. I'm NOT replacing all that was taken. From what I hear there will be more organic options at the commissary than we had at GAFB...so I'm not replacing food - other than REAL salt. I'm also trying to replace only the things we NEED. I did buy a Canon Powershot SD1200 online....I can't wait for the insurance...need to get what I need and leave. LOL

I'm trying to line things up for a trip to WA and then prayerfully on to Japan. I've decided to wait and go up Sunday. I'm hoping I can get into McChord on Sunday night...if not I'll stay somewhere near the base and be at the door at 7:30 a.m. on Monday....then hopefully to SEA Passport Processsing by 11:00 on Monday....then wait.... Our plan is to stay in the SEA area until we fly out. The kids simply don't want to go up and back again. I don't blame them. I can think of better ways to spend the days before a long, international flight. The kids have to be with me to apply for passports.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Fun @ Grandma's

Here are some photos from yesterday (Monday) afternoon.



Stacia
Photobucket

Nolan
Photobucket

Zander
Photobucket

Mikhail & Stacia
Photobucket

Grandma T & Stacia
Photobucket

Endie and Etoy (means girls in Philippines)
Photobucket


Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...