2012 June ...Aloha Ko'Olina!

On Saturday June 9, Jacob, Matthew, Jessica and I arrived in Hawaii at 10:30am.  We finally found a car that would fit our luggage!  We went directly to Marriott Ko'Olina and checked in.  We were able to get one of the connecting rooms to drop off luggage.  We drove to Costco, ate hot dogs, and bought food for the week.  Way too much American food at our fingertips!  Jacob and Matthew wanted to watch basketball.  Jessica and I went to the pool.  So tired!  Jacob joined us at the pool.  Matthew had fallen asleep on the couch.  Subway and strawberries for dinner and a Disney movie, of course!

View from our balcony

On Sunday, June 10, we slept in until almost 11am.  After breakfast, we went to the pools.  Matthew played flag football.  We went to Outback Steak House for dinner.  The big differences from Japanese dinner out?  We had an English speaking waiter.... the portions were huge...we paid with a credit card at the table ... and had to tip!

On June 11, we drove to airport to get Phillip (who was flying in from Missouri).  It took a while, so Jacob went to find him.  When Phillip got his bag, he saw that it was taped.  He had clothes actually laying on the conveyor belt!  So, needless to say, Phillip spent a while at the Delta customer service counter.  The boys would take turns coming out to give me updates as Jessica and I drove around about 14 times!  We did not have US cell phones, so I just had to keep driving.  We finally got Phillip and headed to the resort. Pool and beach.  Dinner at in our room.  We discovered the awesome Costco ceasar salad!

June 12 was a beach day!

On Wednesday, June 13, we took a dolphin, sea turtle, and snorkling trip.

On June 14, we enjoyed the beach and pool.

On June 15, we visited Pearl Harbor.

On Saturday, June 16, we packed up and checked out.  We had some time to play at the pools.  We stopped for wings on our way to the airport. 

We ended this season of Maloney Adventures the same way we started them - in beautiful Hawaii. Not a bad place to bookend! While this season of adventures has come to an end, we look forward to what adventures our new home in Clemson SC will bring.

Peace and Love,

Tina

Sayonara Japan!

The sayonara events have begun.  This is certainly an emotional time.  We are excited to go back to the US, but we will be closing a very exciting chapter in our lives.  I am so grateful for the wonderful friends we have made during our 23 months in Japan.  I believe that you get closer to people more quickly when you are on an ex-pat assignment.  I think it is because we are all we've got ... and we are so far from home.

On May 24, twenty ladies got together for a sayonara lunch for Megan, Nicole, Kathleen, Marie, and me at House of Pacific in the Oriental Hotel.  The food was terrific, but the company was better.  The group not only bought our lunch, but gave us very thoughtful gifts: a sayonara kokeshi doll signed by the ladies, a picture book of Japanese memories, and a Tully's coffee travel mug.  A few of us had to leave a bit early to make it back to CA for the Elementary School sayonara assembly.  We made it without a minute to spare. Jessica sang "Mighty to Save" while her friend Chiho played piano.  I am proud of her performance, but I am more proud of her courage and confidence.  I am also extremely thankful that my 8 year old little girl sang about the power of God in front of her entire school.

Jessica and Chiho perform "Mighty to Save"

Matthew was recognized for being part of Math Olympiad all year.  Also, he received his 5th grade graduation certificate.  Finally, both Jessica and Matthew were given sayonara books signed by their classmates and teachers.  I so enjoyed reading these when they got home.  It is powerful to read what the children's peers and teachers think about them.

On May 25, we spent the evening at Macsys with friends. May 26 was International Kids Day, and 
Jessica sang with the CA 1st and 2nd graders.  On May 27, we had a lovely final dinner out with McCormick's.

On June 1, we all enjoyed the Sayonara party at Macsys.

Megan and Tina

Special ladies

Sayonara to Nicole, Marie, Megan, Tina, Kathleen 

Matthew and Jessica both performed at the June 2 Piano recital.

Spring, Song, Little Flower Girl of Paris

Lion March duet

Wavin' Flag

My June 3 birthday this year happened to be our last day in our apartment.  It was quite sad!  We did some cleaning and packing.  We took some pictures and really tried to soak in the view.  We met BT, Eiko, Kai, and Luka Toews at Rico's for dinner.  Then, the adults sat on our balcony for a long time while the kids played Band Hero.  Bob Novak joined us.  It was a great way to spend the evening.

On June 4, the movers came.  We moved into Sheraton.  The Fitzpatricks were there all week, and the Mangs moved in on Wednesday.  Breakfasts were fun as we had a combination of McDonalds, Starbucks, Tullys, and Family Mart all in the same morning!

June 5 was Jacob's 8th grade graduation party.

The kids and I surprised Phillip by attending a Procter and Gamble sayonara celebration where he was honored.  It was touching to see what an impact Phillip has made on his organization.

We will miss sweet Sakamoto-san!

What a thoughtful gift!

Phillip flew to St. Louis on June 6.  The sayonara at the bus was emotional.  Nicole Brown and her boys were on the bus and flight with Phillip.  Nicole was thankful since her husband Sean could not travel with them.

The group gathers to give one last sayonara bow as the bus leaves.

On June 8,  Jeanette helped me clean.  I went to one last Tullys morning with the ladies.  Then, I met the kids at CA and brought flowers to Ms. Vos.  We said goodbye to all the teachers.  Jacob was so proud of his leadership award.

Thank you Ms. Vos!

We will miss you Mrs. Wilson!

Jessica and Chiho

Jessica and Matthew are proud of great grades!

Jacob received great grades and 3 awards, but he was most proud of the leadership award.

We did the check out with Entente staff.  The kids hung out at River Mall in the rain.  We brought flowers to front reception, and we all cried.  Then, we had happy hour at Lisa Clapp's.  Jacob, Dillon, and Brent came in after saying goodbye to Angel and Kendall.  Their tears broke my heart.  We had dinner at Rico's. Jacob stayed with Andy, Dillon, and Brent.  Matthew stayed with Dylan.

On June 9, we said goodbye to the Fitzpatricks who had a taxi (because of their cat Maloney).  This was the hardest one for me.  I am really going miss Megan.  She and I spent many hours together talking, walking, sharing coffee or wine...  Many folks came to our sayonara bow for the 5:00pm bus.  I am so going to miss our friends.  As I have said before, we are all we have. We are family.  Dylan and Matthew made me very sad.  I had trouble saying goodbye to Sachi and Alex.  I had to wonder if we would ever actually see them again.  The hardest goodbye of this final round was the Wilson family.  They have been great friends to our family.  Pete has taught/coached/advised our boys pretty much from day 1.  We loved talking college football with Pete, and Phillip enjoyed coaching with him.  Jacob and Andy have shared many good times and many, many sleepovers.  Jenny is a sweet soul, and the girls are adorable.

One last ride on the bus from the Sheraton to Kansai Airport

We loaded the bus, waved goodbye, and continued to cry.  Then, we opened the envelopes from Sachi. She had written a sweet note to each of us - the family, Jacob, Matthew, and Jessica.  The tears started again. Oh how we will miss the wonderful friends that we did life with over the past two years in this amazing country.

Peace, Love, and Sayonara Japan!

Tina

  

May 2012 with family and friends

Golden Week is a long holiday in Japan which actually includes a few different holidays: Showa Day (The Emperor's birthday), Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children's Day.  The net is that the schools and businesses are closed for 4 to 5 days each year to celebrate.

On May 3, we stayed home to play.  Phillip and I went out to dinner at the Kitano-Tei, also known as the paddle restaurant. The chef cooks right in front of you and then serves your food on a paddle with a long handle.  Jacob stayed home with Matthew and Jessica.  After we returned, our friends Bob, Sue, Jeff, and Kristen came over for drinks on the balcony.  It was a lovely evening.

On May 4, we took the train to a Hanshin Tigers game against a Tokyo team.  The Tigers only got 1 hit and had 1 walk.  They lost 4-0.  There was certainly a lot less energy on the side of the Tigers as compared to our experience a year ago, but we had a great time anyway.  The line to get on the train was very long, so we went over to a nearby mall and found a buffet restaurant for dinner.  We ended the night at Macsys and then Margos with the Novaks and Congletons.

Phillip enjoyed sushi during the game.

Bottom of the 7th

Bottom of the 7th

On May 5, we took trains for 1 hour and 40 minutes to get to Nara, near Kyoto.  Nara was Japan's first capital and home of Japanese Buddhism.  This 1300-year-old city is also home to eight World Heritage Sites, including the Todaiji Temple and its Great Buddha, both dating back to the mid-700s.  After returning home, we joined the Congletons and Markhams at the Novaks for dinner and to say goodbye to Sue as she was heading back to Kentucky the next day to stay for the summer.  Sue has been like a big sister to me.  I will really miss her!

5 Story Pagoda

The deer walk around everywhere.

Todaiji Temple, home of the Great Buddha

The Great Buddha

The boys race up a steep hill for a great view of the city.

We had mailed Matthew's images to Chris in SLC to get a 2nd opinion.  On May 10, Chris told us that the pediatric neuroradiologist and the pediatric neurosurgeon thought that the lesion was a tumor based on the look and the location.  They recommended to wait 2 months and then get another MRI and additional studies.  We have decided to go to SLC for appointments on June 18 so that we can get the very best evaluation and recommendation for what to do moving forward.  I keep praying that this lesion will not grow and that Matthew will continue his very active lifestyle without any problems.

May 11 was Mother's Day.  Matthew and Jessica made me breakfast in bed!  We listened to last year's Mother's Day sermon from New Spring which brought us all to tears.  I took Matthew to get his permanent retainer fixed, and to our surprise, Dr. Takeuchi removed it!  Matthew said, "Now that is 2 things that we thought were bad, but they are actually good.  I thought it was bad that I broke my retainer, but I got to get it taken out.  Also, I thought my concussion was bad, but that is how we found out about the spot."  Very matter-of-fact and very positive.  I just hugged him and agreed.  Later in the afternoon, Jacob brought me lilies, while Matthew and Jessica gave me little Japanese bowls and plates.  We had shrimp and steak for dinner.  Then, we enjoyed bananas and strawberries dipped in chocolate.  After the kids went to bed, Phillip and I had a very emotional conversation with Grandma.  After this, I think we both cried ourselves to sleep.  I found Phillip asleep with Matthew at 4:00am.

Monday, May 12, was a tough one.   Once everyone left the apartment, I just lost it.  I cried most of the morning.  Afterward, I spent the rest of the day in prayer and reading the bible.  I keep coming back to these verses in Philippians 4:6-7.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

On Friday, May 18, Phillip surprised me with roses and dinner at LL Artista for our 16th anniversary.  (He was scheduled to be at a work dinner.)  Jacob's friends Brent and Dylan slept over.  Jacob's volleyball team had won their tournament games on Friday, and then on Saturday, May 19, they won 4 more games to secure the championship!  Jacob has been fortunate to be part of 6 championships across 4 sports in the past 2 years.  This was a great way to end his Canadian Academy and middle school athletic career!

Jacob and Joesh played all sports together the past 2 years.

Andrew, Cassia, Thomas, and Isabella McCormick came over for dinner that night.  This was the first family we met when we moved here and they were the link that led Matthew to play rugby.  We so enjoy their friendship - such a wonderful family.  Isabella stayed overnight with Jessica.  Jacob went to Andy's house late to spend the night.

Then, on Sunday, we went to dinner at the Wilson's (Pete, Jenny, Andy, Anna, and Allie).  The kids ran around on the CA field and playground a lot, and we enjoyed a wonderful Peruvian dish and homemade apple pie.

We are very thankful for the friends we have made here in Japan, and we will miss them very much.

Peace and Love.
Tina

Trust and Faith April 2012

On the evening of April 24, Matthew asked go play football with friends at the CA turf.  I told him that dinner would be cold if he went, and he thanked me for giving him the option!  About an hour later, he came home crying and said he hit his head and could not see well with his left eye.  He had lost his peripheral vision.  I called my friend Sachi Elliott and told her that I did not know what to do.  She told me to wait and she would figure it out.  Her husband called me back and said the she and her sister were on her way to pick Matthew and me up.  Her sister?  Yes, Sachi's sister is a doctor who just moved to Rokko Island to start work as an ER doctor on Port Island in April.  Amazing.  She did a couple of things with Matthew and then we got in the car.  She asked a lot of questions on the drive to try to get as much information as possible.  We arrived at Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital.  Sachi's sister got us right back to see the English speaking doctor within a few minutes.  The exam was tough.  Matthew cried, said he felt terrible, and just had a rough time getting through the exam.  The good news was that his vision had returned.  Matthew finally threw up as we went into the room for a cat scan.  After that, he was much calmer, and he fell asleep on the bench in the waiting area with his head in my lap.  The doctor came out to tell me that she consulted with a neurologist because she saw a black spot on his scan.  They thought that maybe he had moved during the test, so they asked us to wait for 2 hours and repeat the scan.  Sachi's sister took us back to a bed where Matthew could sleep.  I told them to go home, and I would be fine.  I prayed.  My friend Carroll prayed over text message with me.  I walked around, continuously in prayer.  The time came to wake Matthew and go for 2nd cat scan.  We took him in a wheelchair because he was so sleepy.  He did great, and by the time we got back to the bed, Matthew was completely back to normal.  The ER doctor told us that everything looked good and that we could go home.  I sent Phillip a text to come get us.  We paid (through an ATM-like machine), bought food and drinks at the Family Mart just off the lobby, and waited for Phillip.  When we got home, Matthew showered and fell asleep with Mom and Dad about 2am.

At about 8:30am on April 25, the ER doctor called my cell phone.  She said that the X-ray specialist had found an "old black stain" on Matthew's cat scan, completely unrelated to the injury.  She asked us to see a neurosurgeon that day.  Sachi went over with me again to translate.  The doctor said he was concerned that the spot was a tumor.  He told us to get blood work (to ensure his kidneys are healthy) so that dye can be used for MRI.  We scheduled the MRI for Friday afternoon, but the neurosurgeon could not see us to give results until Wednesday, May 2.

On April 26, I called SOS International (a service provided by Cigna International and Procter and Gamble).  Within 5 minutes, I was on line with an English speaking doctor.  He assured me that the doctor was following the right course of action and that the care in Japan is very good.

On April 27, I called to get an interpreter through Procter and Gamble for upcoming appointments.  I then "cleaned up Rokko Island" with Jessica and her classmates.  I stopped by Tullys to chat with a few ladies and just broke into tears.  My dear friend Carroll prayed with me right there in front of Tullys.  She had a devotion book for me in her stroller.  I walked the green belt with Megan and Lisa.  Then, Phillip met Matthew and me at the bus stop to head over to the hospital.  The MRI took 35 minutes.  The worst part was that they would not let Phillip or me go in with him.  We explained to him what would happen.  He did great.  The radiologist did not see anything "emergency" so she did not call the doctor.  We thought this must be good news, but we weren't really sure what to think.  We pray.  We wait.

On April 28, we watched Jacob play volleyball and threw the football around with Matthew.  We walked around the spring festival on the island for a while.  Then, the Clapps joined us downstairs to watch boys play football, and then came to our apartment for cards.  We pray.  We wait.

April 29.  We pray.  We wait.
April 30  We pray.  We wait.
May 1.  We pray.  We wait.

Finally, May 2 came.  Phillip, Matthew, and I took the bus and then the train to Port Island Hospital.  Our interpreter was already there and helped us check in.  The appointment was at 9:30am, but we waited until 10:00 to see him.  This 30 minutes seemed like it took 3 hours.  Finally, the nurse took us in to the room.  It was so weird that the doctor was speaking to the interpreter, and we had to wait to understand what he was saying.  Dr. Asai said that the spot is so small that he does not know what it is.  It could be a tumor.  The spot measures 6.7 millimeters.  He told us that the spot did not change colors during the MRI, so it is not malignant at this time.  He recommended that we get another MRI in 2 months to see if the lesion is growing.  If not, then Matthew will likely need to get an MRI at 6 months and then annually to monitor.  If it is growing, then we will have to figure out what to do at that point.  It was a weird feeling of relief and yet anxiety.  We were happy that the lesion is not malignant now.  We were happy that it is small.  We found ourselves still curious and anxious, though, that the doctor did not know what it was.

On the train ride home, I asked Matthew if he understood what was going on.  He said that he knew there was a spot on his head and that he will need to get another MRI.  He looked at me with those big blue eyes and bright shining smile and said, "I'm fine, Mom.  Look at me."  Indeed, he is the picture of good health, great athletic ability, and amazing attitude.

I know that these events came together for a reason.  Matthew had a concussion.  Sachi was home to take my call.  Sachi's sister just started working at the hospital April 1.  We found the lesion while it is small.  We need to follow up in 2 months - exactly when we arrive back in the US.  I know that God has revealed this to us now for a reason, and I know that Matthew is in the palm of His hand.  The waiting is so hard, but perhaps that is part of trust and faith, huh?  I kept repeating words from a Perry Noble webcast.  God is Holy and good.  He is beside me always.  God is in control.

Peace and Love,
Tina

March and April 2012

March and April brought the beginning of tearful goodbyes.  The Japanese school year is from April through March.  Since the sports leagues follow the same schedule, Matthew and Jessica would finsh their Japanese sports leagues this spring.  We were really touched by the "sayonara" that they each got.  The teams said goodbye and took pictures with them, and really acted as though they were going to miss these Americans!  We also enjoyed a great Easter, beautiful Sakura trees, international food day, and a teenage birthday!

In March, Jessica finished her gymnastics league.  Her friend Isabella decided to stop going too as it can be very difficult when you are the only non-Japanese student.

Jessica also finished her Monday soccer league.  Jessica and Alex were the "roses among thorns".

On April 3, Phillip and I attended the elementary school monthly assembly.  Matthew spoke as part of the 5th grade leadership club.  He was confident, articulate, and showed a little sense of humor!  Jessica and her friend Karina performed a dance routine to "I Like It" by Enrique Iglesias.  They showed great confidence and good dance moves, and importantly, their outfits were adorable!  The girls threw their hats at the end.  So cute!

Matthew with the 5th grade leadership club

Jessica and Karina at the end of dance

On April 8, our family celebrated Easter, the most important day of the year.  We gave thanks to God for sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and to rise from the dead so that we may live in eternity.  We watched the Perry Noble webcast (New Spring Church in Anderson, SC) from last year's Easter service since we are 13 hours ahead of eastern standard time.  The sermon was very moving.  This was the first time the children got to see Perry Noble as we usually listen to Son Rise.  Noble is an amazing instrument of God.

We then took the train to the Oji Zoo.  It was absolutely beautiful.  The sun was shining, and the sakura trees were in full bloom.  We are also always amazed at close we get to the animals there.

Just a glass between Jacob and a tiger!

On April 14, Canadian Academy celebrated the annual International Food Day.  This was really a fun day that kicked off with the parade of nations.  Matthew had volunteered to help with any country that needed students to march.  First, he was with Australia.  Then, we noticed he was with Sweden.  He is such a trooper.  Jessica remained with the Americans.  There were food booths from many countries, along with entertainment and a raffle.  Jessica helped me sell burgers, hot dogs, and cookies in the American booth, while Phillip enjoyed grilling those American burgers outside with the guys all day.

Tina and Jessica work at the American food booth.

We left early Sunday morning, April 15, to take family pictures at Shukugawa River.  Our neighbor happens to be a professional photographer.

The Hyogo Rugby League had agreed to let Matthew play on until an April 14 tournament so that he could play in real games one last time.  Matthew had joined the team in August 2010 right after we moved here.  He has been the only non-Japanese player in the league.  Unfortunately, I got a call that the tournament had been cancelled, but the coach really wanted him to come to one last practice on April 15 which happened to be at CA in the afternoon after our family pictures.  I was extremely touched by the sayonara they gave him.  First, the principal of the league secretly gave me something for Matthew's desk that had a rugby jersey and Matthew's name inscribed.  He said this was special just for Matthew.  His card was also very touching as he talked about Matthew's passion and determination.  (He had someone translate the card to English.)  Then, after the training, the principal brought Matthew up in front of the league to say a few words, while my friend Chieko translated.  They divided back out into individual teams.  Our team gave Matthew a rugby ball signed by everyone on the team.  We took lots of pictures, with many parents looking on.  Then, the coaches threw Matthew up into the air 3 times.  One teammate Rintaro (Chieko's son) cried.  This was a very touching day.  We are so thankful that the Hyogo Rugby League allowed this blond-haired, blue-eyed American to play on their Japanese team.  We are thankful to coaches for teaching him the game, and to his teammates for becoming his friends.

Matthew scores a try one last time.

Matthew's rugby team and coaches

Rugby team with Principal Kuwahara and our family

The coaches threw him up really high!

Buju, Matthew, Sushi, Rintaro

Cheiko is a wonderful lady and our lifeline to the rugby league.

On Sunday, April 22, we enjoyed steak dinner for Jacob's birthday (eve).  Jessica showed him a video that she had been working on since January.  It had beautiful pictures of Jacob with family and friends, all set to music.  We all cried.  What a special gift!  On Jacob's actual birthday April 23, we had barbecue ribs, and I made him a red velvet cake at his request.  

May all your wishes come true!

Our new birthday tradition, borrowing from Phillip's younger days

Peace and Love,

Tina