Our Japanese Flat Stanley

I can't wait to blog more extensively about the whole lead-up to our upcoming departure for Japan, but before I do that... I'd like to share this amazing axe-wielding Medieval guy! A student gave this to me on the last day of school here in the U.S., and we immediately came up with the idea to take him all around Japan and take photos of him everywhere he goes, a la Jeff Brown's famous Flat Stanley. So I love this idea and can't wait to take this guy's first pictures at the airport!! Oh, and his name is Giga-San. (Most Fairmount students will know where the Giga comes from!!)

We're Going to Nanjo, Okinawa

So a while ago Kelly was informed that she was hired or "Contracted" by the somewhat new city of Nanjo, Okinawa. Like all things japanese they have a cute mascot, which I still not been able to find his name. Nanjo is located on the south eastern tip of Okinawa Island. Nanjo is the least populated city in Okinawa prefecture around 40k. It doesn't seem far from the most populated area of Okinawa Naha.

Also we have been in contact with Kelly's predecessor in Nanjo. She has a car and sounds like she's been in Nanjo for five years or more with the JET programme. 

While Kelly Is really exited there are few fears for me, the trailing spouse. Okinawa is the poorest of all the prefectures of Japan. Even native Okinawans are having problems get jobs. Also there is not a lot of love for americans, because the US built 40 military bases on the best land and we don't have the greatest reputation either. It doesn't sound like there are many Jobs in general, So I pray the Lord does a miracle and open a job for me and if not it will be a good time for me to go back to school or learn to program, or even maybe do some twich.tv streaming. 

Timeline for those interested

may 27th(5/27/13) - informed by Contracting Organization (CO) 

june 15th (6/16/13) - received copy of contract from Nanjo/CO

june 17th (6/17/13) - received first email from predecessor Reanna

Why Japan

About 8 years ago I was bumming around Fark.com and I found an article "Memo to Japan: AMAZING NEW TECHNOLOGIES!" by Jamie Patterson (@Jamie_Patterson). The Article was about how in Japan they do not have many modern conveniences like central air, smoke detectors, and ovens to name a few. i liked his writing style and started following his blog Avoidinglife. Turns out he was in Japan under the JET program.  A year-by-year state sponsored program that hires English speaking gaijin (foreigners) to teach their native language. 

Many Japanese learn english as a second language as part of their general education. JET's are brought in to refine their english. So early in April after having done a interview  at the Japanese consulate in Chicago, Kelly was shortlisted for the JET program this year Starting in late July 2013. Kelly and I are both excited and scared at the same time. There are many arrangements we have to make between now and then; cars, house, job for me in japan, etc.