Moving Day Approaches

The countdown has begun. We only have 14 days left in Japan. We arrived here in 2005 after being separated for a year. (It wasn't our idea - it was the Air Force's.) Four years later, we're ready to go, but it's definitely bittersweet.

This is where we got to know each other again. This is where I finally learned to use chopsticks. Where I got a job that gave me a great sense of accomplishment and confidence. We made wonderful friends, most of whom we had to say good-bye to over the years, and a few who are about to hear it from us. This is where our family really began. Our precious daughter had the privilege of being born here in the Land of the Rising Sun. Where I survived without my husband for two deployments. Where I discovered the joy of being a wife and mother staying at home.

Japan has been a real home to us. I grew up loving Japan as my father had served a mission here more than 40 years ago. I was familiar with the culture, the language - and I was eager to experience Japan for myself and have that to share with my dad.

Now that we're moving to Oklahoma, I am returning to the land of my mother. She was born and raised there. Because my grandparents still lived there, I grew up loving Oklahoma, too. I am familiar with the culture, the language - and even though I've only visited before, it already feels like I'm going home.

I am so blessed to be experiencing life as a military spouse, but I am even more blessed in knowing that "home is where the heart is." My heart is my family. Wherever we go, we're home.

We're coming home.