Culture Shock Round two:my week at Misawa Airforce base

When we reached our destination within the walls of Misawa, we were taken to our new home, the Potter Fitness center raquetball courts. Under the circumstances, we were huge liability on the part of the base. Because of this, we were always accounted for. We were allowed to travel with escorts between two buildings, the fitness center and a media/cafe center called Mokateki. We were honestly so greatful to have hot showers and electricity that these "burdens" seemed more like a safety net than anything else. At Mokateki, they had phones we could call home and 4 working computers that we could use for 10 minutes at a time.

The base was like moving right back to America while still in Japan. At this point, I had been getting used to living among tons of people that I couldn't verbally communicate with. Well that was all different here. I was just baffled to see so many people that spoke English and looked American. In Sendai, there are about 500 Americans among over a million people. It would be like playing a game of Where's Waldo? trying to find one. We were used to saying whatever we felt like because people already stared at us. Now people knew what we were saying so we had to make sure we were talking correctly. The food here was also great. We ate pizza, burgers, and even had military families cook us lasagna. It think I probably found all the weight I lost living in Sendai.

Monday night was literally the first night I slept straight through the night since Friday. We were separated into different rooms based on our gender and given a cot with a sleeping bag. Though they felt like lawn chairs, I always slept so well on them. Sleeping in a racquetball court also was a challenge because it amplifies the sounds. Luckily, no one snored too loud. I felt horrible because my bed was super loud every time I rolled over.

After going a little stir crazy between the two buildings, they allowed us to help pack trucks heading to Sendai with food and clothes. So many of us felt this strong need to do something to help so this was a welcome relief. We walked to the high school gym on base which was filled with supplies and helped fill a couple trucks. Helping others has become such a welcome release from everything we've been feeling over the past few days.

On Wednesday (I think), someone from the state department came to talk to us. Many were very uneasy about this meeting. The main idea of the meeting was that its unsafe to go back to Sendai and we had two options: move into Misawa area on our own for weeks to months or find a way to get a flight home. He said they'd help with logistics but we were on our own. This was really the first time that the emotion of what was going on really hit me. The idea that the government was telling me it was unsafe to go back really hit me. Everything became very real. Luckily, we also have resources provided by MeySen for people that wanted to stay as well. At this point, I realized I needed to be at home for a while for my own health and well being. I made the difficult decision to plan for my way home and to come back as soon as safely possible.

the mountains on the way out of Misawa

Dinner provided by the families of soldiers. DELICIOUS

my home for the next few days. Nice and cozy.

Sendai and MeySen are in my continued prayers. Since coming home, I have heard many positive things especially with the efforts that my school has been able to provide for the surrounding areas. We really have so much to be thankful for. I am so proud to be a MeySen teacher.