She Googled me. That’s the funniest and middle part of the story.
The beginning starts two and a half years ago when I arrived on island and sat day after day with my preggo belly rubbing against the computer desk searching the internet in hopes of finding some kind of life here on Okinawa. I wasn’t sure where to begin to find friends to hang out with and people who might help me figure out the intricacies of this island. And then one day I stumbled on OkinawaHai.com and specifically a post about yummy, fresh bread in Yomitan. I was so thrilled to discover the voices of women like me writing and demystifying this overwhelming and amazing new paradise. I quickly became a faithful reader and when, at 6 weeks post-partum, I attempted the Hiji Falls hike with my family (and failed miserably, I might add), I figured I’d jump in with two feet and write it up and submit it to OkiHai. Meredith posted my ramblings. And so I did it again. And again.
After putting up a couple of my posts, Meredith evidently Googled me (ha!) to make sure I wasn’t an ax-murderer or a used car salesman or a good housekeeper and when she was satisfied I was relatively normal, she wrote and asked if I wanted to be a part of the team. What? Really? You want me to be a part of something that might give me a life outside of changing diapers and gazing longingly off base? Something that would make me feel like a part of this Okinawa experience? HECK YEAH!
And that was the beginning of beautiful friendships with some incredible women. Some have already PCS’d out, others have just arrived. But I know that I will look back on our Okinawa tour and have much of it colored by being part of the OkinawaHai gang. I’m so glad that I stumbled and jumped into this adventure.
There is a recurring theme that can be found here and on the questions posed on our forum. It has to do with finding your place on this island. Making friends, finding places to work or volunteer, identifying yourself with a group that gives you a sense of home here. Some of us struggle with it more than others, but I think we all yearn to have something to do each day that is meaningful, and people to call locally to share our lives with.
Next week, I’m passing the reins to JaNae, our new editor for Tuesdays. The “To Work” category is going to be merged with a new “To Mingle” that will encompass even more to help us find our places here. But she’ll tell you more about that next week.
I encourage you all to stumble and jump into new adventures. It may be a playgroup or a spouses group, a book club or eating-out club, a ballet class or a birth class. I certainly couldn’t have predicted that some of my closest friends would come out of that ridiculous trip to Hiji Falls. And you never know where you’ll find the friends who will brighten your time in Oki. Stumble and jump. Stumble and jump.
So. We've had a beginning, a middle, and this is a kind of ending. I’ve so loved sharing my experiences with you here on OkiHai and will pop up periodically with more goodies to share before I PCS. But for now, arigato-gozaimasu and sayonara.
Joelle, you are amazing. Thank you for capturing so many peoples lives so beautifully for all of us. You’ve given us a window into so many people and what makes each of us all special. Endings stink, so I hope you pop up here often.
Joelle,
It’s funny how I sit here in Atlanta and say “Amen” to your sentiments about how much the Okinawa Hai women have meant to you. Two years ago, I took my three week solo trip back to Okinawa, 30 years after having lived there for 2 1/2 years as a teenager. You all, the women of Okinawa Hai, made my trip richer and more wondrous and more memorable than I could ever have imagined. You all held out your arms to me, a stranger, and I walked into your embrace. One of you picked me up at the airport and took me for my first meal on the island took me to my hotel and arranged a rental phone for me and lent me a computer when mine crashed and toured me on base when I wouldn’t have had access. You know who you are!
When I arrived, there was an entire group of women I already “knew” because you’d let me peek into your lives on Okinawa Hai. Then, you all made a lunch party for me and you brought your gorgeous children and we sat on tatami mats and shared a meal and I just marveled at the fact that I was actually seeing and hugging the women and children I’d read about and seen photos of for so long.
As long as I live, I’ll never forget how you and the women of Okinawa Hai reached out to me. You didn’t have to. It would have been easier not to. But you did. Please know how much you mean to me. The recipients of your generosity appreciate you. What you do matters. You make others feel that they matter, too.
I still visit Okinawa every single day through the Okinawa Hai site. I’m “meeting” new women and I live vicariously through you all. I have a list of places to see and foods to eat and things to touch and amell for my “next time” trip, and I’m adding to it every day.
Joelle, you are incredible! Every happiness to you and your beautiful family. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us!
Love,
Robin