The Weddings

If you have been wondering why I have not been writing about my life in Okinawa, then you should know that I have not been in Okinawa for the past few weeks. Matt and I were able to travel to Georgia for the weddings of my sister to her wonderful new husband David as well as our friends Mike and Michelle.

Allie and David had their ceremony and reception in Forsyth, Georgia. I was so happy to be part of their day. They had personal touches everywhere! The wedding party was in TOMS shoes in order to support a good cause and be able to dance more easily at their art gallery reception. Allie and David showed off their swing dancing experience at their reception with a touching first dance to Ingrid Michaelson's "The Way I Am." There were cupcakes, orchids, and a beautiful tree painting for the guests to sign that Allie created herself. The day was just lovely.

The following weekend Matt and I headed down to Savannah for our friends' wedding. They were married in a small chapel surrounded by oak trees dripping in Spanish moss. They had a choral group to sing at the ceremony and a string duo to play at the reception. The day was filled with music and friends that had come from all over the country (and world!) to see the two wed.

In the time between the weddings I had time to see friends and family as well as enjoy the comforts of home that I had been missing. I shopped at Target and drank Chick-fil-a sweet tea to my heart's content. I went thrift shopping with my mom and met friends for Mexican food. I had a wonderful time!

As much as I miss my home in the states when I am in Okinawa, I also began to miss my home in Okinawa when I was in the states. I missed the warm sunny days and ocean views and the feeling that somewhere new to discover is just around the corner. And especially the people. It was such a relief when we left the American airports where you are herded like cattle to the Japanese airports where you are given slippers if the agents politely request you remove your shoes for the metal detector and the flight attendants bow and smile at you as you arrive at the airplane. There is so much more respect for each other that I believe Americans could use a bit more of!