June 15, 2001

Today I leave Oklahoma and fly to San Francisco to begin my summer adventure.  It has been a whirlwind of activity for me to get prepared in the last month or so.  First, I needed to secure approval from the Fulbright organization and the Japanese school for me to be used as a replacement teacher.  Then, I had to rush to get a passport, physical, make sure all my shots were up to date, purchase travel luggage and supplies, participate in phone conversations with other FMF teachers to learn some basic Japanese and hear of what was expected of us, make arrangements for mail/bills/yard work at my home, yet finish up the school year.  In fact, today was my last day at school.

My mother took me to the airport where I boarded an American flight to San Fran.  Upon arrival in the afternoon, I took a taxi to the hotel where other unknown FMF teachers were to gather, meet for dinner, and prepare for the next day and our 15 hour plane ride.

Upon reaching the airport then the hotel, I met two of the teachers who had been on the phone conversations with me;  Brenda Courtney of Alabama and Nancy Mack of Texas.  Kyoko Jones of the Fulbright group lead a discussion on what we could expect while in Japan, our schedules as provided from our partner sites, and put to ease some of our concerns and questions.  Bonding was increased as we ate dinner together, where we once again had an opportunity to learn more about each other.  Some of the team decided to go to the wharf district of San Fran and explore.  (note;  I decided not to do this which I have regretted every since!   I was tired from the school year and trying to get everything done in time to travel, so I stayed in.)

Japan is about 12 hours ahead of us in the US, so the following morning we all gathered together and were shuttled to the airport, where we boarded a flight to Tokyo.  Going over is about 12 hours (coming back is faster) so you would think you would be able to sleep, however, all of us were excited and stayed awake most of the time.