Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Well...it's official...

M. was offered a "strategic secondment" to work for two years in Tokyo. I know I recently told many of you that it was no longer an option, I think I was just wishful thinking. I wouldn't usually sort out my mind on my blog, but I often find contentment sharing my feelings. Most of the time I jump in feet first and reap or suffer consequences later. This one is different. It has a lot to do with getting older and looking back on decisions I have made and seeing that feet first has not always proved wise. Plainly...I just hate change! But M. always gets his way and if his way is moving to Tokyo, then that means that by this time next year we will be living in Japan. I thought I would list out the pros and cons here and I would love to hear feedback!

PROS: experience of a lifetime, M. speaks the language, come out financially ahead at the end, M. promised us Tokyo Disneyland season passes, blessing the lives of others through service (since that is all I would know how to do), living only miles from a temple, meeting family in Hawaii for vacations, kids would be in a private school with great education, M. could reconnect with people from his mission, it is a very safe place to live, exciting adventure (we don't grow if we don't stretch ourselves, right?), losing weight since I am not fond of Japanese food,

CONS: Leaving my home, both of our parents are older (what if something happens and we are not here?), leaving friends (I hate feeling left out), the dog! do we take him or leave him?, two years is a huge chunk of my kids life (they will be leaving all that they love), someone else living in our house (storage or what?), I haven't even seen Japan yet (April), am I strong enough?,

HELP! If you have anything to add to either list please let me know. Thanks!

12 comments:

tammy said...

Two words...poncho people. Take a chance! I know it is tough, but you are tougher! Love ya!

Unknown said...

I would be really sad if you left of course, but I think it would be an awesome opportunity that you would never forget.

Liz R. said...

go for it!

browneyedjessica said...

Yeah you will miss us, and yeah you will be missed, but it sounds like so much fun! You would do it if M. was going to be a mission president, right? Plus, I must say, considering the situation you would be in, your family would grow so much closer because you would have to learn how to rely on each other.

Unknown said...

Jen! Wow, what a huge life decision. It seems like there are a lot of great things on the pro side... and, you could learn Japanese! You guys will make the best decision for your family, I am sure. We love you guys!

Carissa said...

Jen,

I have never regretted any time I have spent living in foreign countries. Two years will pass whether you live in Japan or live in Tracy, think of what an adventure it will be. Think of all the new friends you'll make and the interesting things you'll get to see and do. Your friends and family will always be here waiting when you return.

melissa said...

There's a chance that I might be moving to Japan too. Maybe we can be Japanese crafting friends together!

Cheryl said...

I would do it! Who know when you'll ever have the opportunity to do that again? Besides...i'm sure you'll have people knocking your door down wanting to come visit!

Unknown said...

How exciting! I think you should totally do it. I can understand the hesitation since I am so easily put-off by change. But every time I've put myself into a not-so-familiar situation, I've been so glad in the end. The experience is so great and you learn so so much. And so fun for your kids!

kim said...

I spent a couple of months in Japan and loved it. I'd never really thought about going until the opportunity came up, but it was very interesting.and I'm so glad I went. I stopped in Korea and Hong Kong on the way, which were both fun shopping places. I think spending time in other cultures is a great educational experience that you just can't get any other way. When I was there, a lot of Americans did modeling and were in movies & tv shows (I even did some). They love having kids especially, and at least then, it was really good money. Alos, there are lots of opportunities to teach English, anything from casual gatherings to a more formal class. I did a little of that, too. It was fun. I'd say go. It's an opportiunity of a lifetime.

Brent Riddle said...

Jen, what a great oppurtunity! New things are always scary, but the rewards are always great. I once read a quote that said
Great Love and Great Achievements involve Great Risk.
Take the Risk and Run with it!

Laura

Karen said...

Speaking from experience, I think you should go for it jen. When Mike and I came out here to live, I was excited and petrified at the same time. We did as you have done, and wrote out all our pros and cons and JUST like your list, the pros by far outweighed the cons. And what an amazing life we have now and what wonderful friends we have made.
The kids are young enough to adapt and will grow so much from this experience. You will grow closer as a family too, I am sure.
If anyone can do this, you can jen. Your friends al love you and will miss you but we will all be here when you return, eager to hear all about your adventure.
I know you will worry about your parents , as i do too. But anything could happen at any time...we all know that and you could just be around the corner. You just have to have faith that they will be ok and remember that the world is a small place now and you can get anywhere fast if you need to.
Grab this amazing life chance in one hand and your family in the other.....and go for it.
Love you,
Karen x