Making wise decisons

Old Post Office in Wash. D.C taken June 2010

Yesterday marked a huge event.  Technically, Naysia started high school. :) A couple of months ago during her freshman orientation, we learned that she could take the required freshman PE class during the summer.  In doing so this will allow her to have 3 core classes, and 3 electives.

Yesterday she was dropped off near the football field and was at school for 6 hours.  Yep, six hours of PE.  Needless to say she slept very well last night.  After the pick up we finally mailed off all necessary documents.  It was supposed to be done on Tuesday, but I saw the dentist that morning and spent the rest of the day in pain and refused to leave home.  We were promised a delivery no later than June 1.

An email was received today from Mrs.Chun inquiring about the level of Naysia's excitement, asking about our awards dinner attendance, and giving us a friendly reminder about deadlines.  An email was then sent to my girl Yuna, letting her know to expect mail from us either today or tomorrow.  A couple of hours after not hearing from her (she usually responds immediately) we phoned her.  Yet another great conversation!  She gathered information that she needed and let us know that tomorrow she will be sending out Naysia's bright yellow tour group t-shirt!

During dinner tonight Naysia and I talked high school credits, PE class, my summer school class, and the awards ceremony being held in LA next week.  The ceremony is next Friday, which means she'll need to miss one day of class.  She expressed that while it would be great to go to L.A. she doesn't want to for 3 reasons:
1) "I am only allowed to miss one day during summer school...and what if there is an emergency and I have to miss a second day?! I don't want to fail the class Ma."
2) "It would suck to drive all that way to only spend one night."
3) "Ma, won't you have homework due?"

At this point it doesn't make sense financially to go.  But I was willing to make sacrifices to ensure we got there.  I told her she had a 24 hour window to change her mind.  As she walked to her room she replied, "Close the window mom, just close the window."

God knows the desires of my heart

It goes without saying that my nerves are still a little unsettled.  While I'm going thru the motions and daily checking the "Korea To Do List" posted on the fridge, I still don't want her to go.  There.  I said it. 

Why?  I don't know the country.  I don't know anyone there.  And I don't know who she's going with.
I want to wholeheartedly trust that she will be fine but some days are harder than others.

I started an online writing class yesterday and our first assignment was to introduce ourselves.  We then had to read and comment on our classmates postings.  Most of the comments I posted were generic.  Then I read the instructors introduction.  She mentioned that she had traveled China, Japan, and Korea for about the last 5 years.  I replied, eventually explaining Naysia's trip (not sharing my fears).

She quickly responded.  And so did other classmates.  Many of them are world travelers, and have been to Seoul.  They said all the right words, offering praise to Naysia.  They talked about sightseeing she should (and will do).  They are familiar with the university campus dorm she is staying at.  They are willing to share contact information for friends in Seoul should she get in a pickle--and will give their friends a heads up just in case she needs immediate assistance. 

Amazing that complete strangers, people that I will not meet face to face, said all the right things.  Better yet amazing that God always knows what's in my heart, can speak thru others and can soothe me.

Today we go to the post office to send off the final packet.

Check #1372

It's been a long week since the passport appointment. Waiting for it to arrive has been painstaking.  We were told it would take 1-2 weeks for it to arrive.  I imagine with the holiday it may take an extra day or two on top of that.  I've been logging on to online banking daily to see if the government happily deposited check #1372 in the amount of $140.  When I checked today, I exclaimed, in the brilliant words of 95 South, "Whoot there it is!"

Our plan this week, besides stalking the mailbox, is to solidify plans for next weekends road trip to L.A. for the awards/scholarship ceremony~~as well as get the packet of information and another check sent off.

As of today we are looking at 34 days until departure. 

Lunch at LAX? Sure!

Yuna has been great to communicate with.  We've, in short time, exchanged many emails and had a few telephone conversations.

I was originally under the impression that I would be responsible for getting her to LAX.  I was relieved to learn that they would arrange that piece and cover the cost.

What we know for certain:
Naysia will leave Tucson the evening of July 2.
The group will leave LAX just after midnight.

Where it got tricky is that the returning flight returns to LAX at noon.  The flight to Tucson to depart at 2pm.  Yuna was concerned that Naysia would miss her connecting flight.  She suggested one of 2 things.  Either Naysia could depart LAX at 7pm to fly into Tucson or fly into Phoenix, departing at 4pm, arriving about 5:30pm.  We decided on the latter option.

What we know for certain:
I will fly out of Tucson with Naysia and be there with her until she leaves for Seoul.  I will, a few hours later, leave for Chicago.  Lord knows I'm going to need a distraction.

Where is gets tricky is that when she comes back she wants me to meet her in LA to fly back home with her.  I haven't purchased that ticket yet, but right now it looks like I'll arrive in LA on July 21st at about 11:30am.  Just in time for lunch.  Greet Naysia at 2pm and hop on a plane to Phoenix at 4pm.

So, what's next for us?  The upcoming event is an award and scholarship ceremony and dinner that will take place June 8th in Los Angeles at KECLA.  It will be a turn around trip for us.  Hopefully my brother Loren will come with.  I'm looking forward to meeting and thanking Jai, Yuna and all persons involved in making Naysia's dream a reality.  Most importantly I will be cheering my girl on.  We are basking in this moment, what a great life.

5/23/12 Made the list

Naysia and I keep an loose list of "Best Days Ever" May 23rd is worthy of being on it.

That morning at 8:15 was her 8th grade promotion ceremony.  Sure it's "just" middle school--but a definite milestone.  Four years from now we'll be celebrating again and anticipating her entry into college. 

She collected her certificate, said her good byes to her friends and some teachers.  Me, my mom and Angela were in attendance.  While we waited for her we reminisced on the day she was born and how quickly the time has zoomed by.  Naysia had a very tender moment with Angela, sad that this time in her life has come to an end.

Later that day we went to lunch and then more family came over for cake and ice cream.  She didn't want it to be a celebration just about her.  We instead celebrated the kick off of the summer season.  She was all smiles the rest of the afternoon.  And if at all possible she was about to smile just a little harder.

We had learned over the week to check her email everyday, several times a day for trip updates.  That night we received two emails from my new friend Youn Ah (Yuna).  Her role is the collector of necessary forms and to arrange the flights. 

Attached with her email were the itineraries for her flights from Tucson to LAX , Korea, and back home.
Upon opening the attachment we sat in complete silence and viewed flight numbers, departure times, travel duration and seat assignments.
This is really happening.

The Pointer Sisters

May 21, 2012 Naysia came home a little upset.  She did not want to go to school the next day. She tried to bargain, not going at all or going in late but was reluctant to explain why.

What I knew that was when we received the letter of congratulations, so did Mrs. Chun.  She wrote the following to me.

Hi, Ms. Powell

It is so wonderful and I am very proud of Tenaysia.

Congratulations!!!

Hope she has a memorable trip.

I will meet Tenaysia next school year and I am so excited.

Thanks,

Ms. Chun

Mrs. Chun was kind enough to share it with her counterparts, who in turn decided to share it with the rest of the school. Before Naysia left school Monday, Mrs. Clayton warned her that there would be an overhead announcement of her achievement the following day. 


For those that don't know Naysia, she is rather shy.  She gets it honest.  I was painfully shy as a child--and as an adult I do shrink back at times.  She loves to praise others but does not enjoy being in the spotlight.  I've managed to change the chorus of The Pointer Sister's "He's So Shy" to "She's So Shy" and change the lyrics based on the situation.  You can imagine how much she enjoys that.  


Her recognition was indeed shared, and her peers cheered her on.  One of 38 students chosen to attend a once in a lifetime program that was applied for by hundreds.  She should be proud, I am.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUgxRnmuypQ

Double Vision

May 22, 2012 at bedtime Naysia nonchalantly tells me, "Oh yeah Mom, I got another email from Los Angeles."  What??!!!  Now is not the time to keep this information hush hush.

We logged on to find 2 emails.
1st one: Dear Korean summer program scholars and parent(s)
In it listed TONS of information, congratulations, where to be, when to be there, what to bring, who to talk to.  3 attachments with general info, pertinent  info, signature pages.  Information overload.  


2nd one: Dear Korean summer program scholars and parent(s)
In it listed TONS of information, congratulations, where to be, when to be there, what to bring, who to talk to.  3 attachments with general info, pertinent  info, signature pages.  Information overload.  

It was late, I was tired.  Naysia had already gone to bed.  Was I seeing double?  Was it a mistake?  I'd rather get too much information as opposed to none.  Decided to wait til morning with a clear mind to decipher what was taking place. 

First thing in the morning upon reading the emails it was now clear the deadline and travel dates didn't jive.  This program has been in place since the mid 90s.  Surely at one point in time someone thought it would make most sense to write a standard information letter and just change the dates accordingly.  This seemed to be the case.  The follow up email was sent no more than 10 minutes after the first with correct dates, thankfully. 

We printed off a total of 15 pages, 12 of which required several signatures.  Once we receive the passport we have to immediately scan and email it to the appropriate person.  And now we know who to send the money to.  All documentation and a check are due by May 31st. 

Joseph, I want my money back

Passion about the verdict overflows. We've traded walking for floating.  Smile?  We don't just smile, we are beaming!  With this excitement now comes preparation.

If you know me, you know I love to travel.  We both do.  We've done lots of it.  But again, this is a first that we'll be separated by more than 1000 miles.  And she's leaving me.  For a country I'm not familiar with.  With people I'm not familiar with.  ugh!! 

Trying to look past that we compile a list of preparation. 
Number One is: Get a Passport.  At this point we're looking at her leaving in roughly 6 weeks.  All literature says a passport takes 4-6 weeks to arrive. It's a Sunday, and while we can't do much on the weekend about it, we can get a passport photo.

We head to Walgreens feeling a little nervous, still in a state of shock.
No one in line at the photo department.  Great!
Someone working on the machine but can't tell if he works at Walgreens or not.
He's not making eye contact, absolutely no acknowledgment that we're standing there.
I start to grow impatient with being ignored.  Naysia gives me the all too familiar, "Chill out and don't embarrass me" nudge.

Finally, Joseph switched over and asked what he could do for us.  I'm sure I smiled and said we needed a passport photo.  He hurriedly grabbed the camera, pulled down the white backdrop and called Naysia over.  Took 2 photos, asked for our contact number.  He then says, they'll be ready in about 10 minutes.

No worries, we have to go grocery shopping and decide to return on our way home.  Upon our return I sent Naysia in the store to get the pic.  When we got home I kinda frowned.  I don't know much about passport pics but I was pretty sure this wasn't going to meet the requirements.

An appointment was scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, 2012 with Sharon at the Sun Station Post Office.  She was very kind, helpful and informative.  When it was time to give her the photo, she kinda frowned.  In her opinion the Walgreens photo wouldn't work for several reasons.  1) Too fuzzy.  2) Head too big.  3) Not enough of  a border around her face. 4) Glasses aren't completely upright. 
She took us on the side of the office and got a much better photo.
 

Left: Joseph     Right: Sharon

At the end of the passport experience this is what the prices looked like
Walgreens Photo $10.90
Passport Application $80.00
Expedite Fees  $60.00
Post Office Photo $15.00
Post Office Fees $25.25

Best believe I headed right back to Walgreens to get a refund. 

Somebody Pinch Me

Text from Chai, about 4:30am.  No worries, I'm already awake.  I responded and she quickly called.  We talked for 3 hours, about all sorts of things.  The immediate topic was the excitement of the congratulatory letter.  It still seemed hard to believe.  I so desperately wanted it for Naysia, but now afraid.  Chai, like my mom, said all the right things. 

By the time we got off the phone I was feeling pretty good about the whole idea.  Meanwhile, Naysia is still asleep.  It was the longest morning ever waiting for her to wake up so we could celebrate. About 11am I peeked in and she was laying there, eyes open.

I sat next to her and she says, "Did I dream I'm going to Korea?"  With what had to be the biggest smile ever I said, "No Naysia, it wasn't a dream".

She immediately wanted to check her email.  And she did.  The copycat ran next door to share -but came back deflated because I had already blabbed the news.  So, she took to Facebook to tell the world about her success.

I can hardly believe this is happening.  She says she knew it all along.  She shall now be called "Mustard Seed".

Happiness and Distress

There were all these letters and numbers on the screen.
All I could focus in on was one word.  "Congratulations!"

The one person that this meant the most to was sound asleep,  I didn't care, she HAD to wake up immediately.

In hindsight, waking her up in the manner I did surely scared her.  I shook her hard, smacked her a little while loudly saying, "NAYSIA!!  WAKE UP! WAKE UP! YOU NEED TO COME AND SEE THIS!!"

She stumbled into my room.  I guided her to the chair and she sat.  Looking confused I told her--rather yelled, "READ IT!!!"  She didn't have her glasses on.  She slowly leaned forward, with her face about 6 inches from the screen, she read the email.  She looked up at me and slowly, in her sleepy little voice she says, "So, does this mean I'm going?"

"YES!!  YES!!  YOU ARE GOING!!!"

"Okay, I'm going back to sleep.  Can you sleep with me tonight?"  And she stumbled back to her room.
Hmm.  Not the reaction I envisioned.  I thought for sure we'd be high-fivin it, jumpin up and down, cheesin hard! 

I looked at the time.  It was late.  Who would be awake right now that I could call and share with??

 I could hardly wait to just say it.  In my pajama pants, hair piled wildly on top of my head I ran, yes ran, next door to my mom's.  She wasn't home.  She never goes anywhere and this night, of all nights she wasn't home.  But 2 of my sisters, Imaunii and Sanita were there.  To be honest I don't remember what I said to them.  I didn't stay long.  Went home and called my mom.  Being a proud Grandma and a good Momma she said all the right things to calm my fears and fuel my excitement.

Next up was Chai, it was late here, but even later in Chicago. She played an instrumental part and needed to know pronto.  I played it as safe as I could and sent her a text message.  She didn't respond.
After pacing the place for about 30 minutes, I crawled in next to Naysia and a flood of emotions hit me.

It seems like just yesterday I could hold her in my arms, close to my chest.  Just yesterday she said Mama for the first time, took that first step.  Seems like I can still feel the weight of her on my hip. Just yesterday she dressed herself and learned letters and numbers.  We just went to the beach for the first time.  Potty training, that just happened.  I clearly remember her first day of kindergarten.  Where did the time go?  I want to rewind and do it all again. Now here she is~Not only about to begin high school.  But eager about traveling across the globe, without me. 

That night I didn't sleep at all.  Thinking about times long gone, smiling about the experiences we've had together.  Grateful for all we've done together.  Thankful that I've been able to provide her not only with what she needs but also able to satisfy her wants. Nervous for what is about to take place.  Feeling like if I could go with her I could protect her from any and all harm.  Then immediately feeling guilty for having that thought-because I know God has it under control.  Because of Him she has had a pretty good life so far.  He has put all things into place in order to bless us.  He has placed some phenomenal people into our lives that have helped to shape and mold her.  He works through me to provide for her.  He will be on a 12hour flight with her.  He will be by her side as she meets new people.  He will be her true tour guide.  He will protect her. 

~~~~Oh Happy Day~~~~

The day is Friday, May 18, 2012.  And it's an exciting one for Naysia.  That evening is the what she and her classmates have looked forward to since the first day of 6th grade....the 8th grade promotion dance.

I had a really busy day lined up and was nervous I wouldn't make it home in time to help her get ready.  My goal was to be home by 4:30 to help curl her hair. Being the procrastinator I often am, I had waited until that day (the final day) to sign her up for summer school.  So did about 50 other people.  The line was long, and slow.  4:30 came and went.  I finally made it home about 5:30.  That gave us 30 minutes to get her hair done.

We had hoped to be ready to go by 6pm, it was about 6:25 by the time her thick hair was curled, she was ready and pictures were taken.  All the while she was on the phone with her BFF Mia.  It was a treat to hear just how excited they were.  Brought back fond memories of my 8th grade promotion dance.  I hope to never forget the joy she shared before the dance, and the tears she shed afterwards as she is going to miss her friends.

After picking up some food, we came home and tuned into Netflix and talked in greater detail about the dance.  She was on cloud 9.  She started to doze off on the couch and eventually made it to her room to bed.

I went to my room and got online.  Checked out my "regular" websites, including Hotmail.  In that moment I was overwhelmed with disappointment and sadness.  There was still no reply from Jai.  I know she said a decision would by made by the 20th, but the 20th was a Sunday.  Surely they won't be sending out notifications of yays or nays on a Sunday.  I re-read Jai's last email.  And it sank in.

The last sentence read, "The selected students will be notified via email."

Frantically I logged onto Naysia's email and there it was.

From:  Jai Jun    
Subject: 2012 King Sejong Krn Scholarship and Korea Program   
Date: May 18, 2012  6:01pm

A pain in Jai's butt

All documentation was sent early morning 4/27/12.  Along with it I asked my new friend, Jai, to please send an email confirming receipt of it all. About 2 hours later Jai responded. 

What I wanted to hear in response was, "Wow, Ms. Powell.  This essay is fantastic!  Your child is the best and you should expect an immediate reply!  She's number one on our list!!"

What it said was, "Thank you, received."

From that moment on my Hotmail address was checked everyday for a word from Jai.  Checked it from work, from home, on my phone, on Naysia's phone.  At the very least I wanted a date that we'd have an answer. 

5/9/12.  Twelve days has gone by.  The suspense is driving me crazy.  Naysia is cool as a cucumber because she knows without a doubt that she's going. I sent Jai an email.  In my nicest email voice, "Good afternoon Jai, curious as to whether or not a decision has been made".
Jai responds with, " Hello, No, there are still under review.  We hope to finalize the selection by end of next week. The selected students will be notified via email."

In my anticipation of hearing back I did not read carefully what she wrote.  What I thought I read was, we hope to finalize the selection by the end of the week. 

5/14/12 Comes around and I'm feeling deflated.  Believing that they would have given us an answer by the 11th.  And we've heard not a word. Had it made up in my mind that Naysia wouldn't be going on this trip.  Looking at making reservations to Chicago or Las Vegas in an effort to soothe her future broken heart. 

In my frustration I got Jai on the phone this time!!  I wanted answers!  Jai in all her patience repeated what she had already said.  If I had read the last email carefully I wouldn't have made a fool of myself.  This time I got a date.  A decision would be made by 5/20. 

Without a doubt

As we waited for a decision we did some additional research.  The program is based out of Los Angeles and is a joint project between Korean Education Center in Los Angeles (www.kecla.org) and Foundation for Korean Language & Culture in USA (www.klacusa.org).

KECLA accepts and reviews the applications while KLACUSA funds the program.  Monies are donated with the purpose of rewarding and encouraging outstanding Korean language and culture students--and hope these students share what's learned with fellow Americans.

The average number of 6th-11th grade students chosen each year is between 42-50.  Participants pay $500 towards the program.  Either a King Sejong or Hunmimjeongeum Scholarship is awarded.  The reminder of the cost is picked up by donations.  This includes covering airfare, lodging, meals, language classes, and outings.

Just the idea that it's a possibility makes me nervous.  We haven't been separated by more than a few hundred miles.  And when that has happened, I've been the one out of town.  Several days go by and we don't hear a mumbling word about it.  My anxiety builds and I'm trying my best not to let Naysia know how anxious I am.

I asked her, "How will you feel if you don't get to go?"
Her initial response was, "I'm not worried about it.  I know I'm going"

When asked by others what she was doing for the summer, her answer was consistently "I'm going to Korea."
I usually followed up with the explanation that it was a possibility, that we didn't know yet.

Her faith in what was to come definitely schooled me.

Momnagalot

We have 11 days to submit the essay. Here's an abbreviated version of how it went. I'm in regular font, Naysia is in bold--for a reason.  Her frustration with me was over the top!  And vice versa.

Day 11:  Nays, when do you plan on starting this essay?
              I'll start jotting down some ideas tomorrow.
              Do you know which topic you're going with?
              Nope, I'll just jot some stuff down and see where it goes. My goal is to have it done this
              weekend.

Day 10: Nays, I'm about to head out.  I expect to see some progress when I get home.  You should
             probably call Chai and see if she can help you out with it.
             Okay.
             Wow Nays, that's looking pretty good.
             Yeah, Chai says I should just jot some ideas down and send them to her.
            
Day 9:   Nays, how's the essay going?
             Eh.
             What does that mean???
             Eh.  I'll work on it.

Day 8:   Nays, have you sent your progress to Chai yet?
             No.
             When are you planning on doing that?
             Mom!  I'm gonna do it!!  Geez, leave me alone--I know it needs to be done!!!!!!
             Alright, I'm not saying anymore about it.  If you get it done fine, if you don't that's fine too.  What I
             do know is that Chai doesn't have last minute time to edit an essay.  No more reminders from me!

Day 7:   Silence

Day 6:   Ummmmm, Nays.  It's the weekend, working on that essay?
             Mom.  You said you weren't going to say anything else about it.  I'll get it done.

Day 5:   Silence

Day 4:   Ummmm, I know I said I wasn't going to say anything else about this, but, how much progress have
             you made?  Do you need help?  What can I do to help you?
             Stop asking me about it.

Day 3:   Mom, I sent the essay to Chai today, but I haven't heard back from her.
             Call her.
             I'll check my email first.
             You haven't even checked your email??!!  How do you know you haven't heard from her then?!
             Oops, Mailer-Daemon...I didn't put her address in right.
             Later that night.....she feverishly worked on making necessary changes.


Day 2:   Silence


Day 1:   Nays, is your essay ready yet?
             Nope.
             You know it's due tomorrow right?
             Ma, I know.  You act like I'm a little kid.  I know when it's due.  It'll be ready.


April 27th.  Due Date.  She had her alarm set for 5am.  She woke up without prompting from me. Logged onto the computer.  Made her final essay changes, topic was "How the Korean Language classes changed outlooks on my life".  Application completed.  Teacher letter of recommendation in hand.  We began writing an email to Jai Jun with all necessary attachments.

Said a small prayer....and hit "Send"

            

Me And My Big Mouth

Monday, April 15, 2012.  After work I walked in the front door to find an animated Naysia.  She stumbled over her words to explain an opportunity of a lifetime that Mrs. Chun shared with the class that day.

The story went that students could travel to South Korea for 3 weeks for only $500.  It sounded like rubbish to me.  I asked, "Are you sure you didn't misunderstand??  There's no way you could go across the world for only $500!!  Are you sure she didn't say $1,500 or $2,500??!!"  My disbelief only frustrated her.  My response (to her very vocal frustration) was....."If it only costs $500 you can go!!!"  Sure, I said it, but totally believed on the inside the cost she heard had to be a lie. I wanted proof and she swore she'd bring it home the next day.

Tuesday, April 16, 2012.  After work I walked in the front door...or at least tried.  Before I could get both feet in she attacked me, shaking these papers in front of my face and in a sing song voice saying, "I told you so".
As I read the 7 page application I began to get nervous.  The mere thought of her going away without me seemed implausible.  There were specific qualifications that had to be met (Korean class GPA above 3.0, US citizen, attend during the dates provided, etc).  Along with the application, a letter of recommendation from Korean teacher and an essay-5 different topics to choose from, had to be submitted.  All due by April 27th.

And in plain letters, "Once selected, must provide the participating fee of $500".

She gave me enough time to read it before she says, "You said if it was only $500 I could go, guess this means I'm going". 

Damn.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SAYING!!!!

During 8th grade registration, Naysia was ecstatic to learn that her school offered a Korean language class.  Her thought at the time was that this was the closest she would get to Japan.

It didn't take long to realize she had found a new devotion.  This quickly became, and remained, her best class (band was a close 2nd).  She completed it with a 98%. 

Mrs. Chun was her teacher-and will be in high school-and her every word was the law.
Never did we have to argue about getting Korean homework done.
During meals she spent the time practicing writing in Korean on the napkins.
As we drove around town she paid close attention to the location of markets and churches-her excitement in being able to read the characters on the building signs definitely brought a smile to my face. 
She began speaking to me in her new language. The phrase she was adamant that I understood was "Mom, I'm hungry".  The phrase I often responded with was, "I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SAYING!!!"

We began watching Korean dramas, listening to Korean pop music, shopping at Kimpo market and spending late nights reviewing the alphabet and correct pronunciation.

Eventually she shared a revelation.  As an adult she wants to live in South Korea and teach English.  She feels like this is the place she is meant to live out her life purpose.  The loaded question was, "Can we visit there this summer?"  I seriously looked at ticket prices and accommodations and immediately dismissed the possibility.  My promise to her was, summer 2012 we can go to Korea Town in L.A. and maybe as a 2016 graduation gift we could go to Seoul.  That would give me plenty of time to save money.  And plenty of time for her to come up with another place to live, like Phoenix.

Tenaysia is highly favored.  God, knowing her hearts true desires, has made all things possible.  Who gets to go to Korea this summer as hoped, dreamed, and prayed for?  My baby does.

China's Replacement

All through elementary school Naysia was in love with China.  With the newness of middle school came the newness of a new country to adore, Japan.

Tokyo was a hot topic.  Wishing I had a dime for every time we talked about the city and what her life there would possibly be like.

On her 13th birthday, March 11, 2011 Japan experienced the tsunami heard around the world.  I remember that day and the conversation we had in her bedroom that morning as the news flashed scenes of destruction and the fear in people's eyes.

"Naysia has a deep love for Japan and decided when she was young that's where she wants to live when she grows up. This morning we talked about the state of Japan and how I don't want her to live there. Her response, 'We're all gonna die. I would rather die by the force of nature than by the hands of man." Another small reason why I'm glad she's mine."  Facebook Entry 3/11/11

For her birthday she received a Japanese phrase book and map.  Along the way she learned to say and write hot dog, pizza, chocolate, garlic bread, hungry, jazz and vomit.

April of 2011 we headed to LA to see my dear friend Melanie.  Melanie, knowing Tenaysia's fascination, suggested we spend time in Little Tokyo.  She was wide eyed and ecstatic.  Her memento of choice, a sword.

This Japanese love affair lasted about 2 years....then along came Korea.

In the Beginning

I noticed it on the last day of kindergarten.  After the kindergarten promotion ceremony I approached Mrs. Winkleman to thank her for a wonderful school year.  During our conversation she mentioned that she was wishing safe travels for Naysia and I.  At the repeat of her travel hopes I asked what she meant.  She went on to tell me that Naysia had told her we would be traveling to China for the summer.  If memory serves me right the closest we came to China that year was getting a letter from Chai's friend Jin Wen~~who had gone to China for the summer.  Jin Wen returned with a dress for Naysia, which only fueled the fascination.    From age 6 to present day Tenaysia has been enraptured by the Asian culture. 


And if all goes as planned her dreams are about to come true.