Ohayou gozaimasu! Here are a handful of pictures from life lately. 

These next two were taken on our walk a few days ago. The weather has been seriously beautiful and we've been taking advantage! It reminds us of what the weather was like when we first got here... cool breezes and sunny skies. Oh, how I wish it would stay like this!

Last weekend we visited Chibichiri Gama here in Yomitan. This was a cave where local villagers hid during the landing of U.S. forces in the Battle of Okinawa. Many caves like this exist in Okinawa and surrounding islands. In some cases the locals survived. In others, like in Chibichiri Gama, they weren't so lucky. Of the 140 people hiding there, 84 took their lives. Tragic rumors that Americans were barbaric caused many to believe that suicide would be a better way to die. The site was both beautiful and haunting. 

On a lighter note, we're going whale watching on Sunday and I'm so excited!! Don't worry, I'll take an empty memory card and share the experience soon! 

Happy Valentine's Day!

This weekend my Mr. and I are going to a marriage conference at Koza. I'm looking forward to all God has for us as we soak in some new insights and truths! We're coming up on the one year anniversary of our "big wedding." Heavens, so much has happened since last February! That also means we've almost spend an entire year on this island. How time flies!

Y'all, I have more flower pictures for you. Yesterday I went up north with a couple of girlfriends to see the cherry blossoms. So. Beautiful. We missed the actual festival but made it in time to see these amazing pink trees. They're blooming all over the place on Okinawa but it was really awesome to see so many all at once. Enjoy!

Konnichiwa! Time for an update! I feel like things have been so busy lately. Work keeps J on his toes (ex: his phone rang at 4-something this morning and he answered with a "this is Lieutenant Jones" ...without even sounding groggy) and I am incredibly blessed to be able to do things like Tuesday night ballet class, baby holding at the orphanage on Wednesdays, and Bible studies on Thursdays. I'm so very thankful to have such a hard working husband. Y'all, he's the best.

These are from our Mt. Katsuu hike with our friends Brad & Laura. It was a fun (steep!) walk with a gorgeous view of the island.

Last weekend we went to the Himawari Festival in Kitanakagusuku Village. I read somewhere that about 40,000 sunflowers are now blooming in these fields. There were paths that took you right through the middle of these pretty things. With all the flowers and sunshine, I was pretty much in heaven. I can't even express to you how much I enjoy the flower festivals here on Okinawa. I'm super excited about the cherry blossoms that are happening now. We just missed them last year because we arrived in March but I intend to take full advantage this time. 

Australia: Part 3
Finally! Here are the rest of our pictures! Like I said, we had a really amazing time. J and I would love to be able to go back someday and explore another area of Australia.

These pictures were taken at Steve Irwin's zoo. It was an awesome one with lots of animals just roaming around. The enormous lizards scared me every time.  

These next two were taken near Tamborine Mountain. They have a "Gallery Walk" with shops, cafes, art galleries, and wineries (this is where we did our tasting). In the last picture, we ran across this sign and I just had to make my scruffy Marine stand next to it. He's such a good sport :)

Now I'm happy to say I can start updating you about life after the holidays! Have a happy Tuesday!

Australia: Part 2
Here are a few more! I have to say, it was strange to be on the beach at Christmastime. There was holiday music playing in the streets and everything. There's something about wearing a bathing suit in December that still seems funny.

If you look closely, you can see the Gold Coast skyline in the distance. 

We had coffee and (seriously delicious) scones in an adorable little house connected to this chapel. 

The pictures don't begin to do it justice... The views were truly breathtaking. 

These next two were taken on our "Treetop Walk." Our guide explained to us that this was actually a tree inside a tree. One grew up and around the other! Eventually the "host" tree died so we were able to climb inside and take a peek. Pretty neat. :)

One more Australia post still to come!