July 16, 2020

One Year Japan-iversary | 日本一週年

July 16, 2020/ Brandy C.

Today marks our one year anniversary of living in Japan. It was always my dream to live in Japan, and I got emotional when the moment we got the orders to move here! From the journey moving to Okinawa until today, we are grateful for every day that we get to live here. We’ve found a loving church, met many friends, and started serving in youth ministry (they taught me TikTok!). I’ve also become the VP of Naval Officer Spouse Club Okinawa (NOSCO), UN became the VP of Officer Wardroom, and he received great remarks on his job performance. Despite being extra busy this past year, but we count every minute and every second as a blessing from God. Thank you God for leading us on this amazing life journey, and with this next year here, we are prayerful for more of God’s guidance.

一年前的今天，我和UN搬來日本！從小我一直夢寐以求能住日本，對日本相關的大小事我都非常感興趣，所以UN一告訴我能住日本，我感動到哭！從搬來沖繩的過程到現在大部分時間宅在家，每分每秒都是感恩和感謝。我們找到很照顧我們的教會，認識很多非常要好的朋友們，我們也在教會的青少年團契裡服侍（就是他們介紹我TikTok的！）我在軍眷團裡成為副會長，UN也擔任單位裡的副會長，工作上拿到很棒的成績。雖然這一年來很忙，但每次回家裡細數過程，滿滿都是神的恩典。感謝神讓我們這一年來經歷許多人生從未想到的事，接下來的這一年，我們期待神的帶領。

July 14, 2020

Shelter in place: Week 10 Check-In | 第10周居家隔離

July 14, 2020/ Brandy C.

Thank you to those of you who sent messages and called to ask how we are doing. We are very touched. As of last Friday, we are placed back under shelter in place (SIP). Within a week, we had a major outbreak of positive COVID cases. We had planned a hiking trip with church friends, followed by hotpot and boardgames, but had to postpone once again. We stopped binging shows since they loosened the restrictions, but looks like its time to watch some shows again! Recommendations are welcomed!

謝謝朋友們傳來的問候，好暖心。上週五全面恢復居家隔離，又要宅在家了！上星期爆出太多案例，原本週末要和朋友去爬山，然後一起吃火鍋玩遊戲，現在只能我和UN一起待家裡吃火鍋了！我們家因解禁後再也沒看電視，是時候開電視追劇了！

We thought we were entering a new normal, but wasn’t fully prepare to be back in shelter in place with even harsher restrictions. My mind is still thinking we can go outside. All I can think about is putting on some makeup and go out, but the reality is staying at home. We stocked our fridge like Tetris. It’s time to develop my cooking skills again. PSA: Wash your hands often, wear a mask, and be careful guys!

雖然疫情爆發，我們心裡有底知道居家隔離是遲早的事，但無預警全面停擺，甚至比之前居家隔離要求更高，讓我有點不知所措。頭腦一時轉不過來，一直想快點梳妝整理趕著出門，卻只能待家裡。家中冰箱食物滿到像是玩俄羅斯方塊，又能精進煮飯技術的時候了。好啦，希望大家勤洗手，帶好口罩，小心安全！

July 13, 2020

Girls’ Staycation at Okuma | 閨蜜沖繩遊

July 13, 2020/ Brandy C.

I didn’t think Okuma would rival our original girl’s trip planned for Vietnam and Bali, but this weekend changed my view. Here there is a 9-hole golf course, mini golf, and various water sports, including glass bottom boat for the gram! Wish we could’ve stayed longer.

以為這裡無法和我們原先計畫的越南、峇里島旅行相比，但這週末讓我完全改觀。有9洞高爾夫球場、mini golf、海邊各種設施幾乎應有盡有，還有網美必坐的透明小船，真希望我們能在那待久一點。

We stayed at a condo with 7 rooms with ocean view. Kitchen and living room included, plus a barbecue area outside. But all of us were tired from cooking at home during shelter in place, so we decided to dine at the restaurant on the establishment. The best thing is that it only costs $35 per person, UN thought we are camping out in tents. By comparison, the other nearby resorts cost an average of $350 per night, some even without the ocean view. But you need a US military ID to enter this property, thankful to the military for letting us enjoy this perk!

這次我們住的是獨棟含7間房間，窗外便是一大片海景，附有廚房和客廳，外面有烤肉區。但大家在病毒期間以厭倦煮飯，我們都在附設餐廳裡用餐。誇張的是一晚一人只需美金35元。便宜到UN以為我們搭帳篷，連附近飯店（無連接海邊）都必須美金350元起跳。好吧，講這麼多，但這裡需要美軍證件才能進來，把這篇當作炫耀文吧！感謝美軍這麼貼心，對我們這麼好！

Back to my main point, I’m grateful for this group of ladies that I got to know over the past year. Thank you for supporting me and lifting me up, trusting me to serve as the VP for the group, and nourishing my leadership and management skills. Although many of you are PCSing (military move), a typical military lifestyle, this world is small and I’m sure our paths will cross again. Thank God for bringing these friends into my life!

回歸正題！好感恩去年來沖繩時能認識這些朋友們。雖然短短一年的相處，很感謝朋友們願意提拔我，讓我有機會在軍眷團裡勝任重要職位，也教我許多活動管理和籌備技巧。雖然朋友們準備搬到不同國家，但這就是軍眷的生活。但我相信世界如此小，我們一定會再次相遇。感謝神能讓我認識這群朋友！