We’re moving to Japan!

The Japanese Embassy offered both of us jobs last month. We had our interviews in February. It has been quite an adventure already – just applying and interviewing at the Japanese Consul in Seattle.

We will be flying out at the end of July, right after I graduate from my MFA program. We don’t yet know where in Japan we will be placed. Most of our preparation these days revolves around learning the language. I relish this endeavor of increasing my ability to connect with others.

Holly’s back is feeling much better, and we are so grateful. Her shoulder hurts now though. My hearing has improved thanks to two surgeries now (I just had a second one). It’s difficult to underestimate what a difference this is making in my life!

I struggle with writing. I guess I always will. Self-motivation being the biggest challenge. I really want the story I’m working on to be a book, and I’m pushing myself to that end. Anne Ursu, my beloved mentor, really believes in my ability, and that is so motivating. I’ve found that the less “alone” this process is, the better I do. Writing stories is not usually a sharing or collaborative act. But I really believe one gigantic secret to writing joyfully is a strong community. I’ve started a writing critique group for male children’s writers with this in mind. There are eight of us and I think we’ve all really benefited thus far.

My prayer is for everything I do to be about togetherness.