Orientation Week

Orientation week is officially over. What a busy, hectic week spent of planning and preparing for the upcoming weeks.  We have spent hours in classrooms listening to all sorts of speakers. We have learned about the Japanese culture and have learned a variation of words to use when we are out and about.  It is so weird to be surrounded by men and women in military uniform especially in this hot humid weather.  Many days are “black flag” days which mean that it is too dangerous to be in the heat unless you are submerged in the water.

Today, was the most exciting day yet!!! My group has been staying at Camp Foster which is the biggest base in Okinawa. We have been living in the barracks which are basically like dorm rooms.  Foster is nice, but we are all more than ready to move to Camp Kinser which is about 15 minutes south.  Today, my group and I got to visit our center and new home for the remainder of the summer. It is so AWESOME!!!! Our new location is beautiful and is much closer  to the water. We first went to visit our new barrack. We each have our own room-queen size bed, kitchenette, working tv, sink, and yes, finally our own shower!!!!  We are able to see the ocean perfectly from our new home. We are all ecstatic and can’t wait to move in on Sunday.  Our camp is a way smaller, but there are still plenty of things to do.  Working for the military you have such nice benefits.  We are very fortunate that we have privileges to the PX which is like a Wal-Mart, but with designer products. The commissary is my favorite. This this the local grocery store where things are fairly reasonable.  After being in ahhh about our new barrack we went to visit our site where we will be working at this summer which is right down the road from where we will be living.  The kids surprised us as we walked in the site! It was awesome they had Camp A posters everywhere and jumped and screamed as we arrived. I defiantly felt like a celebrity- It was by far the cutest thing that I have ever seen.  It is a camp tradition to make names up for the kids to call us by.  My group decided on fruit names. I am Ms. Mango!  Again, I am in shock of how the kids acted!! Camp has been coming to their site year after and It must have left a huge indent in their young heart. J The kids made many signs for each of us and begged for us to stay longer with them, but we were short time and really just had time to get familiar with the center. The kids are ages 5-9 I will be staring off by spending more time with the 5&6 year olds.

Tonight, we are finally going off base!!! We have been so tide up and busy planning we haven’t had time to venture out of the gates. Tonight my group plans on going out for sushi and exploring what off base has to offer. I am very excited to be able to wear clothes other than camp A uniform! Tomorrow is a day full of exploring and seeing things as well. Sunday, as an entire group we are going to Akuma Beach which is a beach wayyyy north to hang out and experience water sports such as banana boating, jet skiing, snorkeling and hiking. This should be a fun filled day of being in the sun and then Sunday night we are moving in our new home!! J Exciting first weekend ahead of me! I have adjusted to the time change---finally!!  When I move I will take pictures and post them right away. This week I haven’t had Wi-Fi so it has been very hard to update and talk to family and friends. However, my new home will have Wi-Fi so It should be much easier to update.  Hope all is well for everyone back in the states! Sayonara (the easiest word for me to use) more will come with time I am sure!

Xoxo Kasey