2023/Louis-

It was the spring of 2021 when I heard the news. The news that my family and I would be moving to Japan, the land of the rising sun. It was a normal day in beautiful Hawaii, specifically in the small town of Wahiawa, when I was first told of this plan. Caval, Geoffrey and I were in our living room getting ready for school. Before we left, our dad told us that we will be moving to Japan. Once I absorbed those very words, I felt as though I had been struck by lightning. How could I leave Hawaii? I figured this had to be a joke, lie or even a hoax. My dad did have a record of telling “Tall Tales” so I figured this Japan thing was one of them. Knowing that this was possibly not true comforted me. But there was a darkside to the fact. What if it was true? I contemplated this all the way to school and throughout the school day. I made sure not to mention it to my teachers or classmates as I didn’t know if it was fact or fiction. When I came home, I decided to work on my homework. I managed to finish it just before my mom came home. When she did, I decided to clear the possible misconception. So, I asked her about it. The answer was what I least expected, it was a yes. I was in shock. It had been true all along. Since I knew that I could not change their minds, I decided to make the most of it. For the next few months, I talked to some of my friends asking them what to do in Japan. My friend Keegan suggested visiting Hiroshima while Daniel suggested definitely visiting Hokkaido. Months later in July, the time came. One moment the movers came and took our things and the next we were at the airport, boarding a flight to Japan on ANA airlines. The flight lasted several hours and all I had was what I packed. Since I am usually very prepared, I decided to pack the kitchen sink as a precaution. Luckily, I had packed just enough things to last the trip overseas. When we finally did arrive, The first thing I asked my mom was,” When will the transport be here?” She said it would come fairly late at about 6:00. So, I patiently waited at Haneda airport for the shuttle to arrive. When It did, I eagerly grabbed my things and leaped on board. My family and I traveled for hours until we finally arrived at the Yokota Air Base TLF, specifically the Ashiya Tower. I could tell we arrived as I was awoken from my slumber. I exited the shuttle and climbed the stairs to the 5th floor and settled into what would be our temporary room. At that moment, I figured Japan wasn’t all that bad. I missed Hawaii and still do, but I knew I had to make the most of things. As a result, Japan is not that bad and I feel much more confident moving. Being a military child provides special opportunities that other children do not have such as moving and experiencing other cultures. You would be very lucky to be a military child. It may be scary at first, but it will be worth it in the end.