Update

I haven't written in a while - there's been a lot going on in the Ostrer lives, and not much at the same time. For starters, we are still in the US, and will be through November. We are being told that our paperwork should all be done by then and we should see Japan by December. We are hoping that this is accurate!

There have been a few small silver linings to us being here now. While we'd rather be away doing our thing, we have to look for the bright side! My parents had decided to move about a year ago but hadn't found the right house until now. Since we've been here we've packed, packed, and packed some more. Jason has been amazing! I would only expect him to work this hard and be this patient for his own parents. I'm sure my folks would have gotten it all done without us, but I think that in a small way, we've helped.

On the 7th of October, Todd Ostrer, a cousin of Jason's, passed away at the age of 43. Todd had been recovering from some health problems that occurred earlier in the year and by all accounts was doing very well. He had a heart attack while out shopping that ended his life. Due to some weird family stuff, Jason and Todd were not close. Not by their choice, the issues were residual from previous generations and the two men just never got the chance to sync back up. They were Facebook friends and shared a few childhood memories. Todd's two sisters were there for Jason when his father passed away about 2 1/2 years ago, so Jason wanted to be there for them. We went to the funeral in Portland, OR. Todd had the Ostrer looks for sure. As we were sitting, watching the slide show of his life, I felt like I was seeing Elliott, Jason's father. Sitting in the front two rows were Todd's five daughters and his wife. His daughters loved him so much. You could feel their pain as they gracefully welcomed guests and thanked everyone for coming. These girls are young, in their teens and 20's, yet they had the poise of practiced women. It was all very beautiful. Another small blessing, that we were able to go and glimpse the life of this man that will certainly be missed.

This Friday (as in tomorrow), my parents move. They have been generously hosting us in what my Mom is calling our "time of transition". (She is trying to save my pride as I whine about being homeless, carless, and living at home again). In truth, we have a home. It is in Kanonji. We just can't access it right now...Anyway, tomorrow they move. We are helping, and moving too. So crazy. The change on environment will be good for the kids. They have been really very amazing through all this. Homeschooling them is going okay, they are resistant but after threats, bribes, and manipulation, we get it done. Teaching other people's children is so much easier! Remind me not to go this again!

That's all for now. I hope to have some more exciting news soon...

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