Parties and golf

These last few weeks in Japan have been filled with fun. We continue to make memories with the friends we've met here, and the reality that our adventure will soon end is starting to set in.

My sweet friend, Miyoko, recently organized a yukata party for my friends, Meagan and Emily, and me. We all sewed our own yukatas by hand and jumped at the opportunity to show them off. We spent the afternoon trotting around Nagoya and had a nice little lunch at a French restaurant.

Emily got to wear the infamous wig this time. We bumped into a television crew at one point, and the cameraman asked her if she was Lady Gaga. Ha!

The following day, I made my golfing debut. Miyoko and her family invited Travis and me along. We went to a very nice golf course close to the city. I had never really played before and had only hit a ball here and there when I was in high school. Needless to say, I was a bit nervous. We played a full 18 holes, and I really enjoyed myself.

I was terrible and usually lost track of my strokes after 10 so I have no idea what my score was.

After our full day of golf, Miyoko and her family hosted us for a farewell party. I managed to not shed any tears, but it wasn't easy. As usual, we had a delicious meal with them and lots of fun. All of the people sitting at this table plus a sweet 12-year-old girl will be making the journey to St. Louis and to my hometown in August. Should be a blast!

The following day, we attended a super-classy wedding reception for Ryan and Ayako.

We got all dolled up, and I was able to wear my bridesmaid's dress from Courtney's wedding. It's possible, you really can re-wear them sometimes!

This picture is of Meagan, Ayako, me and Emily. Meagan, Emily and I all had our hair professionally done for the party. Our styles weren't exactly what we had imagined, but it was so much fun. I felt like I was going to prom all over again--just with less awkwardness, and I didn't get a wrist corsage.Ryan and Ayako (Ryako) cutting their cake. They are such a wonderful couple and have already overcome so many challenges. Ayako is leaving her home in Japan to move to America indefinitely. Talk about commitment! I can't wait to spend more time with them in the U.S. Ryan sang to Ayako at the reception, and I'm pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye in the place. He's quite talented, and it was so sweet.

Well, that's all for now. I hope to blog again soon. We spent last week in Cambodia so I have lots of exciting pictures to share with you.