The Internet is Truly a Wonderful Thing!

The last 24 hours have been so great! Can you even begin to imagine how nuts I'd be by now if I had to wait for the regular mail to arrive with a letter or pictures from Japan! We've been checking for his posts every morning and are so disappointed when there's no news, but we understand that he's had to use someone else's internet access and there is a limit to how much anyone wants to impose on other people's generosity! Colin finally got internet and not only were we able to msn messenger in real time last night but he also posted great pictures (on facebook) so that now we have a good concept of how he lives. The computer will be a good link for him to his other friends as well!

His apt (room) is definitely small, but the flooring is nice and it appears that he's settled quite well. 2 doors and a window bring in lots of sunshine! We'd also be interested in seeing pictures of Mana and Mio and the exterior of his builidng and how it's situated in relation to the street. He overlooks greenspace and a road and stores...something to look at...it makes you feel connected to the world when you can always see people....it's a good thing. I don't want Colin to be lonely...he's never lived alone before. It's usually fun at first!

My good friend Sandy noticed a book in her son, Marc's apt. that she thought might interest me and she was right! Marc is a doctor who did a brief intern stint in Japan earlier this year. She went out of her way to find the book for me at the library and I laughed til I cried on Saturday evening when I read it. A really funny book that I have to try and find for Colin...Dave Barry Does Japan...an American's view of Japan.

13 days gone and I can finally make it through a day without tears. I'm growing up, but not exactly getting used to the fact that Colin is gone for a year. With every passing day, the gulf just gets easier to handle. In fact I realized late last week that I'm no longer worrrying about Colin ( well ok, small white lie- I did worry when he went to Fukuoka for a concert). He's safe, school has started, he has a regular routine, is familiarizing himself with Saga and has friends. Our life goes on here without him. Milk in our fridge is lasting longer and I haven't had to clean the microwave because no one else seems to use it. But...those very miniscule advantages to his absence don't make up for the fact that my boy is gone and I do miss him. Love you my boy, take lots of pictures and enjoy every second!!!