i went to the airport to pick up Hiyori-chan this morning. JAL has a superb program for assisting kids to hawaii. super safe, super efficient, and super on time. Hiyori-chan only slept for 1 hour on the flight because she was nervous. i asked her if she was tired, she said “no.” i asked her if she wanted to go surfing, she said “yes.”

so we loaded up the boards and went for her first surfing experience.

the moment she touched the water, i seen the biggest smile come out of this very shy girl. tohoku is snowing and very cold right now. when i told her this is our winter weather right now, she couldn’t believe it. i shot video of her experience and it sure was a great one.

we practiced at my house the basic 1, 2, 3’s of surfing. she got it perfectly on her very first waves standing up and riding it super long all by herself. it was a really exciting day for me!

then we rode a lot of waves together. Hiyori-chan didn’t make any mistake today. her balance, her sense, and her drive is going to take her very far in surfing, and very far in life.

then we played on the beach, ate teddy’s hamburger, she took a nap, and hopefully she’ll be getting a good sleep tonight because tomorrow is her first day of school at the YMCA! another exciting day for this amazing girl.
as i was downloading and watching the videos from today’s surf, i just started tearing. Hiyori-chan’s father was an amazing surfer from ishinomaki and also a hero to me. the story i heard about him trying his best to lower the dam to protect his hometown as the tsunami was coming was unbearable. he is still missing till this day but i could feel him in the ocean watching Hiyori-chan surfing today. i’m sure he was proud, and i’m sure he’s watching over his little angel growing up to become a beautiful and independent young woman. i better go before i start crying again.

First Hawaii.
First Surf.
First Wave.
Good job Hiyori-chan!

went to my friend John’s house last night for a get together. i knew John from college days right after he graduated from UH. he worked super hard since then and is now living in a dream condo. the most luxury condo near ala moana penthouse unit with 3 fricken floors!!! i went to the rooftop and couldn’t believe the panoramic views. i am and was always really happy to see my friends being so successful. it inspires me and pushes me harder to achieve all of my dreams too! congratulations John! great party, great people, and great condo!

we were playing this game last night. all 10 of us grown adults yelling and screaming like kids. i’m surprised none of his neighbors didn’t call the police.

today is the day i’ve been looking forward to for a long time. 11 year old Hiyori-chan from ishinomaki coming to hawaii! she will be staying at my house for the next 16 days. thank you Saito-san for the photos from the airport last night. i bet it must have been sad to see her leaving. don’t worry because she will enjoy this beautiful island! and hey Naomi-san, i’m always happy to see you smiling! We Are One Forever!

i can only wonder what an 11 year old girl must be thinking when leaving her country for the first time. excitement? nervous? scared? i was 23 years old when i first left america and i still remember leaving on the airplane for japan. that was the day my life changed. changed in the greatest way i can ever imagine.
well, going to the airport. have a wonderful day!