The land of the revolving door

You don't have to be a foreigner living in Japan very long to see that this is "the land of the revolving door".  I had very few friends when I first arrived, but I had a wonderful family waiting to embrace me. I had English students, some of which did become friends, and then, as children entered the picture, added to that were the parents of my children's friends.

But then, those friends usually stayed only for two or three years on company business, and then moved on . There were times I almost dreaded making new friends because I knew in a year or two, they would be moving on, taking a piece of my heart with them.

Sure, there were a few long-term friends, and especially among the missionary community there were quite a few. Sadly, over the last ten or fifteen years, most have retired and left. My dear neighbor, too, has become to frail to live on her own and has moved in with her daughter. Hopefully the house and garden will remain but even our neighbor to the south sold their lot to be divided into two three-story-sun-blocker and I can't help thinking it might happen again.

So, where do you go for friends? Church is  a big one ... also with a revolving door. Scouting has been another source ... though most of those friends are guys ... and then, there is quilting.
You are sitting with needle in hand, and in walks someone new. It only takes a few minutes to find you have met a kindred spirit. This week I am saying "good-bye" again BUT I know, even though she is leaving Japan, we will meet again. This week Cynthia and I made a final run to "fabric town", the wholesale district for cloth. She was picking up a few goodies to take back to the States and I was needing her help to complete my owl.

Now, as I work, I will be remembering the friendship we have shared.

How very much easier it is to make a selection with the help of a friend ... especially a friend who is on the same page, knows where you are coming from and where you are going.

You can see my owl is also happy, for now he has a branch to sit on and the beginning of sky where his tail leaves off. (and just wait until you see the border print)!

Thank you Cynthia, for two short years of friendship. We will be linked by our blogging, our quilting, our fabrics, and we can begin scheming about what we can do when I come to Boston.

 Also, this week, a rainbow came through my mail slot.

This is the beautiful hand dyed fabric that came from Vicki Welsh as a prize from Quilting Gallery. I just know the women of Tohoku will have their spirits lifted by these vibrant colors ... and.. as if that wasn't enough, Vicki generously added some extra pieces. Thank you Vicki, nothing will go to waste!

Then, on Friday, I went to an ikebena exhibit by Sogetsu school. Many years ago, I studied with Sogetsu and even earned my teacher's license. I used to belong to Ikebana International and took part in their shows but lately there is little space or occasion for a flower arrangement in my home.

The ticket was given me by a quilting friend/sensei  and, surprise!, more quilt friends met there. The show was outstanding and so very nicely done.
Afterwards, we went for a cool drink and I was fortunate to meet another of sensei's friends I had only seen in passing a few times, but this time we had time to talk (She is French, so we managed in Japanese) but she has been in Japan as long as I and we shared a lot in common.

So ... the revolving door keeps spinning, Along with sad "good-byes" come warm "hellos". And, thanks to the computer age, many of those may last longer than before.