Hi to all from Okinawa, Japan ! Matt and I have been here for a little over three years now. We were married in 2002 and three weeks later we were on a plane to the other side of the world. As missionary teachers at Okinawa Christian School International for two years, we both taught PE along with sports programs and various other extra-curricular activities. We then jumped on board with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDS) and now work for the U.S. government.

DODDS schools are just like a public school in the states because we have the same school year and curriculum, and we teach all American children; the only difference is that we're in Japan . We are both coaching JV volleyball this year and Matt hopes to coach basketball. Matt is teaching middle school PE and I am waiting to be hired. I went back to school last year in pursuit of two extra certifications (English, Humanities) in order to make myself more marketable in the DODDS system.

We love Okinawa ! It is known as Japan 's Hawaii and is a fabulous dive spot. We have enjoyed various water sports here, have gotten to know the culture and a little bit of the language, and have a great church called Calvary Chapel Okinawa. Three summers ago we visited New Zealand for two weeks and despite all of my other travels around Europe and the Caribbean , this was by far the most beautiful country I have ever seen. If you get a chance, go! We miss you Spud and Barb!