Too Long

Hello! How's everyone doing? It's been about 2 months since we arrived in Switzerland. Settling in has been quite a challenge and we find ourselves doing the same thing but in a very different land. We now live in a house in a woody area instead of the apartment in Japan and suddenly I find myself having to deal with cobwebs, fallen leaves, mould and lots more housework. The upside is that the kids love having a garden to run around in. Their favourite thing in the world is to help Daddy rake leaves :).

We remember all our friends in Japan fondly. We miss all of you. A BIG 'Thank You' goes out to those who saw us off at the airport. We were very touched by your presence and kindness. The children will sometimes talk about their friends from American Chatterbox. On that note, congratulations to all the children who have just graduated!!! We're really happy for all of you. And we really miss Japanese food. We brought the kids to a Japanese restaurant the other day and they were over the moon. They had Japanese rice, miso soup, karaage, tempura and sushi.

The boys have started school here at the Swiss International School - Zurich North. They've adjusted well and look forward to going to school everyday. For myself, I've started German and Bible Study classes. These take up three days of the week. The other two days are for housework and grocery shopping. It takes alot longer to get around these days. School is about a 12-minute drive away and Carrefour is about 15 minutes away by car. All in all, we are grateful for the chance to spend a few years in this lovely country. We look forward to getting to know more of the culture and language of this land. Will keep you posted as we go along.

Love, Linda



After the American Chatterbox Christmas Party.


Aunty Miyuki and the little sheep during a Christmas presentation at Hakata New Life Church.

Farewell dinner with Noriko, Rebecca, Yuko and Shotaro.

Farewell party with good friends.

Satomi-san, Taro and Nanami at the airport.

Ayumi-san and Aoi.


Pastor David and Miyuki.

Minako-san, Tetsuya-san and Shiori.

Atsuhito, Yuko and Shotaro - our very first friends in Fukuoka.

The boys and their friends - Shiori, Yuuri, Taro and Nanami.

Hitomi-san and Yuuri.



Some of the sights of Zurich City.

Joseph with his sled.

Benjamin happy to play in the snow.

Snow-covered mountains.

A beautiful pot of roses - courtesy of our neighbour. Wish I could send it to my mom who loves roses.

Sheldon and the Easter bunny hanging out at home.