Back from Iwakuni

I truly don't know where to begin . . . . . the Japan adventure was incredible! Wonderful friendships were forged and it was amazing to see our Marines and Sailors preserving our freedoms in a distant land.

From the moment we boarded ANA until we left the Japanese influence behind, we were treated with kindness, respect and total hospitality. Never have I seen such accommodating people. They anticipate your every need and meet it to the very best of their ability.

We arrived in the middle of the night, found our rooms and tried to rest a little after a grueling 22+ hours on the road and in the air. DJ was the first one ready to sightsee the next morning . . . anxious to get his co-cast members out and about in Hiroshima. I spent the day in the Family Service Center with Betty, LaNita, Gina and Ellen and with NCIS Supervisory Special Agent Scott Vousboukis.

I managed to get away for a day of sight-seeing with DJ, Danielle, Miciah and Jori. We had a great time and enjoyed the beauty of Iwakuni, and a very interesting dinner. (Glad I am a vegetarian, because it seems everyone except Danielle and I ate horse.)

The three performances at the theater were well-attended and enjoyed by all.

The return trip had its moments. First, DJ and I lost our passports, but fortunately mine was returned the same night by the cab driver. DJ's luck was not immediate, however, and we spent many hours fretting over his ability to come back to the US with us. All worked out in the end, and we traveled home together.

Yesterday, the Evening of the Arts Volunteer team met at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater for a run through of responsibilities of the upcoming fundraising event on November 9. Hope everyone will tell their friends, co-workers and family members to support this joint effort between FTH and Bravery Project. You won't be disappointed.

Upcoming TV/radio interviews to promote Evening of the Arts include Mesa Talking with Scott Anderson and Channel 12, noon show, Nov 2.

Maybe by Christmas I will catch-up on my sleep.