Hello!

Hi. I am Motoko. Thank you for visiting my website. This is my first English blog!

I am enjoying living in the U.S. now. I am very new, having just moved here in December 2010. On my way to Texas I had to spend one night in San Francisco because of heavy snow to the east. I didn’t understand why they couldn’t fly since it wasn’t snowing in San Francisco. It soon dawned on me that it was because they couldn’t land in such heavy snow. There were so many passengers stuck at the airport. If I had been in Japan I could have taken train instead. This was my first introduction to just how big America is.

In order to complete my journey to Texas, I had to stand in line and book a new flight. It was a long, long, slow line. So slow! I felt so uneasy since I was traveling alone and starting a new life in America and especially with my husband already in Texas. I thought, “does America not welcome me?” The people in line were very patient; I didn’t see anyone complaining. A pastor in front of me said, “just being here is a blessing.” Yes! His words really encouraged me.

My first days here seemed quite miserable to me, staying home all day doing nothing and having no friends — completely opposite from my life in Japan. I didn’t know what to do for months.

Supported by many people, I found my goals here.  I hope you enjoy my blog and my website as I try to share with you the joy of flowers and Japanese culture. I am very happy to serve you as Japanese Culture Consultant and your friend.

はじめまして、もとこです。2010年の12月にテキサスに移ってきました。雪のために飛行機が飛ばず、サンフランシスコで一夜を過ごしました。重い気持ちで飛行機の再予約のために長い長いゆっくりした列に並びました。アメリカは私を歓迎していないのかしら？私の前にいた牧師さんが「ここにいるだけでもありがたいお恵みだよ。」とおっしゃいました。そうでした！

実際には初めのほうの生活は惨めなものに思えました。日本とは全く違う生活で仕事も友達もなくすることもない、。でも今、たくさんの方々のおかげで自分のサイトやブログを作ってもらい、お花の楽しみや日本の文化を一緒に楽しもうとしています。みなさんおお役にたてたら、とてもうれしいです。