Masaya's week in Alabama
Photos by Jeannie Caver (photo thumbnails below)
July 25: Masaya was not yet tired from his long trip, but
he was very hungry! He had his mouth set on an American hamburger and fries, so
the first thing we did upon leaving the airport was to find the nearest
Wendy's! He inhaled his food in record time!
When we arrived home, Masaya did not appear to be the
least bit sleepy. We showed him around the house, introduced him to the
animals, and played ping-pong! He is very good at ping-pong. He even pulled
out his own paddle that he brought with him all the way from Japan! He then
decided that it was time to shower us with gifts from Japan. We all had
a wonderful time. Then he made us an origami swan. By that time we were all
very tired, so we all went to bed around 2:00 a.m.
July 26: I guess Masaya was worn out from his trip after
all because he slept until 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday! After having a very late
breakfast on bacon, eggs, and bisquits, Alicia and her friend Sarah took Masaya
shopping for a special gift in downtown Fairhope. After several stops, he
finally found just what he was looking for. The threesome then proceeded to
check out an American grocery store where they bought some drinks to cool off a
bit. After a few more stops they came home, and Masaya headed straight for his
bedroom for a nap. Shopping in America had been an exhausting experience!
After Masaya's nap, we took a walk around the
neighborhood. He took some pictures of the homes and big yards. We then all
met at Chik-fil-A for dinner with Grandpa. He likes all of the American food
and always eats every bite! After dinner, we played more ping-pong and some
computer games, and talked with Lee who had just driven in from Montgomery.
July 27: After breakfast, more computer games, chatting,
and reading a book, Jeannie, Austin, Shane, and Masaya headed over to Mobile to
meet Mayor Dow. After becoming an homorary citizen of the City of Mobile, we
headed home for some jumping on the trampoline and some competative basketball
on the back porch. Lee grilled a savory pork loin, and we had green bean
casserole, applesauce, and seasoned rice to go with it. Masaya said it was very
good. We then drove into town and went for a stroll on the pier. As it was a
clear night, he was able to see Mobile. Once back home, we joked a lot about
how he understands much more about what we are saying than we think he does. He
definitely agreed and laughed along with the rest of us! Our communication has
been going very well, but it very funny at times. We catch ourselves speaking
louder and louder to him as if he will understand us better that way. We keep
having to remind ourselves that he is Japanese, not deaf! We apologize for
yelling, and we all laugh!
July 28: We got up early to go swimming at a friend's
house this morning. Masaya, Austin, and Shane enjoyed attempting to pelt one
another with splashballs. They swam for about two hours before heading home for
a sandwich. We were scheduled for horseback riding, but Masaya was ready for
another nap, so he said he would go next time. After a long nap, we had a
spagetti dinner, and Masaya, Lee, Alicia, Austin, and Shane headed over to
Mobile for the Baybears baseball game. It is now raining. I hope the game
doesn't get rained out!
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Masaya, Alicia, and Sarah shopping in Fairhope |
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Masaya, Lee, Alicia, Austin, Shane, Paul (a family friend), and Grandpa at Chik-fil-A
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Austin, Masaya, and Shane at the Government Plaza Building in Mobile
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Masaya and Shane enjoying the trampoline |
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Modeling Japanese slippers! Lee and Austin wear size 14 and Shane wears
a 13, so we all got a good laugh about how the slippers fit |
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Lee and Masaya traded shoes for another good laugh! |
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Masaya, Shane, Alicia, Lee, and Jeannie at the Fairhope Pier |
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Masaya and Shane swimming |
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