Where in the World is Michael?

Well, he's been all over the place lately. He left Japan about 2 months ago, headed for the Land Down Under. It took him about 2-3 weeks to get there. Once there, his shop stopped in Cairns. He was still working the night shift, so he was awake when they arrived in the middle of the night. He went out on the flight deck and watched as the ship came in. Many people from the city came to welcome the sailors. They were so excited because this was the biggest ship that had ever been to their port. Mike and his fellow sailors spent about a week in this city. Mike loved going out to meet people who spoke English and who were so nice and civilized. He said the girls loved buying the sailors dinner and drinks, so they just let them. That's my boy!

After some time there, the ship headed out again. This time it stopped in Brisbane. Mike was a little lonely and tired of the traveling and didn't even want to get off the ship, but Mom (me) told him to "get his little white butt off the ship and away from all of those gray walls and go see the city". He did and he and some buddies rented space a hostel and had a great time. They hung out with a bunch of people from many places around the world who were traveling and they talked and got to know a little about them. They also got to go to a zoo/farm in Brisbane.

While in Australia, those on the ship had the opportunity to do some training with the Australian navy. Then, the ship headed back out to sea. Mike's TAD (Temporary Assigned Duty) has been mostly done while on his way there and back, so he's almost done with that and can't wait to go back to his regular job in the fuel pump room. They landed back in Sasebo, Japan after dropping the Marines off in Okinawa. He's happy not to have the Marines on board anymore and for life to go back to normal. He now has earned the right to stay longer off the ship, even overnight, so he already took advantage of it by staying up all night, hanging out at an internet cafe downloading stuff to his computer.

He's thinking about coming home for the holidays and we are looking forward to going there next summer to visit. We just have to figure out when his ship will be in port, so he will have time to tour Japan with us. He misses home so much and all the luxuries of the United States. He is just a few days away from his 1-year anniversary in the U.S. Navy. Good job, Mike. Keep going strong. It should get easier now, but we'll still be so happy when we get to see you next! We love you so much and are so proud of you.

Send us some pictures soon! That's what Mom keeps telling him, but we'll see if it ever happens!