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Packing for America
I was sitting in my room staring at my dresser and all of my belongings. What should i take?! Im in a deep debt and if i dont start paying them off, im in big trouble. The sweet smell of cherry blossoms filled the house. "ugh" i thought. I am going to miss this. Tomorrow is the big day. Going to America was a scary thought but also very exciting! I decided that i was going to take a few pairs of clothes, my favorite chopsticks, and a necklace that my father gave me when i was little. -
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Akiko's journey
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The boat
After saying goodbye to everyone, my mother decided to walk with me to the port about a mile away. "Just dont over work yourself!" she told me. "Remember, your father and I are also working too! you are only 22 years old"!
After a mile of walking, we came to the port. The water was so clear and blue. And there it was. The boat i am going to have home for about a month. -
The start of a long journey
My family included my younger sister Yumi, my mother, father, and our dog pochi and today was the day that i was going to leave them behind for over a year. Well, until we pay off our debt. Both my mother and father work hard everyday so it shouldnt take a long time. Our money issue is not as bad as many of our neighbors. Actually, it was my choice to move. I wanted to help my family but also see what the world was like. -
Mistaken....
Since the Chinese Exclusion Act was in place, the rule was, no one from China. Taro and I were sadly mistaken for one and we were held back a little bit. We have been here for 3 days now and its almost time for us to get out. The free meals have been pretty good. It was very diffrent from home. After a few hours after lunch, we were free to start our new lives. -
Meeting Taro
Its been a month since i hopped on this boat and we are a few days away from landing. On the way, i met a young man about the same age as me named Taro. He is dark haired and tall with a story simular with mine. I also found out that he was going to be hanging around the same part of California as me. We both decided that we were going to stick together. -
Landing
Finally!!! We are in America. The first step is to go through Angel Island. Angel Island was the most scary part for me. Many people of many races were all lined up to be cheacked out. Taro and I stayed together the whole time. -
A new job, a new house, a new life.
Its been about a year now since i came to America. Taro and I are doing great (we actually got married) and bought a house. We both work seperate jobs. Yes, my family debt is payed and i actually made a few extra bucks! We both enjoy living here but plan to move back to Japan in about a year. I also send money down to my family just to help them out if they need anything. -
Jobs
I was lucky enough to find a great job at a local factory. Nope, not a sweatshop. The owner is very nice and cares about others. I know?! crazy right? I have talked to many of my new friends that i made here and they all told me how harsh their bosses were. Taro on the other hand found a job related to what he loves-cooking -
Going back home
Today is the day that Taro and I are moving back to Japan. We have a solid chunk of money that we are taking home from working hard everyday and i cant wait to see my family! Taro's parents passed before he left so he will be living with us now. My parents are very happy for me and cant wait to meet Taro in perosn.
