Yesterday we searched for housing out in town and ended up seeing 6 different houses all together. We were interested, but not totally in love with the first two and the next three that we saw were definitely not going to work. The final one that we saw was 'the one'!! It is a Japanese style house and was originally a 3 bed/1 bath. It was recently renovated and is now a 2 bed/1 bath with the master bedroom being VERY large due to them merging two bedrooms together.
It is all one story and has beautiful hardwood flooring, a room with tatami mats, a split bathroom (one room with the tub/shower and another room with a 'special' toilet) and an open kitchen. I call the toilet special because it is very unique. :) It is called a bidet toilet...you can look it up if you desire to. I'm not planning on using all of the features myself, but if you feel up to having a warm toilet seat all ready for you than feel free. :)
We will be getting an American oven/stovetop and refrigerator from the government to use while we live there. There is no microwave and I'm not sure if we'll get one right away. It would be handy, but we'll see if there is space. The washer and dryer are Japanese, but I think we can work with it. We have an actual garage which is a HUGE deal here. No one seems to have a garage aside from a carport, so people put some money into this property for sure. It will be a big help during typhoons, etc.
The area that we are going to be in is the northern Yomitan area of Okinawa. It is right off the ocean, but our house is more up on a mountain so it should be out of the tsunami danger zone (as they refer to it). The views are gorgeous and it is a bit more private where it is located. Hopefully we'll have a chance to get some pictures real soon!! I'm excited to share our new home with you all. :)
Tomorrow we hopefully will purchase a car and be able to drive around and explore on our own. Our sponsors have been absolutely amazing and very helpful as we have needed transportation and explanations on many things. It has been fun and a huge blessing to gain two friends so quickly upon arrival to the island.
Congratulations on your new home, Ben and Elissa! It would be marvelous to come visit you sometime in the next three years! Our prayers are with you as you adjust to so many new things. Praying for God to give you many special friends there in Okinawa. We love and miss you two. Hugs and kisses, Mom B.
ReplyDelete