Anne and Mike spent the first few months of their life together in Okayama-ken, Japan. It seems that Mike had accepted an offer to teach Japanese middle school students English. After being in Japan for just a few months Anne joined him on this “Excellent Adventure”. 

E-mails fortunately had recently come onto the scene and it was the main way we all kept in contact. Being the folks back home we checked our e-mails everyday to get the latest news from Japan . 

Click on the picture below to view additional E-mails and pictures from Japan.

Tuesday 23 September 1997

Hi Mama! Got your email--thank you. How exciting about the invitations! I'm dying to hear your opinion and to actually see them. To answer your question about the ribbon/candles--no. I don't want ribbon on the votives. The simpler, the better--if you ask me. Now, if everyone else has differing opinions, do what you feel is best. But I'd prefer ribbon on the larger ones only. I'm glad you've kept in touch w/ Hannah--she is sweet, isn't she? Why aren't more people like her? Guess like dad says, it'd be boring if everyone was the same. …
Hey! We just got your package!!!! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!! I didn't let Mike open his yet, but we're listening to Van Morrison right now--thank you!! And the taco bell fixit kit looks yummy! I was wondering about the magazines, did you get them because you know I can't cook? Or because of the thin thigh, flat tummy articles? HA HA. I love you, Mom. Well, I stink so I'm going to hop in the shower. Take care and tell everyone I said hi. Mike says hi too.
Love,
Annie