Hi everyone, some of you might know me as Jennifer Ward. I am the daughter of John & Dianna Ward. My Dad is the Plant Manager of ARI (formally know as Shippers). My Mom, works in the Solid Waste Dept. in Franklin Co. I have two younger brothers, John & Ty. I got married January the 11th and became Jennifer Blehm. I came to Okinawa with my husband Rob. He is currently stationed here with the United States Marine Corps.

Staying in Okinawa, Japan, has been an exciting experience.  Okinawa is an island approximately a three hour plane ride from mainland Japan.

The name "Okinawa " literally means "Sea Rope." It was named by Okinawa's early inhabitants when they thought that Okinawa resembled a piece of rope floating in the ocean when seen from a distance.

Okinawa's total area is 485 square miles with a population of approximately 1,240,000. Unlike Franklin County there is not much room for pastures and yards.

There are many different customs among the Japanese, I have learned only a few of them;

Shi-Sha (Lion Dogs). The terrifying yet attractive Shi-Sha sitting on Okinawa's rooftops are guardians of the residents from evil spirits. They are placed at the entrance of homes, shrines, graves, and on rooftops. They are placed in pairs: the one with the mouth open represents the male catching the happiness and the one with the mouth closed is a female holding the happiness.

The Japanese take their shoes off before entering their homes, one reason is, it's more comfortable and many sleep on floor mats known as tatami.

The numbers 4 and 9 are considered unlucky in Japan. This is because 4 in Japanese is pronounced "Shi" which means death and 9 is said "Ku" which is associated with the meaning of suffering. There are hotels and apartments which do not have any rooms numbered 4 or 9.

Kijimuna is Okinawa's good fairy that lives in Banyan trees. They are visible only to children and they are very playful.

There is a lot to get use to over here. There is no Wal-Mart, or any stores similar.  However they do have McDonalds, the hard part is trying to order. I have picked up on a few words in Japanese, but I'm still learning.