House Hunting in Iwakuni

Oh my gosh. Joel and I got into three separate cars today with three separate Japanese agents that did not speak English and saw six separate houses. Oh my gosh.

We are confused.

We've narrowed it down to one...or none.

Do we stay on base for another month or so and collect our amazing per diem and mooch off of the temporary housing and house keeping? Or do we live in a house for two months with borrowed furniture (until our shipment arrives) knowing that we got a darn good house that will last the next 3 years? Sure there are things about each house that we like and dislike, but one in particular rocks. The only complaint is that it's not within walking distance of town. But that isn't a deal-breaker.

While we deliberate and pray, here are some things we've learned about Japanese homes:

• They are small and two stories high
• One bathroom - however the toilet is by its lonesome and the shower gets its own room where you are supposed to hand hose yourself off then sit in the smaller than seems suitable tub
• Kitchen - where do we start? Instead of a nice baking oven you get a tiny convection oven drawer. If there's a dishwasher, it's the size of a bread box. Cabinet space? There ain't none. We will have to invest in organizational structures.
• There is no duct system or central air/heat system. Each room may have its own AC/heat/dehumidifier wall unit, but it's our job to check.
• How do these folks drive?!? It's insane! Going up a steep, basically one lane hill and trying to make room for the bus coming around the bend?? Oh, that's the drive we will have to take to get to any of the homes we looked at.
• CROWDED. Everything is SO practical. NO wasted space. That's why all of the homes are 2 stories. Ranch style homes would be considered inefficient. Thus, neighbors are close (closer than they were at Lyman!) and you're lucky to have more than one driveway space for your dinky car... and perhaps a mattress sized lawn if you're lucky.
• Flooring - in some rooms you get the traditional mat type floor. It's COOL. Otherwise, it's all hardwoods.
• Finally, TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES!! First house, whoops! Got called out by the agent that didn't speak English. Thankfully, hand signals were enough to realize we had traipsed beyond our bounds in flip flops. When you folks come visit, bring slippers. :)

We are not complaining. We are SO SUPER PSYCHED! It will be a change from what we are accustomed to for sure, but it's really neat to challenge ourselves in this way. Please pray that we will be wise and wait if that is a better option or jump on the house that we really liked today.