Luck

We are laughing, a little, about all of this. Ever since we decided to come to Japan it seems that we have entered into a crazy string of bad luck.

We are lucky in that: I was placed in a beautiful town with clean water, fresh produce, and great skiing. My placement in rural Hokkaido has also enabled us to make many friends, as the Hokkaido gaijin foreigner community is more isolated and thus more cohesive and supportive. Upon arriving to Furano our apartment was fully furnished, which saved us a lot of money. Nick just started a great job at a well-respected international preschool, which I expect he will really enjoy. Above all, Nick and I have amazingly supportive parents and friends to encourage us along the way. And we have eachother.

The bad luck: Shortly after moving from Portland I found out that I was in danger of cancer (which, thanks to prayers, surgery and vitamins, is no longer a concern). Within the first two months in Japan we bought and totaled a car (with only liability insurance). Nick struggled to find regular work in rural, underdeveloped Japan. Our money ran low. Nick broke his hand. Back in Omaha, my mother broke her knee and tore the meniscus. And two weeks ago I broke my foot.

A site with Japanese good luck talismans: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/history/experience/ah.html

Now, in the great philosophical question of "destiny" versus "freewill", I go for freewill. I am not into the idea of predetermination, meant to be, or destiny. I am born into certain circumstances, but I make my own decisions and propel my own direction. Spirit informs and inspires me to choose my next direction, but I don't think there is some old man or genie in the sky shooting lightening bolts at me. Therefore, I do not really believe in "luck". But sheesh, I don`t know how to interpret the last six months.

The maneki neko or `beckoning cat` is a popular talisman in Japan, and I am thinking of purchasing one. I could get a red one to keep away evil spirits and illnesses. Or green for health and academic success (Nick is applying to law schools). Or gold for wealth. Maybe I should get all three!