life is simple here, but it sure is good

i've been at home for almost three weeks. to say the very least, it's been amazing. family has always been an important part of my life (it's shaped me to be me), but being able to hug your my mom and dad before i go to bed is just the greatest. having pillow talk with amber as we share a bed at our grandparents' farm, being anxious to see my nephew and how much he's grown (and how much fun he is first-hand), catching up with high school friends, being able to start up where you left off--these are some of my most precious moments since coming home.

i've been justifying eating and doing anything and everything that i can't get/do in japan or just plain have a craving-for-it. going to the iowa state fair was no different. where else can you find a deep-fried twinkie? or a pork chop on a stick? or get swindled into buying "the last mop you will ever buy"? (which my parents actually bought three of...hey, we watched the spiel twice, that mop is incredible!) i'd have to say that checking out the mixed vegetable plate competition and viewing the biggest bull were some of the many highlights of being in iowa during the state fair season. plus, i got to hang out more with the fam which i already mentioned above is the greatest.



my friend lydia (who is no longer a rohde, but an arevalo--congrats, again!) was so kind as to host a barbeque/camp out at her grandparents' pond. we had a few beers, shared a few stories, i spoke what little japanese i know; it was great. honestly i don't think any of us have changed that much...meaning we were pretty cool high schoolers. today i went to Dairy Queen for a breeze with my sister and her friend Robby and a group of about eight bubbly, blonde high school girls came in. listening to them made me realize that we really have grown up quite a bit. i mean, katie and ben have a kid! really though, we've come a long way.



everything here is sort of like a novelty. i don't know how many pictures of "downtown" marshalltown i took, but it just seemed so beautiful at dusk. i've always thought iowa is beautiful and i tried to capture some of its beauty with my camera, but it just doesn't compare. i love the rolling corn fields and the friendly people (people that speak my language--woohoo!) and the ice cream socials and the people i've known since i was little. this place will always be my home and i am so proud of that.



there is more to come, as i am here for another week or so. thanks mom and dad for funding my true "homestay". i love you guys!