Sunday, March 20, 2011

Evacuated Japan.

I'm really sorry that it has taken me so long to get on the blog and update everyone. 

Where do I even start? 
This has been the most traumatic past days of my entire life.

I will eventually get around to posting about the earthquake and such but right now I can't even start to write about that because more has happened. Things got really crazy when the radiation leaks started going on all throughout the area. 

On the 17th we got a call around 2 p.m. telling us that Jimmy was deploying in the morning. My heart sunk. Now with only a couple hours notice and lots of stuff to do I had to get ready to evacuate Japan.

Not knowing what would happen we packed as if we weren't going to come back to the house because who knows the end result of these reactors. I've never had knots in my stomach like this before...have you ever thought about what items in your entire house you would try to cram into three bags in case you were to never come back? In all honesty...you and your family need to think about this. You need to have supplies ready in case something happens because now I understand the I'd rather be safe than sorry. Also, because of all of this for the rest of my life I will do such things for my family because I see it's importance.

We had only a few hours to purchase things for Jimmy, clean the house to prevent bugs and everything else while we were away, switch my plane tickets which I was on hold literally for 6 hours, pack our bags, stop by work and try and have a good night before we are separated again. It was all way too fast.

I ended up having the worst trip of my life and I'm not just saying that....Here is how the 18th went in list form:
  1. Dropped off at taxi at 6am for Airport. Had a very short goodbye with Jimmy. It all was going bye so fast I could barely cry because I didn't know what to do.
  2. About a $500 cab ride later my friend Bronte and I arrive @ Tokyo Narita Airport.
  3. I stand in the line of about 500 people to check my bags with Delta so I can then move onto security and then onto customs.
  4. I was informed that my bags were going to cost me $700, yes I repeat $700...to put on the plane. I had three bags which two of them were "supposed to be free" to check it. I fought with the people for about 20 minutes before they took my boarding pass and told me that I had to pay.
  5. I told them that I wanted to get my bags so I could throw my clothes away but they said "the bags are gone already" so what does this mean...it means they are lazy and couldn't get them and were now forcing me to pay when I could have made the bags cheaper.
  6. I ask if I can change my thing til tomorrow so I can talk to Jimmy (mind he's already gone but was going to call when he could that day) and they say nope, "you're already checked in."
  7. So basically they didn't care that I would get stuck in Japan but were so kind to tell me that they could set my up to purchase a $3,000 something dollar ticket for the 19th or I could even fly first class for $5,000 something. How nice of them!! %$#%#@
  8. At this point I'm forced to find an ATM....
  9. The ATM's are out of money....
  10. I have a break down at the ATM where I'm about 100% sure I looked like a manic and a old man walks up to me and asks me if I am okay.
  11. Long story short...he was the vice president of HSBC Bank and hands me $700 in Tokyo. Angel in disguise?
  12. I make it through security but then low and behold my passport was flagged because I was supposed to leave the country on the 17th but we changed my ticket to Guam when we found out he was deploying.
  13. I sit in customs until 20 minutes before my plane is supposed to literally leave. I was asked why I stayed in Japan...hmmm let's see here?
  14. Then had to run all the way to my gate so I didn't miss my flight which I was the last person to get on.
  15. After being tested for radiation twice, each one of my bags being tested for radiation I now am late for my other flight.
  16. Being stopped at security because I had too many quarters in my backpack. I was obviously a terrorist. 
  17. I almost miss my flight to Cleveland luckily they waited for me to get to the plane.
  18. 12am I'm home in Ohio and its sucks.
I even left some stuff out like waiting for my bags for two hours and being so nervous and stressed I had hives. Jimmy being put into this mess and having to leave him behind. It didn't end!

    Now I'm home and I don't even know what to say. I basically feel like I had Jimmy ripped from my hands without a proper goodbye but I guess that's the military life ya know. I don't know when we are going to see each other again, I don't know when he'll be back in the states...I just don't know anything right now. I miss Jimmy I do know that.

    My heart is completely torn for the Japanese people. Knowing first had that they are the most respectful and mannered people ever, my heart goes out to them. I can't stop watching CNN and I cried last night when they showed the people crying on TV. The destruction of the quake, tsunami and now radiation is unfathomable to me. Everything was fine there last Thursday. I once again can't find the words to describe what I am thinking. Please continue to pray for these people and also please pray for the members of all groups that are trying to aid in this situation.

    Amore, 
    Kelly Marie 

      30 comments:

      1. Oh my gosh! My heart is aching for you right now, I cannot even imagine how much hurt you are feeling right now after everything that happened in Japan, to your husband finding out he is being deployed and being taken away just like that. I am praying for you.

        ReplyDelete
      2. I meant boyfriend. lol. Sometimes I forget who is married and who isn't :)

        ReplyDelete
      3. aww my husband :) that made me smile and the error was perfect! LOL

        ReplyDelete
      4. OMG - this broke my heart! I hope you're okay. Bless your heart, hun. I'm glad you're finally home. I hate that you had to go through all that! That is INSANE the charges you accumulated trying to get home. I wonder if they bumped everything up on purpose. That's just awful. I hope things are better from here on out now. Can only GET better I'm quite sure!

        ReplyDelete
      5. Cant say I love you enough. God Is Awesome!! To no end, He sent you an Angel when you needed it and brought you home safe and in the nick of time with your flights. Still praying for Jimmy. Love ya! xoxoxo
        *kisses from Freya*

        ReplyDelete
      6. Honestly if it wasn't for giving me money I would have been stuck in Japan.

        ReplyDelete
      7. I'm so sorry. Sounds like such a rough and hard time for you right now. My best friend is stationed at Yokoto AFB near Tokyo. She's been there for about 4 years and I hear about all the craziness going on over there from her. She refuses to leave though even though all her friends left for the States. She wants to stay by her hubby's side. I hope all this mess blows over soon.

        ReplyDelete
      8. Rebecca, I know how she feels I left though because I know that Jimmy was so worried having to leave me because of work. The radiation leaks seem to be getting even worse so I hope she is safe. Stay in touch so I know!

        ReplyDelete
      9. Kudos to you for getting through all of this! you are much stronger than most! Hopefully jimmy can get out of japan and back to the states soon!

        ReplyDelete
      10. Wow, what an ordeal! I am visiting from FTLOB, and was so blown away by your post. The devastation of what you must have seen and have now had to go through and feel are un-imaginable to me. My prayers are with you and Jimmy, and all of the other 'families' (because it seems that is what you are) affected by the situation in Japan. May God continue to bless the two of you for your service and dedication, not only to our country, but to the world.

        ReplyDelete
      11. Oh, KM, I'm so sorry that you are going through all this. I have been stressed because of military life A LOT in the last years, but your experiences are nothing short of horrific. Praying for you and your guy and for all those in Japan. Love and blessings, KM

        ReplyDelete
      12. Aww Kelly. . .I don't know what to say! My heart goes out to you and Japan. I am sorry you had to leave Jimmy like that, but it was the right thing to do - it wouldn't help him if you weren't safe! I hope he can return home soon again as well. There is still hope that this may not end in a disaster as big as we all fathom. . .at least that is what I tell myself in order to stay calm. People over here are freaking out already, as well, but I am not sure we would ever be in real danger..hang in there and stay busy, love!

        ReplyDelete
      13. Kelly
        I am not even sure how to put my thoughts and prayers for you, Jimmy, and everyone in Japan into words. You were right when you said that you met an angel. It's funny how they happen to show up just when we need them the most. I will pray that Jimmy's angel is also watching over him and keeping him safe so that you can soon hold him within your arms again. Thank you so much for writing your story. Its one thing to watch it on TV but I think it makes it much more real when we "hear" someone's story.
        Jessica
        www.arunnerswife.blogspot.com

        ReplyDelete
      14. New follower from Monday hop...would love a return follow :-)...HAGW! Sue
        www.fingerclicksaver.com

        ReplyDelete
      15. I can't even imagine what you've been through. The Friday it happened my boyfriend had to leave me (navy detachment), and all I could think about was if you and Jimmy were okay. It was a very tear filled, emotional day. I'm so sorry that he had to deploy, but I'm very glad that you're home safe. Thank god for the man with $700! Your story is incredible to me. If you ever need anything, we're here for you! hugs.

        ReplyDelete
      16. Awe Kelly! I am so sorry things have been so rough for you...I am glad that you are home safe, but I am terribly sorry that you had to leave Jimmy :( My heart breaks for you both, and you'll be in our prayers!!! Just think of what it'll be like when you do see Jimmy again. It won't be too long until you're in his arms again! Love you girlie, and if you need some "therapy", come take Maddy for while, she'll cheer you up!!!

        ReplyDelete
      17. Oh Kelly! I seriously cannot even begin to imagine what you must be feeling like. I'm so so sorry you even had to go through this. God really does work in amazing ways, and the man was there to give you $700. I'm glad you're home safe! *hugs*

        ReplyDelete
      18. What a crappy journey back to the US. Damn those airline workers, but the HSBC VP's one good deed is so fantastically amazing!

        I'll be thinking about you and Jimmy in the weeks to come and I look forward to updates.

        ReplyDelete
      19. wow. my heart is breaking for you! i cant imagine going through something like that firsthand and then having your love ripped away from you so quickly. gosh i dont even have words. you are in my prayers sweet girl!

        ReplyDelete
      20. My heart goes out to you and Jimmy! The story was absolutely amazing but totally heartbreaking. I'm sorry you had to endure such an ordeal, but I wish you the best and am happy there was an "angel" there for you. :D

        ReplyDelete
      21. Praying for you & Jimmy.
        Praying for Japan & the people there.
        Ridiculous airline security!! - I'm so sorry that you had to experience this firsthand. Thank goodness for angels here on earth and for the wonderful people God uses to rescue us in our greatest times of need! Hang in there!

        ReplyDelete
      22. This story is incredible. I am happy you made it back safe even though it was not an easy journey. I hope you're husband stays safe and you are reunited soon!
        --Erinn

        ReplyDelete
      23. I'm amazed by your strength right now, I wouldn't have been able to do it. I would have ended up in a corner of the airport crying. As tough and miserable as it sounds, I'm glad that you were able to make it home and that you're safe.
        I'm so so sorry to hear all of it though, and so sorry that your time with Jimmy was cut short.
        I hope things get better and you see him and talk to him again before you know it.
        Love you,
        ~Camille

        ReplyDelete
      24. Thinking and praying for you and Jimmy. Stay strong!

        ReplyDelete
      25. I'm glad you're safe - that's the only thing that really matters! I'll be keeping you and Jimmy in my thoughts.

        ReplyDelete
      26. There really isn't anything I can say that hasn't been said above, but know that my thoughts are with you and all of your loved ones! What a terrible thing to have happen, but so glad you're safe.

        ReplyDelete
      27. Kelly, bless your heart. My husband was Navy for 6 yrs. We lived in CA at the time of the 7.2 earthquake, and had a one yr. old at the time. Military life goes on no matter what, and I just had to handle the home front. We had 3,ooo after shocks in 3 months, and of course just being married we were not prepared either. We didn't even have extra water for my sons formula. Had to bartar our food for water. I actually pray every night that I never see another earthquake, but now I live by Seattle, WA. with the mt.rainer volcanic and earthquakes. I totally understand when you say WE MUST think about these things, espically after living through nightmares like this. Rest your soul now, and know God is still in charge.

        ReplyDelete
      28. Sorry for my bad grammer and spelling, just found my glasses!

        ReplyDelete
      29. Wow I just want send yo big cyber hugs! You went thru A LOT during this trip and I know I wouldn't have been able to deal with all that. So bless your heart and keep up that strength you have...wow on the Angel!

        New follower for Thirsty Thursday Blog Hop.

        ReplyDelete
      30. Oh my goodnes... I can't beleive that! You must have been so strong to go through all that!!! I hope everyine is ok and you're angel is so amazing!

        Stopped by from FTLOB!

        ReplyDelete