In spite of working 2 jobs, studying at every break, attending class and getting in as much language lab as possible, Carlo felt like the summer continued forever. He had not heard the sweet voice of Eke since the first week of May and it was driving him crazy - that broken English, those wonderful facial expressions and those starry-eyed looks of love.

Carlo spoke fluent Spanish because of his heritage and he even knew a phrase or two in Tagalong because of his mom being from the Philippines. But Japanese was quite a challenge. At least with Spanish and Tagalog he got plenty of practice. But that summer finding someone to converse with on a daily basis in Japanese was a struggle at best with him being so busy. Then there were the Passport, the immunizations and the additional research to better understand the culture and the people so that he could know what he was up against.

Carlo was a pretty bright fellow and, of course, he was clearly passionate about his goal. He just felt that if he could get in front of "mom and dad" and let them know how much he loved their daughter and that he would take special care of her and treasure her as they did that they would come around and bless their union. How could they resist!

As August got closer and the details were all arranged, Carlo began to focus on gifts since he had learned that the Japanese were big on giving small gifts upon arrival. He knew that father Suki was an avid fisherman and mother Suki loved her garden and so with that understanding, every weekend was spent browsing the local shops to find those treasures that would open their hearts.

Carlo had written letters to Eke virtually every week since May but there had been nothing sent in return. This did not bother him since he was so busy but it did make him wonder. Was she receiving his letters? Did he still have the correct address? None of them had been returned so he just kept writing. But as his flight was getting closer he was starting to worry a bit since he had heard nothing. He wasn't even sure she knew he was coming - 5100 miles? $1800 of hard earned income? ...not knowing another soul...first time in a foreign country...and Carlo at this point had little confidence in his command of the Japanese language? There was a lot going on in this 18 year old's mind.

The plane left from San Francisco at 8 AM and it was a good 13 hour flight. Not only was this his first time on an airplane but it was his first time outside of the 35 miles between Delano and Bakersfield, California except for his move to Sacramento that summer and into the dorm. Here he was 6'4, thin as a rail, heading to a country of small people. There would be no mistaking him for a national.

The flight was pleasant on JAL - a beautiful 747 - and every seat was filled. Carlo enjoyed his first taste of sushi, steaming hot towels and paper slippers. Each stewardess was dressed in traditional Japanese garb as they attended to everyone's needs. There were even a couple of good movies to pass the time. Carlo was clearly getting excited - he would soon be in the arms of the one he loved.

What would he say to Eke's parents? How would he approach her father? Did Eke still feel the same way he did? How was he going to get in touch with Eke to find out for sure? Again, did she even know he was coming? So many questions filled his thoughts and there were absolutely no answer. He stared out the port-hole window at the clouds in the sky and just imagined every scenario. "He was on his way to Japan! Wow!"

I don't know what is more difficult sometimes: knowing what is about to happen or not having a clue. In the case of Carlo he was truly flying by the seat of his pants not knowing what was going to happen. He was headed into "foreign country" and that was literal. "...moshimoshi...arigatou...douitashimashite...", he continued as the clouds flew by.

Carlo had fallen asleep just after his dinner meal and although sitting up on a plane was not like his soft dormitory bed he slept like a baby for an hour or two awaking only to a pleasant chime letting the passengers know they were starting their decent to Tokyo International. Out the window he could see lights forever as if they never ended against the dark evening sky. The butterflies awoke and started to churn as Carlo awaited his plane departure. (to be continued)