Aki Downing/ AKD Unity

09/15/2026

Homecoming 2026 🇯🇵 vol.01

Mid-June, we flew from SFO to Narita with ZIPAIR.

I’d heard the plane gets cold, and yes, it was VERY cold 😂
So be prepared lol

It was my kids’ first time back in Japan in four years.

Seeing Mario at the airport always makes me feel like, “Ahhh, we’re back finally” 🇯🇵❤️

06/11/2026

My daughter graduated from Head Start!!

It feels like she just enrolled not long ago…

06/08/2026

My daughter and husband made this 'o' lehl decoration at Head Start.

A 'o' lehl is a traditional Yurok plank house made of wood. I love seeing her learn about and connect with her Yurok culture in such a sweet, hands-on way!

05/31/2026

Today, I went to the with my kids.

This has been one of my favorite local events every year. I used to volunteer here, but this year I got to enjoy it as a guest.

It felt so nice to just walk around, watch my kids have fun, and enjoy the day together.

Such a fun day!!!!

05/29/2026

Ghost did it again...
This time, he caught a bird.

When my husband came home from work, Ghost looked so excited. He proudly led us to the backyard like he had something very important to show us.
Like, “Chris! Look! I got something for you!”

Then he came out from the back with a bird in his mouth.

He was so proud just a minute ago. Poor Ghost😂😂😂

05/27/2026

Thank you to all first responders for keeping our community safe!!

It was so much fun!!

05/20/2026

A peaceful boat ride on the Klamath River.

Just water, trees, wind, and a quiet moment in Northern California.

Grateful to live near places like this.

05/16/2026

This is where it begins🔥🔥

05/15/2026

I finally got the courage to call and book my first hair salon appointment in the U.S.

But both salons I contacted were booked out for more than three weeks.... THREE WEEKS!!!!

I was so ready to finally do this… and now I have to wait😑😑😑

05/14/2026

I’ll be joining the “Takata Kurashi BBQ Gathering” in Rikuzentakata!

During my stay in our sister city, I’m planning to participate in many local events, meet people in the community, and learn more about everyday life in Rikuzentakata. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience that connection in person.

If you’ll be at the event too, please come say hello!

【6/14(日)申込〆】

高田暮らし交流会のご案内です🎵

昨年大好評だったBBQ交流会を、今年も開催します！
美味しいお肉を囲んで、わいわい楽しい時間を過ごしましょう。
初めての方も大歓迎！気軽にお申し込みください🍖

『高田暮らし交流会～夏を先取りBBQ～』
◇日時：6/21(日) 11:30～13:30
◇場所：陸前高田市まちなか広場(高田町字大町39)
◇参加費：1,000円(小学生以下無料/中高生500円)
◇企画運営/問合せ：NPO法人高田暮舎(担当：植田)
📞070-2432-1649
◇詳細： https://takatakurashi.jp/information/9982/
◇申込： https://forms.gle/F1uc56EQgWdY3AeM8