Day 3,534

The Yellow Home!

After a week in Punta Gorda and two days traveling North in a loaded down Suburban, we have arrived! Hello, yellow home, North Carolina!

Here’s what’s been going on:

After having asked for and then given our release from Japan due to our inability to travel there together as a family, Adam had to wait a little while to clear waivers in Japan in order to become a free agent with the league there. In the meantime, he continued throwing bullpens, contacted a team, and once being cleared, signed the contract. We packed up, said an incredibly sad goodbye to our church family—which proved to be the hardest one to date by far after having spent so much time in the last year there with the people we so dearly love—and drove across the state to Punta Gorda. Because of the nature of baseball signings, trades, moves, and assignments, we were unable to share what exactly was happening at the time. Finally last night, Adam was activated and able to share the news: 

We signed with the Tampa Bay Rays!!!

He ended up throwing a couple bullpens at their Spring Training facility in Port Charlotte, FL and once he finally faced some live hitters (after nearly 9 months of not pitching to anyone other than myself and a bullpen catcher and not attending Spring Training at all), they assigned him to their AAA affiliate in Durham, North Carolina in order to get him some innings in actual baseball games. 

So for now, we’re Durham Bulls!

And what a tremendous organization we’ve signed with. We’re thankful for our opportunity here and excited to see how the Lord will use us in the days ahead. 

And to the Golden Eagles: thank you for so graciously releasing Adam from his contract in order to pursue a job here in America. We had great hopes for all that a season with the Eagles would bring and the children continue to talk about Japan to this day—when I ask Molly to repeat her sentence using “please” instead of a command, she ALWAYS says “onegaishimasu,” which means please in Japanese!

 Neither the team nor we could have foreseen the closure of Japan due to the virus, and so we are especially grateful for their willingness to care for the needs of our family when they didn’t necessarily have to. We’ll miss you, Golden Eagles. And someday, maybe we’ll see you again. 

Day 3,520

The Day, Full of Hope

Saturday was just about as full as it could get. 

Bub played in the semi-championship game to close out his first undefeated season. His  team will play in the final games Friday and Saturday, but as of now, we will not be here for those games—more on that later. 

Our undefeated Emeralds!!

We had no expectation other than to practice two weeks with the team before departing for Japan, but here he is four months later holding the first trophy that he thoroughly deserved! Good job this season, Bearett (top row, second from the right)!!! He’s beginning to actually understand the game and for the first time ever, he’s asking to play baseball outside of games and practices. What a fun season!

Directly following his game, we had a meeting to *close* (!!!!!) on the 3 acre Property (yes, THAT one!) we purchased!!!!! It is finalized on Thursday but because we’re currently planning on being out of town by then, we moved up our signing date to Saturday. 

We then went back to our favorite tiny apartment, where we met with our architect to begin the process of building our Forever Home!

Then it was naps, supper delivery to a friend, and a baby shower at the gym with our dear girls, celebrating the much anticipated arrival of Coach Jena’s little boy!

Amelia: “We’re going to a baby shower!!”

Bearett: “A baby shower????”

Amelia: “Yeah, cuz Coach Jena is having the baby in the shower!!”

Bearett: “Why would she have a baby in the shower?!”

Amelia: “Ugh, cuz he’s a boy and that’s where they’re born!”

They had such a fun time celebrating with their friends and playing in their huge gym one last time before we leave for a little while. It was tough, but we said goodbye to Ms. Angie and Ms. Taylor—both ladies whom we’ve come to dearly cherish over the course of these last few months. Of all the reasons we’re thankful this season has gone the way it has, forming relationships with the two of them stands right up there, somewhere at the top. You are loved. You are prayed for. You are welcomed always, no matter the time or distance. Thank you for trusting us and loving our babes as you do. We are so grateful. 

Day 3,501

The Rainy Grins

It rained!!!

Dusty ol Florida finally has rain! It’s been a long time coming—I think we’ve had rain three times in more than a month, which is utterly bizarre for this tropical state! Amelia’s smile perfectly captures how we felt about the morning rainshower that we got to play in yesterday. 

I think maybe if the farmers of Florida could’ve hugged the rain yesterday, they would’ve. 

In other news, Ella Mae is doing AMAZING in her preschool class and absolutely loves her coach. She was asked to join pre-team more than a month ago, but at the time, we were under the impression that we were headed to Japan. At some point we’ll move her to team, but with all the unknowns surrounding this season still, we aren’t yet making the move. 

Yesterday also saw Bub’s first big catch from the pond in the backyard!

And another day filled with the never-ending antics of Molly Lou. 



It was one of those just really good and full kind of days, culminating with a pre-bed time Bible study WITH our neighbors next door! And what a treat it was. We are well. And we are thankful. 

___________

Japan update:

Adam’s agent has been in contact with our team in order to hopefully gain more clarity on the options before us. Within the week, we should have an idea of what the rest of the season will look like for us moving forward. We hope that there would be some way that the country would allow our whole family entry, but it’s looking less and less like the case. More to come in the next few days. 

Day 3,497

The Girl Can Flip

It’s blurry, but Miss Amelia is pictured here doing a front handspring on the vault ALL BY HERSELF AND LANDING IT!!!!!!! We are thrilled and she is SO excited about her new skill! It’s incredible how fast this babe has improved and how much she loves the sport. 



The only thing we don’t like about gymnastics is our girl being away when she is. These four are the best of friends—always together and always around—so we definitely miss her when she’s gone. 

_________________

Japan update:

The Covid cases in our particular prefecture (their version of a state) are as high as they’ve ever been. The country—we’ve been informed—is experiencing a surge in new positive tests and beginning to place new restrictions on things like late night dining again. With this new development, we are concerned that the government will likely not be allowing any of the five Conleys in other than Adam for quite some time. That being the greatest likelihood, we’re considering our options and will have more information in the upcoming week about whatever the next steps look like with us this season. 

Day 3,484

The Undetermined Extended Stay

Friday, Daddy had to drive to Miami to pick up his Visa from the Japanese consulate. It was quite the good news that he was eligible to acquire his Visa and so quickly as well. Unfortunately, the government has not yet opened their borders to the families of athletes—only the athletes themselves—and so, we’ve decided that until they do, Adam will wait here and forgo the planned trip made for him on Saturday until we can all go together. We have no information regarding when it would be that they’d open their borders to families of foreign athletes and we have no guesses either. We’re hoping it’s soon, as Adam desires greatly to fulfill his role on his new team, but we believe too, that the Lord graciously controls all things including when and if we in fact, do make it to Japan. 

Until then, we’re living one day at a time. Learning, growing, and experiencing new things together. 

We’re content. We’re choosing joy. 

We have an endless amount to be thankful for—and we’re right where we need to be, even if it’s different than what was initially planned. 

Day 3,479

The Silly Conleys

Silly church girls. 

Sillier home boys. 

Dad put Molly in Bearett’s pajamas. Everyone giggled. So Bearett put Bearett in Molly’s pajamas. Everyone snorted laughing. And then, of course, Dad put Dad in Bearett’s pajamas. Everyone howled and screamed at the outrageous sight. Especially when he couldn’t get the clothes off without help! 



And thus, we were left with a gigantic Conley tickle-pig-pile!

——————-

Updates:

1. We close on the house Wednesday.

 

2. Japan has still not lifted their emergency ban, however, their government has made a special provision for foreign athletes to enter their country on strict protocols. Athletes only. No family. So, we’re currently waiting to hear what’s next, as Adam will not go to Japan without us.

3. We’re finishing up packing, moving, and cleaning on Tuesday night and beyond that, we’re not really sure what we’re doing next. We’ve been graciously given a place to stay for the time being though, so we’re good to go!

Day 3,436

The Museum For Kidlets

Children’s Museum time!

Thanks Groupon—my kids would STILL be right here if it were up to them!

We enjoyed every last nook and cranny of our town’s children’s museum and actually so much so, that all of the kids had already asked to go back before we even left. Their favorite part? The grocery store. Duh. I’m thinking of buying a kid’s shopping cart and storing it in the back of our Suburban for an enhanced Publix experience each time I go with one of my gremlins. I might just win a prize for that endeavor...hmmm tempting. I think I might just have to. 



To cap off an already-fun day, I took Amelia and Ella Mae to the “big girls” gymnastics meet at our gym. Amelia’s level 2 team is currently in Tampa for their State meet, but due to our once-scheduled trip to Japan, we decided not to sign her up for her State meet, as we weren’t going to be here. We couldn’t have anticipated Japan locking their borders, and though she missed out on her last competition of the season, her time with Ella Mae and me watching the level 8, 9, and 10 girls was close to just as fun. I’m so thankful for how understanding and flexible my babes are—what a sweet blessing. 

_____________

Japan update:

I post these blogs so late at night that I literally can’t remember what I write half the time. I’m pretty sure there hasn’t been a recent update to what’s going on with us and Japan so, here goes. Japan was scheduled to reopen their borders on February 1, but instead—on February 2—they did not lift the ban and continued their state of emergency until March 7. What does that mean? So basically, if you’re not a resident of Japan, you’re not allowed to enter until the state of emergency is lifted. Coinciding with that law, they also will not issue any visas until the ban is lifted. We currently do not have our visas. SO, on Wednesday I called the Japanese Consulate in Miami to find out any information I could regarding our expected departure. We were under the impression that it would take at least 3 weeks to receive our visas once the ban was lifted. That however is apparently not the case, as I was informed that their visa processing takes 3-5 days. That being said, IF they in fact remove the state of emergency on March 7, we could potentially be flying out mid-March once our visas are processed. That would get us to Japan likely just in time to quarantine for 2 weeks and possibly be in Sendai for the opening game on March 25. Is that likely? Probably not. But as of now, those are the loose “plans.” Adam will for sure miss all of Spring Training, as the team is already in Okinawa, having been practicing together for a week. As far as we know, all foreign players in their first professional year in the NPB are in our current situation as well. But we’re totally at peace with it and are truly, enjoying every “extra” day the Lord has given us here in our home and church. 

Day 3,430

The Man We Love to Love

He’s always finding ways to do his job well while being the Daddy to them that they so desperately need. 

There’s always room for improvement, but Ol Papa Bear, when they choose to sit in the grass and watch you as they cheer...well sir, I think you might be doing at least something right. And I love to see it. 

Nothing better than a game of catch with your favorite boy. I know the sentiment well, Ella Mae! 

And just as a separate thought entirely: whenever it happens, I think one of the hardest things for me to experience when Adam isn’t playing baseball anymore is the specific time I’ll miss getting to throw the ball back and forth with him. It’s truly one of my most favorite things to do and that which brings me such joy as we together prepare for season. 

<3

We love you so much, Daddy. 

And we love you too, Bub! Even though you chose to play Bay Blades with the boys instead of coming to the park to play catch with us!



You’re the best Daddy and servant I know. Especially because you get literally kicked in the face for it. Love you Dada!!

___________

Japan Update:

Well, there isn’t one. We’re still waiting on the Japanese government to open the border so that we can apply for our Visas. We were under the impression that it would reopen to accept business travelers beginning February 1, but that’s not the case anymore. I *heard* there is supposed to be some announcement on February 7 regarding their border and  Visa status, but I haven’t actually seen that information in written, official form. Soooo, we’re still waiting. And we’re content, and we’re thankful. And we’re not anxious or upset. Actually, we’re really good and plenty busy. Not that we don’t greatly look forward to all the Lord has in store for us there, but we’re focusing on what He has for us here now. . 

Day 3,409

The Japan Preparations Continue

Japan closed its borders until at least the end of January. My kids say, “Ok, fine then. We’ll dig our way there.”

“And while we’re digging, Dad, you just go ahead and keep doing all your work. But here, use these Japanese baseballs instead.”

Delivered to our front door—all the way from Sendai—was a fresh dozen NPB baseballs, each wrapped in tin foil and sealed in plastic! A much different presentation than we’ve ever seen before and we were amazed. I remember eating chocolate oranges wrapped in orange foil as a kid every Christmas and these reminded me of those immediately!



A professional studying his tool. He’s thrown the same MLB baseball for six years and could tell a counterfeit blindfolded (Fun fact: the Major League baseball is not the same as the Minor League baseball and last we heard, the MLB baseballs are $18 each!!) Immediately, he recognized a weight difference, a texture difference, and a difference in the seam height with the Japanese balls! He’s pumped about throwing them in his bullpens to see if they fly differently too!

Day 3,400

The Sleepy Return

Psssssst!

Wake up!

Psssssssssssst!

We gotta go!

To gymnastics!

Just the girls though. 

Bub went to the park with his friends since Amelia was in class and the two little girls were in Mommy and Me class, which is too young for Bearett to attend. 

Meanwhile...I received this photo around 6 AM after Adam drove through the night from Mississippi. 

HE’S BACK!



Aaaaaaaand, he’s asleep. 

But at least he’s home. 

We missed our Papa Bear. 

______________

Baseball Update:

I can’t remember anything anymore, so if I already did this update, well, forgive me for my repetition. 

Japan has closed their borders. No foreign national is permitted entry through the rest of January due to an apparent new strain of the virus. We’ve since canceled all plans to leave on the 16th and are waiting for more information in regards to when we’ll now be departing. We’ve just received all the passports for the six of us Conleys but still need approval for our visas. So, we’re playing the waiting game and we don’t really have an expectation of when we’ll know more. So...psych! We’re not going YET!

Day 3,384

The Split. The Snow

We split up yesterday. 

Boys found dead cow heads. 

Girls went to the funnest place. 

WE LOVE GYMNASTICS!

And while we waited for the boys to return, we enjoyed—actually enjoyed—a giant game of Match!

_________

Meanwhile, in Sendai...

Our stadium got juuuuust a tiny bit of snow. 

I don’t know what we’re about to get ourselves into. These Florida babes might actually freeze. 

I’ll make sure to keep them warm though.