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Eiko

Eiko explains how she met her husband: “It was almost six years ago that all the older classmates, in my adult ballet class, were worried about me. They would say ‘She’s single’… ‘She seems to be SO busy’… ‘She’s working so hard as a designer!’ One of my classmates asked me to meet her son living in Kyoto. And that’s my husband now [laughs].”

Two months after getting married, Eiko’s husband moved to the United States to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering at Washington University in St.Louis. At that time, Eiko was not able to follow her husband as she was working to finish a big design project for an exhibition. “I was working as an office interior designer in Tokyo, Japan… For a half a year, we lived between Japan and the US. Every season I tried to visit him whilst handling my project in Tokyo. He struggled with adjusting to study and research so as soon as I finished my final project I stopped working and moved in with my husband! We had not lived together in Japan so the United Sates was where we started living together as a family.”

When arriving in the US, Eiko thought about training in interior design to compliment her previous experience but there were restrictions with her visa. “I gave up working in the US. Fortunately, I became pregnant as soon as I came in to the US. I thought, ‘I can be a mother; it’s a good time and challenge for me in the US.’ I never thought I wanted to go back to Japan to deliver my baby. It was better for our baby to have duel citizenship and for my husband and I to stay in the same city.”

Along with becoming a new mom, Eiko seized a chance to learn English through a local organization called International Friendship. "Every Wednesday we went to ESL class at the church; we learnt from having conversations and studying local events/articles. One of the ladies, a volunteer from church, ran craft events. I was so fascinated by her crafting events. Making crafts inspired my ideas and… it was so nice to use my hands.”

After one year in St.Louis, Missouri, Eiko’s husband’s laboratory was relocated to CalTech. Eiko and her family moved to Pasadena and Eiko joined the Caltech International Spouses Club (CISC). “I tried to attend the recreation, cooking and conversation group with my baby. CISC members welcomed our differences and I never felt isolated. I have never had a group like CISC. It’s a great community. [Everyone] is so kind and have open hearts. Your life will change to include more fun and all the spouses are sooo smart. Beyond the cultural differences and languages we can make a good friendship!”

“Shiori (the CISC recreation leader) was so kind and welcomed me and my daughter, Kiko. One month after we became friends, she asked me to run the craft group with CISC.” Eiko was hesitant to run the group because she was still learning English and had a young baby. “[My] husband encouraged me to get involved and… I wanted to try something new to use my ability and tools. It was really interesting to find the theme of the crafts every month…I looked at images, movies, and blogs via Pinterest and… thought about American culture and events. To call for participants, I tried to make attractive advertisements in English. In order to organize the session smoothly, I needed to make trials to check the processes at home. Sometimes, after my daughter went to bed, it was my pleasure to test the crafts out!! Before, I was a quiet person and would not have opened myself up to other people but through leading the craft group I have learned new skills, improved my English and shared what I enjoy to others. I am very proud to say that I could see many smiles of participants and had a new member every month! It was so much fun to watch participants to be inspired by each other’s creative works, getting together, using their hands, and talk about their imaginations. Not only did the craft group foster community but it also brightened up participants homes and environments with unique crafts.”

Not only did Eiko meet some friends through running the craft group but she also found it helpful to meet other mothers who were in the same situation as her. “For mothers it’s important to share their problems small and big, and exchange advice and information… about doctors, schools, toys and foods. Actually, my daughter was so small compared to US babies, and I was so worried about it. I would ask other mom’s, ‘What do you feed your baby?’ [laughs] and ‘Where can I find delicious formula?’. I asked other moms and they gave me advice. For moms, do not hesitate to ask someone for help. Every mom struggles with problems with kids in foreign countries. My pediatrician asked me to feed Kiko peanut butter at 8months. PEANUT BUTTER?? With toast?? This was a culture shock. I had to ask fellow international moms whether they followed [nods her head no and laughs]. I think information is really important.”

Eiko shares about how her experience of temporarily immigrating to the United States has benefited her and her family: “[In Japan], everyday I spent most of time at the office as a designer. I contributed to society and NOW I am a spouse, mother, friend, and leader. I have taken on new roles, met new people, and I am totally not bored. Here in Pasadena, it is most important to support our spouses but also to enjoy life, [try] new things, and do something for ourselves… I temporarily live in Pasadena, but I feel connected and attached!”

Created By
Amanda Priddle and Christophe Marcade
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Credits:

Christophe Marcade

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