Some were just fourteen years old while others were mothers forced to leave their children in Japan, but for these women the sacrifice will be worth it once they arrive in San Francesco. However, the women wanted a better life separate from their past, but brought things that represented their culture wanting to continue the traditions of the Buddha in America; such as their kimonos, calligraphy brushes, rice paper, little brass Buddha, fox god, dolls from their childhood, paper fans, etc. (Otsuka, 2011, p. 9) A part of them wanted a better life full of respect, not only towards males but also towards them, and away from the fields, but they wanted to continue the ancient traditions of their homeland. These hopes of a grand new life were shattered when the boat arrived in America because none of the husbands were recognizable to any of the women. The photos were false characters from a life that didn't actually exist for these men, and the men were twenty years older than their photo. All their hopes were destroyed as some wanted to go home even before they got off the boat, while others kept their heads high holding on to the hope that maybe something good would come from this marriage and got off the boat (Otsuka, 2011, p..