Precious Time with the Barrie Family


Feb. 13 (Thu)
　I first met my host family at the study center.  They welcomed me with smile, so I didn't really feel nervous .  I thought that they looked very kind.
　After we came back home, we made pizza for dinner.  I cut some vegetables and put them on dough.  I enjoyed making pizza for the first time.  It was tasty.  I was surprised at the big barbecue grill that the family had.




Feb. 14 (Fri)
　It was St. Valentine's Day.  Ben gave me some white tulips.  He gave some tulips to Gwen and Hannah too.  In Japan, males get things like chocolates from females on St. Valentine's Day, but I learned that it was different in America . 
　We had a welcome party in the evening.  There was a lot of delicious food, and we enjoyed talking with our host family too.

Feb. 15 (Sat)
　 We went to the State of Oregon to meet Hannah.  It took us about four hours to get there.  We met Hannah in her apartment, and she gave us a hug.  I thought that the family was so close to each other . 
　 We went to Western Oregon University where Hannah studied.  It had many buildings like restaurants and general stores.  I thought that  the campus looked like a town.  Gwen bought me a cool green T-shirt which had a wolf of the college mascot printed on .  Then, we went to a retaurant on campus.  It had a cool  atmosphere, and it even had a billiard table.  I ate nachos and hot chocolate.  Nachos had crunchy texture.
　I stayed a night in Hannah's apartment.  We watched TOTORO in English as well as American funny animation on DVDs .  It was enjoyable.  Hannah had many DVDs. 




Feb. 21 (Fri)
　We went to a Japanese restaurant called SAPPORO to eat dinner.  I ordered oyakodon (chicken and egg bowl), and Ben and Hannah ordered sushi.  I got some sushi from Hannah too.  The family used chopsticks very well .  Oyakodon and sushi were tasty like those in Japan.  I enjoyed Japanese food after a long time.




Feb. 22 (Sat)
　I went to South Center Mall with Gwen and Hannah.  Hannah drove us there.  While driving, Hannah found a bird in the sky and taught me it was a bald eagle.  I learned that a bald eagle is the American national bird.  Gwen bought me a glass ball and a hoodie in a shop called "Made in Washington."  There were many kinds of cute glass balls, so I needed a long time to decided which to buy.  I now display the glass ball in my room in Japan.  It reminds me of beautiful Seattle.
　I made Nikujaga for my host family.  Hannah helped me cut vegetables.  When the family said to me, "It's delicious," I was happy.  Hannah seemed to like seaweed.




Feb. 28 (Fri)
　We went bowling with Gwen and Hannah after class.  I was full of energy with Laura's key words "I'm beautiful."  Laura and Gwen taught us how to bowl well.  Thanks to their advice, I felt that I was improving my bowling technique in Japan.
　They had a surprise party for my birthday at the bowling alley.  They gave me a lot of gifts and a heartwarming moment!  I was so happy.  Thank you so much .  It will remain in my heart for many years to come.




Mar. 2 (Sun)
　Gwen taught me how to make stained glass.  I tried it for the very first time.  I made a shape of a star with my glass.  Gwen said to me, "Not too bad for the first timer."  I enjoyed making the glass.  It was so fun!  I would like to make it more nicely next time like Gwen does .



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