Weekdays


Thurs., Feb. 19th
We arrived at Tacoma Airport at 9 a.m. and met our teacher guide, Laura. We were so hungry and thirsty, so we went to Denny's by car. I shared a hamburger and French fries with Saki and Rina. We visited Behem's Chocolate Factor. I bought chocolate and postcards. Then, we went to Snoqualmie Falls, which was impressive. I also bought some stickers and a postcard. After that, we went to a mall, but I didn't buy anything.

In the late afternoon, we arrived at the study center where we went every day. I met John and Shirlee. I was so glad to meet them, so I fought back tears. After we arrived at the host family's home, John and Shirlee gave me a tour of the house. For dinner, we had pepperroni and vegetarian pizza. I was surprised by how good the pizza was. I told my host family, "I'm not good at speaking English, and I am nervous." They said, "No, you are good at English." Then I felt relieved. After dinner, I received some gifts from my host family. At night, I watched the Olympics with my host family. They praised the Japanese athletes, and I was happy to hear that.

First Meal

　Nice to meet you!

　My Special Room


Fri., Feb. 20th
For breakfast, I had a piece of toast, some fruits, and a matcha latte. At the study center, Laura taught us how to stay safe and protect ourselves from theft. We also learned the difference between the L and R sounds. In the afternoon, we went toTarget, where we could buy not only food but also clothes and daily items. And then, I went to see John's friend, Michael with John. On the way there, John taught me many famous old songs. "I'll be there" by Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 was a memorable song for me. Michael came to perform at the nursing home. I enjoyed his performance. He was good at singing and playing the guitar.

At the welcome party, I talked with not only my host family but also other host families. We also had delicious food and  played games together. After I got home, I gave my host family Japanese souvenirs. They were happy to receive them.

With Michael　

　Dig in!



Mon., Feb. 23rd
After lunch, we went to a d oughnuts chain called Krispy Kreme. I watched many colorful doughnuts being made with machines. I shared doughnuts with other students. My favorite flavor was cream cheese. After that, we went to Tacoma Mall. I bought some souvenirs.

After I got home, I watched a Jackie Chan movie for the first time. I understood English much better than before. When I didn't understand some expressions in the movie, John explained them to me in easy English.

Sweet Doughnuts　



Tues., Feb. 24th
 For lunch, I ate Lunchables with sandwiches, snacks, and juice. It was a new experience for me. After lunch, we visited the fire department. We asked the firefighters some questions. We also watched firefighters put on their gear in a minute, tried on their gear and experienced using a fire hose. I learned that being a firefighter is hard.

At home, I talked with my host family about what had happened that day. For dinner, Shirlee made pasta with basil sauce, ground beef, broccoli, and beans. As I said, "I like it!," she made it again on another day. After dinner, we introduced Japanese and American songs to each other and sang many songs together. When I sang "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born," John was surprised by the rhythm of the song, and he liked it.

With Firefighters　

Wooow

Enjoy!!!



Wed., Feb. 25th
 In the morning, we visited the Federal Way Police Department and the City Hall. We took a look around the police department and asked many questions to the deputy police chief. He carefully answered all of our questions. We also got into the police car and looked inside the holding cell. Laura took pictures of me pretending to be under arrest. Next, we met Mayor Jim Ferrell in his office. He told us about his job and showed us around his office.

In the afternoon, it was Rina's birthday, so we wrote birthday cards and celebrated with her. After that, we were going to visit a local nursing facility, but we couldn't because the flu was spreading there. At the study center, we practiced our final presentations.

Don't arrest us!　

Thank you!　



Thurs., Feb. 26th
 Early in the morning, we met up. Saki's host father, Will drove us to Leavenworth. It took about three hours to get there. On the way, we visited a glass studio called Boulder Bend Glassworks. After lunch at McDonald's, we walked around the shops in Leavenworth. They sold Christmas goods, snacks, toys, and clothes. Everything was so cute that I wanted to buy it all. I received  a heart-shaped glass art because I bought a lot of souvenirs. I spent a lot of money!

For dinner, I had spaghetti with meat sauce. It was delicious. After that, John made a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving and his healthy bread. It smelled so good that I was looking forward to trying them.

So Beautiful　

　A Big Horse!



Fri., Feb. 27th
 In the morning, we talked about Japanese culture and learned about American holidays such as Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. For lunch, we had Thanksgiving dishes that some host families had prepared. While I was eating, I unexpectedly chipped a tooth ! I talked to Laura about my tooth and decided to go to the dentist later. After lunch, I experienced Halloween by dressing up in a cowboy costume that John lent me. Next, we experienced Easter. At the library, we looked for hidden candies.

Trick or Treat!　

Before I Chipped My Tooth ....



Mon., Mar. 2nd
 We visited Green River College. The school's mascot was an alligator, and the campus store sold college goods such as stuffed alligators and T-shirts. On the way back to the study center, we went to a hamburger restaurant called Cow & Cod. John bought me a hamburger and French fries, and also bought milkshakes for everyone. We enjoyed the milkshakes, and we really appreciated his kindness.

In the afternoon, John taught us about brainstorming and we practiced our presentation with Laura. After I got home, I went to see Mt. Rainier with my host family because the weather was nice. We enjoyed the vast and beautiful nature. For dinner, we had mashed potates and chicken, and enjoyed watching a comedy show together.

Thank you, John!　

　Nice Photo



Tues., Mar. 3rd
 We visited Twin Lakes Elementary School and we taught children aged five to eleven how to count from one to ten in Japanese. At first, I was nervous, but I gradually became more comfortable.  After the presentation, we answered the children's questions about Japan and taught them how to write their names in katakana . I was happy that many of the children were interested in Japan. After having lunch with them, we held hands and played games together. They gave me a lot of energy.

　Presentation

A Lovely Name!　

　Full of Energy!



Wed., Mar. 4th
 We did crafts all day at the study center. We made photo frames and memory journals as gifts for our host families. It was hard to choose which photos to use because I had so many great memories.

Thurs., Mar. 5th
 We went sightseeing in Seattle. First, we visited the University of Washington. We walked around the campus and went to the big library, like something out of Harry Potter. The university's mascot is a husky dog.After dropping by the Fremont Troll, we visited the Space Needle, a symbol of Seattle. We bought matching T-shirts and some souvenirs at the waterfront area. For lunch, we shared clam chowder and fish and chips at Ivar's. The food was delicious.

In the afternoon, we visited Pike Place Market. I was excited to see the famous fish-throwing performance, the original Starbucks store, and Gum Wall. I bought almost as many souvenirs as I did in Leavenworth. The Starbucks bear keychain was one of my favorite souvenirs. We also bought a gift for Laura and a souvenir for my host family.

　Pretty Good

　So Many Gums!



Fri., Mar. 6th
 In the morning, we continued making our crafts. In the afternoon, we went bowling. At first, I didn't know how to throw the ball, but thanks to Laura's enthusiastic coaching, I was eventually able to get a strike. I got the lowest score, so I wanted a rematch someday!

After going home, we made a video call with Urara, who had stayed with my host family as a student six years ago. She told us she was still studying English, so I wanted to  continue studying English like Urara. I was happy to talk with her because she was very kind and encouraged me.

In the evening, Shirlee and I had a Girls' Party at home because John went to stay at a hotel to participate in a marathon the next day. We set popcorn, hot cocoa, and the Japanese sweets I had brought from Japan; on the table. While eating and drinking them, we watched "Back to the Future," a movie I wanted to watch. We enjoyed the movie.

　Yeahhh!

I'll Be Back

Girls' Party　



Mon., Mar. 9th
 In the morning, we finished making our memory journals and practiced the final presentation at the study center. For lunch, we had pizza. In the evening, the Sayonara party was held. We wore yukata and made the final presentation about Sado Island for our host families. At first, I was nervous, but I did well. After that, I gave my host family the photo frame and memory journal. We also gave Laura a message card and a gift. We enjoyed eating the cheesecake and chocolate cake that Allisa made for us and talking with my host family. After the party, I gave Shirlee some sunflowers. She said, "You are so sweet," and I was really happy.

After we got home, I packed my luggage, but I couldn't find my special pouch. After we found it, I gave John and Shirlee souvenirs. John enjoyed using the cup like binoculars, and Shirlee put the keychain on her backpack. At the end of the day, we hugged each other and said, "See you tomorrow."

Thank You, Laura

My Second Family

A Happy Moment



Tues., Mar. 10th
 We left home early. At the study center, the time had come to say goodbye to my host family. I was really sad to leave them, and when I saw Shirlee with tears in her eyes, I almost cried too. I hugged John and Shirlee and promised that we would meet again. I also thanked the other members' host families. At the airport, we hugged Laura and said, "Goodbye, Laura!"

　See you again!

　Goodbye, Laura!





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