Weekdays

Fri., Feb. 20th

 For breakfast, I had a strawberry and banana smoothie. TerriLee drove me to the study center. We listened to Laura's talk about safety and health.

 We had a welcome party in the evening. We ate food made by each host family and played games. I was very worried about my pronunciation. However, all the families were kind to me. I was happy to meet and talk with many people. By the time the party ended, I was less nervous and more excited about my life there.




Mon., Feb. 23rd

 At the study center, we talked about what everyone had done over the weekend.

 After lunch, we went to Tacoma Mall and shared Krispy Kreme doughnuts. It was fun to see how the doughnuts were made. I was glad to eat cute and delicious doughnuts.

 After that, we went shopping together. There were many stores that I don't usually see in Japan. I bought lollipops at a store called See's Candies as souvenirs. They were very sweet and made me happy. I would recommend them as souvenirs.

Krispy Kreme	Sweet Lollipops

Tues., Feb. 24th

 We visited the local fire department. We learned about the differences in firefighting between Japan and America. There were many difficult words, but I was able to understand most of the talk because I listened carefully.

 We tried on firefighter gear, experienced using a fire hose, and practiced CPR at the end.

Listening Carefully	So Cool!

Wed., Feb. 25th

 We visited the Federal Way City Hall and the police station. I was able to see the inside of places that I had never seen before. The explanations were easy to understand.

 We asked the Mayor and the Deputy Chief of Police the questions we had prepared. I was able to hear many valuable stories.
 It was my birthday that day, and I was happy because many people celebrated it for me. 
 

With a Police Car	City Hall

Thurs., Feb. 26th

 We met early in the morning and visited a glass studio and a German-style village called Leavenworth. The weather was nice, so we had a great time.

At the glass studio, we looked at beautiful glass art and learned how it was made. Everything was delicate and beautiful.

In Leavenworth, we enjoyed shopping. The town was beautiful, and all the stores were nice. I especially liked the Christmas ornament shop. I bought many souvenirs.

Beautiful Glass Art	We found a horse!

Fri., Feb. 27th

 We experienced some American holiday activities. For Easter, we looked for hidden candies together. I could not find very many. For Halloween, I dressed up as a rodeo queen. I really liked the boots that TerriLee had lent me. I even wanted to take them to Japan with me.
 After that, we ate a Thanksgiving meal made by each host family. Some of the food was new to me, but everything was delicious.

Looks Great	Thanksgiving Meal

Mon., Mar. 2nd

 In the morning, we went to Green River College. We looked around the campus, including the school bookstore and the lunch area. I noticed many differences from Japanese universities. The campus had a clam many plants on the campus with a calm atmosphere.

After that, we were planning to visit a nursing home, but the visit was canceled because of the flu precautions. We went back to the study center and practiced the presentation for our school visit. We thought about answers to questions and practiced many times together.

Thank you!

Tues., Mar. 3rd

 We went to an elementary school and gave a presentation on counting in Japanese. I usually speak very quietly when I am nervous, so I tried to speak loudly and clearly.

 The children were all very energetic and they made me smile. After the presentation, we taught them how to write their names in Japanese using katakana.

 At lunchtime, we ate with the children. After lunch, we played outside together. It was tiring, but I had a lot of fun.

Smile!	Practicing

Wed., Mar. 4th

 It was Craft Day. We made photo frames and journals to give to our host families at the farewell party. We wrote about our memories and our thanks. We decorated them with colored paper and stamps.

 I finished the photo frame, but I couldn't finish the journal. I took it home and worked on it.

Photo Frame

Thurs., Mar. 5th

 We went sightseeing in Seattle. The University of Washington was very large. The library and the spiral staircase inside looked like the world of Harry Potter. After that, we went to see the Fremont Troll and then visited the Space Needle. It was bigger and more impressive than I had expected.

 For lunch, we had clam chowder and fish and chips. They were delicious and filling, so I ate them all quickly. It rained in the morning that day, but the weather became sunny later. We enjoyed the beautiful view through the large windows of the restaurant. At a clothing store, we even bought matching T-shirts.

 At Pike Place Market, there were not only chocolates, fruit, and other foods, but also many kinds of small gifts and souvenirs. It was fun just to look around.

 On our way home, we stopped at Uwajimaya for shopping. There were many Japanese products that I recognized, as well as products that were special to Seattle.

Many Books!	Seafood Market

Fri., Mar. 6th

 In the morning, we worked on our journals. In the afternoon, we went bowling. Laura was so good at bowling that her name was even on the bowling alley's leaderboard. She kindly taught us how to bowl. It was difficult at first, but thanks to Laura's help, I got a strike. I was also happy because I got my best score ever.

Got a Strike!

Mon., Mar. 9th

 It was finally the day of the Sayonara Party. In the morning, I finished the gifts for my host family. In the afternoon, we practiced our presentation for the party.

 As the party got closer, I became more and more nervous. However, I finished the presentation successfully. After that, we gave our gifts to our host families, Laura, and our teacher. We all ate the cheesecake and chocolate cake that Alissa had made and had a wonderful time together.

Done!	Thank you very much♡

Tues., Mar. 10th

 TerriLee drove me to the study center. She helped me carry my suitcase and said kind things to me until the end. I really appreciated her kindness.

 After that, we took the train to the airport. Before we left, we each gave Laura a hug and said goodbye.

See you again!

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