Over the past 30 years I have hosted numerous foreign exchange students in my home -- 10 Japanese, 1 Taiwanese and 1 New Zealander. Mt. Hood Community College has a program where they have Japanese students over for 3 weeks for English study, travel and learning American culture from host families. I opened my home to Risa -- a dear sweet 19 year old who was the smallest Japanese girl I have ever hosted. I mean, this girl was tiny! But so full of energy, life and joy. I was so happy to introduce her to Carson and Ruby and she adored them (who wouldn't?)
I showed her how to bake cookies and she got right in there and did it herself! She was able to take some to college to share with her friends!
I was most eager for her to teach the children origami.
I just remembered that the first time we hosted a Japanese student Kristin was just about the same age as the twins -- and Kat was still in diapers!
This was her very first day of attending college in America. I had to laugh, because her outfit was almost exactly like Ruby's school uniform -- the plaid skirt with white top. Risa really understood what I meant when I took her with me one day to pick up the twins and she saw all the little girls in their uniforms!
Risa plays the traditional Japanese drums, Taiko, and was invited to participate in a class at a local church with children from ages 5-15. Risa has competed in competition in Japan with her Taiko group and scored very high. She gave a demonstration that thrilled the children (and shocked me at how much power and strength she possessed). She taught them some techniques and played with them. These children attend Japanese immersion schools in Portland and even spoke Japanese. I was able to pick Carson and Ruby up from school and take them with us because the location was just a short distance from their school. Ruby was on the edge of her seat and so very interested. Carson, on the other hand, wasn't. (that too surprised me).
Risa tucked away in the midst of the children. She was so pleased to have this experience in America.
One afternoon I was able to pick up Lily (the little girl who lived next to where I used to live and is Ruby's age) and bring her to my house. Lily and Ruby have played together in the past, and when I get them together, it is as if they are long-lost-BFF's. Risa was teaching them more origami.
After a quiet time of making origami, it was off to the park. Risa was right in there playing with them on the equipment, and enjoying herself with the girls.
I was able to take Risa to Adidas so she could get some shoes from their employee store.
I didn't know what her size would be, so I asked one of the employees to measure her. Well, it turns out we had to leave the women's section and go to the children's section. She wore size 2 in children's. That's Ruby and Carson's size! Risa was so happy with a great pair of new shoes and she even chose a bright pink color. (Japanese tend to wear darker colors). I asked her if she wore children's shoes in Japan, and I think she was a bit insulted
. "No I wear adult shoes!"
Ok, so here she is wearing one of Carson's shoes and one of Ruby's shoes! Oh yeah -- she taught the kids to always give a peace sign when taking a picture. I asked her why Japanese always seem to do that and her response..... "I don't know. It's tradition." I asked her if she knew what it means, or where it came from, and she did not. I explained to her about the 60's in America and the PEACE sign!
One afternoon at Mt. Hood College, they were having cultural day. The students dressed up in Japanese wear (kimonos and the like) and demonstrated/taught various things like origami, painting, cartooning, music and served lots of good food. Risa wore a traditional outfit for playing the Taiko drums -- they were able to rent a drum and Risa gave a demonstration. I was so proud of her! I think the American students were shocked at how good she was.
When we got home she was exhausted. Risa fell asleep in the living room and slept for 3 hours -- in this position!
Risa has a dog back in Japan (howbeit, a small one), and really enjoyed Snowy.
At the good bye party all the students received a certificate of completion for their college program in Japan. Each one had to give a speech in English, and the tears were flowing. They were thanking their American host families for taking care of them. Risa mentioned enjoying going to Costco, my church and meeting Ruby and Carson.
The Friday night before Risa left on Sunday morning, I was blessed to have a visit from Fusae. She lived with us about 12 years ago in Kirkland. She hadn't been back to America since graduating from college and it was such a joy to see her again. She has grown into a lovely young woman, so full of poise. I was very pleased to introduce Fusae to Risa.
Early Sunday morning I dropped Risa off at the Portland airport with the other students, and we said sayonara. She cried and held on tight to me. I guess she enjoyed herself!
A few weeks after Risa returned to Japan, she was able to travel to her home (from where she is attending college) and visit her family, including her dog. I love this picture with the cherry blossoms in the background. Risa looks so lovely! It's the best photo I have of her!
