Host Family Weekend

This weekend our Bright School students are spending time with their host families, enjoying special activities with them. Some are learning how to make soy sauce, some visiting historical places or theme parks, and some doing some Japanese pottery. One is even attending a friend's birthday party. The whole point of this weekend was to give the kids a chance to immerse themselves completely in the life of a Japanese family. The only downside is that we're not with them to take pictures. They promised me they would take as many pictures as possible.

Mrs. Smith and I were able to spend the day with the Oya family, whom many of our Bright School folks will remember. Their girls, Sakura and Katane, were both students at the school, and you may recall the beautiful picture of them in their kimonos. As you'll see in the picture, they took us to lunch to a sushi restaurant where the sushi glides by your table on a conveyor belt. Again, another great idea that needs to hit the States.

I'll say again as I've said many times, I couldn't be prouder of our Bright School students and the way they have handled themselves. To be willing to live with a family of a totally different culture, with some even not speaking any English, is an accomplishment worthy of our praise. It's speaks highly of their courage, intelligence, and resilience. They never cease to amaze me.

You'll see in these photos the Oya family, the sushi restaurant, some scenes from the local park and beautiful Kairakuen Gardens, rooms from the famous Kubontei House, and some more shots of the kids. The picture of the man with a pole shows how they knock down the plums from the 3000 plum trees at this time of year. People line up to buy them on the spot to make all sorts of dishes and drinks from them.