Weekdays


Thurs., Feb 19th
We arrived at Tacoma Airport at 9 a.m. and met our teascher guide, Laura. We were so hungry and thirsty, we went to Denny's by car. I shared a hamburger and French fries with Saki and Rina. We visited Behem's Chocolate Factory. I bought chocolate and postcards. Then, we went to Snoqualmie Falls. It 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 there every day. I met John and Shirlee. I was so glad to meet them, so I fought to keep from crying. 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 surprised by how the pizza was.  I told host family, "I am  not good at speaking English, and I am nervous. " They said, "No, you are good English." Then I felt relieved. After dinner, I received some present from host family. At night, I watched the Olympicks with my host family. They praised the Japanese athletes, and I was happy to hear that.

FirstMeal

　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 wento Target where we can buy not only food but also clothes and daily item. And then, I went to see John's friend, Michael with John. On the way there, John taught me mmany famous old songs. "I'll be there" by Mechael Jacson 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 delicous food and  played games together. After I got home, I gave my host family Jpanese souvenirs. They were happy to receive them.

With Michael　

　Dig in!



Mon., Feb 23rd
After lunch, we went to a Doughnuts store chain called Krispy Kream. I watched many colorful doughnuts being made by machines. I shared doughnuts with member. My favorite flavor was cheese cream. 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 could understand more English better than before. When I didn't understand some expression 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 question. we also watched firefighters put on their gear in a minute, tried on a their gear and experienced using a fire hose. I learned that firefighter's jobs are hard.

At home, I talked with host family about what happpened that day. For dinner, Shirlee made pasta with basil sauce, ground beef, broccoli, and beans. When 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, he liked it.

With Firefighters　

Wooow

Let's sing!　



Wed., Feb 25th
 In the morning, we  visited the Federal Way Police Department and the City Hall. We had a look around the police department and asked many questions to the deputy police chief. He carefully answered all our questions. We also rode the police car and entered 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 her. After that, we were going to a local nursing facility, but we couldn't because the flu was spreading. At the study center, we practiced our final presentations.

Don't arrest me!　

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 the Leavenworth. They sold Christmas goods, snacks, toys, and clothes. Everything was so cute that I wanted to but 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 delicous. After that, John made a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving and his healthy bread. It smelled was so good, I was looking forward to eating them.

So Beautiful　

　A Big Horse!



Fri., Feb 27th
 Ｉｎ the morning, we talked about Japanese culture and learned about American holiday events such as Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. For luch, we had Thanksgiving dishes which some host families 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 as a cowboy costume that John lent me. Next, I 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 is an alligator, and the campus store sold college goods such as stuffed alligators and T-shirts. On the way back to the study canter, we wento to the hamburger restaurant called Cow & Cod. John bought me a hamburger and french fries, and also bought milkshakes for eberyone. 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, we went to see Mt. Rainier with my host family because the weather was nice. We was able to enjoy the vast and beautiful nature. For dinner, I 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. 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 their 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   sight seeing in Seattle. First, we visited the University of Washington. We walked around the campus and went to the big library, like Harry Potter's place. The university's mascot is a husky dog.After dropping by the Fremont Troll, we visited the symbol of Seattle called Space Needle. We bought matching T-shirts and some souvenirs. For lunch, we shared clam chowder and fish and chips at Ivar's. The meals was flavorful and delicious.

In the sfternoon, we visited Pike Place Market. I was excited the famous fish-throwing performance, the original Starbuks store, and Gum Wall. I bought almost as many souvenirs as I did in Leavenworth. The Starbuks 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 hot to trrow tha ball, but thanks to Laura's enthusiatic coaching, I was eventually able to get a strike. I got the lowest score, so I want to take revenge someday!

Afer going home, we did 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 want 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 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 to 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 message card and a gift. We enjoyed eating the cheesecake and chocolate cake that Allisa made for us and talking with my family. After party, I gave Shirlee some sunflowers. She said, "You are so sweet." and 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 sounvenirs. 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 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 member's host families. At the airport, we hugged Laura and said, "Goodbye, Laura!"

　See you again!

　Goodbye, Laura!





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