Weekdays

Fri., Feb 20th

 For breakfast, I had a strawberry and banana smoothie. TerriLee drove me to the study center. I listened to Laura talk about safety and health. 
 There was a welcome party at night. We ate food made by each host family and played games. I was too 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 became more excited about my life there.




Mon., Feb 23rd

 At the study center, we talked about what everyone did over the weekend.
 After lunch, we went to Tacoma Mall and shared Krispy Kreme donuts. It was fun to see how the donuts were made. I was happy to eat cute and delicious donuts.
 After that, we went shopping together. There were many stores that I don't often see in Japan. I bought lollipops at a store called See's Candies as souvenirs. They were very sweet and made me happy. I recommend them as souvenirs.

Krispy Kreme	Sweet Lollipops

Tues., Feb 24th

 We visited the local fire department. We learned about the differences between Japan and America. There were many difficult words, but I could understand most of the talk because I listened carefully.
 We tried on firefighter uniform, 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 police chief the questions we had prepared. I was able to hear many valuable stories.
 It was my birthday on this day. I was happy because many people celebrated my birthday. 
 

With a Police Car	City Hall

Thurs., Feb 26th

 We met early in the morning and visited a glass factory and a German-style village called Leavenworth. The weather was nice, so we had a great time.
 At the glass factory, we looked at beautiful glass art and learned how it was made. We also learned about glass. Everything was delicate and beautiful.
  In Leavenworth, we went 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 events. For Easter, we looked for hidden candy together. I could not find very much. For Halloween, I dressed up as a rodeo queen. I really liked the boots that TerriLee lent me. I wanted to take them to Japan with me.
 After that, we ate Thanksgiving food 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 store and the lunch area. I noticed many differences from Japanese universities. There were many plants and the campus had a calm atmosphere.
 After that, we were going to visit a nursing home but the visit was canceled because of infection control. We went back to the Study Center and practiced our presentation. 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 about counting numbers. 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, I ate with the children. After lunch, we played outside and played tag together. It was tiring but I had a lot of fun.

Smile!	Practicing

Wed., Mar 4th

 This day was Craft Day. We made a photo frame and a journal for our host families to give them 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 didn't finish the journal. I took it home and worked on it there.

Photo Frame

Thurs., Mar 5th

 We went sightseeing in Seattle. The University of Washington was very large. The spiral staircase and the library 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 expected.
 For lunch, I had clam chowder and fish and chips. They were very rich and delicious, so I ate them all quickly. It rained in the morning, but the weather became sunny later. We could enjoy the beautiful view through the large windows. 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 to look around.
 On the way home, we stopped at Uwajimaya and went shopping. There were many Japanese products that I recognized, as well as products that were special to Seattle.

Many Books!	Seafood Shop

Fri., Mar 6th

 In the morning, I worked on my journal. In the afternoon, we went bowling. Laura was very good at bowling and was even on the bowling alley's ranking board. She kindly taught me 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 my presentation successfully.
 After that, I gave my gifts to my host family, Laura, and my teacher. We all ate the cheesecake and chocolate cake that Alissa 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 words to me until the end. I really appreciated her kindness.
 After that, we took the train to the airport. Before we left, I gave Laura a hug and said goodbye.

See you again!

Go to the Next Page

Back to the Contents