What a party!! I think the whole town came out for our goodbye. They even brought back my favorite bus driver for a guest appearance. The food was incredible, and yes Mr. Eyeballs was back. They all made sure that I saw them!! Every person that spoke said what an incredible experience this has been. From students, to the principal and all those in between we thank CCLCS and especially Matsuyama for our life changing experiences. The tears started to flow early and it was obvious that all the students have created strong friendships. It did not stop with students, Allie and I have made life long friends. They will always have a home with us on Cape Cod (I better warn Ray about all the people I have invited for a homestay). No longer is Japan just another country on the other side of the world. It is a place where we all have family and friends.
You would all be proud of your children and the fine speeches they made tonight. The Japanese students were just as articulate in expressing their gratitude for the homestay program. It is amazing to watch how children can make this world a smaller place with absolutely no effort or master of language at all. Watching the Japanese parents treating our children as theirs was heart warming. What a lesson this has been for all of us.
This was not an effort of just a few people involved. Workers (hard workers-you know who you are!) from all departments of Matsuyama took part in this program. They truly are invested in the success.
Tomorrow we leave early for Tokyo with our able guide, Kenji (what a difference there is between Cape Cod Kenji and Matsuyama Kenji-but that is another story). There will be more tears at the train station, but this is okay because we will be saying sayonara to friends. Thank you again Matsuyama for making our lives richer.
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What an unbelieveable experience our children are having. Thank you Thank you Thank you! Please remind Aria that a souvenir like a KOTO would be cool and is much more memorable than coffee mugs and such. Also, while shopping in Tokyo, if Aria sees anything great, traditional and uniquley Japanese for the house but needs more funds, have her contact us. Thanks Again, Love to all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for representing us so well, Karen, Allie, and the rest of the crew (seriously, I say that without sarcasm, Karen!). Can't wait to hear more stories!
ReplyDeleteKaren and Allie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for shepherding this great group. The kids are lucky to have you leading the way.
Please keep the daily blogs coming - it's great to read about the adventure!
Kathy
¡VAYA! (WOW!!!) What an experience! I can't wait to hear more about it in person from both the teachers and the students (graduates -- please be sure to come back to VISIT!) Have a safe journey home, and take it easy for the rest of the break -- you deserve it!
ReplyDeleteDJ-Do you know how big a Koto is. We would have MAJOR trouble shlepping all over Japan, let alone getting it on the plane!! I will give Aria your message!
ReplyDeleteSo I am all choked up...what a fabulous account of a very memorable party and the culmination of a week and a half spent in such a remarkable place. Thank you, Karen and Allie, for taking such good care of our children and facilitating in the growth and opening of their minds, spirits and beings. We are truly indebted to all that contributed to this incredible trip and experience. I so hope that we are able to host a child in the near future and that CCLCS is able to continue in the exchange for years to come.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time in Toyko, eat LOTS and LOTS of sushi, take tons and tons of pictures and we will see you in a few days!!
xoxo
cathy