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August 20, 2012
Great treasures in my life｜Kaho Ito
For a month, everyday was like a dream and wonderful days than I've thought. We learned not only English but also importance of family and friends and pleasure of knowing the culture in foreign country. I do believe that everyone experienced a lot of things and grew up as a person. In Seattle, we enjoyed to learn English and were impressed with the beauty of Seattle. Meeting Jason, Christina, Ty, Troy was nice and It'll be a memory in our life time. Even though we stayed just 10 days, I think everybody enjoyed Seattle and could understand each other with people in Seattle. In Manitoba, we got new families. Everyday I could get along with my host family little by little and have a wonderful time. I felt as if I were in a great dream. When I missed my family and friend, I learned how important they are and grew up again. Meeting my host family will also be a memory in my life time. And it will last forever. In this trip, I got treasures in my lifetime. That is seeing many people and great memory. Thank you so much my family, my host family, The York-Benimaru Foundation and 4-H Club for giving me a wonderful experience.

August 20, 2012

Great treasures in my life｜Kaho Ito

For a month, everyday was like a dream and wonderful days than I've thought. We learned not only English but also importance of family and friends and pleasure of knowing the culture in foreign country. I do believe that everyone experienced a lot of things and grew up as a person.
In Seattle, we enjoyed to learn English and were impressed with the beauty of Seattle. Meeting Jason, Christina, Ty, Troy was nice and
It'll be a memory in our life time. Even though we stayed just 10 days, I think everybody enjoyed Seattle and could understand each other with people in Seattle.
In Manitoba, we got new families. Everyday I could get along with my host family little by little and have a wonderful time. I felt as if I were in a great dream. When I missed my family and friend, I learned how important they are and grew up again. Meeting my host family will also be a memory in my life time. And it will last forever. In this trip, I got treasures in my lifetime. That is seeing many people and great memory. Thank you so much my family, my host family, The York-Benimaru Foundation and 4-H Club for giving me a wonderful experience.

August 18, 2012
Surprise Party｜Mami Watanabe
August 16th afternoon, I was watching a movie with my host sisters in the room. After a short while, Evy called me and she put a blindfold over my eyes. I went down the stairs and opened my eyes. There were my friends and their host families. And the room was decorated with pretty ornaments. I was very surprised! That was a surprise party for my birthday! I enjoyed eating a delicious cake, talking with my friends and playing a game. Also I presented may presents. I was happy to have an album that my host family made for me. That was the best birthday party I have ever had and I'll never forget. Thank you very much Wilchowy family!!

August 18, 2012

Surprise Party｜Mami Watanabe

August 16th afternoon, I was watching a movie with my host sisters in the room. After a short while, Evy called me and she put a blindfold over my eyes. I went down the stairs and opened my eyes. There were my friends and their host families. And the room was decorated with pretty ornaments. I was very surprised! That was a surprise party for my birthday! I enjoyed eating a delicious cake, talking with my friends and playing a game. Also I presented may presents. I was happy to have an album that my host family made for me.
That was the best birthday party I have ever had and I'll never forget. Thank you very much Wilchowy family!!

August 18, 2012
Wonderful summer｜Haruka Nakagawa
It was my first time to visit Canada. When I arrived at Winnipeg, I was impressed in beautiful nature. And I was surprised that everything is bigger than in Japan. Before I started home stay program, I worried about new life. But home stay program was very great for me. My host family always helped me. We went to beach, shopping, watching a musical ･･･ we enjoyed them all. And also when I stayed home, we enjoyed a game with host family. In sunny day, I and Kai enjoyed riding a bike near our home with my host sister Taryn. In evening, we sit around fire pit and talked about today's news. And I was so happy that we felt their love. Fenez family was brimming over with happiness. So I could have wonderful time there. This summer became my "special" thanks to this home stay program. I'll make use of this experience, and I want to make better to my life. Thank you, Fenez family.

August 18, 2012

Wonderful summer｜Haruka Nakagawa

It was my first time to visit Canada. When I arrived at Winnipeg, I was impressed in beautiful nature. And I was surprised that everything is bigger than in Japan.
Before I started home stay program, I worried about new life. But home stay program was very great for me. My host family always helped me. We went to beach, shopping, watching a musical ･･･ we enjoyed them all.
And also when I stayed home, we enjoyed a game with host family. In sunny day, I and Kai enjoyed riding a bike near our home with my host sister Taryn. In evening, we sit around fire pit and talked about today's news. And I was so happy that we felt their love. Fenez family was brimming over with happiness. So I could have wonderful time there. This summer became my "special" thanks to this home stay program. I'll make use of this experience, and I want to make better to my life. Thank you, Fenez family.

August 17, 2012
BBQ｜Hiroka Onodera
We went to the sea by bus. It was a very beautiful place. Jason cooked lunch for us. And we ate them. I have never eaten the foods like that. They were very delicious. A big salmon was very delicious, so we ate up soon. An apple pie and a blueberry pie Christina's friend made were very delicious. After lunch, we played volley ball, tennis, and Frisbee. I played American game with Jason and Christina. I took many pictures. I had a wonderful time in Seattle. Thank you very much.

August 17, 2012

BBQ｜Hiroka Onodera

We went to the sea by bus. It was a very beautiful place. Jason cooked lunch for us. And we ate them. I have never eaten the foods like that. They were very delicious. A big salmon was very delicious, so we ate up soon. An apple pie and a blueberry pie Christina's friend made were very delicious.
After lunch, we played volley ball, tennis, and Frisbee. I played American game with Jason and Christina. I took many pictures. I had a wonderful time in Seattle.
Thank you very much.

August 17, 2012
My gratitude to my host family｜Haruka Hirata
I was looking forward to meeting my host family because I got an e-mail saying that they would welcome me. But until a home stay program began, I had been very afraid that I might fail to make myself understood in English for two weeks. What I learned from this home stay program is that it is very important to thank everyone around me. Since I just finished the home stay program, I cannot thank my host family enough. My host family welcomed the complete stranger me and treated me as a member of their family for two weeks. I will never forget this precious time as long as I live.

August 17, 2012

My gratitude to my host family｜Haruka Hirata

I was looking forward to meeting my host family because I got an e-mail saying that they would welcome me.
But until a home stay program began, I had been very afraid that I might fail to make myself understood in English for two weeks.
What I learned from this home stay program is that it is very important to thank everyone around me. Since I just finished the home stay program, I cannot thank my host family enough.
My host family welcomed the complete stranger me and treated me as a member of their family for two weeks.
I will never forget this precious time as long as I live.

August 17, 2012
My Precious Experience｜Erika Higuma
I had a very valuable experience in this summer. In Canada, I discovered many things which I hadn't saw before. I had some chances to talk to people who live there. When I went shopping with my host mother's friend, I was surprised. Everything was very big. Then I felt difference between Japanese and Canadian culture. I went to camping I stayed at a tent, went on a boat. I had many foods made of vegetables that we can't saw in Japan. Finally I thank The York-Benimaru Foundation, the teachers of my school, my parents. Thank you.

August 17, 2012

My Precious Experience｜Erika Higuma

I had a very valuable experience in this summer. In Canada, I discovered many things which I hadn't saw before. I had some chances to talk to people who live there. When I went shopping with my host mother's friend, I was surprised. Everything was very big. Then I felt difference between Japanese and Canadian culture. I went to camping I stayed at a tent, went on a boat. I had many foods made of vegetables that we can't saw in Japan. Finally I thank The York-Benimaru Foundation, the teachers of my school, my parents. Thank you.

August 17, 2012
Gratitude｜Minori Hasenuma
These two weeks have passed rapidly. At first I felt homesick. But my host family made many plans for me. So I led a full days for these two weeks. I stayed at the cottage near the lake, went water-skiing and rode on a personal watercraft. I have never had such an experience. Moreover, I learned the history of Manitoba at the museum. Everywhere I went, I met many people. I realized the importance of meeting people because each time might be a once-in-a-lifetime event. They were kind enough to speak English slowly and to use easy words. So I was able to understand them. I looked up the words that I have heard many times. I learned how native speakers use the words that I had learned at school. I realized good point of Japan because of experience of living abroad. Thank you for this program. It's like a dream.

August 17, 2012

Gratitude｜Minori Hasenuma

These two weeks have passed rapidly. At first I felt homesick. But my host family made many plans for me. So I led a full days for these two weeks. I stayed at the cottage near the lake, went water-skiing and rode on a personal watercraft. I have never had such an experience. Moreover, I learned the history of Manitoba at the museum. Everywhere I went, I met many people. I realized the importance of meeting people because each time might be a once-in-a-lifetime event. They were kind enough to speak English slowly and to use easy words. So I was able to understand them. I looked up the words that I have heard many times. I learned how native speakers use the words that I had learned at school. I realized good point of Japan because of experience of living abroad.
Thank you for this program. It's like a dream.

August 17, 2012
I enjoyed everyday｜Arisa Souda
My host family was Dupas family. They were all cheerful and funny. I enjoyed myself everyday. I sat at the campfire until five o'clock in the morning for the first time. I tried to paddle a canoe. My host family took me to a movie theater, shopping, to the zoo and so on. It is hard for me to understand English. At other times, I got tired of English and kept me in my room. But my host family was very kind to me. Being with them was enjoyable enough to remove my anxiety. All I can do was say a word not sentence. But they took good care of me for two weeks. I am very grateful to them. I was very happy because I stayed with Dupas family.

August 17, 2012

I enjoyed everyday｜Arisa Souda

My host family was Dupas family. They were all cheerful and funny. I enjoyed myself everyday. I sat at the campfire until five o'clock in the morning for the first time. I tried to paddle a canoe. My host family took me to a movie theater, shopping, to the zoo and so on. It is hard for me to understand English. At other times, I got tired of English and kept me in my room. But my host family was very kind to me. Being with them was enjoyable enough to remove my anxiety. All I can do was say a word not sentence. But they took good care of me for two weeks. I am very grateful to them.
I was very happy because I stayed with Dupas family.

August 15, 2012
The most impressive thing｜Mayu Suzuki
Today, I made Japanese food for my host family. We will go to Starbuck tomorrow, so today is the last day to stay this home. I made a mistake to bake a rice cake, but I could make it with their help. I made O-zouni and Somen noodle. I was happy to hear everyone's "good" and "Thank you". After dinner, I went for a drive with Clayton, Quinn and Emma. The evening sun was very beautiful and we could enjoy Manitoba's nature. Back to home, everyone gave me presents. It's T-shirt, maple syrup, wooden box and glass ornament. I gained valuable experience during this training. I will never forget staying this home.

August 15, 2012

The most impressive thing｜Mayu Suzuki

Today, I made Japanese food for my host family. We will go to Starbuck tomorrow, so today is the last day to stay this home. I made a mistake to bake a rice cake, but I could make it with their help. I made O-zouni and Somen noodle. I was happy to hear everyone's "good" and "Thank you". After dinner, I went for a drive with Clayton, Quinn and Emma. The evening sun was very beautiful and we could enjoy Manitoba's nature. Back to home, everyone gave me presents. It's T-shirt, maple syrup, wooden box and glass ornament. I gained valuable experience during this training. I will never forget staying this home.

August 8, 2012
English lessons at SPU｜Kaede Sato
I learned, felt and experienced many things at Seattle Pacific University. Especially I enjoyed Scavenger hunt at Fremont. We had to ask questions of the people in the town, they are kind enough to tell us what we want to know. Some people kindly asked us "What are you looking for?" I thank three teachers who taught us. They told us about Seattle, universities and home stay and so on. I have long wanted to go to America. Now I'm in America. I learned a lot. In addition I thank my 20mates who lived with in a dormitory. We were always together when I took lessons, went to many places, played basketball, and held a barbeque party. This summer I met many people. I will never forget this summer forever.

August 8, 2012

English lessons at SPU｜Kaede Sato

I learned, felt and experienced many things at Seattle Pacific University. Especially I enjoyed Scavenger hunt at Fremont. We had to ask questions of the people in the town, they are kind enough to tell us what we want to know. Some people kindly asked us "What are you looking for?" I thank three teachers who taught us. They told us about Seattle, universities and home stay and so on. I have long wanted to go to America. Now I'm in America. I learned a lot. In addition I thank my 20mates who lived with in a dormitory. We were always together when I took lessons, went to many places, played basketball, and held a barbeque party. This summer I met many people. I will never forget this summer forever.

August 3, 2012
Welcome｜Nao Sato
I was looking forward to the welcome party. At first I was not nervous. But just before meeting Bjarnarson family, I got a little nervous. But they were friendly, so I felt relaxed. As Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives said, Manitoba is a friendly place. My host family lived in Gladstone. It is 120km away from Winnipeg. The population of Gladstone is 900. Its main industries are agriculture and cattle breeding. There are many elderly person in Gladstone. Gladstone is a friendly place. On the first day, we went camping. I'm excited about the coming two weeks.

August 3, 2012

Welcome｜Nao Sato

I was looking forward to the welcome party. At first I was not nervous. But just before meeting Bjarnarson family, I got a little nervous. But they were friendly, so I felt relaxed. As Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives said, Manitoba is a friendly place. My host family lived in Gladstone. It is 120km away from Winnipeg. The population of Gladstone is 900. Its main industries are agriculture and cattle breeding.
There are many elderly person in Gladstone. Gladstone is a friendly place. On the first day, we went camping. I'm excited about the coming two weeks.

August 2, 2012
In Manitoba｜Yu Senda
When I arrived in Province Manitoba, I was surprised to see the nature green and huge land in Manitoba. Manitoba had long straight roads. We visited the Winnipeg City Hall, Legislature and Farm Center. The City Hall was beautiful. Anybody was given the run of the assembly Hall. The number of the assembly members is 15. This number is smaller than that of Japan. The less the number of the assembly members, the more authority concentrate. The more the number of the assembly members, the bill is hard to be passed. I realized the difficulty of political problem. At the farm center, we saw how the Canadian agriculture is and how chickens and pigs are raised in the vast land. The pigs were larger than I imagined. I saw a baby pig for the first time in my life. The baby pig was cute. At outside of the farm center, there were many bugs, especially mosquitoes. Legislature was huge and made of marble. That building was under redecoration. So it was covered. Manitoba has many interesting thing. So I want to visit there again.

August 2, 2012

In Manitoba｜Yu Senda

When I arrived in Province Manitoba, I was surprised to see the nature green and huge land in Manitoba. Manitoba had long straight roads. We visited the Winnipeg City Hall, Legislature and Farm Center. The City Hall was beautiful. Anybody was given the run of the assembly Hall. The number of the assembly members is 15. This number is smaller than that of Japan. The less the number of the assembly members, the more authority concentrate. The more the number of the assembly members, the bill is hard to be passed. I realized the difficulty of political problem.
At the farm center, we saw how the Canadian agriculture is and how chickens and pigs are raised in the vast land. The pigs were larger than I imagined. I saw a baby pig for the first time in my life. The baby pig was cute. At outside of the farm center, there were many bugs, especially mosquitoes. Legislature was huge and made of marble. That building was under redecoration. So it was covered. Manitoba has many interesting thing. So I want to visit there again.

August 1, 2012
We left U.S.｜Aya Suzuki
Jason and Troy came to the Seattle airport to see us off. I really appreciate to their kindness. We went to Calgary, Canada. We ate Japanese food there. It was great! After that, we went to Calgary tower. The view from Calgary tower was so beautiful. Calgary was a big town. And we went back to the airport. And then, we boarded a plane to Winnipeg. Even though our arrival was delayed, 4-H club members, Amanda and Meghan, welcomed us in the airport. We were very happy.

August 1, 2012

We left U.S.｜Aya Suzuki

Jason and Troy came to the Seattle airport to see us off. I really appreciate to their kindness. We went to Calgary, Canada. We ate Japanese food there. It was great! After that, we went to Calgary tower. The view from Calgary tower was so beautiful. Calgary was a big town. And we went back to the airport. And then, we boarded a plane to Winnipeg. Even though our arrival was delayed, 4-H club members, Amanda and Meghan, welcomed us in the airport. We were very happy.

July 29, 2012
Difficulty of English｜Kai Munakata
We went to the Fremont market and baseball game of Seattle Mariners on July 29. At the Fremont, the street was lined with a lot of shops. The street was full of miscellaneous goods (clothes, accessories, fruit, furniture etc). It was fun to see them. Christina recommended us beating down. So some student challenged it. The base ball game of Seattle Mariners was very wonderful. When we arrived at Seattle, We heard that Ichiro would leave from Seattle Mariners. So we were disappointed. But the game was exciting and everyone enjoyed it. The stadium was big. So I was surprised. We bought some food for a lunch using English. I couldn't make myself understood to clerk. So I was in a panic. But that experience was precious. I learned a lot of things talking with local people. So it was very interesting.

July 29, 2012

Difficulty of English｜Kai Munakata

We went to the Fremont market and baseball game of Seattle Mariners on July 29. At the Fremont, the street was lined with a lot of shops. The street was full of miscellaneous goods (clothes, accessories, fruit, furniture etc). It was fun to see them. Christina recommended us beating down. So some student challenged it.
The base ball game of Seattle Mariners was very wonderful. When we arrived at Seattle, We heard that Ichiro would leave from Seattle Mariners. So we were disappointed. But the game was exciting and everyone enjoyed it. The stadium was big. So I was surprised. We bought some food for a lunch using English. I couldn't make myself understood to clerk. So I was in a panic. But that experience was precious. I learned a lot of things talking with local people. So it was very interesting.

July 29, 2012
I have no words｜Mai Asano
I was in perfect condition from the morning. I went to a Sunday market. We went to a coffee shop, but nobody was there. So we could not drink a coffee. Anyway, the shops in the street were so interesting that I want to buy everything. The most important thing on today was watching the base ball game (Seattle Mariners VS Kansas City Royals). I rode a long escalator to the top. Then I was so moved that I was impressed. As the game progressed, I got so excited that I found myself shouting loud. Even if you watch a baseball game for the first time, you can enjoy it very much. Finally, Mike is the best player!

July 29, 2012

I have no words｜Mai Asano

I was in perfect condition from the morning. I went to a Sunday market. We went to a coffee shop, but nobody was there. So we could not drink a coffee. Anyway, the shops in the street were so interesting that I want to buy everything. The most important thing on today was watching the base ball game (Seattle Mariners VS Kansas City Royals). I rode a long escalator to the top. Then I was so moved that I was impressed. As the game progressed, I got so excited that I found myself shouting loud. Even if you watch a baseball game for the first time, you can enjoy it very much. Finally, Mike is the best player!

July 28, 2012
Wonderful day｜Kana Okazaki
Today, we visited many places in Seattle. At first, we went to Space Needle. It had the observation deck away from the ground. From the deck, we could overlook the magnificent and beautiful city of Seattle. Then we went to Pike Place Market. I bought same bracelets (only different in color) with my friends. I'm very sorry that we couldn't enter the first Starbucks coffee shop because we had no time. After lunch, we went to Seattle museum. There I saw many kinds of sea animals. Especially jellyfish and sea-otters were cute. We ate Asian food for dinner. It was very delicious, but it was too hot for me to eat much. I feel visiting many places together promoted friendship. What a wonderful day!

July 28, 2012

Wonderful day｜Kana Okazaki

Today, we visited many places in Seattle. At first, we went to Space Needle. It had the observation deck away from the ground. From the deck, we could overlook the magnificent and beautiful city of Seattle. Then we went to Pike Place Market. I bought same bracelets (only different in color) with my friends. I'm very sorry that we couldn't enter the first Starbucks coffee shop because we had no time. After lunch, we went to Seattle museum. There I saw many kinds of sea animals. Especially jellyfish and sea-otters were cute. We ate Asian food for dinner. It was very delicious, but it was too hot for me to eat much. I feel visiting many places together promoted friendship. What a wonderful day!

July 27, 2012
Today's comment｜Natsume Watanabe
In today's lesson, I learned how to spend American money and how to order in restaurant. It was very easy to understand because they taught in real situations. It will also help me in my home stay. In the afternoon, an interaction with YMCA had been planned. But it was suddenly canceled, so we went to Chittenden Locks and Fish Ladder and Frye Art Museum instead. When I told about salmon, I wanted to eat salmon. The pictures in the museum were very beautiful. It was fun to look at them though I don't know much about an art. I enjoyed today in spite of the bad weather. In the night, we had a miso-soup party. I miss Japanese foods….

July 27, 2012

Today's comment｜Natsume Watanabe

In today's lesson, I learned how to spend American money and how to order in restaurant. It was very easy to understand because they taught in real situations. It will also help me in my home stay. In the afternoon, an interaction with YMCA had been planned. But it was suddenly canceled, so we went to Chittenden Locks and Fish Ladder and Frye Art Museum instead. When I told about salmon, I wanted to eat salmon. The pictures in the museum were very beautiful. It was fun to look at them though I don't know much about an art.
I enjoyed today in spite of the bad weather.
In the night, we had a miso-soup party. I miss Japanese foods….

July 25, 2012
Change｜Manami Soeta
In the morning, we took a lesson. In the afternoon, we went to the lunch held by Rotary Club of Seattle. The man sitting next to me was very kind. He spoke to me slowly and clearly. Until then, I have never spoken to anyone in English. But on the 3rd day in Seattle, I've been able to speak to someone little by little. So I was very happy. At the end of the lunch, we sang a song "Furusato" in public for the first time. I felt a little nervous but I could conduct well. Today, I improved a lot. I would like to improve more for the rest of our program.

July 25, 2012

Change｜Manami Soeta

In the morning, we took a lesson. In the afternoon, we went to the lunch held by Rotary Club of Seattle. The man sitting next to me was very kind. He spoke to me slowly and clearly. Until then, I have never spoken to anyone in English. But on the 3rd day in Seattle, I've been able to speak to someone little by little.
So I was very happy. At the end of the lunch, we sang a song "Furusato" in public for the first time. I felt a little nervous but I could conduct well.
Today, I improved a lot. I would like to improve more for the rest of our program.

July 23, 2012
Experience of two days｜Kazuma Takahashi
Today, I had an experience of two days. In the morning, I was go to Tokyo station by the Shinkansen. I went to Narita International Airport by train. I was lonely because it is painful for me to leave Japan for a month. The plane landed from Narita International Airport for Vancouver, I thought this was the branch point. Arrived at Vancouver, we took off for Seattle. We meet about seven days in care of teachers in Seattle Airport. I was surprised on the way to Seattle Pacific University, because the bus we got on ran at 100 kilometers per an hour. The program will start. I'm very anxious. But I think I'll never have such a special experience again. I want to take an active part in this program.

July 23, 2012

Experience of two days｜Kazuma Takahashi

Today, I had an experience of two days.
In the morning, I was go to Tokyo station by the Shinkansen. I went to Narita International Airport by train. I was lonely because it is painful for me to leave Japan for a month.
The plane landed from Narita International Airport for Vancouver, I thought this was the branch point.
Arrived at Vancouver, we took off for Seattle. We meet about seven days in care of teachers in Seattle Airport.
I was surprised on the way to Seattle Pacific University, because the bus we got on ran at 100 kilometers per an hour.
The program will start. I'm very anxious. But I think I'll never have such a special experience again. I want to take an active part in this program.

July 22, 2012
Home stay｜Haruka Yokohama
Last year, I had a plan to take part in this program, but because of the earthquake it was called off. One year has passed my teacher asked me whether I join this program again or not. My answer was "Yes". Last year, I went to New Zealand alone and did home stay. It was a first time for me to go abroad so it made me very nervous. This time I didn't have such a feeling. However, This is my first trip to Canada. I have some worries about my health, foods, and being new environment. I'm going to try many things there. There are many interesting contents on this program. I will enjoy them. Besides improving my English, I also improve skills of English conversation and communication.

July 22, 2012

Home stay｜Haruka Yokohama

Last year, I had a plan to take part in this program, but because of the earthquake it was called off. One year has passed my teacher asked me whether I join this program again or not. My answer was "Yes". Last year, I went to New Zealand alone and did home stay. It was a first time for me to go abroad so it made me very nervous. This time I didn't have such a feeling. However, This is my first trip to Canada. I have some worries about my health, foods, and being new environment. I'm going to try many things there. There are many interesting contents on this program. I will enjoy them. Besides improving my English, I also improve skills of English conversation and communication.

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