Honoka Say's Goodbye

The goodbye posters. 

The food, it was yummy too.

Table decorations, so cool, origami.

My boys.

Danya, our fearless leader.

Our hosts/MCs.

Japanese sword fighting.

The students and posters explaining Japanese characters, Honoka is behind the yellow poster. 

Honoka writing Isabella's name in Japanese

Honoka writing our names in Japanese

Our family for a week, with Honoka.

Our fearless leaders, Danya, Roxana, and I'm not sure about the third woman.

All the students and their escort.

Honoka and Isabella strike a pose.

My funny family pose for me. 

More silliness.

The notes they wrote.

Honoka helping Eagan write and draw.

Honoka's sign says love.

Tonight we had a chance to meet at the Community Center in Tournament Hills where Honoka was receiving English lessons. The students prepared a party for all the hosting families as a thank you and goodbye.  The stents explained the customs of Japan, including how to eat noodles, and sword fighting, and they went around and wrote our names in Japanese.  Each student designed cards and wrote short notes to read out loud to each of the families.  We also were able to try Miso soup and Soba noodles prepared by the students.  It was very good experience.  When we got home we had an impromptu photo booth rehearsal, so Honoka, Isabella, and Parley used my props and posed for photos before we went to sleep.  It was fun to see Honoka pose and also she wrote I love you on a white board to hold for the photos.  We have enjoyed our week with Honoka, we hope she is safe with her family, and somemday maybe we can see her again.  We enjoyed our very brief exchange hosting experience, and Parley already volunteered our family to do it again.  We love you Honoka and miss you.