留学日記2010 (in Hopewell)

Exchange Program10 in North Carolina

今年もアメリカのNorth Carolina州にあるHopewell高校と交換留学を行いました。

生徒１５名と教員２名(梅川理絵教諭・村木知子教諭)が付き添い、２０１０年３月２１日(日)〜４月３日(土)の期間、充実した留学生活を終え無事に生徒達が帰国しました。ノースキャロライナでの体験や感動をお伝えいたします。

４月３日(土)　リサさんの日記(Lisa’s Blog)

Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

This is Lisa. I will tell you about April 3rd!! We were on the airplane when the date changed. There was a midnight snack and they gave us sandwich, cookies, and orange juice. It was better than the dinner!! Then I read the letter my host family gave to me, and I started to cry. I already miss them! I went to sleep, ate breakfast, watched “17again” and the plane was ready for landing. When we arrived in Japan, it was a little chilly but at the same time I felt really hot. We got our luggage and went out. We took pictures and were dismissed.

This exchange program was really awesome!! I will never forget this experience:)

４月３日(土)　アユミさんの日記(Ayumi’s Blog )

Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

　5:30 pm Japan time, I arrived at Centrair Airport with a nose bleed. Three luggage of Tsuna, Hazuki, and Kana senpai didn't come out (they were still in Detroit, they arrived two days later). Other than that, there was no trouble at all. Both my parents came to pick me up, and we ate sushi for dinner. We went back home, I showed all souvenirs to them, and they were happy to see all those.

　I want to thank Mr. Novitt, Ms. Umekawa, Ms. Muraki, and everyone who was involved in this program. And a huge special thank you to my host family John & Sandra & Brandon. And to all the Hopewell students, especially my host student Jazmine.

While staying there, I learned “People can actually save people by giving them a hand.” When the Hopewell students were so nice to me, I was “saved”. Before going there I was so nervous and had no idea what to do. But after meeting with my host family, the fear blew away like a kite. And then I went to school there, the fear came back to me again. This time it didn't disappear like before but by meeting all the people, my friends, there, the fear gradually and gradually melted away. By the time it was for us to leave America, I even wished to stay there longer.

Again, special thank you to my host family and my friends at Hopewell. I love you all sooo much :)

４月２日(金)　ミカさんの日記(Mika’s Blog)

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Today was the last day in North Carolina before leaving for Japan. We left for the airport at around 9:15. I felt sad when　I last glanced at the bedroom I slept in. I didn't want to leave since I had a wonderful time.

Karen and I slept in a little since we didn't have school. I wanted to sleep longer since the bed felt so comfortable but decided to get up since it was the last day to spend time with Karen. We ate breakfast and checked to make sure all my things were in my suitcase. They let me weigh my suitcase and it weighed 48.8 pounds!! It had to　be under 50 pounds, so I was lucky I hadn't bought anything else.

When we arrived at the airport, I checked in my bags and took pictures with Karen, Ms. Myers, and Karen’s older sister, Stephanie. We had our last conversation. I didn't have much time to spend with Stephanie since she was off to college, but I was glad she came to see me off. When it was time to say goodbye, tears filled my eyes. All the great time I spent　there filled my　mind. I couldn't believe that we had to leave.

The　flight to Detroit was very quick. I did some of my homework, ate a snack, and looked at all the pictures I took on my camera. At the airport, we ate lunch and had a long trip back to Nagoya. During the 11 hour flight, I slept, did some homework, and watched the movie that was running. One of the movies happened to be the one I watched at Karen's house so I watched it again.

When we were about to land in Japan, I was worried my ears would hurt, but luckily, they didn't! When we arrived in Nagoya, I got my luggage and returned home. I felt relaxed when I saw my dad since I was so tired. The 2 weeks I spent in North Carolina were the best 2 weeks in my life. I will never forget this great experience!!

４月２日(金)　ユイナさんの日記(Yuina’s Blog )

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

This morning I woke up at 7:00 am and finished up my packing. Everyone was awake at around 7:45 am. The family gave me an adorable picture frame that plays zippidi do da, chocolate, cupcake mix, and a DVD. I'm going to put a picture of the two　of us, Beth and I, in it as soon as I get it printed out. This will be one of my many treasures from this trip! I gave everyone the balloon that I made out of origami after that.

After getting ready to go, we left home. On the way to the airport, we got a bite to eat for breakfast at Panera and got another bagel to eat on the long plane ride back to Japan. We were late to get to the airport and so I had to hurry up and get checked in. Jesse had a birthday cake that she baked　for me and I got to eat a bite of it. It was REALLY good. There was a lot of crying and hugging. It was really hard saying good bye to everyone but Beth and I said "see you" instead because "good bye" feels like it’s really the end and we’re definitely going to see each other again. Mayu and I couldn't stop crying. The tears just kept coming and there was no way to stop it. The person working at the security checkpoint was really surprised because of the crying but I think they kind of got the point.

We had some free time after getting through the checkpoint so Lisa, Saya, Rina, and I looked at all the stores. Before getting on the plane, Umekawa　Sensei gave　me a bookmark as a birthday present. I was really happy since　I bought a lot of books while　I was here. We　started boarding at a little after 12:00 pm. On the plane　I sat　next to Lisa. After take off, we said good bye to North Carolina and started our long　plane ride back to　Japan. I didn't think that the　ride to Detroit was very　ｌong because　I fell asleep and when　I woke up, we were already in Detroit. We had about 40 minutes at　Detroit so Rina and　I decided to get something to eat for lunch. We were going to eat　at　Max and Erma's but since we didn't have that much time, we got a take out and ran to our boarding gate.

We got on the plane and our really long flight to Japan began. After take off, Rina and I ate our lunches. I　read the letter　that Jesse wrote　and it made me cry all over again. For the rest of the 12 hours, I slept, read, and ate. I'm going to miss everyone but I know that our friendship will last forever and that we'll be able to meet each other again.

４月１日(木)　リナさんの日記(Rina’s Blog )

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

　Hi! Today　was the last day at Hopewell. I was so sad : ( But I had very fun!! In the morning I couldn’t meet Yuina so this day I follow Lisa and her host student. In the first block I went to Chemistry class. They played?mole question quiz. It was interesting game. Then they had a party. Ayumi and Mika and I enjoyed the party! And we talked with Chemistry class student. At the second block I went to Japanese class. First, they had a big test! Then we had a ‘Ramen party’! So today I enjoyed two parties!! I enjoyed both parties! And I enjoyed communicating with Hopewell students. I took a lot pictures. Then I went to JROTC class with Lisa. That was cool class! The uniform was nice too! And they had a little test. Last class was U.S. History. U.S. History’s teacher was very funny teacher!! We saw a movie. But I couldn't understand the content...

After school I did packing. At the evening, me and Hannah and her friend went to painting. I painted the pouch. Hannah and her painting was very pretty. They painted　a pot and a little elephant. After that we went back home and ate dinner. Then we　did April　Fool’s game. We called Hannah’s friends and I just talked Japanese!! It was very crazy!! Then Hannah's friend went back home. I spent a very funny time!!

　Tonight, we will go to　12 am　movie so I take a nap.

　Today was a very good day!

４月１日(木)　サヤさんの日記(Saya’s Blog)

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Today was the last day of school. Not only was it for us but for everyone else too because they were going to be on spring break from April 2nd. Since it was my last day I decided to take classes with my host sister. I went to English, Math, Health, and Marketing. In Health everyone brought in food and we had a buffet. You had to write down what food you picked and how much calories it has on the paper the teacher gave us, and I was surprised to hear that that was going to be their test. I took many pictures with everyone since I won't see them anymore. I will miss them!

After school we went to Birkdale and did my final shopping. I had to pack my stuff and it barely fit into the suitcase because I bought so much!

３月３１日(水)　カナさんの日記(kana’s Blog)

　Thursday, March 31st, 2010

Today, we went to Closing Ceremony. We met at a fine dining. It was really nice. I was talking with Ayumi (my new friend!!!) and my host family. When the food came, Ayumi and I was so excited because it really looked good. Ayumi gave me some of hers and I gave her some of mine, but when I ate hers, I was like “mmmmmm.” because hers was soo good!!!! After we finish eating, we had a speech from the principal of Hopewell and the mayor of Cornelius. We got a diploma from principal. And after that, we were taking pictures and left.

After we arrived to home, I explained how Yukata works. My host mother was kind of surprised because she thought Yukata is made of 2 pieces clothes, the top and the bottom. And when I told them that my aunt made the Yukata I was wearing, she was surprised too...

３月３１日(水)　ユキコさんの日記(Yukiko’s Blog)

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

　I went to my first block as usual which is Ceramics. That class is very fun. I wish we have classes like that at Nanzan Kokusai. Other exchange students came into Ceramics. I had been making a pot and I have just finished it today. I took Japanese for my second block. It was a very interesting class. The students were very good at Japanese. I thought they were better than me. They told me that they were going to eat ramen tomorrow. I really wanted to join them but I have to go to another class party at that time. In Film class, which was in fourth block, we watched “Pirates of the Caribbean”. I have seen it before but it was still enjoyable.

Mrs. Desch took me and Rachel, Alix's sister, to the Closing Ceremony. Alix had to go to work so she told me that she would go as soon as she could. When we arrived, other students were already there. They looked wonderful with their yukatas. There were so many people at the ceremony. The food was delicious. Alix had to leave in the middle of the ceremony to go back to work. Dr. Jones, the principal of Hopewell High School, gave each of us a certificate and a bag that had many things so that we could remember Hopewell. After the ceremony, we took pictures and went back home.

３月３０日(火)　マナさんの日記(Mana’s Blog)

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

　Today, I took classes with Minami and Kaori. In the 1st block, we went to Crafts. Students were drawing unique pictures. After that, we participated in the Theatre class in the 2nd block. It was a funny class. We learned about relaxation and we enjoyed games. I think the game was to foster student's sensitivity and imagination. The teacher was interesting and the students were all friendly. After lunch, we attended Yearbook class in 3rd block. The "Yearbook" is like a great graduation photo album, but all the students of the school are in it. The students were making it. Some students showed us last year’s. It was heavy and elaborate. We were impressed and were absorbed in reading it. In the 4th block, we took Art as we did yesterday. We completed our pictures. We liked this class very much.

After school, Mollie's friend drove us home. She is only 17 but is very good at driving. I was so surprised. At home, I ate Key Lime Pie, something I had never eaten before. It was very good. After that I talked with Mr. Jeff about Japan. In the evening, we went to see Evan (Mollie's cousin)'s lacrosse game. It was my first time seeing a lacrosse game. It looked violent but fun. Then I went home and Mr. Jeff cooked us Mexican food. It was very good. I loved it.

By the way, recently I'm eating too much. The food here is delicious. I swear that I'll be on a diet when I go back to Japan.

３月３０日(火)　カオリさんの日記(Kaori’s Blog)

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

My first block was History with Shelby. We watched a short film about American presidents. Also we drew a cartoon that represents an event. I enjoyed that class. The next class was Theater. We lay down　on the ground and our teacher gave us some directions for a relaxing exercise. He told us that it was an exercise that actors usually do. Also, we played three types pf games. After that, we ate lunch. Today, I ate a sandwich. Since it was such a nice day, we ate outside. And all five of us, Mana, Minami, Mayu, Saki and I, bought the handmade cookies that were sold at the cafeteria. They were chewy and tasted good! I wish we could have them at Nanzan Kokusai. Next, we took the Yearbook class. The students showed us the yearbook that they had made last year. It was very thick and heavy! My favorite page was where students put their pictures when they were small. For our last class, we had Art. We finished our pictures from yesterday. We drew different kinds of lines and patterns with a sharpy. I thought that the pictures showed our personality. When Mana and I finished all the classes, we went to the Japanese classroom and waited for our host students. Shelby took me to Leah's car and she drove me home. I watched TV and had some snacks. When Shelby and Madalynn came back from the softball game, we had dinner. Today's menu was chicken, rice with gravy sauce, noodles, beans, salad, and a crescent roll. I love Mrs. Randall's dishes very much!

３月２９日(月)　サキさんの日記(Saki’s Blog)

Monday, March 29th, 2010

I took a class besides the classes that my host student takes for the first time today. However, my host student caught cold today and I went to school alone. I was uneasy, but was able to receive the class safely alone because I took classes with a friend all the time.

1st block I took Biology, and 2nd block　I took?Art. I did a print in Art and it was very fun. Then I decided to go to Mr. Novitt’s Biology class. We took tests at that time, too, but it was impossible because I was weak in Biology, and English was not easy to understand. 4th block I taught a student of Hopewell Japanese in Mr. Novitt’s Japanese. Understanding was easy, and possibly they may be better at Japanese than me. They were very good at Japanese.

　Today my host student wasn’t in school so I went straight home. When I got back home she looked better so I was glad about it.

And I had a good day.

３月２９日(月)　マユさんの日記(Mayu’s Blog)

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Having spent a full week at Hopewell High School with our hosts, we were allowed to try out some other classes different from what our hosts have from today. In 1st block, I went to World History class with Jesse as usual. I learned about Christian Crusades in the 11th century in Europe and also more about religions. It was interesting to me because I studied about the topic in the 3rd semester at Nanzan Kokusai. After that, I got together with my friend Saki and went to Art class. When we first entered the class, the students welcomed us by saying “Hi!” or by asking our names. The people there were very friendly. They were doing stamps and I got to try them as well. One of the students lent me her stamp that she had made, and I had a chance to stamp it on a piece of a paper and create a background for it. At around 10:30, we had our lunches. I ate a chicken burger from the cafeteria outside in the sun. In 3rd block, we went to Mr. Novittt’s biology class. The Hopewell students had their exams and we, Nanzan Kokusai students, were allowed to take them too. The exam was all multiple-choice questions and it was in a mark sheet form. It was very different from the exams we have at our school in Japan. Saki and I stayed at Mr. Novitt’s room throughout 4th block and took a Japanese class. The students there and Nanzan Kokusai students got together in pairs and worked on the workbook together. I was to teach my partner Japanese. I found out it was super difficult to teach my own language to them. However, I was amazed by how well the students at the class could write Hiragana and by how frequent they could speak in Japanese. If I were to be in their place, I think I would have given up on learning this very difficult language! After school, I almost lost Jesse. When I finally got together with her, she said that she got so worried and ran to the bus to see if I were there or not. I felt really sorry and thanked her for caring about me so much. I have been getting along with her so well and it’s really sad to think that I am leaving in four days!

３月２８日(日)　チナミさんの日記(Chinami’s Blog)

　Because I was tired, I woke up at?eleven today. The clouds are hanging low in the sky. It seemed to have rained before night. I lay on the bed. After Hazuki and Kathrine went home, I was thinking about last week. It was still unbelievable that I'm in US and staying with this family. I think I'm having nicer spring break than being in Japan as usual, even though I'm going to school every day. It started raining now......

I had time, so I read this book called "文学少女と飢え渇く幽霊". This is a series of 文学少女. I really love this series. How fast the time passes when I'm reading this book. At about four, I was called to eat KFC. Host mother also gave me pretty cupcake. While eating, I talked a lot to Mercedes, Lyrissa, and host father Tony. It was my first time to have a meal with Tony, because he is always busy at his work. He was very nice, and funny. I love this family sooooo much!! I took a picture with Tony after eating.

　At night, I spoke and played a lot with Sadie, Lexus, Myha and Zoe. We played a card game called "Spoon". It was almost same as a game called "Usunoro" in Japan. Also we played speed too. I like playing with them much. Then, we watched TV. After that, we went upstairs to Lexus's room, and Lexus and Sadie let me wear their clothes. I'll wear these "American fashion" to school tomorrow! Then, Lexus tried some of my Japanese clothes. Because she has a nice figure, every clothes suited her. We kept talking and talking till three at night. It was very fun. We played by changing some English words into Japanese words. They asked me about Japan a lot too. I really like spending time with them. I'll miss them when I leave.

Good Night.

３月２８日(日)　ミナミさんの日記(Minami’s Blog)

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

Since the day before yesterday, my host family and Mr. Novitt’s family went to Charleston in South Carolina. Charleston is a very nice old town, and I had a really great time there.

　I got up 8 o'clock this morning and I ate　bread with cream cheese for breakfast. After we ate breakfast, we took a walk around the sea and we saw many boats in the sea. Then we took some nice pictures in front of the boat!

We packed up our stuff, and we left the house. After we left there, we went to the sea by car. I picked some seashells with Isabella and I had so much fun there! I was surprised　when Soraya found the starfish!! After we played in the sea, we went home by car. On the way,　we went　to Burger King for lunch. I　am amazed　that I can find burger　shops anywhere in U.S. I can't find so many burger shops in Japan... We rode the car again, and we arrived home about 3 hours after lunch. When we had fun with our dinner, felt big　thunders I have never seen in Japan! After that hail also fell!

After dinner, Isabelle gave me the necklace made of shells that she picked today. It is really cute, and I was very happy. Isabella said, “When will you go home?” “April 2nd,”　I said. She said, “'Please don't go home　until my birthday.” She is so sweet… I forgot that there are only 5 days left to spend the time here! Time goes by so fast... I would like to enjoy the remaining 5 days!!!

３月２７日(土)　ハヅキさんの日記(Hazuki’s Blog)

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

　I stayed at Mercedes’s house since yesterday. No one has waked up yet because everybody watched movie yesterday night. But I went to bed yesterday earlier so I played game in spare time. Kathrine, my host student, had the rehearsal of a play at school today. She waked up and she drove her car to school. Then everyone waked up. We had breakfast of pizza roll.

　After that, Tsuna and I walked around Mercedes's house. We went into a tunnel on the way and we sat on a swing in the park. I thought this place has so much nature and I wanted to live there though the wind was a little cold.

After we had returned from the walk, video games of the guitar were done with Mercedes and her younger sister Lexus. I played the game first time so it was difficult. Mercedes’s mother cooked lunch of sandwich while we played the game. It was very delicious.

Afterwards we played on the website "Peter Answers" which understand everything like "kokkuri-san". At the beginning, Tsuna and I were surprised because Peter knew everything. But it had a little gimmick. We were very surprised but very excited.

After we played the game again, Kathrine came back to the house. Then we went to the big mall. I had never gone such a big mall. And it was probably for children so it was very colorful and unique. I was excited just seeing. I was very surprised at so many things. First, this is just a mall but it had go-cart. Second, it had many game centers. I had never seen them in Europe. Third, it had 1 dollar shop that like 100 yen shop. I wanted some candy because there were colorful and various candies in "Candy World". It was eight o'clock before one was aware. We walked around in the mall. We had dinner in the food court. I ate sandwich and French fries. It was delicious and I was very full. Then we went to the Mercedes’s house again, we just lie around and I went to bed at 3 o'clock.

３月２７日(土)　アユミさんの日記(AyumiSaya’s Blog)

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

　No school today! What a beautiful day. My host family, John, Sandara and Brandon, and I went to iMAX to watch a movie: Under the Sea. The screen was wide, maybe 4 times larger than the normal one we know. It covers 1/3 of the room and we even could see a screen on our sides. Sadly, 3 year old Brandon got sick so we had to leave there and go home in the middle of the movie. Hope he's better by tomorrow. He was doing fine this morning, when we were doing the Sponge Bob puzzle. For dinner we had Chinese take out. I ordered this Sour Pork dish and it was so good. First I thought of Subuta-like food, but it was totally different. It still tasted great.

３月２６日(金)　ユイナさんの日記(Yuina’s Blog)

Friday, March 26th, 2010

　I guess I still have jet lag because I woke up at a little before 5:00 am again this morning. Beth, my host student, and I got ready and left home, but since we hadn't eaten breakfast or had anything to eat for lunch, we went over to Panera before going to school. I got a chocolate chip muffin for breakfast and a blueberry bagel for lunch. I used to get the blueberry bagel when I lived over here and have missed it while living in Japan?so I was very happy.

I followed Beth to all her classes again today but starting next week we can take alternate classes. During 1st block in English, we got in groups and tried to write a poem. It was really hard and we couldn't come up with a lot during class. For 2nd block, we had Health and for 3rd block, we had Earth Science. Then after that was lunch. Beth and I ate with Jesse, Mayu, Brynne, and Saya. After our short lunch, it was time to go to 4th block. For me, Beth had Algebra so I went with her. We took a little test and I missed a few on that but barely passed it. At 1:30 pm, we left school to go to Beth's doctor's appointment. I did my homework for spring break while waiting. Afterwards we went home, we ate a snack, and watched TV. While watching TV, both of us fell asleep and ended up taking a little nap.

Amelia, Beth's best friend from North Meck came over at around 7:00 pm. Amelia and I talked while Beth got ready to go. While talking to her, I had a good feeling that we'd get along. When Beth was ready, we went to Birkdale. Right after getting there we had a little shoe emergency. Us 3 were walking when Beth tripped and broke her shoe. We went to Barnes and Noble to ask and　see if they had any duct tape. They didn't have any but instead, they lent us a stapler and gave us some scotch tape to use. This didn't work very well so Amelia and I decided to go see if they had any regular flip flops at American Eagle. They didn't though and we walked all the way to Walgreens. Beth wore Amelia's flip flops and Amelia bought some black socks to wear. If you didn't look that closely, they looked just like flats.

At around 10:30 pm, we arrived at the bowling alley where Jesse and Mayu where waiting. We were late because it took a little longer to eat our dinner. We got in 2 teams for our lanes. I was with Jesse and Mayu. We started out with regular bowling but after a while the lights went out, the strobe lights came on, and we started cosmic bowling! We were all screaming and cheering for our teams. Some of us were trying really weird ways of bowling but it was really funny. We found out that Mayu was a really good bowler. She was getting strikes and spares all the time! After all the laughing and screaming, we finished bowling at around 0:00 am.

Today was a really fun day with being able to meet and make new friends, and going to my first-ever cosmic bowling.

３月２６日(金)　リサさんの日記(Lisa’s Blog)

Friday, March 26th, 2010

This is Lisa:) I REALLY　enjoyed Hopewell!! I will tell you about the 26th:) I woke up at 5 as usual. I got used to it but　it still feels a little weird because in Japan, I　wake up at 7:30. Lizzie, my host student, and I got dressed and put some makeup on and left the house. We went to the gas station to get breakfast. I got biscuit with sausage and hash browns. They were good:) Then we went to school.

1st block was　Algebra. They　were doing the same thing we were doing in Japan, so it was a little easy. The boy behind me　kept poking on me, so I’m going to get him sometime later! 2nd block was English. Everyone was taking the exams, so I did my homework for Japanese back home. The class is 1 hour and 30 minutes long, so I finished my whole thing:) I was glad that I finished my homework before my school started. 3rd period was JROTC. This is a class to study about the army. Everyone was taking a test so I read a book. Then lunch time!! I ate pizza. It was b-lunch so we went back to JROTC. I talked with Tony,

Lizzie’s best friend. 4th period was World History. I like the teacher because he is really funny. We watched “Gladiator” I think... Lizzie didn't have her soccer practice today, so we took the bus home. Then we went SHOPPING!! I bought a lot today!! The clothes are so cheap so I just keep buying stuff! I think I’m addicted to shopping. Then we went to T.G.I Fridays for dinner. It was great. We went back home, we played Mario, then went to sleep.

３月２５日(木)　ミカさんの日記(Mika’s Blog)

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Today, I woke up at 5:30 in the morning and got ready for school. It was still hard for me to get up　so early in the morning since the moon still hung in the dark sky. I ate breakfast with my host student, Karen, and headed for the bus stop. I was happy to ride the school bus since it had been a long time since I last rode the big yellow school bus.

　In school, I followed Karen for the day. For 1st block, I watched Health class. They were taking their mid-term. Karen　showed me her notes, and I was surprised at how complicated the words looked. They were all so long and hard to pronounce! In 2nd block, she had Art class. The classroom?had a　colorful ceiling and many artworks done by the students. For their assignment, they　were making comic strips. It looked fun, but difficult since I’m not good at drawing. In that class, I　met a Chinese girl. She didn’t know much English, but I understood what she wanted to say. We talked about the difference between China and Japan. It was really interesting. For 3rd block, we went to Algebra 1. They were learning about parallel and perpendicular lines. It was hard since I didn’t know all the English words. I went to lunch and then to History class.

After coming home, Karen and I took a rest and went to Target. It was enormous! They had food, clothes, and　many different types of things. It was about 5 times bigger than the food store near my house! I spent about 100 dollars on books, DVDs, and CDs. They were all so cheap!

I had a good day!!

３月２５日(木)　リナさんの日記(Rina’s Blog)

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

　Hello! This is my diary. Today Hannah, my host student, had Biology, Japanese, English, and Orchestra class so I went with her. At the first block (Biology class), they had a test. It was hard to me. At?the second block (Japanese class), Umekawa sensei and Ayumi went over the student’s homework. Then　we did Japanese word quiz using whiteboard. It was so fun! At the third block (English class), we did worksheet. And the fourth block was Orchestra class. They played the strings only. But it was very good! And the teacher was a very eager teacher. They practiced three tunes.

After this I went back to house. I watched ‘Hannah Montana The Movie’. I like Hannah Montana!! Then me and Hannah and her friend and her mother went to picnic. We ate sandwich and fruit and cake. It was very good!! Then we saw a lake. It was great lake.

Today was a very good day!!

３月２４日(水)　ユキコさんの日記(Yukiko’s Blog)

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

　All the exchange students went on a field trip to Johnson and Wales University. The university had students making food, tasting it, and serving it. It looked very fun but I bet it's not as easy as it looks. All the students were wearing a uniform. It looked very cool. After we were toured through the university, we had lunch at the buffet. There were so many different types of food and they all looked delicious. I really had a great time at Johnson and Wales University. Mrs. Desch, my host mother, also told me that she enjoyed it too.

After I went home, Mrs. Desch took the whole family to the mall. We went to Northlake Mall. Alix, my host student, wanted to look for a prom dress. I started looking for clothes too. I bought many clothes which were very expensive. After I had finished shopping, Alix had finished looking for her prom dress too. She looked very happy because not only could she get the one that she wanted, she didn't have to pay for it; Mrs. Desch did.

I had a very fun day. I really want to go to other field trips too.

３月２４日(水)　サヤさんの日記(saya’s Blog)

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Today we went to the Johnson and Wales University. It had been a few days since I had talked so much in Japanese so it felt weird. First, a lady told us about the school and 2 students demonstrated how to make crepe. They made some for us and it had whip cream in it and it was good. After that we got to go on a tour around the school. There were many kitchens so you can learn how to cook. I thought their school was really cool! For lunch we got to have buffet. There were many American food and they all looked delicious. I ate so much! Their ravioli was really good! When we got back to school, my host sister picked me up and we went home. I thought I wouldn't be able to have dinner but when I saw the omlette my host father had made for us, I got hungry again and I ate it. There’re so many good things here!

３月２３日(火)　カナさんの日記(Kana’s Blog)

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

Today, I woke up before 6!!! I was like, “Wooooowwww!!!!!!” Because, I never wake up at that time.

I went to class my?host student?was taking. I went to English, GYM, Travel and Tourism, and Japanese. First block, I went to English. When I reached class, I was surprised because it was a trailer. Not the normal classroom in building!! Second block, I went to GYM. I was watching during class, but I was happy to be just seeing... Because... it was really hard!!!! They were doing warm-ups. Between second and third block, we ate lunch. I love it, but most Hopewell students say that school lunch must be changed... I don't think that it’s bad... Third block, it was Travel and Tourism. They are learning about travel... I think... Fourth block, I went to Japanese. Teacher was Mr. Novitt (absolutely lol). Minami and I did class with the students!!! It was really fun!!!

After school, we went to shopping. We went to grocery store. I bought some candies for friends. And after I go back to home, I was just boom to bed. Because I was so sleepy... And when I wake up, it was just before dinner!!! lol So I went to downstairs, ate dinner, and went to bed. lol

３月２３日(火)　カオリさんの日記(Kaori’s Blog)

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

　Today is my second day at Hopewell High School. I went to the same classes that Shelby, my host sister, is taking. For my first block, I had History. We studied U.S. History. There were boys from Mexico, Germany, and Russia so it felt like a huge foreign nation! At the end of the class, I gave the candy that I brought and everyone seemed to like them. I had Algebra 2 for the next class. We did class work from the textbook. I liked the way the teacher explained every question. And for the third block, I had Photography. One of Shelby's friends, Bree taught me how to create a composition using an enlarger for photographs in a dark room. It was my first time and it was very interesting! Also, we painted the picture too. Everyone was friendly. After that, I had pizza for lunch. We had a talk based on the Japanese magazines that I gave to Shelby. They seem to be interested in Japanese fashion. For my fourth block, I had English. We worked on the poem called “The Raven”.

After all of the classes ended, Shelby's friend, Leah drove me home. I watched TV and I took a nap. Mrs. Randall, my host mother, woke me up and we went to watch the softball game which Shelby and?Madalynn, Shelby’s sister, played. It was very exciting! Hopewell won by 5-1. The weather was perfect and I had so much fun.

After the game finished, we went back to school to pick up Shelby and Madalynn and went straight home. They must have been tired but they were very polite as usual! I appreciate everyone's kindness. Tomorrow, we have a field trip to Johnson and Wales. I am looking forward because Mr. and Mrs. Randall told me their food tastes the best.

３月２２日(月)　サキさんの日記(Saki’s Blog)

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

　Today was my first day to go to Hopewell High School. I waked up at 5 o’clock and went to the bus stop at 6:15. But when I went to outside it was very dark. I asked my host student if it really was 6:15. I couldn’t think it　was morning.

　When I arrived in school, Mr. Novitt guided us around Hopewell High School. I think it was bigger than our school. And also they had a lot of classes. They had usual classes, like English, Math, Science, and Japanese. But they had classes that we don’t have in our school: Ceramics, Theater, Photography, and Band. They had very　interesting classes at school.

　When we　finished the tour we enjoyed our host student’s class from 2nd block. My 2nd block was Spanish. It was my first time to do Spanish, and it was very hard. But my host student helped me do it. We did body parts in Spanish. Also we made a monster named “Fuzzy”, and wrote body parts in Fuzzy. 3rd block was Geometry. I did it in Japan but I couldn’t understand English so I thought it was hard. 4th block was Writing. The teacher read a paragraph and then we wrote our ideas on the paper. It was hard to understand the paragraph to me.

After school I watched my host student’s soccer practice. But it was raining so I was waiting in her teammate’s car.　 Her soccer practice finished, and we went to home and ate dinner. After dinner I went to a meeting that my host?student participated in, a volunteer group.

I had a lot of experiences today.

３月２２日(月)　マナさんの日記(Mana’s Blog)

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

　I went to Hopewell High School for the first time today. Everything was surprising for me.

I woke up at 5:00 am. I usually wake up at 6:30 am, so it was very early. I was sleepy. First, I ate yogurt for breakfast, and got ready for school. Mollie, my host student, and I said good-bye to Mr. Jeff (Mollie's father) and left home. Outside it was really dark and there were a lot of stars in the sky! And I could also see the full moon!! We waited for the bus for a few minutes. I felt a little cold. Mollie's friend came and we exchanged greetings. She was a funny girl and was talking pleasantly with Mollie. I just listened to their conversation. To my surprise, they were using the word "Otaku". I think it's a Japanese word.

A few minutes later, the school bus came. It was the first time for me to see the yellow school bus. I was a little excited. There were many students in the bus. I became nervous.

After arriving, I was overwhelmed by the number of American students. They were very cool! Everyone waved to me in greeting with a big smile. They were also very gentle, kind and friendly.

First, I went to Mr. Novitt's room. My Japanese friends were already there. I felt relieved to see them. After that, we were on Titan News, the televised morning announcements. We introduced ourselves by a brief greeting. After that we had breakfast snack and were shown many classrooms by Mr. Novitt. Classes were very interesting and the students looked very free. I was impressed by everything. In 2nd block I took Economics. I couldn't understand very well but I did my best. The 3rd block was Math. It was not so difficult but was a little different from Japan’s. The 4th block was Drawing. It was really fun. Many students spoke to me in easy to understand English. Tori was a very interesting girl. She set us laughing a lot.

After school, I took a short nap and we went to the mall. It was very big. I enjoyed it there. I bought some clothes at Hollister. I was excited. I ate a hamburger for dinner.

　Today was nice day too.

３月２１日(日)　ミナミさんの日記(Minami’s Blog)

　Sunday, March 21st, 2010

　All Nanzan Kokusai students left Nagoya for Charlotte yesterday, and boarded another plane in Detroit today. I slept in the airplane all the time so I don't get jet lag. It was really long flight I had ever experienced, so I was really tired before arriving at Charlotte.

When　I　arrived in Detroit, I couldn't believe that I'm already in the U.S. but when I saw the cabin attendant chewing gum during service, and the staff was eating potato chips and dancing when entering U.S. I felt, “Oh! I'm already in the U.S!!''

When we arrived in Charlotte, there were many host families and host students. Mr.Novitt took me to my host family's house and I met　my host family. Before I met them, I was worried about everything new... But my host family is really kind to me and my worry about everything new was gone. First, I was surprised that their house is super　bigger than Japanese house, and my bedroom is so cute.

　After I did my stuff, I went downstairs and talk with my host mother and it was dinnertime so we ate dinner. After dinner me, Soraya, my host student, Hayley (Soraya's best friend) and Isabella played the game! But I couldn't answer any question... We ate cookies that my host mother made after play the game! After that I gave some presents from Japan. I was glad the family is happy of presents. Everything is super nice here. I look forward to spending 2 weeks with this family. Tomorrow, we'll go to Hopewell High School. I look forward to going to Hopewell too! I'm super excited to spend 2 weeks here!!!

３月２１日(日)　マユさんの日記(Mayu’s Blog)

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

We spent most of the time today inside the airplane. We had about 14 hours of flight from Nagoya to Detroit and from there to our destination, Charlotte. Although the flight was long, I had much fun because I was with my friends. When I arrived at the airport in Detroit, I was just excited to be in the states. However, that excitement turned into an anxiety when I arrived at the airport in Charlotte. I realized that I would be meeting my host family soon and that I would live with them for the next two weeks starting from tonight. I wasn’t ready to meet them but at the same time, I was excited to meet them. As soon as I got downstairs in the airport, I saw a group of our host families waiting for us. At that moment, I honestly wanted to turn back and fly back home. My host, Jesse, was holding a card in her hands with my name written in it, so it wasn’t long before I knew that that was her. I introduced myself to her, and I was glad because she seemed to be exactly the girl I imagined she would be from the e-mails. On the way to her house, she told me about the school and we talked about how we were both nervous to meet each other. Her parents also came with Jesse and she told me that the rest of her family were waiting for me at home and are excited to meet me.

After arriving at their house, I met with Jesse’s family. Jesse and I then watched a movie together and soon it was time to eat dinner. At the dinner table, I ate together with Jesse’s family. Although I was really nervous at first, I felt at home and comfortable soon, because the family was nice to me, and they asked many questions to me to get to know me better. I asked questions about their family in return. I wish I could have talked more with Jesse and her family today, but I couldn’t because I was very tired today from the long flight. I hope that I can talk more with them tomorrow.

３月２０日(土)　チナミさんの日記(Chinami’s Blog)

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Today I went to the grave for clean up with my grandmother. There I saw a weeping cherry blossom tree in full bloom. It had light pink coloured flowers on branch, and it was very beautiful. I think other cherry blossom trees will be in full bloom while I'm in US. Today, I felt the coming of spring.

　I still can't believe that I'm going to US tomorrow. I wonder what my birthplace looks like, and how the people there are. There are stress and anxiety, but it is a pleasure now to meet my host family. But at same time, I'm worried about whether I can join in the family or not. When I e-mailed my host student, I became more interested in her, and more, I wanted to meet her. Also, I'm looking forward to going to Hopewell High School, because my host student is taking some interesting classes. I really want to try those classes as soon as possible!! I can't wait.

　I am full of uneasiness, but I hope I'll have great time in US. And I want to make wonderful memories and friends.

３月２０日(土)　ハズキさんの日記

We are going to go to the Hopewell tomorrow. I prepared my baggage which I had not ended preparing today.

First of all, my cousin came, and they taught me how to wear the yukata. I practiced wear the yukata couple of times because I was worried about wearing the yukata by myself in North Carolina. Wearing the yukata by myself was first time but I was surprised because it was easy wearing the yukata. And I ate lunch and took a rest then I began the packing. My grandmother worked harder packing than me. She said, “Do you have this in baggage? Do you want some stuff?” It was funny because I was resting then : ) Then we went shopping because there were some insufficient stuff. Then we went the home and I was packing all my stuff into the suitcase and baggage. I thought I am going to buy a lot of souvenirs because there was space. And I ate dinner then I finally confirmed the baggage and suitcase. It was all right, so I wrapped the bandana and the belt then I went through the preliminaries. Then I used PC and watched the TV of 2 weeks because I didn’t want to regret in North Carolina. However I am still not actually feeling that I will go to Hopewell tomorrow.

Today I will go to bed late because I don’t want to have jet lag. So I will sleep well in the airplane. The weather is bad now so I am worried if the airplane will fly tomorrow. And I can't speak English well but I will enjoy Hopewell!!!