Japanese Delegation Prepares for Visit

The planning stages are underway as the Japanese team prepares to visit Colorado.  They will arrive at DIA on 7/31/12 and will stay until 8/8/12.  While they are finalizing travel plans, the Colorado families are preparing for their arrival.  We are working on the itinerary and will do our best to show the Japanese delegates the same hospitality they gave to us while in Japan.  The host family pairings are almost complete and spirits are rising in preparation.

Felisa tells about our Farewell

Friday morning, the whole group boarded a bus from Arao to the Fukuoka airport at about 11am Friday morning.  We said our tearful goodbyes to the host families, it was clear that they did not want us to go. All the families walked along side the bus until the edge of the parking lot waving goodbye and some of the Sanvino kids followed the bus along the sidewalk as we pulled into traffic. A couple host familes came with us on the bus ride to the airport. We said one last goodbye to those families at the airport.  We also wished Jamie and Bill a safe trip as they were taking a domestic flight to Tokyo for a short side trip before heading home.  The rest of the group boarded the flight at Fukuoka airport for the shortest leg of the trip home.  As the plane headed away from the gate and moved towards the runway we could see the Sanvino familes lined across the observation deck all waving goodbye.

We landed in Seoul and found heightened security, but thankfully we had a long layover and did not have to fret about making the next flight.  The girls also used the long layover to explore a little of the Seoul International airport, finding a Dunkin Donuts that dosen't serve donuts, a Quizno's with small sandwiches, and the hit of all Starbucks which did serve coffee. Soon enough we were on our longest flight of the trip.  Here, the girls showed what pros they had become at travel.  They ate the first meal and settled down for sleep. They woke up in time for the second meal and used the remaining time to watch a movie.  We were landing at LAX before they knew it.  After immigration and customs, we separated from a second player, whose parents met her there.  Then we made a hasty trek to the domestic terminal to check in for our final flight home.  The girls were all tired, but in great spirits.  I think most, if not all, stayed awake during the LAX to DEN leg so they'd be tired enough to sleep when they got home.

At Denver, the families were all waiting anxiously at the main terminal to welcome us home.  I heard a round of clapping and saw some very relieved faces when we arrived at the main concourse.  I think all the parents were extremely proud of their children.  It is not a small thing to travel internationally, especially at 14 years old and without a parent.  Oscar and I made sure to have a quick talk with the parents.  We will meet again in the next couple of weeks to go over the trip, look at photos and discuss experiences.  We also look forward to getting news on Sanvino's plans for a visit to Colorado.

From the Sanvino side, Coach Yamada emailed to say that there was not a dry eye when we left.  He likened the tears to those that would be shed at a daughter's marriage.  It is amazing to me to see that people can create deep and meaningful bonds in such a short period of time.

From my part, as both a parent and a principal in the Marcia Foundation, I cannot thank Coach Yamada and the Sanvino families nearly enough for the wonderful experiences they gave to the girls (and parents and siblings).  Over the course of the week, I often heard the participants say things like, "trip of a lifetime" or "something I will never forget".  The girls have even started discussing a trip to Arao after their high school graduation.  Now that's planning ahead and setting long term goals!

Thank you, Sanvino.  Thank you Hiro.  Thank you parents.  Thank you all.

Going Home

The trip home went by a little faster than the trip to Japan. The girls were good with traveling and we didn't lose anyone or anything. It seemed like everyone was exhausted form the constant go-go-go mode that we had been in, that the girls crashed hard on the flights. Once we arrived at DIA the smiles returned as the girls knew that they would see their families soon. Oscar gave everyone some parting words and promised a get together soon to recap our trip and start the planning process for when the Japanese delegates arrive. We all wonder how we could possibly repay the debt we owe to the wonderful Japanese hosts, but we intend to give it our very best shot!

Photos of Going Home

Leaving Japan

Parting is such sweet sorrow. Families arrived at the hotel to say their goodbyes and wish us all well. There were many hugs, pictures, and exchange of emails, addresses, and websites. We were amazed by the level of commitment these families made for this exchange. Some of the adults and kids broke out in tears as they wished us all goodbye.
Several kids and adults went with us to the airport.  They waited for use to check in and then stayed with us in a lounge until it was time to go.  Some kids got in another round of games while others chatted and exchanged contact info.  Bailey was told by one of the boys that he loved her.  Then he was goaded by his other friends to kiss Bailey - AND HE DID!  While we were in line to go into security he snuck up and kissed her on the cheek before running back to the safety of his buddies.

Photos of Leaving Japan

Pottery Visit

I forgot to mention the Pottery trip that some of the parents took.  Tom took some great photos and Bill wanted to share this video.  I tried to post it, but wasn't able to.  Everyone was amazed at this master craftsman and how he was able to create outstanding pieces so quickly.  Mae was able to get a lesson in pottery and she created a traditional tea cup.  The craftsman said he would fire it and give it to Hiro so that he could send it to Mae.

After the pottery experience, several of the parents went to a sushi restaurant, where there was a conveyor belt with many items.  You simply picked what you wanted.

Photos of Pottery Shop And Sushi Bar

 

Our Last Day

Today was the last day of a wonderful trip.  We took a bus to a ferry, crossed the bay, and then more bus ride into Nagasaki Peace Museum.  It was a long day spent traveling, and eating, and traveling and eating, and seeing, and traveling (you get the picture).

The Peace Museum was inspirational.  There is no hatred or blaming, rather a recognition that what happened here was devastating and should never happen again.  We had the opportunity to listen to a survivor speak of what he went through after the bomb was dropped.  We learned that there are only 40 survivors left that can tell us what they experienced so we are lucky to be able to learn from him.  After his talk we went to the Peace Park and talked about what we felt about what we saw.  Admittedly I was the one that couldn't keep it together without crying.  I was moved by the mission of peace and hope for a better future for all.

After our visit to the park, we ate lunch at a buffet and relaxed.  Then it was off to a shopping district to get some things for ourselves and the many friends and relatives that would like to have been with us.

After the long trip home, the Sanvino families outdid themselves once again with a going away party.  We met at a restaurant a couple of blocks from our hotel.  The food was already on the table when we got there.  As usual there was already too much, and then the servers brought out more!!!  At least we were pleased when at the end of the night all the host families got the take-out containers and packed away every last bit of leftovers.  We would have hated to see all that meal go to waste.  There were hugs, and tears and awards.  Coach Yamada did his best at speaking in English (and it was quite good)!  We hated to say goodbye to the many families who made it all possible, but we had to pack up all the gifts and find a way for them to fit in the suitcases!

We are not looking forward to the travel, but we are glad to be coming home to our friends and families (and our own beds and pillows)!  Thank you for all of those back home who have sent us good thoughts. We will be seeing you soon.

Photos of Last Day in Japan

Mitra Speaks

One more day till we are coming home and it feels like we just got here.  I don't want to leave but im happy I'll be able to see my friends and family again.  Yesterday we went to Greenland amusement park and it was amazing.  I went on a standing roller coaster where i screamed bloody murderer before we were even over the first hill.  We would also go on Faye rides.  They were smaller nicer riders that were kinda little kidish but still fun.  For lunch we were suppose to get pizza but Jade mentioned corn dogs and we got corn dogs and had to reorder our pizza.  That night there was a barbecue outside our host families house.  It was fun and the food was really good.  The stars look different in Japan.  The Big Dipper is on the other side of the sky and its lower in the sky then it is in Colorado.  Anyway today we are going to Nagasaki and I have been looking forward to this all trip.  I have done 2 projects on the bombing and its horrible what happened there.  Tonight we have our going away party which will be sad and then tomorrow we have to leave.  I guess we will just have to make the most of how much time we have left here.   Anyway thats really all thats been happening.  I hope everything is great at home and can't wait to see all your guys!  O and Happy Late New Year's daddy I miss you!
Mitra Kermani