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Japan Fulbright memorial Fund |
"My FMF Experience" by Bobbi Capwell
In November of 2004, I was afforded the opportunity of a lifetime: to become a member of the Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program Family. I absolutely loved every minute of the three weeks that I spent in Japan. I will always carry the kindness and peacefulness of Japan in my heart.
I will never forget the majesty of Mt. Fuji, the awesome Shinkansen ride to Nara, the incredible Horyuji Temple, the remarkable smiles of all of the school children, the surprising Goldfish farms, the astounding 10,000 paper cranes that were made by a 90 year old grandmother for each of us to bring back to each of our American cities, the fantastic colors of the autumn leaves, the smells and taste of the foods or the amazing royal treatment we received whenever we went. Nor will I forget the gentleness of the people on the street or a shop owner’s help me when I became lost. I will also not forget our tour guides that were always kind and eager to explain the awesome sights and sounds of Japan.
I believe that the Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program allows for our 2 countries to bridge not only business and education, but also personal contacts. For example, the Mayor of Yamatokoriyama, Mr. Kiyoshi Ueda and his entire staff made me feel very welcome. He and his staff were always available to answer questions or even be a tour guide for any or all of the Fulbright Memorial Fund Teachers that were in my group. I will forever remember the rendition of Do, Re, Mi that the Mayor sang at our welcome reception, when he pounded the rice at the castle, the wonderful gifts of the goldfish bells, indigo scarf and his gigantic smile. The one friendship that I know that will last a lifetime is that of my host family, Hideki, Sayoko, and Sonomi Tomotani, and my family. When I met them in person, I felt that I was not only seeing a long time friend who I had come to know and respect, but they welcomed me into their family like I was a long lost relative. They not only showed me how to cook authentic Japanese breakfast, lunch and dinner, but also showed me the beautiful temples and quaint shops in their town. To say, I enjoyed my visit with my host family immensely, would be an understatement! It gave me a chance to experience actual Japanese culture as related to daily living, likes and dislikes, and hope for the future. Until this time, my only experience with Japanese culture was what I received from the news, movies and educational journals. While the news, movies and educational journals may have informed me of Japanese life, my host family gave me a change to experience Japanese culture first hand and this will last a life time. My host family, the Tomotani family, plans on coming to the United States and I can assure you that during their time here I will make whatever arrangements are necessary to meet with them during their trip. I was as sad leaving them as I was when I left my family in Texas. I wished that I could have stayed much longer.
I think of Japan every time I think of that great E.B. White quote, "I am not the same having seen the moon from the other side of the world." Thank you for my experience of a lifetime.