1 family event that you remember from your childhood

I remembered I traveled many places with my family every summer. For example, Kagoshima, Oita, Miyazaki and so on. Especially, I thought Oita was very good place. We went to the aquarium, and saw many animals. For example, penguins, sea lions, and a lot of fish. When I went there, I was six years old. My father and mother remember about this trip. But, I don't remember so many things. I heard that when I saw lion's show and dolphin's shew, I was very excited. Moreover we stayed at the Japanese style hotel. We took the open-air bath. There disclosed a beautiful land scape. Many beautiful mountains pleased us. Kabosu and shiitake mushroom are special product of Oita prefecture. We ate a hot pot cooked at the table. It was very delicious. We relaxed there. I think that it's important to spend time with each family. So, bond of family will be more strong.

[159 words]

Creative story

A boy thought, "I want to see that sea again!" He likes swimming and surfing. His favorite season is summer. He went to the sea every summer. But he can't walk. One day, he involved a car accident when he walked a way. He didn't awake for a while. His parents and his many friends worried him. After two days, he was awake. His doctor told him, "You will not walking all your life." He heard his words, very shocked. So, he couldn't sleep and couldn't eat nothing. Everyone couldn't help such him. And encounter with a girl changed his life. She was in the same hospital as he. She had and illness. She is as old as him, She was a only girl to talk him. She liked to draw a picture. Her dream was artist. She was very kind to him. She was a only girl who cured his heart. One day, he muttered, "I want to go to the sea." She thought a little, and she said, "Let's practice to walk!" He was at a loss. She said, "You can do it!" He believed her and began to practice to walk everyday. His doctor and his family were surprised to see the scene. Every one tried to stop him. But he didn't stop to practice. He said, "Don't stop here to strong my self." Everyone watched over to him. About six months later, he happened a miracle. He gathered every one. He got out his wheelchair and began to walk slowly step by step. He had supported by her arms. Everyone clapped each hands and happy. His parents held him. He became to walk thanks to his effort and her support. Two weeks later,he left the hospital. He missed her. She also had same feeling. And he promised her, "I'll go to the sea together in next summer." But next summer, she wasn't the hospital. He surprised and he asked her doctor where she went. He heard her doctor to she died a few days ago.His tears came to his eyes. Then, he left there and went to a flower shop soon. He bought a sunflower and left for the sea. He sat the beach, and said it, "What a beautiful sea this is! I'm happy to see you this sea." I felt a sunflower was laughing.

[403 words]

What would happen if there were no cellpnones?

I'm using my cellphone every day. I like to write e-mail and play games on my cellphone. If there were no cellphones, It made me annoy. I think cellphones are very important things. To have cellphones are convenience for us. Because we can call for live far places people and cellphones are small. Everyone are feeling easy to carry it. If there were no cellphones, I couldn't send e-mail with my friend and I couldn't call for my friend and my parents. But there are also good things. First, I don't have to waste much money. Second, I cherish to conversation with many people. Next, there are bad things. First, I have nothing to do. Second, I don't call and can't send e-mail. It makes me disappoint. I'll need cellphones from now on.

[143 words]

My favorite childhood toy

I remember that having many toys. Especially, I liked the doll "Rikachan". It has a blond long hair and black eyes. It is famous Japanese toys for girls. My grand mother bought me when I was maybe four years old. I found it in toy shop. I falled in love at first sight. When I got it, I was very happy. I also went to bed together. I didn't part with it all day. I often played house when my friend came to my house. It was unbearably fun. When I was alone, I dressed it and combed a long hair. I had many doll's clothes. For example, pink dress, big hat, red high heels, and short jacket and so on. I felt envy to it can put on a lot of clothes. If I can get back, I will play a lot with my childhood friends. The doll has a lot of memories. I want to preciously this good memories. I think the doll will become my treasure forever.

[172 words]

My goals until I will die

If you will die tommorow, what do you want to hope? Also, what are you going to do? Here is my goals until I will die.

・buy NISSAN JUKE
・speak English fluentry
・go to ATSUSHI's (EXILE) concert
・work at EMODA or moussy
・have Welsh Corgi
・change my character
・go to Minnesota again
・go shopping at Mall of America, Target, Rosedale Mall
・go back to elementary school days
・marry earler
・meet gentleman that I think
・meet 2NE1
・learn beautifull make-up skills
・study Korean
・buy new smartphone
・get　slim body
・get tall height
・eat big birthday cake
・become a fashionable person
・earn a lot of money
・wear Wedding dress
・get credit(Of course Writing)
・gather Pooh members
・go to Club house
・Playing with my best friends
・buy a new house
・become Japanese teacher
・can eat asparagus
・talk more foreigners
・want to play the piano well
・drink a big Carribou coffee
・dating with school uniform
・look for good coffee shop
・bite Mega Mac
・eat Burger King recommend burger
・throw snow balls
・make a snow man
・meet Rihanna
・go to Disney land
・go to Disney sea
・travel abroad many countries
・make my room more luxury
・keep healthy


and so on!


If you have some idea, please tell me:)

[206 words]

Skit Practice

In August 3rd, the teacher announced Skit groups. My group has four members; Yurika, Haruka, Mina and me. We discussed our topic. Our topic is "American family in Japan". We talked what problems are confused American. We thought some situations. For example, at airport, at house. It was difficult for us to think each line. We had a daughter's part, but not so many lines I have. Today, Rikkyo university students came to Bethel, so car pool became little busy. After I went back to my home, I did homework with my host mother. She explained many times, so I thenked her. At over 6:30, we went to Marshalls. I bought cardigan and long sleeve T-shirt. I couldn't listen what shop clerk said but my mother haelped me. So I could try on clothes. I couldn't buy clothes without her helping.

[146 words]

If you could fly anytime, when would you do it and where would you go?

I wanted to fly to foreign countries. Because There are a lot of places I've ever been. First, I wanted to go to Italy. My favorite foods is pasta and spaghetti. I know that Italy is well known to pasta. Especially, I like tomatoes and a lot of seafood in it. I wanted to eat many kinds of it. So, I imagine to eat it. I'll become very happy. I like to eat, but I don't like to cook. It's hard for me. Second, I wanted to go to France. There is famous of fashion. I want to see what clothes people are wearing and I want to buy many popular clothes. I want to enjoy shopping also. Last, I want to go to the ice hotel in Ice land. I hear that Ice hotel is very beautiful place. All rooms made of ice. I was very surprised. I knew that on TV. I thought I as enjoyable as one can. I hope go different countries someday.

[171 words]

Korean Nabe ;)

In January 11th, I went to "Karakara shokudo" with Yuki and Yui. We don't meet each other except school, so I was looking forward to talking them. We chose "Karakara Korean course". I like spicy foods, so I tried it. First, we ate "Six kinds of root crops". Each vegetables were spicy, so they matched drinks. Next we ate "Choregi salad". Third, we ate "Buruduck". It was spicy chickens which were mixed hot sause. Gradually I felt how spicy it was. Yui gave up wating, but we recommended. After that we ate "Takkarubi Nabe". It was so delicious. We couldn't wait to wait to eat it. We drunk a lot. At last, a clerk put rice on its Nabe. The sause matched rice, so we tasted another tastes. Also we ate "Cuttle fish chizimi". Our talk was heating up, so we forgot eating sometimes. We couldn't stop laughing. We ate "Yuzu sherbet" on dessert, but we were stuffed. Then we moved coffee shop and we talked again. We had a great time and I was glad that we could talk our latest news. I wanted to talk them again!

[192 words]

Nabe party!

In Decenber 26th, I had a Nabe party with Saori and Momo. We hold party at Saori's house. We went shopping for Sunlive. We bought vegetables, porks, To-fu, Gyoza and Misokimuchi Nabe mix. After we went back to home, we cooked them. We put them on Nabe. The smell was good, so I was looking forward to eating. We cheered first, and drunk. I haven't eaten Misokimuchinabe, but it was mild tastes. We ate many vegetables, so soon we were full. But we ate cakes!!! Our stomach is like black hall lol We didn't stop eating... We also enjoy talking. After that we watched TV drama. Next day we over slept. Christmas was already finished, but Nabe party was great memory for me.

[127 words]

Canoeing

In August 5th, it was my first experience to ride canoe. We experienced it in St. Croix River. Our group was Hiroya, Aya, other host parents and me. The oar was heavy, so I couldn't row well. But I surprised Aya's turn. She rowed very well. She was the best paddler, I thought. I heard that she has taken lesson for canoeing in her childhood. She had a another talent! lol
At lunch time, I ate box lunch that my mother made. Yesterday, my mother packed cookies, grapes, cut melons and two sandwiches. When I ate it first, I became to like her fresh sandwiches. After that, we moved to Como zoo. The zoo was little and there were not so many animals. I thought there was like small amusement park. Today's night was Skit night. I could talk other host families. Also we did several Skit. We finished our Skit safely... I was so exhausted that I could go to bed early.

[166 words]

Greek

In August 4th, I, my mother, Yurika, her mother and Hiroyo went out for dinner at Greek coffee restaurant. Yurika's mother often attend there and take rest. This coffee's main dishes are Greek. We could choose various kinds of sandwiches, so it was very fun for me. I ordered "Club house". The meat in sandwich was big and thick. It was so delicious. I liked retro atmosphere in this coffee. Mothers told what dishes are famous in Greek. Like Tacos dishes were in the menu. We can enjoy spending in the morning to the night without care of the time.

[102 words]

Travel abroad in childhood (original)

How many times have you experienced travel abroad? Maybe people will answer once or twice. Actually, about eleven million two hundred eighty thousand Japanese people experienced traveling abroad in 2002. Most of them travel in America or Europe. Especially, Thirteen percent of elementary school students and nineteen percent of junior high school students have experienced study abroad according to a survey of one hundred parents who have children from public schools. The reasons why people travel abroad are for pleasure, to develop their English ability, to make foreign friends, to work in a foreign country. Some people are afraid of traveling abroad because we go the country where we haven't visited before. It's a new place and no one knows me. Our anxiety become bigger and bigger. The number of Japanese children who have experienced travel abroad seems to be few. Traveling abroad in childhood gives a lot of good benefits. Traveling abroad in childhood gives children abundant knowledge, good education which are useful for the future. All Japanese people should experience travel abroad when they are children.

First, study abroad supports the idea that a child can become a person with abundant knowledge. A child's brain easily absorbs a lot of things. They absorb various things. They learn culture, life-style, and history on the trip. When they experience a home stay, they maybe confused by the custom that foreigners don't take off their shoes but they get used to the custom soon. They understand the difference between foreign countries and Japan. They can accept other the country easily.

When children study abroad, they also learn English. Their memorization ability is very high, so they can learn to speak English quickly. At first, they listen to easy words many times and they play English games or sing English songs. That is why they enjoy learning English; they have and interest in English. Therefore children can master the language in the real place with native speakers. They are able to get information and associate widely with people by using English.

Second, study abroad provides a good education to children. Children who have experienced study abroad can be mentally strong. Some children stay about a few year in foreign country. Little children are expected to feel homesick. They may miss speaking Japanese and eating Japanese food. Even if they get into difficulties, they have the spirit to get through their difficulties. They have created a new place for themselves where they live comfortably. So they have confidence to be able to live even when they are in a difficult environment.

According to the internet website "Merit of Study Abroad for children, sponsored by Office with You" the life of elementary school students and junior high school students who have experienced study abroad is widely different from those who did not travel. Before the trip, they are helped by their parents all the time. Probably they couldn't get up early, perhaps there are children who may be not able to put on their clothes bu themselves. After the trip, most elementary school students can do a lot of things by themselves. They have even learned how to use a washing machine. They always depended on their parents help, but if go to a foreign country, they have to do everything by themselves. So they can move dependent of their parents earlier in Japan than others. Also, they become more active children though the trip. They enjoy their hobbies, and some seminar. Moreover, they can soon take the English lesson. In junior high school students, they can enjoy their study for the entrance examination of high school and English classes in their school more. They experienced a trip and saw Japan from a different point of view. They found a lot of things that they didn't know before about Japan. They have changed themselves because they experienced many things. They can grow mature through the trip. When they come back to Japan, they understand the importance of their parents. Then parents supported and cooperated with them to make the trip possible. They paid a lot of money for them and they worried about their health, life and everything. Thanks to them, children can go foreign countries and learn many things. They cherish their family more than before. Children are taught things in the trip that they can used to live in Japan from now on.

Lastly, traveling abroad in childhood is useful for the future. I will talk about my relative's travel abroad experience. When she was a child, she experienced a lot of traveling abroad because her father's business. She went to France, Germany, Australia, Korea and others. She didn't complain about traveling abroad; she treasured meeting people. She could male friends soon in local places. Even when she came back to Japan, she didn't forget to keep in touch with them. Now she works in a company in Tokyo. She is superior in English to her counterparts. She is what is called "bilingual". She is also attending a Chinese lesson once a week. She is careful in her choice of language according to the circumstances. She is always learn something and she is eager to try new things. She continues to come and going between Japan and other countries. It seems to be tough for her, but actually she is satisfied with her busy life. She said that if children experience traveling abroad once, they don't forget the experience!

According to the internet website, "Elementary School Student's Experiences of Study Abroad in England" gives various experiences. One of the experiences is based on how children live in society in England. Teachers teach children to use common sense without being afraid of failure. Schools in England encourages a lot of experiences besides school work. For example, they encourage relationships to the community, the challenge of sports or music. Teachers give them good chances to find themselves so that they can lead a full life. A girl studied abroad since the summer of 2004 when she was ten years old. Before the trip, she had lessons in English, German and French in Japan, but as she moved from grade to grade, she didn't have enough time to for lesson. She had many things that she wanted to do, but she couldn't stop her lessons. To tell the truth, Japanese children always feel busy because they go a private school, and they have many lessons. However she could try new things in England. She could experience a lot of things there. According to the internet website "Study abroad in England", England's compulsory education start is earlier than Japan by two years. Such as in "Harry Potter", each child receives points. They can get points for studying or life experiences. They are more aware of their responsibilities. Classes usually start nine o'clock and one lesson is thirty five minutes. During rest time, teachers prepare drinks and some sweets for the children. After classes, children enjoy playing games and activities. Study abroad system for children is ready now.

In conclusion, Japanese people have to change their opinion that travel abroad is hard for children. As a result, children can live well if they haven't lived before. They accept everything and they don't resist culture in other countries. They can make friends quicker than adults. Because children's hearts are always open, they can more naturally fit into social circles of foreigners. Also, their abilities became higher. They can be specialists because they learned the difference between foreign culture and Japan and they can speak foreign languages. Moreover, they could realize their own dreams. The experience of traveliing abroad in childhood is very valuable. So it is an important thing that parents let their children travel abroad. All Japanese people should experience travel abroad positively in their childhood.

[1319 words]

Travel abroad in childhood （summary)

～Summary～

The number of Japanese children who have experienced traveling abroad seems to be few. So all Japanese people should experience travel abroad when they are children. If children experience travel abroad, they get abundant knowledge, good education which are useful for the future. I'm sure that the experience of traveling abroad is very valuable thing for young children.

[60 words]

Learning day

In August 2nd, we did Skit practice in the morning. After that, we took class about "Youth Face". we knew the present condition in the U.S. Drugs, marriage, divorce, jobs, school... America has a lot of problems on their life. The teacher spoke us slowly and he answered our question kindly. Next class was American Wedding. Girls had interests this topic, so we were all exciting to listen guest's speech. She showed us pictures her wedding. She was so beautiful. A thought American wedding were different from Japanese wedding. Most American buys wedding dress, but Japanese takes rental system. We choose white dress and cocktail dresses at the rental shop. When she knew about it first, she surprised about it. Moreover Japanese hold wedding at hotels. American hold party at their home or other places. I want to hold party at home like America! Last class was CDC visit. We separated some groups and went to nursery school. Little children were so cute! We played blowing bubbles, water pistol and we enjoyed playing on sandbox. I took pictures with them and tried to understand their English. I put on flip-flop, so it was hard to walk... I regret that I should put on shoes.

After I went back to home, my host mom took me at Target. I looked for souvenirs for my family, but I couldn't find. My host mom bought cheese crackers and cookies a try. Another shopping, she bought watermelon juice and Haagen-dazs ice cream chocolate flavor and strawberry flavor for me. 

[260 words]

Rosedale mall

In August 1st, we went to Rosedale mall. I think this shopping mall is just fit size for Japanese. Mall of America is too big, but this one is good. We went to Forever 21 first, but we didn't have enough time to look another shops. At last, we went to Forever 21, H&M and we could have little bit time to look  Victorian's Secret.

After I went back to home, I, my mom and Jenny visited Yurika's house. Her house was modern and fashionable space. She and Yurika's host mom cooked traditional American traditional dishes, and we ate them. It was sooo delicious. Her dog, "Rolly" and Jenny played a lot. We took some pictures. It was difficult to take pictures with two dogs, but we tried. After the dinner, we played UNO. We did it many times, but I couldn't win. My host mom won two times! We had cookies that Yurika's host mom made. Home made cookies were so nice flavor.

[171 words]

MOA!

Mall of America is the biggest shopping mall in the U.S. I went there with Momo, Aya, Momo's host sister and Momo's host mother. We moved there by car. We looked around many shops. Momo's host sister told us her favorite shops, so we followed her. H&M and Forever 21 was our favorite shops. These shops were cheap but high quality. We bought some clothes and some jewelries. There were a lot of choices to buy. At lunch time, we went to Burger King. Potatoes and drink were so big, so we couldn't eat them. But the tastes was great. We thought "We want to eat there again!". We enjoyed shopping and spent a good time there.

After shopping, we went back to Momo's home and I and Aya waited our host mother. My mother came first, but Aya's mother was busy. My mother picked us and went to my house. Aya decided to wait at my house until her mother come. We dropped to United Noodles and we bought pizza in neighborhood. We ate it on watching TV. I'm glad Aya enjoyed spending at my house with me, my mom, and Jenny even a short time.

[206 words]

Oliver Kelly History Farm

I couldn't forget that day. In July 29th, we went to Oliver Kelly Farm. It was too strong sunlight and actually we wanted to stay at our cold class room... I knew that there is famous and has a big history, but we couldn't endure the weather. We sweated too much and we wanted to go back to Bethel at once. At lunch, we ate Domino's pizza in outside. But pizza was hot and outside was hot! It was like a picnic, but..pizza was good.Many flies interrupted our sight.

Yesterday Hiroyo came to my house, so today, I and my mom was invited dinner at her house. We ate lasagna and chocolate cake that were cooked by her host mother. She had two children, so we played with them. The two girls were cute and naughty. They chased us many times. We were exhausted but we enjoyed having a dinner together. The noisy day was finished..

[161 words]

Curry night

In July 28th, we swam in Johanna beach. MN has many rivers, and Johanna beach is one of them. It is small river but people often go there. I saw people who talked, taked a walk, swam...  The water was little dirty, so I was shocked. I just talked with my friends on the beach. At night, Hiroyo came to my hose because her host family went out. My host mom has planned the dinner for her before the day. She has examined the recipi on the internet and her cooking book. We cooked chicken curry together ;)

I cut vegetables and Hiroyo also helped. My mom cooked chicken and stired curry. It smelled good, we excited the completion.We cooperated in cooking dinner! We ate two helpings of it. Jenny was so happy because she was waiting that another person came to our house. I have talked with Hiroyo until we went to bed. We laughed a lot and many Japanese words popped in our conversation lol I missed Japansese, so I was calm. Curry night was so fun!

[179 words]

Target!

July27th was a shopping day. I took a class until the morning, and ate lunch at Bethel. In the afternoon, we rode on car pool. I was still sleepy, but not so bad than previous day. We went to Target by car pool. Target is big discount market. Do you know it? We can buy daily goods more cheaper price. If you buy something there, we don't pay tax. You can get not only women, men abd baby clothes but also kitchen, home electronics, toys. It offers various goods, so MN people like to go to Target. I bought short-pants and sabo sandal and cosmetics. There are many Target in MN, of course my district has Target :))))

After I went back to home and I went out my host mom. We went to Maple street and ate early snack. We went to Japanese pad noodle. I ate like a Japanese Yaki Udon, but it wasn't Yaki Udon!! It tasted bitter but sweet... I can't explain in words. Many customers used chopsticks well. I surprised about it. At night, we went to Yurika's house. We ate American traditional dishes. Yurika's host mom baked chocolate cheese cake so we ate it after dinner. Step by step, I could communicate eith my host mom.

[216 words]

Jet lag :(

First week was worst week for me. July 25th, I went to Bethel University by car pool. My driver was near my age, so she was very friendly. It took 30-40 minutes for Bethel. Bethel University had beautiful nature and fresh facilities. It was my first day to go to Bethel. We looked around the school, and in the afternoon, we went to Mississippi river boat cruise. In the boat, I felt bad sleepiness. I couldn't open my eyes easily. I fought sleep, but Mississippi river was so big...
I wanted to sleep right now.

In July 26th, when I went back to home, I had a migraine. My host mother suggested to follow to take a walk with Jenny and watch movies at home. But my head condition was become worse, I couldn't do these activity with her. I slept in my bed  about three hours and I could recover by my self. I suffered for jet lag and also I couldn't communicate well with my host mother. I had a big anxiety. Can I really enjoy in MN? I thought it many times. Jet lag was so terrible...

[194 words]