count down

I will go to Michigan from this Friday for 1 week. Sponser is Shiga Intercultural Association for Globalization.

http://www.s-i-a.or.jp/

Shiga prefecture is located in the center of Japan.Shiga has the largest lake in Japan. So that is why it is said that Shiga has been communicated with Michigan State in a friendly relationship for many years.

Shiga has many cities and towns,and most of them has a sister city in Michigan.
(But depend on the city.Sometimes they don't have a sister city in Michigan)
http://www.pref.shiga.jp/b/kokusai/koryu/shimai/shicho/index.html


My city has been communicated with Marquette city in Michigan.
Actually some Japanese who live in Higashiomi went to Marquette as a small group tour in this summer vacation.At first I had a plan to go there but I gave up because I had to take care of my children especially in Summer vacation and I had many tasks.I really want to visit Marquette someday.

I told my husband that I wanted to go to Michigan this year. Actually people who live in Higashiomi have 2 chances to go to Michigan this year. First chance was go to Marquette in July  and second chance is to go to Michigan  as big group tour in September.
After that he said to me." You can go, and  I am thinking I will go with you if it is possible".

I was very surprised to hear it. He is very quite and shy.And he is very busy business man.I was worried if he was able to take some holidays or not.But after that he started to study English during his commute.He had no confidence to use English at all. I was very happy that he made his effort to study and wanted to go with me. I could not imagine this situation.

In my case, I have been hosted some foreingers as a hostmom over 4 years.
Actually  some JCMU university students from Michigan  came to my house and stayed.
Last year, male student stayed for 3 month. He is very smart student and I enjoyed taking care of him.
I always host a guest,but I have never experience to stay with hostfamily's house in other countries before.
So it will be the 1st experience for me.  I hope that we will have a wonderful in this trip.

By the way, I usually go to an English conversation school in my city. The teacher is an American and
he originally come from Michigan.
http://decc.ca/

Yesterday I went to his class. And he gave a homework to me.
His house  is located in Ithaca ( 40 minites by car from lancing). While I will move from lancing to another city, my homework is to find his house!According to him, his house's  color is brown and go over polk road and we will see his  house  in the right side in the forest.
Can I find his home??? I hope not to become sleep in the car^^;


P.S  At  first  my daughter had a plan to go to Michigan in September.
       But she gave up to paticipate because of some reasons.
       I hope she will  stay in Michigan after she become an university student.