The summer before my senior year (2 summers ago) I was given the opportunity to represent my city on an exchange to Japan where I went and was taught about their culture. During my stay, I was able to stay with a host family. This family was different than I had pictured in my mind. The household was made up of a dad (Norio), mom (Tomoko), grandma (Kazuyo) and four daughters (Shuu, Suzuka, Momo, & Yua) which I felt was really big for a Japanese family. I loved every moment spent with them and when the time came to come back to America I bawled.. To say the least.
Well. Every year for the last four years my family has hosted a Japanese student and this year it it someone very dear to my heart.
It has been two summers now since I have seen Momo and when I found out she was coming on the exchange this year I took matters into my own hands and made sure she would be staying in my home. Words cannot describe the joy I felt when I was able to see my little oversea sister again.
Momo is 14 and going into the eighth grade. She tells me that she likes to eat many foods. She said she loves America-- the scenery being her favorite-- and doesn't really miss Japan. She really doesn't speak much English so we go back and forth using the translators on our phones. Thank goodness for technology! She is very cute and I love her to death.
I don't know how many people have had the opportunity staying with a family who speaks a completely different language than you, but it's such a hard/fun/exciting experience all at the same time! I can remember being in Japan and listening so intently when they would speak to each other! It was hard for me to believe the gibberish coming out of their mouths could be understood by another person! I would sit and watch the family communicate with each other in awe. To be honest, it makes me determined to learn as many languages as I can! Now I get to sit in my living room and smile as I talk to my family because I know just how Momo feels! It is so cute to try and communicate with each other and it's amazing that although two people speak a completely different language there is always a way to communicate with one another (a lot of hand gestures are involved).
I love Momo and the whole Matuyama family very much. I am grateful that Momo came to America and I cannot wait to see the rest of her family again someday. Hopefully soon.
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