The visit to Shongenji Zen Temple made us, the leaders, very proud of our students.
All showed great manners and respect as we were given a private tour of the zen gardens and the older areas of the temple complex! Thank you speeches were delivered well by Elizabeth, Rachel and Oliver.
After the temple we went to Kenko no Mori (Health Forest) for lunch. With a challenge of 777 stairs to climb to a great view and interesting flying fox, slides and monkey bars, the students were able to burn off some energy. Eating a local lunch of soba noodles and trying dango and Takoyaki ….
Nashi pear hunting we went… Students were treated to a delicious treat of picking their own pears to eat under the trees. Japanese Nashi are so juicy, crispy and sweet and bigger than grapefruits!
Our students had a wonderful time today being looked after by the staff of Minokamo, Principal Akasaki, Mr Kano, Mr Takai and Mr Kishi
Had a final orientation and then a moment of prayer with Brian Barker, our students were sent off with their host families and brothers/sisters… So one less thing for them to be nervous about as they now move into their home stays.
Remember I’m only a phone call away and if you are worried just call me.
genesis2japan 
Hi Briony. Picking fresh nashi pears… how loovley! Great to see your home stay family. Say hello to them from us all. Looks like you are taller than homestay mum – enjoy that!! Do they speak English or are you getting good at sign?
Thinking if you with much love.
Mun & Dad xx
Hello learna. Thank you for taking the time to take photos of homestay families.
Really appreciate being able to picture who Briony & her friends are staying with.
Margot Sanders
Thank you for the photos. It is lovely to see everyone with their host families. Thinking of you, Reilly. xx
Alicia,
Wow what a big day!
Nashi picking – how awesome… so yum! Now we can say we’ve both done that!
We all miss you Alicia (and Zoe and Briana), but hope you make life long friends with some of the Minokamo students!
x Nic (and fambam)
It was such a good day! The nashi picking was so fun and yum!! We have all already made a few friends at school and the church 🙂 miss you all too, see you soon! Dont touch my room too much hahah! xx
Really great seeing all the host family pics today. Half way through your trip already Oliver – keep enjoying every moment. Hope you had a great evening with Yodai – you will become good friends I am sure! Love being able to see you on the photos – it means so much to know what you are doing (which looks so great) Love you – sending hugs and kisses from all of us!
Lovely to see you with your host family. Enjoy your time with them. Xx
Ok now I have tears – happy tears! Off with your host families now. I hope you had a special evening together. And wow caitlyn is that a nashi fruit you are trying! I am really impressed! You are growing more and more within yourself every day of this adventure we can see it in the photos. Have a wonderful day -its 33° here today scorcher!! Loving you so much Mum Dylan and Alannah xx ps Topaz and Macey send hugs
Hope u didn’t have to late a night with your lovely host family
don’t forget to get a photo with the gift and the whole host family 😃
love ya Zoe (Poz Poz)
Lots of love- mum dad and Kodie ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hey mumma! Miss you lots! My host family is lovely! We will get a photo soon! Love ya all xx
Hi Libi, wow…what a truly special day. How did you go on the marathon stair climb? And Nashi – one of your favourites. Love seeing your smiling face every morning. Please, please take care of your arm and make sure Mrs S keeps a close eye on it…it looks really sore & angry. Love & hugs, Mum xx
PS: Great to see Mr Barker enjoying his first JOE trip so much. And how lucky is he to have such an amazing group of students to share this adventure with.