Wednesday 28 September
We were greeted by happy faces after their first night in home stay, with many of the students having a challenging time but with all of the doing their best to communicate. So many stories about the food, the houses and even their pets! Even those who are feeling a little home sick understand that they are being given the opportunity to grow as young people and to build their resilience. We spent time in prayerencouraging them to make the most of what was being offered to them. We are so very proud of them all! So blessed to have these students here on this trip!
Another busy and amazing day! The immersion classes are stretching the students but the teachers and staff at Minokamo are really helpful.
Many of the staff who are coming to visit us next March are helping our group and this allows us to get to know each other. Mr Hakumaura and Mr Connolly have become great mates; both in charge of middle school, both HPE teachers and both past professional sportsmen! Mr Connelly has picked up a few new ideas for us, watch out students!
The Vice Principal, Mr Hattori patiently waits for our students as we move from one adventure to another while at school.
Miss Mori the Culture teacher has given all our students wonderful lessons. Dressing so many of the students in yukata (summer kimono), was a lot of work for her! But our students were very happy to have the chance to try one such lovely tradiontional clothing.
Today the ever lovely Mrs Matsuda taught the students how to cook Ohagi, a traditional sweet made from sticky rice, beans and sugar. The students were able to eat some and even take a gift of them home to their host family!
Students joined in the after school club activities, half doing Kendo while the others joined in the Tea Ceremony Club.
We left them happily in the acre of their host families and ready for their second night together.
genesis2japan 
What an amazing time you’re all having. So many wonderful photos and videos. So many new experiences, it’s lovely seeing all your smiles. Leila, you look so happy and relaxed. Enjoy. Love you.
Thank you for the update and photos ✌🏾️
Great Kendo action shots guys! So nice to see everyone is having a wow of a time learning and experiencing all these new and wonderful things. Mack’s Aunty Ange xx
Hi Cata , you look so happy, enjoy every minute of this experience . Maybe we can try to cook some Japanese food when you come back.
We love you and miss you .
Mum &tico
Wow Tahlia!! Great shots! Looks like your having heaps of fun! Love you heaps X Mum
Hi Aimee, all you girls look so beautiful in your yukata. Didn’t spot you in the kitchen or in the kendo class. Hope you’ve taken lots of photos and can remember all the amazing places I need to see when I eventually get to Japan. *hugs* Love you
Caiti you look beautiful and like you are having the best time!!!!! Keep enjoying yourself and having fun!!! Lots of Love Aunty Tina and the fam bam 😘
Hi Ella, sixteen years ago your arrival interrupted our watching of the closing ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics, life has never been the same since. Even though I would love to be with you today, I can see true to yourself, you are living every day to the fullest. Enjoy going to school for the very first time on your birthday. I am so very proud of you and can’t wait to see you so we can celebrate today’s milestone together. Happy birthday beautiful! Love you heaps.
Mum xxoo
Hi it’s Ella, thank you so much for all the birthday wishes. We’re all having an amazing time here and I am loving school and staying with my host family. Can’t wait to see you all soon and tell you guys all about our trip! Having a great day so far and having tonnes of fun with friends. Miss you heaps.💜💜
Love, Ella
Hi Ella, Happy Birthday! It’s a bummer that you can’t be here but I’m sure you’re having an awesome time over there. We’re missing you and look forward to seeing you when you get back.
Love James
Hi Ella, Happy Birthday!
I can see from the blog you and the group are having an awesome experience. Thank you for the 16 years of unbelievably awesome experiences you have brought me, you are very special and I am so proud of what you have achieved. Happy Birthday!
Love Dad.
Hello Caitlin, love seeing you smiling in all the photos. It looks like you are having a blast. Keep soaking up the experience. Have a great time with Kirara and her family this weekend. Side note: Mum would like you to try and smuggle some Ohagi through Customs (joke). Football update: Melbourne Storm V Cronulla Sharks in the grand final this weekend (Raiders and Cowboys gone). Also – Redcliffe Dolphins lost to Burleigh Bears in the Intrust Super Cup grand final!
Love Mum and Dad.
Looks like heaps of fun. Somehow I knew Kristy would be doing Kendo. Where were you Em, doing tea. BTW coffee has been lonely. Love you both heaps xx Mum
P.S Survivors good.😊