August 2010

Shiori Kakura, who is from Tomiya-Machi Kurokawa-Gun, Miyagi-Ken, Japan, traveled to Missouri for a month long homestay.  Shiori came to live on the farm with Jim, Diana, and Brandi Beckley, north of Clarence. She quickly became one of the family and the two girls quickly became friends and sisters.

Brandi belongs to the Lentner Pioneers 4-H Club. Shiroi, a talented pianist, taught Brandi to play some new songs and showed Brandi how to do origami. She cooked several times for the family and experienced farm life. Shiori enjoyed several Missouri attractions during her stay.  The last evening was spent making burnt sugar candy and delicious sweetly coated potatoes. Shiori also made friends with our very persnickety house cat, Putty Cat.

"We are so grateful for this wonderful family experience. 4-H has many programs designed to enrich the lives of our youth and our communities though educational experiences. This exchange program offers families an extraordinary opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the youth in other countries, their language, culture, and customs. It also provides parents a chance to develop relationships, having a common bond through our children. The downside to the program is Shiroi took our hearts back to Japan with her. We already miss her and Putty Cat looked for her all morning. Both the girls are pestering us to allow Brandi to visit Japan next year. Is Japan ready for Brandi?"

The Japanese intercultural exchange began in 1978 in Missouri with the Missouri 4-H Youth Development program. Since then, over 1000 youth have participated in the program either being hosted by a Missouri family or a 4-H member traveling to Japan.

This exchange is coordinated under the leadership of Joyce Taylor, global education coordinator. Host families are located throughout Missouri. The period of hosting was from July 23, 2010 to August 18, 2010. Missouri is hosting 13 delegates and 1 chaperon this summer. Everyday family living is encouraged for the hosting experience helping the Japanese youth feel a part of the family and community.