New Host Family

Phew! Changing host families is a lot of work. But I'm done now! :) I changed families on Saturday (the 21st). In the morning I got up, finished up cleaning out my room for my host family and then went to Wataru's school. There was an open class day so parents can come in and see how the classes are run and stuff. It was interesting to see a Japanese public grade school.

After that we went back home for a little bit and then went out to lunch at Mamma Pasta. It was really good, actually. Then we went home once more, loaded up the car and said goodbye. It was sad to say goodbye to Mie. She was a nice host mom and we had some really fun chats at night after the kids went to bed. I learned the most Japanese from her.

Arriving at my new house, my new host mom met me in the driveway. She was so excited! Her happy, positive attitude made the whole thing go really well. She is such a fun lady! And this family has hosted students several times before so they really knew what they were doing. We sat down and talked with my ex-host dad and new host parents. Then I said goodbye to Masato and my new host mom told me to take my time unpacking all my stuff.

A few hours later my room was all organized and everything was unpacked as far as I want it to be. I headed downstairs. In the kitchen was my host brother, Kouji, and his girlfriend. They were making dinner. I introduced myself and then tried to figure out what to do with myself. The little kitchen was pretty full and they looked like they knew what they were doing so I decided to stay out of the way. I ended up talking with my host mom and showing her pictures and stuff. She absolutely loved the pictures of the cake that Dad made me for my birthday last year. (The one that looked like high jump mats with the picture of me high jumping over it.) And she thinks I have a wonderful father and family. She's right. :P

Dinner was awesome! It was a welcome Abbey party/ happy birthday Otousan party. Kouji lives near Yokohama but he came to make dinner and meet me and stuff. They ordered sushi and Kouji and his girlfriend made a whole bunch of delicious side dishes. There was so much food! Honestly, I haven't been hungry since I came to this house... I really am going to have to start running again. I guess Kouji worked or works at a restaurant so he knows how to make all sorts of awesome Japanese food. He said he could teach me! I hope he does. I want to be able to make Japanese food when I go back to America.

The next day I met my host sister. She had been away at her friend's wedding. She's really nice and fun too. I think we are going to be good friends. My host parents walked with me to school and to the station and stuff so I know my way around here a little. Boy is this a confusing area! We also got a key made for me.

This morning it was raining so I took the bus to school. Usually I will walk. It's about a 25 minute walk, but with the way they feed me here I'm going to need all the exercise I can get. My host mom had made me an obento for lunch! :D It was really good. On the way home I decided to walk... haha. I was going the right way for most of the time. I honestly don't know where I went wrong, but it wasn't too bad. I saw a bus that goes to my house's bus stop so I just hopped on it. Good thing they'd explained the bus system to me and told me the number of the bus that goes that way. haha. I will just try again tomorrow. And my host family doesn't have to know I got a little... confused. Not really lost. I had a basic idea of where I was. We don't need them to worry.

So, the new family is good. I also have one more host brother, but he is going to college in America right now. And he plans to get his green card soon. I talked to him on the phone for a minute or two, but I don't think I'll ever meet him. The house is huge! And really cool. There are lots of extra rooms, so AnnaMarie and Tyler and Katie can stay here when they come! I like everything so far. But everything is still new and exciting. I hope it all continues to go well once things get more settled in. Sorry I don't have pictures yet. I will take some soon.