The surrounding ocean is beautiful and its people likewise its temperature is warm. Unfortunately, we weren't blessed with good weather while we were there. I think that I'll be visiting Izena many times from now on.

Paul and I got along almost too well, and there was no stress involved at all. It might have been better if we spent some more time at home because we were out so much and rarely in.

We were so much on the same wavelength that we would get to school late and leave early. Paul seemed bored by the classes, and I felt sorry for him. The teacher pointed out some things to me and I realized that I may have been responsible for our discipline as well.

Everyone was unique and interesting. But I think we balanced each other out well. Despite the language barrier, everyone found ways to communicate, which I thought was impressive. The closer we got, the more we wanted to talk with each other.

Steps we took to communicate
With regards to Korean and Chinese, Kin, TJF staff, and Piao-san were a great help. We participants still chat with each other on the Internet, and I'm still learning a lot when it comes to different expressions. Also, music had a big role in our communication. I especially like Western music and am pretty knowledgeable about it. Being able to talk about music, a topic some of us had in common, helped to break the ice. Playing the Izena drums and singing Okinawan songs also played a big role in bringing us together. I truly felt the power of music.

Language was a problem. But we cooperated with each other to overcome this obstacle. We were helped by the interpreters as well as other group members, staff, and the willingness of the overseas students to understand. Though this may be something that couldn't be helped, the two Japanese students of our group ended up leading the others. When we were trying to choose a topic for our project, there were times that I, as group leader, dominated the process, and because I lack confidence in my English skills I turned to Hari, who speaks Japanese, for input. As a result, the foreign members participated, but it was as if they were taking part in something that the two of us had already planned out. As a group leader, I regret that I limited the range in which the overseas participants could take part. From now on, I'd like to ask for help and advice when I have problems, or when I'm stuck. Of course, I'll try to make the most of the support that I receive. On the other hand, if there are people in need, and if there is a way for me to help them, I would like to do so.

The fact that everyone cooperated with the garbage clean-up without a word of complaint. The words "thank you" are the best words ever.

I've grown to value encounters. I no longer hesitate to interact with people of different ages and cultures. Now that I no longer want to end my relationships after the first meeting, I think I am more assertive in my relationships with people.

Specifically speaking, I was invited to give a speech as a guest speaker in March at Totsuka High School. I hope to keep taking up such opportunities.

I signed up for this program without thinking much about it, but I can say now that it ranks in the top five memories of my life. I feel that there's no loss in taking up a challenge, no matter how small. And in fact, it's probably quite hard to make such good friends in our day-to-day lives. I've learned so many things from everyone, and I hope that I will be able to give them (and others) something back as well.