Saying Good-Bye to 4-H

Nick sent us this photo from Japan with our first Japanese exchange student, Kenji, via the 4-H program in 2001. I can safely say that Kenji was the start of it all. Nick now lives and works in Japan, speaks Japanese fluently, and is married to Sachiyo, who is Japanese. Need I say more? Kenji, I had no idea the effect you would have our family. After Kenji's visit that summer, Nick went to Japan for the first time the following summer in 2002 through the 4-H program and stayed with Kenji's family. The ball was rolling. We proceeded to host two more Japanese exchange students, both boys who, once again, bonded tightly with Nick. By that time, Nick was taking Japanese in high school, competing in the Japan Bowl and traveling to Washington, DC. He continued to take Japanese in college when he met Sachiyo, who was a Japanese exchange student at his college. The rest is history.

Today, I received my letter from the Extension Office asking for interview judges of projects done by 4-H'ers at the Western Idaho Fair. This has been routinely a part of my August for several years. This year, I will be in Seattle so I had to check "No".

It wasn't because I was not interested, it was because we are moving. I had to let them know. Since we had just received that photo from Nick with Kenji, I thought it would be nice to attached that photo with an email which I did. In 2002, Brian was the person in charge of the Japanese exchange program in 4-H and now he is an Extension Educator. I still see him every year at the judging and we always chat and get caught up. So, I sent him an email:

Dear Brian,

Attached is a photo of Nick and Kenji, our first Japanese exchange student from 2001. They recently re-united in Japan. Can you believe it? Kenji is a professional rugby player now so Nick has been following him on his web page until he traveled to Nick's town. We will hear all about it Thursday when Nick comes for a 3 week visit from Japan. Nick now lives and works permanently in Japan. We visited in November for the first time and it really left an impression, so amazing. Nick now speaks fluently and is thriving there. We are moving to Seattle so I won't be able to volunteer for judging anymore. (500 miles closer to Japan...) I mailed back my postcard. I wanted to thank you all for everything you've done to influence Nick and Lauren to become the adults they have become. We will never forget...

Love, Sylvia

His response:

Sylvia-

Thanks for sharing this great story. Ada County will truly miss your family for the long term impact you have had on our program. It’s been really cool working with you and I really appreciate you keeping in touch with us. I have shared your story with the state 4-H office; we rarely get to hear what happens to our youth 10+ years after they participate in our programs.

Thank you so much for the kind words, it makes all my work worth it.

Brian

Packing isn't the hard part of moving, it's saying good bye.

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