Happy Birthday to you!

Hi, today was my host brother's birthday.
He became 3 years old today.

Even though he became 3 years old, he needs still diapers.
So my host parents gave him underwear as one of birthday presents.
He got toys, clothes, coloring books and so on from his parents and grandparents.
I gave him a T-shirt.
I bought it at Disney Store in West Edmonton Mall.
And it is printed Buzz Lightyear from Toy story.
He loves watching Toy story and his favorite character is Buss Lightyear.
He liked it, so I was glad! Also, the size was perfect!!hahaha

Next Sunday, we will have a birthday party again.
We did that at my host family's house today, but my host aunt couldn't make a birthday cake for him because of her work.
So she will make a birthday cake next Sunday and we will have birthday supper again at my host grandparents' house.

Anyway, today was a very, very good day for my host brother!

Happy Birthday to you!!!

*noma*

***my Japanese best friends***

Hi.

Today, I went to school to get my time table, my locker and my ID card.

It took a long time.

However, I could take subjects which I wanted to take, so I am happy now!

After I got home, my host father gave me a letter from one of Japanese best friends.

She gave me a long letter, a picture of my friends and a souvenir from Kamakura.

I was very, very happy to get them.

They hold a party for me before I left Japan.

I was impressed by their kindness.

Thanks a lot!!!

I love you so much.

We are good friends forever!!!

*noma*

Summer arts work shop, Action!!!!

Hi.

Today was "summer arts work shop"

I practiced a lot for it, so I was so excited!!

I went to church at 9am and we rehearsed three times.

Our performances were started at 3am and 7pm.(two times!)

One stage was about 80 minutes.

There were 15 performances and I appeared in 9 performances!

I was so busy to change costumes.

However, I really enjoyed it.

My host family came to church to see our performances.

I was happy they were there.

And they took a lots of pictures of me! Thanks!

We could finish our two stages at 8:30pm.

We cleaned up church and we had a small party.

We ate pizza and watched our performance's video.

I asked YW leaders to give me a copy video and they said, "YES!"

So I can show today's performances to my Japanese family, friends!

Please wait for it.

It is soooooooooooooo.... nice!

I could make many friends there, so I was so happy.

Oh, after our performances, one girl said to me, "Hello" in Japanese.

She is also an international student and she came to church as audience.

She came from Aomori and she will stay here for a year like me.

Of course, she stays with the host family who are Mormon.

She has stayed here for 6 months.

I think she could join this event too. I was a little disappointed.

I hope she will join church's events from now on and that we can see her again!

I danced "Chilean Dance" and I had to make-up.

I had to use deep red lip. I didn't like it, but I had to do that... Oh...

Today was a very long day, but I really really enjoyed it!!

I am so sad I cannot join this event anymore.

I won't forget this event!!!!

*noma*

Summer arts work shop's practice 3

Today, I went to church again to prepare for summer arts work shop.

I went there yesterday as you know, but there were only 16 year old boys and girls.
Today, all of young men and young women were at church and we practiced dancing and singing together.
It took about 3 hours.(9am-at noon)
Also, leaders didn't give us anything to eat today.
It is rare.
I was so hungry.
Alex who is one of my church friends lives near church, so she took me to her house and we ate lunch together.
We made sandwiches!! mmm, yummy!
After that, she took me to the bus stop, BUT the bus has gone in front of us!
So we waited for the bus for about 30 minutes at the bus stop.
She waited for it with me. Thanks!

We will have "Summer Arts Work Shop" tomorrow.
It is from 9am-11pm.
Our performances are from 1pm-3pm.
My host family are coming to see my performance.
I think it is the first time for the baby to go out! Wow!
After our performances, we will have a party!

Have a great weekend!

*noma*

Summer arts work shop's practice 2

Hi.

Today, I had some practice at church for summer arts work shop.

Last Sunday, my church friend, Alex, told me that this practice wouldn't take place at our church, so it would take place at another church.

So I went to another church by bus in the morning.

However, nobody was there.

So I could guess "It must take place at our church"

So I went to our church by bus from there.

When I got to our church, Alex really apologized me "I am so sorry, Mari. I called to your house, but you were out already. I had no idea then because you don't have a cell phone, right? I am so sorry. I am glad you are here!"

No problems, Alex!

You are always kind to me!! That's fine!

We practiced singing and dancing there.

It was fun for me because I love music!

playing instruments, singing and dancing!!! So fun, hey?

There were not only girls but also boys.

Boys were so cheerful.

I was glad they were interested in singing and dancing.

We will perform singing and dancing on Saturday at church.

Our performance should be the best!

*noma*