Essay from Ms. Atsuko Hosomi

At the 45th anniversary visit, Mr. Masayoshi Matsumoto, president of sister city committee, asked me “The deadline for applications have already passed, but there are still a few people missing, please come with us”.  I had first refused to go because I had my mother with me then, but later on she decided to stay in a nursery home for a short stay.  The visit turned out to be very wonderful.  I served the tea ceremony, which is a traditional Japanese culture, and danced the "Decanshyo-bushi" with the Walla Walla people in Yukata, Summer Kimono dress.  I am very happy that the exchange program continues.  I couldn't speak any words of English at that time.  Now I have been listening to radio program of basic English “Come Come Everybody”.