Yesterday was our last full day in Cleveland. After a very successful Goodbye Party, each family spent their last Saturday together. Some kids went shopping, a group met up and went skating, while others played sports. It was beautiful and sunny – a wonderful day to be outside.
This morning, we all met at the airport to say Goodbye to our friends. After checking in – and pulling a few items from overloaded luggage 🙂 – we snapped one last group photo, traded hugs and hand shakes, and even wiped a few tears. Then they went through the security checkpost – and were gone…
Another exchange has come to a close and this – our 25th – was particularly meaningful. Our guests were fun, friendly, and comfortable. Our Host Families were warm, welcoming, and effortful. Amy Malloy’s attendance at our Goodbye Celebration, as well as Junko Tokuda’s video provided background and context for the program and highlighted the length and depth of impact that this small exchange has had on the families in our two communities.
When we come together – here or in Japan, we are initially struck by our differences. Our language and cultural histories are very different and yet – when our children sit down together, they play, smile and laugh. It never fails to amaze me how – by the end of our time together, nobody wants to go home. The hugs and tears this morning attest…
It leaves me with a deep sense of Hope.
Here are a few photos and I will publish more in the morning.
Hawken-Haibara Exchange 