Sault Ste Marie home to 4-H youth from Japan
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EmailThe family of Carl and Joy Anderson literally brought the world into their home this summer when they hosted a 4-H Japanese exchange student for one month.
(SAULT STE MARIE) The family of Carl and Joy Anderson literally brought the world into their home this summer when they hosted a 4-H Japanese exchange student for one month. Miss Yuka Uemura, 15, from Kyoto stayed with the Andersons from July 24 to August 20. Yuka enjoyed learning about the Anderson family’s customs and culture. One of the things she and her host sister, Shon’tora Anderson, 17, most enjoyed was exchanging music. Yuka’s favorite artist is Miley Cyrus. Yuka is also a skilled artist and shared her talent with the Andersons. Various artworks and calligraphy from Yuka’s hand will adorn their home long after her return to Japan.
Yuka enjoyed meeting other young people and becoming friends with Shon’tora and the rest of the Anderson family. Having travelled to Japan in 2008, Shon’tora was very excited to host Yuka and was glad to share Sault Ste Marie and the United States with her. This base understanding of each other’s cultures became the foundation of a strong friendship.
The Anderson family was thrilled to show Yuka as much as possible in their 30 days together. Planning for Yuka’s visit involved months of preparation and communication with Yuka and her family in Japan. Yuka
received a glimpse of both Michigan and the United States in general that she will not soon forget.
The day after arriving in Sault Ste. Marie, the Anderson family packed their car, and with their newest family member, travelled to North Carolina for a family vacation.
Along the way, they collected magnets and postcards from seven states as remembrances for Yuka. They planned unique stops that offered Yuka a variety of experiences to complete her trip. Stops included splashing around at Cedar Point, seeing the movie Avatar in an IMAX theatre, visiting the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga and exploring North Carolina’s Chimney Rock and the North Carolina Zoo.
When they returned to Michigan, the adventures didn’t stop. The family took Yuka to Crisp Point Lighthouse, Tahquamenon Falls, Whitefish point and the Soo Locks. They even went bowling!
Yuka enjoyed biking around the Sault area and meeting new people. She and her new friends spent most of their time together doing art work, enjoying campfires and seeing Lake Superior.
Even as her time in the Sault came to a close, the family still packed in several adventures. During her last days in Michigan, the Andersons took Yuka on trips to Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City a day trip to explore Canada and a dinner with Lake Superior State University President Tony McLain.
It was an exciting month for Miss Yuka Uemura, Mrs. Yoko Kondo, the Anderson family and Mrs. Mary Cobb. The Chippewa County MSUE 4-H staff is thankful that the Andersons and Mrs. Cobb were willing to open their homes to Miss Uemura and Mrs. Kondo. This was an experience of a lifetime for everyone involved.Also exploring Sault Ste Marie was Mrs. Yoko Kondo, a chaperone with the Japanese exchange group. Mrs. Kondo stayed with Joy Anderson’s mother, Mary Cobb. --It seems hosting exchange groups has become a family affair for the Andersons. As a chaperone, Mrs. Kondo split her time in Michigan, and enjoyed the second half of her Michigan stay in Sault Ste Marie with Mrs. Cobb.
The 4-H/Japanese Exchange program is one of the largest exchange programs involving North American and Japanese youth in the world. Since 1972, over 25,000 students have stayed with families in North America, and more than 4,000 American students have made reciprocal visits to Japan. Next summer, open your hearts and homes to an exchange student and allow your entire family to enjoy a new experience they are sure to never forget!
