a most welcome guest

What a busy few weeks it's been (so busy I missed my weekly post!). But what a wonderful time we've been having. Last week was the 3rd annual Cultural Tour for Teachers, one of the most rewarding weeks of my "work" life.

But just before that we were graced with 10 special days with a very special guest. Last spring we signed up to host a Japanese visitor who would be coming to Wisconsin to experience rural life. We figured we could represent that life fairly well and we were excited for the opportunity to meet someone from another culture. To learn and to share. And that's just what we did.

Shiori came to stay with us for 10 days. She brought with her a delightful sense of determination, love of learning and quiet ease. She worked side by side with us in the garden, in the hay field (all 200 bales!), in the pig pen, in the kitchen and in the sandbox! The girls adored her! We all did. We learned so much about Japan, her views on politics, food, education, travel...we found that we had so much in common.

One evening she taught us to make sour rice and sushi. The girls were captivated and Shiori's quiet ease engaged them all the more. So much so that they both ate and enjoyed a very new and different (to them) food!

We played, we worked and we chatted til past our bedtimes. It was truly delightful.

Shiori is showing off her mosquito netting that we got her for her next adventure. The bugs in Wisconsin really showed her a good time! Elsa Mae...well I really have no idea what she is doing.

We really miss this gal, but will remember always all the interesting things we learned. The excitement of sharing our home with a stranger who was not a stranger at all. How easy it is to bridge a divide with laughter, good food, and small children. Shiori, we look forward to our next visit, wherever that may be. You are welcome here always. Be well!