The Event ~ Hosting Naoko and Daniel

The fair and 4-H post reminded me of a very special event we shared as a family ~ hosting a young exchange student from Japan through the 4-H program. This I think was summer 1983. Naoko Hirohama was 12 years old when she journeyed across the ocean from Japan to live with us for six weeks. When we picked her up in Scottsbluff we were shocked that she could not speak a word of English. Wow! Naoko carried her little translation book with her all the time. She brought a suitcase full of Japanese gifts and edible treats for our family. We were overwhelmed by the amount of gifts she brought to share.

We communicated with hands and pictures a lot. Naoko was quick to learn a lot of English words, and each day became easier. We adored her. I remember how big her eyes got and expression of surprise when she first saw a big watermelon on our kitchen cupboard. It was as great a learning experience for us as it was for her.

I cannot imagine sending my 12 year old grandchild across the ocean to a foreign place to stay with people we’ve never met, whose language is not compatible. At age 16 or 18 ~ maybe. But certainly not age 12.

In 1997 we were asked to host an exchange student from Germany ~ Daniel Meurer. It was a private exchange arranged by his parents. His older brother had spent a year with our friends, the Scovils, a few years earlier, and they wanted Daniel to have the same experience, but without the hassle of an organization. Daniel enrolled as a senior at high school here. Daniel and Cash became very good friends. Daniel could speak a bit of English, and was quite proficient at the end of one year.

Daniel enjoyed side trips to Montana, Mt. Rushmore, Colorado, Eastern Nebraska, and the Big 12 championship game in St Louis, Missouri with the guys in the family.

Daniel’s parents came for his high school graduation and it was a pleasure meeting them. Like Naoko, Daniel and his parents came bearing gifts for the entire family. Foreigners’ hospitality exceeds Americans at times.

We still communicate with Daniel and his family from time to time. In 2006 Tim and I enjoyed being guests of the Meurer’s in Koln, Germany.  It was awesome.  We look forward to a return visit from Daniel and his family in the future. 

Both Naoko and Daniel became an extension of our family. They were/are truly eventful friends, and an eventful memory for our family.