Aya understood well the struggles of learning a different language since her English was so good! We've tried to keep in touch over the years...not an easy task since we both move around a lot.
Meeting by chance
in Mr. Donuts, no one could have been sweeter to me than Akiko (to my
left). She and I have continued our friendship even though she's moved
on to become a dentist...like her father and her brother will soon be
one too!
Maybe we'll meet again when I return to Japan.
These three confused the heck out of me at first--Youko, Yoko, and Yoko. But later they were great help as conversation partners. I got them straightened out eventually.
Yukari also studied at Illinois State, so I was happy to meet up with her again. She's wearing the traditional Japanese graduation dress.
At first friend of a friend, Takako (next to me) became a great helper and listener. I was so happy for her on her graduation!
Rie in Hokkaido and her "little" cat Chibi. She is a bundle of energy...which is good because she teaches junior high!