From June 7 to June 16, 2004, 5 students and their teacher from Lomax Elementary School (just outside of Houston, TX) came to visit Ogi Town.  They were invited by the principal of Iwamatsu Elementary School in Ogi Town.  Funding for this project (travel and insurance) was provided by Ogi Town.

This visit was the result of an e-mail exchange program between two of the elementary schools in Ogi Town and Lomax.  Class questions, pictures, and other information were gathered by me and Mrs. Kamas (the Lomax teacher), and we then e-mailed directly to each other and presented the new information to our respective classes.

The principal at Iwamatsu found this exchange interesting, and felt the next natural step should be a face-to-face exchange.  With the generous support of Ogi Town (mayor, council, school board, school superintendent), the Iwamatsu community, the Iwamatsu school staff,and numerous volunteers; and the enthusiasm and dedication of Mrs. Kamas; this project was a huge success.  Of particular importance was Yukiko's contribution.  From the beginning she served as a translator and played a huge role during the planning and execution of this project.

During their visit, the children and Mrs. Kamas attended classes, visited local businesses, met the mayor of Ogi Town, visited the local junior high and high school, visited some historical sites, and were exposed to a variety of Japanese food, sports, and culture.  They all stayed individually with volunteer host families.

You can see some of my photos of this event by clicking here.  For more photos, please go to the Ogi Town homepage.