Last installment.
Jack got home late last night. I picked him up at Dulles and decided to stay at home today and have some time with he and his sister.
He had a great trip, fell in love with Japan. He was especially grateful to his host family, who wrote an amazing email to me which I won't share since they may not want me to.
There was this on his Facebook page from one of the instructors at the institute where he was studying:
Glad you came(*´∀｀)
I've become a big fan of you guys, VMI!!!
Thank you so much for everthing.
Actually, I'm not good at English, but you tried to make me understand together and understand my poor English.
I do appreciate your asking me and getting along with me.
Special thanks to your hospitality.
You gave me a motivation to study English hard.
I don't know how much I can improve my English, but I'll try.
Thank you very much, all!!!
Miss you soooo much!!!
I hope we can meet up again someday♪
Have a safe flight to your home.
Being polite and funny works every time. This was his first big, solo, trip so it was interesting to hear his perspectives. The one highlight he shared that makes me smile is that the Grandfather of his host family took Jack for beers a few times with his 17 year old grandson...to this local bar and made sure everyone knew what a good young man Jack-san was.
To be 18 again loose on the world with a good attitude, smarts and a smile.