Hafa Adai!
You're probably wondering how does this phrase relate to us...
First, for those who are not familiar with the phrase, according to our online sources (Guampedia), "the phrase
inafa’ maolek (pronounced e-na-fah mao-lek) describes the Chamorro concept of restoring harmony and order. The literal translation is ‘to make’ (
inafa’) ‘good’ (
maolek)."
And that's what the GNA is trying to do.
As many of you know, Guam has a long standing, sister city relationship with Okayama, Japan. I can go on and on about this relationship but I'll save you the trouble (google it) and get to the point.
The GNA supports the Okayama city's International Exchange Student Program that offers our youth an "
EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME" that is, honestly, priceless!
I spoke about this a few emails back.
We are trying to finalize arrangements for the program as I write this.
BUT....
We are looking for two (2) more host families to welcome a student into their home
July 20th through the 26th.
The GNA will arrange a welcome and farewell acitivity for the students and host families.
Details are in the works. I will keep you posted on our plans.
As a host, you will show the student our
island hospitality and possibly create a
lifelong relationship just like the
2018 Guam kids did when they visited Okayama.
Host families with school aged children are preferred but not required. As long as you have a cousin, neice, nephew or relative with school aged kids that the student can relate to, you'll be OK.
Hosting a student has advantages, too!
Host families will receive
ADVANCE notice of the next Guam Okayama International Exchange Student Program (our kids will visit).
That means, if you host a student, you will be first to know when the program opens to accept applications for the next program year!
The 2018 students from Guam had a full itinerary in Okayama. They enjoyed visiting Okayama University and Science Center and going out to pick peaches, to name a few.
Did you know that Okayama is famous for their peaches? The city takes great pride in their peaches with some farmers placing paper bags over the peaches to "protect" them from the sun. Some sell for as much as $50.00 for just one. One!
That's a pricey peach!
Anyway, if you are interested in hosting a student this summer, from
July 20th through the 26th, I'd like to hear from you!
If you have questions before you commit, I'd like to hear from you.
If there's something you'd like to share with the GNA, I'd like to hear from you.
I'd be happy to share all the fun and interesting things the GNA has planned. We talk about these plans during
our monthly meetings on the second Thursday of the month, 6pm at the Tamuning Senior Citizens Center.WE ALL WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN US!
To send me an email, click the button below.
If you're not sure about pressing the button, email me by clicking
here.
If you're driving, you shouldn't be reading this email while driving. DANGER!!!
If it's easier, give me a call or send me a text at
929-8823.
Your support of this goodwill project is sincerely appreciated.
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu
Si Yu'os ma'åse,
Pauline Okada 2019 Okayama Guam International Exchange Student Program Coordinator
Secretary, GUAM NIKKEI ASSOCIATION