Matson Navigation Guam presents grant award to Guam Nikkei Association

(Agana Heights, Guam) The Guam Nikkei Association (GNA) received a $500 grant award from Matson Navigation in support of the environmental clean-up by the Guam Okayama Homestay Exchange Program on July 21. 8 students from Okayama, Japan were hosted by members of the Association during a 6-day tour included participating in the 75^th Liberation activities parade and concluded with a farewell dinner at Government House and meeting Maga’Haga Lou Leon Guerrero and First Gentleman Jeff Cook.

In its 3^rd year, the Guam Okayama Homestay program is organized by the municipal government of Okayama Prefecture and students alternate travel. As many as 10 Guam students will have the opportunity to travel to Japan in 2020 for a weeklong cultural exchange.

Front row L-R: Guam Nikkei Association Chairman Frank S.N. Shimizu accepts the grant from Matson Navigation’s Gloria Perez along with Governor Lou Leon Guerrero on July 25. Also pictured are the 8 exchange students along with their chaperones and First Gentleman Jeff Cook.

GNA Meeting - Aug. 15

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

August 15, 2019

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Tamuning Senior Citizens Center

Topics:

*Okayama Homestay Program Wrap Up

*Pro Lantern Ceremony

GNA Application Renewal Form

Save the Date! GNA 5th Annual Lantern Floating Ceremony - Sept. 7

SAVE THE DATE
Guam Nikkei Association Presents the
5th Annual
Lantern Floating Ceremony  

When: Saturday, September, 7, 2019 

Where: Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Beach Park, Ypao Beach

Registration & Design: 1PM to 5PM
Ceremony: 5:30PM

5th Annual Lantern Floating Ceremony - Sept. 7

SAVE THE DATE
Guam Nikkei Association Presents the
5th Annual
Lantern Floating Ceremony  

When: Saturday, September, 7, 2019 

Where: Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Beach Park, Ypao Beach

Registration & Design: 1PM to 5PM
Ceremony: 5:30PM

GNA Meeting - July 11

TIME:       6:00 PM

WHEN:    THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019  
  
WHERE:  TAMUNING SENIOR CENTER 

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

GNA Meeting - July 11

TIME:       6:00 PM

WHEN:    THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019  
  
WHERE:  TAMUNING SENIOR CENTER 

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

INAFA' MAOLEK and the GUAM NIKKEI ASSOCIATION

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

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