FounderLink

November 2001 Volume 1, Number 2

One of my goals, as most of you know, was to have an online newsletter and that goal has been achieved. Thanks to Carol Stein and her FounderLink crew. This will be my second letter to you and I must write to you about my experiences in Japan with our S Club girls.

Three S Club winners, chaperones Barbara Turner, President of SI East Contra Costa and Vivian Tsjui, President of SI Waikiki, (both affiliated with the girls from their S Clubs) and myself left for Japan to attend the Minami Region's Youth Forum.

After fourteen hours of flying, we arrived and were greeted by ten Soroptimists dressed alike, waving flags and wearing big smiles. Even though we were very tired, seeing these women was very inspiring and energizing.

The Youth Forum opened the next day and the subject was, "What will I be in the next ten years?" Everyone had to speak English. I participated only as a silent observer and that was very difficult for me. But, one learns much with one's mouth closed and what I learned from the Japanese young ladies was, as they were becoming westernized, how do they keep and honor their Japanese culture. Most of them decided it would be very difficult to intertwine both ways of life but believed they may lose some of their Japanese culture.

After the Youth Forum ended, we traveled by bus to Kagoshima. We were hosted by SI Kagoshima for dinner and then split up to go to our host families' homes. It was the first time I slept on a tatami mat, experienced their food and bathrooms.

After two nights, we went on to Nagasaki. Dinner was hosted by SI Nagasaki and SI Nagasaki Garland. Because we were there on the Anniversary of the dropping of the Atomic Bomb, we participated in a candlelight ceremony. We walked from church to Peace Park. We sang with everyone, no not in Japanese, but hummed because we were there for the same purpose, Peace! A most glorious experience.

Again, two more nights with a new host family. This time, my hostess didn't speak English. With signs and acting out, we communicated very well. When I left her, we both cried, knowing we may never see each other again. We had developed a fondness for each other, in fact the last day, she gave me vitamins, gesturing that I needed them!

The Japanese touched my heart in so many ways. Their warmth, kindness and generosity is unsurpassed. We were made to feel special and special we felt. I now know what "queen" means. I hope someday to reciprocate their gentle, gracious ways with a Japanese visit to Founder Region.

If any of you want me speak further on this wonderful adventure, just call me.

Love,