2017 Michigan Japanese Language Speech Contest

It was a great experience for Ben to compete in the University Category. He did not win a prize but he will always be a winner to us. 

Japanese Elementary School Visit

Graduation Party Decorations

Graduation day is approaching fast not to mention we will have a party the week before. I was glued to my Mac this past week designing. Over the years I have done projects like this for others so it feels good to finally do it for my own child. My goal is to have most of the decor done a week before the big event. Here are a few of the projects I have completed so far. The theme is "The Places He Will Go!"

 Photo Confetti

Engineering prints of Ben through the years mounted on foam core board. These will be displayed on the walls.

Personalized Hershey Nuggets

Personalized Water Bottles

Chopstick Sleeves to go with the color theme.

Opportunity Knocked

Excited to announce that Ben received the opportunity of a lifetime. He was selected to teach ESL in Japan for 3 months. He will be provided with a plane ticket, housing and a salary. We are so thankful to God for this opportunity for him to pursue his passion while working for the Lord.

He will be traveling to and from Japan the next few years for business and pleasure. We are so thankful for the opportunity that homeschooling has provided for us. Bennett has devoted a lot of time and effort into pursuing his passion of learning all things Japanese. He has volunteered locally teaching ESL to Japanese business men for the last three years. His community service has allowed him to establish many networking connections.  

This is a journey that I did not imagine our family would travel. By allowing God to lead us all things were made possible. Bennett had a desire to learn a language that opened many doors for him. Allowing him to follow his passions and not my own has been very rewarding and eye opening. Our job as parents is to introduce our children to different things. While giving them the opportunity to find their own way.

From homeschooling to world schooling enjoying the journey.

The North American International Auto News Article

Bennett reads news article from N.H.K in Japanese.

Japanese Culture Exchange Highlights 2015

Toyota City Meets the Motor City. We had the amazing opportunity to meet 3 gentlemen from Japan. They are from churches in Toyota City, Japan, where a large percentage of our Japanese friends return to when they leave Michigan. These gentlemen have the awesome (but challenging) calling to minister to our friend when they return home.

Japan Festival 2015

Over the summer I offered craft classes in our home.

Everyone really enjoyed the classes.

Class picture with Easter baskets.

Japanese Calligraphy Lessons

Japanese Cooking Class

I have learned to cook many authentic Japanese recipes.

Dinner outings with international friends.

Summer Update

Summer wood shop class with daddy.

We attended Makers Faire Detroit.

I was taught the art of Japanese Cooking.

The food was so amazing.

I had some wonderful lunch dates with friends.

Geocaching Fun

I prepared this meal for my oldest 17th birthday.

Some crafts that were made this summer.

I hosted a few craft classes in our home.

 They all did a fantastic job.

Shodou (書道)

Bennett has been taking vocabulary and Shodou classes. We are very pleased with his progress and thankful for the support he has been getting from his wonderful teacher "Mari".

He plans to take the (JLPT) next year. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the main test of Japanese ability for non-native speakers.

Shodou (書道) is Japanese Brush Writing or Japanese Calligraphy. The term shodou translates as "the way of writing" although more commonly it is translated as "the way of the brush." The use of the character "DOU" (path or way) implies that Shodou is a philosophical pursuit as well as an art form.

Flower Pot Greeting Cards

Last week I shared my love of crafting in my home. They made beautiful flower pot cards.