Okinawa Exchange

My family has a history with Japan. My mother, too, was an exchange student and ended up living there for nearly a decade once she pursued an English teaching career. All around my house we have trinkets, books, and photos that remind of our family's year in Sendai back in 2001. I was just a toddler, so all these things were the only reminder that I was even there.
I've been so used to having this Japanese background that I became unaware of it. It was only when I saw an article in the paper about a girl who went to Japan through her school's FCCLA club. I realized that it was possible to visit Japan again. At school, this girl, Ailee, helped me to apply and I was overjoyed and surprised when I actually got it! The following summer, I had the blessing to live with the Tanas for a month. They were sweet family with their daughter, Maiko, only a couple years younger than me. I'm the youngest in my family and being an onee-san (older sister) was a new and changing experience. I had Japanese language training and help from my mom, but I wasn't fluent. The trip improved my skills better than either of those! I can't pinpoint the exact moment when the Tanas and I just "clicked," all I know was that I expressed my funny and legitimate self and they accepted and loved me as if I was their own. Of course, I enjoyed exploring both Okinawa and Tokyo that summer, but experiencing it with them made it truly special. I never knew I could have two families. We became so close and they welcomed me into every nook and cranny of their lives. I appreciated it all so much. They really cared. We made sure to keep in contact, once I had to leave. There were many tears. The following summer, though, we got to meet again in my hometown where I could return the favor. I know our relationship has not ended there and I know they are forever in my future. It's thanks to YFU, who I barely knew about at the time I was applying, that I was able to have my life changed for the better.