Last weekend was very...interesting. Families in La'ie frequently have the opportunity to host students from all over Asia. This past weekend, they had a shortage of families and I was asked to host some students. Since Kari's family had ward camp, she graciously offered her house up to me. Originally, I was supposed to have 2 female students. However, they ended up having about 40 girls and 120 boys, so I was assigned two young men from Japan. I recruited my friend Teren, who speaks Japanese to come and stay in the house with me and help me translate. We took them to a BBQ at the Goat House (which was their favorite), to church in Hau'ula, to Haleiwa, to Wal-Mart (another favorite), and Burger King.
Probably the funniest story, among many: Teren didn't really let the boys know that he spoke very much Japanese. He insisted that we speak only English to them because the purpose was for them to learn English while here. BUT, Teren could understand every word they were saying and would inadvertently giggle sometimes when they would be talking. Sunday morning, Teren and I were making breakfast for "our kids" and it was really hot so we opened all of the windows, allowing a couple of flies to get in the house. Soa ("so-ra") said to Akia ("aki-ra"), "Wow, it's amazing that the flies don't bother them. They don't even notice them." Akia said, "It's because they are one with nature, like all human beings should be. They are so close to nature". HA! Apparently, I am one with the earth because I can eat my spam and eggs with flies buzzing around my noggin. Love it.
Typical American Experiences: WAL-MART
When they figured out there were shopping carts, they started all over again at Wal-Mart. 1 1/2 hours later, they had filled their cart with chocolates, Sony MP3 players, jeans, creepy skull t-shirts, Twilight New Moon Bracelets (HAHA) and Casio watches. They kept asking for Dolce & Gabbana. I didn't have the heart to tell them that Wal-Mart was not that kind of store. Oh well, I guess no one in Japan will ever know the difference.
They loved that you can "self check-out". I loved watching 5 Japanese kids trying to figure out self check-out.
BURGER KING
I know, Mean. It was just too funny to resist. We made them wear crowns while they ate their Burger King. Some were happy about it, some did so grudgingly.
RIDING IN THE BACK OF A TRUCK
All I can say: They were stoked.BREAKFAST
Teren really had to pester them to smile in this picture. I think they thought we were really weird. Heart plates because we loved them so much.
Teren, thank you for making my life so much easier last weekend. I couldn't have done it without you. This is our awkward little "family". And my little Japanese boys, thanks for making me laugh more than I can remember in a long time.
