This is part of a scroll 365 member Karen (@hwy61) brought back from Japan a number of years ago. She participated in a tour of the island nation as a result of her work in economics. I hope she will add her comments because I can't do the trip justice. I just know it was a great accomplishment and honor. This scroll hangs in the entry to the Library-Technology building (where both Karen and I have our offices) and is an acknowledgment of the working relationship that our two counties have forged. At this time of tragedy in Japan, it is a striking metaphor for the connection that we must continue to foster.
Nice tribute. Japan is a beautiful country and I hate to see the people with so many burdens. But as my Japanese friend wrote, we will survive, hand in hand.
Oh, Allison. You have put me on the spot. Let's see what I remember ...it has been almost 13 years since I made my trip to Japan. It was an honor, indeed, to be granted this fellowship (3 weeks) in Japan as the process was very competitive. It was an economics based fellowship sponsored by the Keizai Koho Society of Japan and paid for by the government of Japan. These fellowships still exist today. http://www.us-japan.org/jasp/KKC.htm
When I went, 21 educators (from Kindergarten teachers up to and including college professors) were chosen. We were from many different countries and represented 5 continents. I can truthfully say that it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The government of Japan treated us royally and planned for our visit with meticulous detail. We traved the country and visited many historical as well as modern / high tech sites and businesses. We also visited 2 schools, yet businesses/economics was our focus. To repay Japan for the felllowship experience, we were required to share what learned via speaking engagements, creating websites, doing lessons, and even writing a chapter for a book. A stipulation of our being chosen was that we had to provide them with a month by month plan for the year after our return of how we would share what we learned with both students and our community.
The photo Allison shared is a section of a scroll one of our Keizai Koho fellows painted for each of the us as a reminder of our trip. She was a kindergarten teacher in Washington state. She had been studying Japanese calligraphy at the time and wanted to create something special for each of us. Her message was one of peace. I cannot recall the exact phrase, but in a nutshell, it was saying something about our 2 nations maintaining a peaceful relationship. There used to be a little framed sign that hung next to this wall hanging, but sadly it got lost and along with it, many of the details of the calligraphy and even some about the trip. I used to have a website with our itinerary, photos, and info about my experience but I took that site down awhile ago...sometimes all you have left from an experience is what remains in your heart...and in this case, I especially feel the pain of the Japanese people as they are some of the most kind and generous people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. My heart aches for them now as they attempt to move forward after this most devastating catastrophe.
@hwy61 Thank you for letting me know about this write up on Allisons page. so interesting to read bout your experience in Japan and so sad to read and hear about their recent catastrophe.
March 24th, 2011
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When I went, 21 educators (from Kindergarten teachers up to and including college professors) were chosen. We were from many different countries and represented 5 continents. I can truthfully say that it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The government of Japan treated us royally and planned for our visit with meticulous detail. We traved the country and visited many historical as well as modern / high tech sites and businesses. We also visited 2 schools, yet businesses/economics was our focus. To repay Japan for the felllowship experience, we were required to share what learned via speaking engagements, creating websites, doing lessons, and even writing a chapter for a book. A stipulation of our being chosen was that we had to provide them with a month by month plan for the year after our return of how we would share what we learned with both students and our community.
The photo Allison shared is a section of a scroll one of our Keizai Koho fellows painted for each of the us as a reminder of our trip. She was a kindergarten teacher in Washington state. She had been studying Japanese calligraphy at the time and wanted to create something special for each of us. Her message was one of peace. I cannot recall the exact phrase, but in a nutshell, it was saying something about our 2 nations maintaining a peaceful relationship. There used to be a little framed sign that hung next to this wall hanging, but sadly it got lost and along with it, many of the details of the calligraphy and even some about the trip. I used to have a website with our itinerary, photos, and info about my experience but I took that site down awhile ago...sometimes all you have left from an experience is what remains in your heart...and in this case, I especially feel the pain of the Japanese people as they are some of the most kind and generous people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. My heart aches for them now as they attempt to move forward after this most devastating catastrophe.