200 Teachers; 200 Stories

On our last full day in Japan, our ten city groups came together to share reflections on our travels. Two hundred American teachers, from all fifty states, expressed gratitude and continued awe even as our journeys drew to a close. Each of us had a favorite story (the host family who fulfilled unspoken wishes, the shopkeeper who solved a gift problem, the new teacher friend who was on hand at a moment of uncertainty, the hilarity of confused results from sign language), and we all had opinions about what we saw in classrooms and byways. Overall, the generosity, kindnesses, thoughtful conversation, and curiosity about our lives in the United States that we experienced from the Japanese was valued by all of us, and definitely made us want to return for a longer look at Japan. As we wrapped up with "city reports" (parts of which were a tad silly due to twenty newly-acquainted adults spending 24/7 together for a long time), we pledged to share as much as possible of our experiences with those at home, in our schools and families. What an enormous privilege it was for each of us to spend nearly three weeks in Japan as guests of the government. What a responsibility to convey what we learned! None of us is an expert but we are ready and willing to share what we experienced. Be warned: ask and you shall hear!