Friday, August 31, 1979

Dear Teri:

I'll start writing this today and complete it Sunday nite so I can mail it Monday morning. My plans are to write you twice a week. I don't know if I will stick it out but if you've got the determination to be in a foreign country for a year, I guess I can be a little determined too. I'm happy today is Friday because I'm looking forward to the long Labor Day Weekend. You know what that means- extra time for work.

Before I close this letter you will have the results of the Sayre-Athens game tonight and also the JV game tomorrow morning. Romana called at work yesterday. Everyone's anxious to know if we heard. I hope there is something today. Can't wait to talk with you Sunday. Three minutes won't be long enough but we will be hearing your voice. Vince is at State college today registering. He'll be home late this afternoon.

Teri, I just want to bring this up for whatever it is worth. Myself and Aunt Irene really speak up if someone comes up with the idea that you won't stick it out. Aunt Irene really gets on the bandwagon and goes through her speech. She's a true staunch supporter. You shouldn't have any problems. You're flexible. I always wanted to discuss this with you but where did the time go. Never had enough time to just sit and talk so we'll have to exchange ideas by letters.

Well, here it is Monday nite and dad, Ralph & I are here alone. To get you updated, Sayre won both the varsity and jayvees game. Vince got rained out Sunday at the races. He plans to come home next Sunday to race his car at Mt. Morris. I hope he really doesn't. It's too much of  hassle for him. But who am I to argue.

Teri, the highlight of our weekend was the phone call and hearing your voice and your host father. You sound so good and really excited. Your host father also seemed very enthusiastic. He must really like you. That isn't hard to do. I can't wait to hear all about school, your host parents & the city. There is probably so much to write about. Teri, apologize to your host father because our conversation was so short. Five minutes went by real fast. Do you get to call us Thanksgiving Day? It seems Rotary gives you a call at Thanksgiving. Teri, are you going to get help with your kimono? I'll be you picked out some beautiful fabric. Did anyone help you select the fabric?

Teri, you should see N. He is beautiful if you can picture a boy being beautiful. And he is so good. He sleeps most of the time. He's already got a tooth. Grandma was here this afternoon to help dad & I with our squash and eggplant. We dipped slices in egg & flour & browned them in the oven. Then we froze them in bags so when we want to make parmigiana, we've got it ready. Ann & Andy just called. She said the house really looks a lot different from when we saw it. They have curtains & they're doing some painting and staining. She & Andy said hello. I told her about your cookies. They were so surprised we called you already. Well, Teri, until our next letter, God bless you. Give our regards to your host family.

We love you,
Dad, Mom & Ralph

A few things struck me reading this letter. First of all, my mom talking about how she had wanted to discuss my being able to stick it out for the year. She didn't really sit us down for talks much, so it was heartening to know that she had hoped to do that - to give me some guidance and advice. 

Also, on a lighter note, I don't remember eating eggplant parmesan at home- ever. Must be I've forgotten.

And finally, the 5 minute phone calls. Sounds insane now, but we were very regulated by Rotary's rules. I remember we were "allowed" these short 5-10 minute calls only once every 2 months or so or on holidays. I have worked in international exchange for many years, and it is inconceivable that as an organization we would limit the contact between the exchange student and family. In fact, I suspect most correspond by email or phone daily. The benefit of limited contact was the feeling of truly being immersed in Japanese culture. Kudos to my family for sending me away without the convenience of being notified when I arrived and without the opportunity to talk with me regularly. I'm sure it was difficult for them having lived in the same town as my grandparents their entire lives and talking by phone or spending time with them almost daily.