Father's Day

So, for those of you who don't know, Father's Day is a western holiday celebrated here in Japan. So of course being in a host family, we celebrated. This involves many things, including Buddhism, dango, DSs, and much more.

My host father's father had past away I'm guess at least in the past few years. So, today we went to the graveyard and cleaned his tomb.


These Buddhas protect something (Michi really didn't know, so neither do I) at the entrance of the graveyard.

Cleaning the tomb. Those are cousins. They gave me two huge books of Shojo, I am so happy. (It's really cheap here, and they were drooling over my drawings.)

Final Product.

After cleaning the tomb, we went to Grandma's place. We sat around, talked, watch TV. The kids played with the two Nintendo DSs, and we ate some snacks (Including dango, sticky rice flour balls on a stick). A Buddhist monk came over (who was also a high school English teacher, so he talked to me in English) and prayed at the in home box, honoring the ancestors. I didn't get any pictures of that because I didn't want to be rude. After that we ate dinner, and the kids took a bath together. Because I was the only non-family member, I was treated like a guest. So of course I got special chop sticks and felt guilty that I didn't give a gift. But it was still pretty laid back. I had fun, and I am really glad what I got to see.

And Dad, yes you Troy Thiel. I did not forget... I present you with my little letter/unfinished drawing for father's day. It reads:

Dear Dad,

Though we are an ocean apart, a few states, and 16 hours apart, your support on my journey has been some of the best support I have received on this trip.

I am glad both you and mom have been so supportive of my progress to these exciting weeks, as well as my first year of high school. Although I can't be with you today, I'd still like to wish you a happy Father's Day.

Love XOXO,

Anna

Your Daughter

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY EVERYONE!