On Thursday night, October 14, the family got ready to go to the airport and welcome our Japanese exchange student.

The kids went with some special gifts for her.

Waiting to meet Ayaka.

Watching for her...

There were seven Japanese students that came over as a part of the program.  These are all the host families gathered to greet them.

Our first sight of Ayaka...

She got hugs from the kids.

Ayaka and the kids

The whole family

Ayaka is 16 years old and comes from Okinawa. 
She is here with 6 other members of her class from
Okinawa Christian School.  She is the oldest of the students.

Ayaka sat down and talked with the kids for a bit.

Then, we went to go get her suitcases.
All the children wanted to hold her hands.

Racing through the airport

We got the suitcases!

Next stop, the Dewey house!

Ayaka arrives at the Dewey home.

Welcome!

The girls show Ayaka to her bedroom where she finds a gift from us.

Then, they proceeded to teach Ayaka the names of the
Disney Princesses in English.

After the kids went to bed, Ayaka met Rocky.

We are excited for her stay and all the fun activities we have planned!