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My Host Father Talia T. Fraiman
On the fourth day of my stay in Japan, my host student's father returned from a business trip. I was extremely nervous that somehow his arrival would change the atmosphere at home, which I had been enjoying so much. Even Aya, my host student's, kind words about her father did not change my expectations. When her father first walked through the door, the first thing I did was give him a big “hello”. By the puzzled look on his face I realized that unlike his wife and daughter, he did not speak a word of English. I could tell immediately that he felt bad for not being able to communicate with me, and although this made me feel terrible for not greeting him with a big konichiwa, it did give me some relief that he was saddened at the thought of not being able to converse with me. After our brief meeting Aya's father took Aya's hand and led them into another room. Presuming that they were bonding after being apart for a week I figured I would help Aya's mother prepare dinner. An hour later Aya and her father walked out of the room with big smiles on their faces. Aya's father then walked up to me with a nervous smile on his face and said in broken English, "I am very glad to have you in my home. My family really loves you and you have made them very happy." Aya later informed me that her father has a lot of trouble speaking English and that he had dragged her into the separate room to teach him a few words to welcome me. Although this may seem like minor gesture on the part of Aya's
father, it symbolizes the extremes to which my host family went
to make me feel welcome. Even though I have many fond memories
of Japan, how kind and welcoming the people were will always be
something I hold dear in my heart.
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