A Temecula Sister City Reunion

In 2003, I began my relationship with the Temecula Sister City Association. The catalyst was the fact that my sons wanted to go on a school trip to Nakayama (now Daisen), Japan. When I asked the then school principal how to make certain that could happen she stated quite plainly, "You make it happen!" Needless-to-say, I accepted the challenge.

I volunteered to lead a group of students to our Sister City for an amazing ten day Asian adventure over Spring Break (2004). To prepare the students for the unique culture and the numerous historical places we would visit, I began a weekly Culture Club where various Japanese members of the Temecula community would share their knowledge. It was an incredible learning experience for all of us!

Recently, I received a comment on my blog written by Sheldon (on my left), who had gone to Japan in 2005. "Hi Denise! Was reminiscing about my trip to Japan and all of the wonderful people I met along the way. I’m still in touch with Kozo and Yuko, but couldn’t find a couple others. Of course you came to mind and I stumbled across your blog! So great to see your adventures. Japan was my first real trip outside the US and it changed my life. I’ll never forget how excited I was to go to the Japanese cultural club meetings after school to prep. Thank you for all the prep work you put into those trips and for instilling that sense of wonder in me at such a young age. Hope that you and your family are doing well!!" Oh man, I just got goosebumps.
In addition to organizing student trips to Japan, I was the coordinator who made it possible for Daisen students to come to Temecula. It was a ton of work but also so much tanoshi! I can't even tell you how many students and adults we have hosted. Each is a blur forming a fabulous memory of friendship.

My relationship with this amazing group is only two decades long. Tonight, we gathered together to celebrate 30 Years of Friendship.
Jon and Jill hosted a delightful Christmas party with a guest list of those we've known since the beginning. Jon, by the way, was one of the founders of the Temecula Sister City Association. It was his dedication and passion that has kept this international relationship thriving.
In 1956, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower sought diplomatic alternatives to the wars he witnessed as a soldier, general and Allied Commander. On September 11, 1956, he called a White House conference of 100 top American leaders, who joined him in creating the People to People initiative, focused on creating cultural exchange programs. The idea for this conference came after a Geneva summit, where Eisenhower and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev expressed enthusiasm for exchange programs as a means to ease Cold War tensions. Participants in this conference included comedian Bob Hope, and Walt Disney, who became one of the founding directors of People to People and later drew inspiration from the initiative to create the "It's a Small World" attraction in 1964. Life is better with these relationships in it.
Steve met, and exchanged business cards with, Mayor Hironori Takeguchi. Hiro has the distinction of being one of the youngest mayors- ever- in Japan. What a fun guy he was.
Mark and Carol have been our friends on several continents!
Gabby, on my right, is another founding member and a riot to hang out with!
Lynne was my co-leader for the Culture Clubs and the unforgettable 2004 adventure. We bonded over 'everything Japan'.



Steve didn't want to go on this trip. I get it. Traveling with students has been aptly described as "herding kittens". Being there alone with my two sons was truly a trip of a lifetime for me! Even now, 20 years later, the memories are such fond ones. It's amazing just how magical a Christmas party can be!

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1 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your third pic includes our good friend Koji

December 7, 2024 at 3:42 PM

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