Dear Terry Lo,
I am happy to let you know that I have just seen Maddie and Riley off safely at Kansai International Airport. They completed their check-in without any problems, and I stayed with them until it was time for them to proceed for boarding.
Seeing them leave with big smiles on their faces, happy and healthy, was a great relief for me.
Thank you so much for sending these two wonderful young ladies to Kyoto and for giving us the opportunity to share such a special experience together.
Throughout their stay, Maddie and Riley were always cheerful and full of energy. They spent wonderful time with their host families and many members of the Kyoto West Rotary Club. Above all, I am very grateful that they were able to enjoy their entire stay safely, without any injuries or serious problems.
I would also like to sincerely thank you and everyone for the many thoughtful gifts you sent for us and the host families. Your kindness and generosity meant a great deal to all of us, and we truly appreciate it.
I sincerely hope that these 11 days in Kyoto will remain a wonderful memory for Maddie and Riley for many years to come. If someday they think of Kyoto and say, “I would love to go back,” nothing would make us happier.
Through this exchange, I was once again reminded of how meaningful Rotary Youth Exchange can be, and how wonderful it is to build friendships that go beyond countries, cultures, and generations.
Terry, thank you again from the bottom of my heart, and please extend my sincere gratitude to everyone at the West Honolulu Rotary Club.
I truly hope that the friendship between the Kyoto West Rotary Club and the West Honolulu Rotary Club will continue for many years to come and be passed on to future generations.
Thank you very much for everything.
We will be thinking of Maddie and Riley here in Kyoto and wishing them a safe journey home to Honolulu.
I look forward to seeing you again soon.
With my warmest regards and heartfelt appreciation,
Toshimichi Kitayama