Summer is winding down, but for some students, their big summer adventure is only about to begin. Twenty-four Japanese students from various schools in Okinawa will arrive in the Puget Sound area this week as guests of Cultural Homestay International, a nonprofit organization, and organized by a spouse from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. "Families will be surprised at how exciting it is to completely immerse yourself in the language and culture of Japan," said Leslie Briscoe, coordinator at Cultural Homestay International and wife of 1st Lt. Samuel Briscoe of 2-2 Stryker Brigade. Briscoe's parents lived in Tokai Ibaraki, Japan, for three years prior to her birth, and they continued to celebrate Japanese culture in their home.

The organization is in dire need of host families who would be willing to invite a Japanese student to stay in their home for the three-week period.

The Japanese students range in age from 12-16 years old and their English speaking abilities will vary. Host families would be able to choose their student based on gender and their interests. The students would need a bed of their own but may share a room with other children; an air mattress would be acceptable. Host families would be willing to provide meals for the student as well.

The students will attend classes Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and would need transportation to and from the classes. The students will take part in activities such as volunteering at the food bank and senior center, tour Olympia and Mt. Rainier, and will even go bowling. Host families are not obligated to take the students out to explore the area but it would certainly be a welcomed idea. Each student will have their own spending money for entertainment and activities outside of their scheduled classes. "It is a wonderful opportunity to bring diverse cultures together and to learn from one another," said Briscoe. "Families will realize that we have a lot more in common than you might think."

Briscoe feels that families with children will find themselves immersed in discovering new cultures and traditions by hosting a Japanese student in their home. In the past, host families have maintained close-knit relationships with the students they've hosted and have even traveled to Japan to visit them. By becoming a host family, families would be creating the opportunity to forge a lifelong bond that will be cherished for years to come. Families with children, single parents and empty nesters are all invited to join in this wonderful cultural exchange opportunity. Host families would ideally live in Lakewood, Steilacoom, DuPont or the JBLM area. What may seem like a last-minute decision could end up being one that will change your life forever.

Those who are interested are asked to contact Leslie Briscoe directly by calling: 865.806.3826. Host families will be required to fill out an application, complete an interview, and give a tour of their home to Cultural Homestay International.