Since 1991 I have been the Coordinator of a Sister High School exchange with Katsura High School in Tsuru, Japan, and Beech and Hendersonville High Schools in Hendersonville, Tennessee.  This past month another group of 26 students and 2 teachers from Katsura homestayed with students at BHS and HHS. 

This program is my passion.  I am known in Tsuru as the American Mother, since i have helped so many students visit our city - both for the 2-week exchange and for a longer 5-month exchange.  The most remarkable part of this exchange is observing first-hand the transformation that takes place in the students' (both American and Japanese) hearts and minds.  If all the world could participate in a homestay with another culture, there would be peace in the world.  I believe that!  It was Mother Teresa who said, when asked how everyday people throughout the world could bring peace to the world, "Go home and love your family."  And that is what this program is all about...loving your family, which now includes another culture, a culture which is different but alike.  I always tell the students, "Being different is not wrong; it is just different."

Here it is, my Louis hat that came to live with me after my weekend at the Baltimore Mardi Gras.  I say it came to live with me because it does have its own personality.  Each Louis hat does, you know.  And they each perform their magic on the woman who shares herself with the hat.  It's all part of dressing up as a Red Hat Woman and being taken back to childhood.  Giggle Giggle.

Another Louis hat came to live with me that weekend, too.  It's very unique and was handpainted by Louis himself.  I absolutely love the shining glitter next to the bright purple and red gems.  And look at those hearts - just perfect for a Valentine Birthday gal like me.

Thanks, Louis. And thanks, Elegant Lady, for having the perfect hats for me!