Thank you letters from Liana

    To Kawano family

    Dear okaasan, otousan, Sato, Riri, and Suzu,
    I had the best time of my life in Japan. I am so grateful for every little thing you have done for me. You are a very kind and considerate family, and you were quick to accept me and make me feel like I was part of the family. I was comfortable being myself in the house, and was able to adapt to Japan really fast. (Also, the food that you served me was so delicious. I will be missing it every day.) I’m not really good at expressing my emotions in cases like these because I have too many to express. I want you to know that I am really grateful to the point where I have no clue how to even show it. It’s a gratefulness that cannot be expressed by words or actions; only by feelings that are kept on the inside. I am really happy that I have a family that I can come to in Japan. What I’m feeling now feels like I am going on vacation to America for a little and will be returning home soon to Japan. Hopefully I will know how to speak Japanese better by then. I am determined to study harder on my own time rather than just studying at school alone. So, thank you, for everything, and for being there for me in all situations. I really cherished every second of our time together, and to me it is worth more than world. Please don’t be sad. Like I said, I am going on “vacation” to America ;)

    I love you all sooooooooooooooo much. See you soon ❤️

    - Liana 

    P.S. tell Ririka that I think she is a wonderful, talented, smart, kind, sweet, beautiful, and thoughtful girl. I believe that she can achieve anything that she wants to in life. And tell Satoki that I am cheering him on in tennis. I’m waiting for the day when he becomes the #1 tennis player in the world :)

    To Omiya High School

    Thank you so much for accepting me as one of your own. I really valued the time I spent at your school. All of your students are amazing people. I made many friendships at your school that will last more than a life time. I really enjoyed the fact that the teachers and students treated me the same as everyone else, as if I actually belonged to the school. I enjoyed every second of being in your school; my heart stays in Omiya. Thank you so much for having me. It was life changing. I would love to visit the school soon and all of my friends in it. Expect an email from me in the future! I love you guys! Thank you again!
    Liana Tarasenko

    To Hyuga Gakuin

    Thank you so much for having me at your school! I enjoyed seeing how private school in Japan differs from public school. I was surprised at how welcoming and rowdy everyone was when I came on the first day. I really appreciate how everyone at school accepted me. I also would like to directly thank the staff for putting so much effort for me, whether it was for something small or large. I appreciate everything you’ve done to get me to come to your school and experience it first hand. Your students are very kind and sweet, and I hope to see them again someday soon! Thank you again!
    Liana Tarasenko 

    P.S. going to tennis club was the highlight of my time in Hyuga Gakuin. The tennis girls are some of the kindest and sweetest people I’ve ever met. I felt very comfortable around them. I had a lot of fun playing tennis with them and love them a lot :)

    To Volunteers

    THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I had the greatest time of my life thanks to all of you. I never imagined that I’d get to go to Japan, let alone for free. You were one of the key reasons that I was able to experience Japan. You made my dreams come true. I will never know how to express all of my gratitude to you. Right now, you are seeing 1% of my actual emotions, so I hope you know that I am very very very grateful for your hard work and generosity that made it possible for me to come to Japan. Thank you again! I will make it a priority to return to Japan to see all my friends soon. This experience has changed my life in the best way possible. I will forever be grateful. Your friend, Liana Tarasenko