A couple weeks after returning from Japan our soccer team had a re-union at Freemans house on Saturday May 10 where we all watched a video from our trip. It was good to see all the guys from the team again. Some of us had become pretty good friends in Japan. We had a lot of fun. They passed out awards in the living room. I won ''most congenial" Jules won "Babe Magnet". Emails had begun saying that the Omiya team (who we had stayed with) were thinking of coming to Pittsburgh in July. I was very excited that I might get to see Kotaro again. I missed him alot. I wanted to e-mail Kotaro to see if this was true, but he didn't have a computer at his home in Japan. We would love to be a host family for Kotaro. My mom e-mailed a lady named Kay who was a translator for our team and tried to get some more information.

Dear Mrs. Petersen:
I am most pleased to let you know that Kotaro Kishi has decided to travel to Pittsburgh this summer with the junior soccer team organized by the city. I talked with Kotaro's mother right after reading your mail, and she was so happy that you contacted me for the information. She has been frustrated for not having been able to communicate with you in depth in English. I am going to introduce her to a friend of mine who lives not too far from the Kishis so that she can get help with reading and writing letters in English. Mrs. Kishi and all the family members wish to travel with Kotaro. However, she needs a little bit of time to consider. I am sure she will let you know once she has decided whether the family would go this year or not. Anyway, she was most appreciative of your kind invitation and generosity. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be very happy to help you and the Kishis in any way I can. Sincerely yours, Kay

We were very excited that Kotaro was coming to Pittsburgh and we were going to be his host family, just like he was mine in Japan. We had heard that his mom might want to come with him, and she could stay with us also. The program for a summer Saitama soccer visit was beginning to take shape and most of my teammates were hosting the same boys they had stayed with in Japan. Cool. The dates were set for the visit July 24 through 31 and there will be 20 players (under 12 years of age) and 5 accompanying adults in the team

We got the final confirmed list of boys coming to Pittsburgh. halfway down the list it said Kotaro Kishi wishes to stay with Daniel J. Petersen Accompanied by his parents and a younger brother and a younger sister All five family members were coming...oh my god. Another list with food preferences and allegies of our guests came, it was pretty funny, most all of the boys disliked to eat vegatables including mushrooms, eggplant and seaweed. Me too! But everybody said that they loved to eat meat, hamburg and fried chicken. There are gonna love it here.

Kotaros birthday was June 18 and I decided to call and sing to him. I had to call the night before because it was already the next day in Japan. After dialing about 25 numbers, the phone rang Sunday morning in Japan.
Mrs. Kishi answered the phone – Mushu Mushi
I said Konichiwa its Daniel
She immediatley recognized my voice and became very excited. She said Daniel Daniel
then I heard alot of commotion with Mrs Kishi in the background screaming Daniel Daniel
and then people talking very fast in Japanese, it was really funny. I sang happy birthday to Kotaro. I could tell he was very happy even though I couldn't understand him.

Before they came to America I sent an letter to Kotaros friends email address he had given me here is what it said

Hello this e-mail is for kotaro kishi please forward this message to him
Hello Kotaro, good friend
We are anticipating your visit to Pittsburgh in July. Our team is in the process of planning your stay in Pittsburgh including sightseeing, a trip to an amusement park and even a soccer tournament. It will be great fun. (Plus lots of good food, too.) My parents would like to know how many of your family have decided to come and stay with us, so we can make the proper accommodations. The World Cup is such a big event in your country, but over here it isn't very popular. I can't even watch it on TV because the games start at 4:55 in the morning here. I will be going on vacation with my parents in a few weeks from june 28 to july 12 We are driving to the beach and I am really excited to try out my new surfboard I just bought. So if you try to contact me then and I donÕt reply, that is why. Don't bring many gifts for me, save your money for souvenirs from America. My family might like you to bring a few authentic Japanese food items, (like good Teriyaki sauce) that's all. It should be pretty hot here in late July, but we may get a cool evening. So pack light, bring shorts, swim trunks, a light jacket, and no dress clothes. (we want to have fun) and don't worry my mom will wash for you. Also be prepared for a long boring plane ride. Bring snacks, and games. My plane flew way up over alaska and canada to get there. I am looking forward to seeing you again. Please reply be e-mail Your English is very good and my Japanese is very bad
See you soon
Dan

Dear Mr.&Mrs. Petersen, Daniel and Sarah
How was your vacation? Thank you for your letter regarding preparation of our trip to Pittsburgh and it gave us ideas what to bring and we truly appreciate for your thoughtfulness and hospitality. Sorry it took me long to get back to you, I was sick and unable to do so. But now I'm recovered and getting ready to go to US. We are very much excited to coming to Pittsburgh and seeing Daniel again and meeting with Daniel's family. We will be happy just meeting with you and spending time with Daniel and his family.

Dear Daniel; Thank you for your call for Kotaro's birthday , it was wonderful surprise but we're sorry that we couldn't say much. We are really excited to seeing you and meeting iwth your family and friends. See you soon. From;Takafumi to Daniel; Hello, I miss you and want to see you soon. I am catching many insects, like beetles. What kind of insects are there in Pittsburgh? >From Krumi; I am looking forward to seeing you soon. Please say hello to Sarah. >From Kotaro; I can't wait to see you. Thank you for having us stay at your place.

Thank you for sending email to our friend. This time we have asked Ms. Miki Oikawa to send this email to you. She has been helping us translating our letter. Now we have our email address san hou @muf.biglobe.ne.jp which you can send your email. In advance thank you having us we look forward to seeing you soon.

Let me introduce myself, my name is Miki Oikawa, I have been helping Kishi's to translate their letter and your letter. I had worked for the Int'l affairs at Saitama city hall as a part time ,in fact I were there during the Junior soccer tournament and they introduced me to Kishi's. I live in same area as Kishi's and our daughter goes to same kindergarten. It has been wonderful experience for me and I truly wishes that both of you have wonderful summer of 2002 and many more years to come. If you have any message to Kishi's before they leave, do not hesitate to contact me. I will forward the message.