The News Keeps Coming...

I just received a message from Peggy Cella at CHI. In addition to the package that you all should be receiving in the mail, all of the basic host family arrangements have been sent to me and I've sent an email to each of you with all of the info. Once you receive the email, you'll have to open the attachments to view the documents. Also included in the email was the following letter from CHI:

Dear Students and Families,

After nearly a year of planning, it is finally time for this group to begin their journey to Japan! Those families who have hosted Japanese students from Naga, and students who may have helped with visitors to Mount Si from Naga, know something about the experience this group is about to begin. To stay at a family home with a student and be involved with daily school life is a unique way to experience Japan!

We are glad to be able to supply Host Family information to everyone even though it was “last minute,” and especially happy to have original host-student applications with photos in the mail to you – hopefully arriving before departure. Mr. Goldhammer will be providing everyone with the basics – e-tickets, insurance cards, and any other information needed on the day of departure.

Although the Final Itinerary has not arrived (we will send it via e-mail the moment we receive the school program) we know from experience that the group will be busy every moment. Mr. Goldhammer will be in contact with CHI as needed during departure day so we can inform the person meeting the group in case of travel delay. Our partner will let us know as soon as the group arrives in Japan. We know, at home, all of you will be waiting to hear that the trip went well! The message will get to you so you know when the group has arrived safely. Due to the time difference, this will be the next day, though they will arrive late at night Pacific Time.

During the time the group is traveling, and then during the school program and homestay, the group’s calendar is very full. We don’t expect students to have many opportunities to call home individually or keep in touch a lot during the trip. This is normal!

You can find our 24-hour emergency cell phone number at the top of the Final Participant List, highlighted in yellow. It is only for true emergencies. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always call our office during regular business hours or leave us a message after hours. Our number is 1-800-395-2726. We also answer e-mail as promptly as possible. Please accept our warm best wishes for a wonderful adventure!

Peggy Cella, CHI Outbound Groups