Bethany's Blessings- FFJ Members

Walking into our first FFJ meeting we quickly noticed many differences.

They have a different emblem that features a dove, rice, and a mountain. Their official dress looks quite different than our own. And we couldn't understand anything that they were saying in Japanese.

Yet despite all of these differences the members welcomed us. They taught us their FFJ dance. (YES! They have a dance!) Sharing the school farm, gardens, and greenhouses with our team, we had our eyes opened to the amazing students these members are!

During free time we played games, learned origami, and traded business cards with the members. In the end, we had made memories and connections with these members just as we would in any FFA chapter here in our organization.

The time we spent with these FFJ members was a highlight for me during our time in Japan. We couldn't speak the same language, just catching names was a challenge, but we created bonds that were extremely unique. The amount of energy and kindness that could be communicated without a spoken language is a lesson I'll always remember.

As laughter carried throughout the room, smiles spread across faces, and cultures blended together we saw a friendship born that would be greater than we could have imagined.