As this grant year ends I am caught in a paradox of emotions. I am a little sad to see this year end but at the same time happy that this worthwhile project will continue for another year here at Callisburg. It seems like just yesterday that three of the Callisburg teachers were beginning their second year of the MTP program. I enjoyed and will continue to enjoy watching the students, teachers and parents, as well as the partners in FMF/MTP project continue to reap the many benefits this program offers. This year I was able to enlist the seventh grade science teacher into the project and assist in the video conference. I also had parents and grandparents come to the video conferences this year. The project has expanded in this second year and I can foresee a further expansion in the third year. The students also enjoyed the Japanese language lessons and they also enjoyed sharing Texas slang with their Japanese counterparts.

At this time I would again like to thank the Japanese Government for providing the funding for this opportunity. Thanks are not words enough to the incredible staff at the JFMF office and TAMA University for all their support. The staff has always been helpful and supportive even when I have been late a time or two in posting. They realized how busy we all are and have kindly reminded us to get caught up. I have witnessed the students in our school district become excited about learning not only science but a new language and share cultural differences from students that were strangers at the start but became friends and colleagues at the end. Every morning as I walk through the halls I am greeted by students in Japanese. I have several students that want me to set up a student trip to Japan. I constantly look at the photos I took in Japan and I genuinely miss my Japanese students. The two years I spent with the students of Omose Junior High School have made a lasting and permanent impression on me as a person and as a teacher.

Last summer in Japan the three Callisburg teachers decided to allow three new teachers from Callisburg to apply. We agreed that it was best to allow these three new teachers to share in the experience that we have been so fortunate to participate. When it came time to apply Danita and I kept to our bargain and we were pleased that two new partners were selected and met the Kesennuma partners in St. Louis to begin the 2007 MTP year.

I know that the new Callisburg traveling partners will enjoy this program as much as my students and I have for the last two years. I have already met with this summers traveling partner and we have shared ideas for a successful third year.