FBWA Youth Exchange ProgramAugust 9-15, 2011

Mountain States DistrictColorado & Utah

Photos: Gail Ida, Merrily Stewart, Joyce Nakata Kim

Rumi Furosako, age 21, Hiroshima & Yuki Kogo, age 18, KyotoTri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple, Denver, Colorado

Rev.E.D. Fujii, Mrs. Michiko Fujii with Rumi, Yuki, YBA members & fathers

The Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple Chapter BWA has over 60 members ranging in age from 20 - 92

Hosts – Colin & K.C. Stewart with Rumi & Yuki at

University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

The host families enjoyed the exchange experience on very personal levels. Comparing lifestyles between Japan and US Jodo Shinshu Buddhists was enlightening for all.

Yuki & Rumi riding a gondola to the summit

of Gold Peak, Vail

ColoradoThis was not only an

exchange between Japan and US BWA members,

but also an exchange among two Japanese BWA

members.

The girls did not know each other prior to this

exchange. By the end of their visit, they were like

sisters, sharing this unique, American experience.

Rumi & Yuki with fellow BWA exchange student, K.C. Stewart and friend, Amy Yoshimura.

Enjoying American cuisine with their new Colorado friends.

Host mothers: Gail Ida & Merrily Stewart with Yuki, Rumi & K.C. Stewart

YBA members from Salt Lake and Ogden Buddhist TemplesMountain States District Conference, Moab, Utah

Rev. Hirano with members of the Salt Lake, Ogden and Denver Sanghas, Arches National Park - Mountain States District Conference

Arches National Park, Utah – K.C. Stewart, Mrs. Michiko Fujii, Yuki, Rumi and Merrily Stewart

Although our homes are across the globe from each other, the foundations of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism are universal and deeply rooted in our lives.

K.C. Stewart, Rumi, Yuki & Merrily StewartThe host families found saying good-bye to their guests very difficult.

Thank you FBWA for sponsoring Rumi & Yuki’s visit to the Mountain States District, Colorado & Utah

Our Sangha thoroughly enjoyed hosting the two young ladies and support the continuance of this valuable exchange.

We welcome all of you to visit our Temple and Dharma Services.

Photo: E_Journeys

Arigato gozaimashita, okagesama de.

In gassho,Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple Chapter

Mountain States District BWA