Supporting your child’s dream sounds easy. But what if your child dreams of living on the other side of the world?
From the time my daughter, Peyton, was four years old, she has loved the Asian culture. She fell in love with it at church during GA’s (Girls in Action). She used to say, “When I grow up, I’m going far, far away and tell people about Jesus.” It was so cute then. It was even cute when she wanted to buy a Japanese doll and decorate her room Asian style. There’s nothing wrong with that—right? Besides, the best Christian physiologists advise parents to support their child’s dream. So far, her dad and I were doing well showing our support.
Then, things got serious.
In Jr high school, Peyton began learning more about the Asian culture—the music, the food, the customs, and the language. Before I knew it, Peyton was teaching herself to speak Japanese! Sticker’s with strange symbols were stuck to every object in our home–my oven, the telephone, the curtains, and even the dog’s water bowl. The big blow came when Peyton informed her dad and me that after college she wanted to enter the JETT program. What’s the JETT program, you ask. We were curious about that too.
The JETT program is a community of people who live in Japan and teach the English language to Japanese students. It was at this point we wondered why she had to dream so big. Why couldn’t she live and teach in just another state within America?
“It’s not the same thing.” Peyton says with conviction. The kind of conviction that tells you deep inside she’s going one way or another.
Since her dad and I believe in God-given dreams and passions, we decided to get on-board. However, instead of sending our daughter to Japan, we decided to bring Japan to our daughter.
In just a few short weeks, we will have a new addition to our family. An Asian exchange student is coming to us from Japan! Hitomi (pronounced He-Toe-me) will be with us for an entire year. Both she and Peyton will be seniors this year and attend the same school. Peyton is so excited she can hardly wait. The excitement is building for the rest of us too as we rearrange our house to accommodate our newest family member.
Hitomi has a special passion for visiting America. Her deceased father was American. Hitomi longs to learn about his culture and especially his faith. (Hummmmmmmm!) Isn’t that interesting?! Not only that, she loves theater…just like Peyton and she plays tennis, which is my husband’s game. Hitomi sounds like a perfect fit for our family…but isn’t that just like God!
When the year concludes, Peyton has the option of returning with Hitomi to Japan. Her dad says we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. In the meantime, we’re looking forward to Hitomi’s visit…and a new chapter in our lives as Peyton’s dream continues to unfold.
Bonita says
Wow! That's wonderful that you've adding a new family member for a year. I hope it's a great experience for all.
My daughter sounds a lot like your Peyton. Should I be getting nervous? She loves all things Oriental and is also wanting to decorate her room in that style. Her favorite school subject is foreign language. She is learning Latin and French and wants to add Spanish and Italian to that list in the future. Oh dear!
Cindy in PA says
I am amazed at your creative thinking in bring Hitomi into your home for a year. (I never would have thought of that myself.)
Also, I love your tip today on supporting your child's dream. Our son was just hired for his first teaching position in VA. I believe that this is God's plan and timing for our son to begin his career in VA in August. We're excited to see our son's future unfold!
A Woman after the heart of God says
WOW!! Reading your blog this morning brough tears to my eyes. My little girl of 5 just accepted Jesus into her life and everyday she is saying she wants me to take her all over the world so she can be light for Jesus. It's amazing to see 5 year old wanting to do that! It is showing me how many adult Christians should walk with Jesus. I am also praying Lord use her. Thank you for the encouragement.
Anita - Soaring Eagle says
How exciting! I was stationed in Japan for two years while I was in the Navy. It was an adjustment for me, but looks like your daughter has been "planning" for quite sometime! How fun it will be for her to spend time with Hitomi – and you! I can't wait to see how you post her stay…
Rebecca Ingram Powell says
Micca, I am so excited for your family and for Peyton especially! Maybe she and Hitomi can come out to one of Danya's shows when she is playing in town and we can meet her too!