Farewell Rowan, Welcome Tina! On July 29, KIS and various others groups in Kosaka held a Welcome/Farewell Party together for Rowan, Kosaka's 6th Coordinator for International Relations(CIR) who has been with us for 3 years, and Tina, Kosaka's newly arrived 7th CIR. About 100 KIS members, town office workers, and others, from small children to the elderly, gathered for the occasion, clearly reflecting Rowan's popularity in Kosaka. Everyone was sad to bid Rowan goodbye. Mr. Itou came all the way from Moriyoshi to give a speech in English. 5 of Rowan's 6 supervisors over 3 years recalled their experiences with Rowan. Middle school students reflected on their trips to New Zealand and danced to the Kosaka song for Rowan. The Kotsugai family showed off their musical talent. Though it wasn't nearly long enough to recall everything that'd happened in the last 3 years, it was quite an eventful and satisfying evening. Rowan doesn't have concrete plans for after he returns to New Zealand, but in the short term he'll probably go snowboarding and relax his old bones. We believe that, no matter what, the Rowan Smile will never be extinguished and that Rowan is ready for the challenge of a new lifestyle. Though Tina was so nervous that she forgot all her Japanese and had a hard time giving her speech, she showed us her dazzling smile. We are looking forward to seeing her thrive in Kosaka. Don't be intimidated by your superhuman predecessor. Don't forget to be yourself and do your best. Go, Tina!