Melody Visits Houston, TX (submitted by Mac Bechtol)

Melody Visits Houston, TX (submitted by Mac Bechtol), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody visited St. John's School in Houston, Texas. She enjoyed the day with the 4th graders. She rode on our swing in the front yard. It is a Live Oak which is green year round in Houston.

I love feeling a connection to other places in the world. I learned more about people like Melody. I learned it is hard for them in a different way. I also learned that a book can be taken to the next level! This was a fun experience. I wish I had gotten Melody sooner. I didn't have much time because it took so long for her to arrive in Houston. (Melody #050B0414)

Melody eats cotton candy at Santa Cruz Boardwalk (submitted by McMo)

Melody eats cotton candy at Santa Cruz Boardwalk (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

After paddle boarding, CarWhi’s dad took the girls to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk where she rode the Giant Dipper (roller coaster) and then enjoyed some cotton candy. A lot of people stared when we had Melody at the ride, and we realized it would make Melody sad and mad  to have people stare at her all the time. (Melody #024B0114)

Melody gets ready to hang 10 (Submitted by McMo)

Melody gets ready to hang 10 (Submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody planned to go surfing with CarWhi on Sunday 5/18 but the waves weren’t good, so they went paddle boarding instead. We realized Melody would have done better in a kayak or something where she could sit. (Melody #024B0114)

Melody having dinner at the Beach Hut (submitted by McMo)

Melody having dinner at the Beach Hut (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody spent last night with LaBri and her family, they went to a new restaurant, The Beach Hut and found  table suited for Melody’s chair. (Melody #024B0114)

Melody doing homework (submitted by McMo)

Melody doing homework (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody went home with CaLa last night. They had a lot of fun, but also did homework together. CaLa made Melody her own math journal. CaLa, like many of her classmates, found that their homes were not well suited for wheelchairs.  (Melody #024B0114)

Melody at Cowells in Santa Cruz (submitted by McMo)

Melody at Cowells in Santa Cruz (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody went with CarWhi’s family to the famous Cowell’s surf shop. There is an historic mural there. Can you see Melody? (Melody #024B0114)

Melody has Sushi (Submitted by McMo)

Melody has Sushi (Submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody was so excited when we got to Santa Cruz. We went inside my house, and dropped our things off. Then, we got back in the car to go to sushi. The sushi place that we went to is called Akira Sushi. The wait was 1 hour and 30 minutes, because the fish was so fresh. Finally, we went home, made s'mores, and went to sleep. (Melody #024B0114)

Meoldy in Tokyo (submitted by John Kolosowski)

Meoldy in Tokyo (submitted by John Kolosowski), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Grade 6 students who met Sharon during her visit to Tokyo in 2013. This photo was taken at Tokyo International School. It was great to have Sharon and Melody here with us. We have so many words to express our thanks.