I have had the pleasure of working with this foundation in a number of roles over the past ten years and cherish the experiences. As a client, I traveled with the study abroad program to Japan where I filmed Japanese gardens for the non-profit television program Oklahoma Gardening. The exchange program provided experiences unavailable to the casual traveler, such as host family stays and working alongside Japanese gardeners. In the US, I've hosted Japanese visitors and participated in gardening demonstrations at our local botanic garden and community center. I've built lasting friendships with members of the Kameoka Gardening club, the partner organization in Japan that has hosted Little Ripple participants for many years.
I was a student participated in the foundation sponsored 2002 Japan Urban Landscape and Garden Design Study Abroad program. I had a thrill experience in this unique learning opportunity. I got to visit a foreign country and interacted with many friendly people, and above all, I studied the traditional Japanese garden construction techniques, experienced Japanese culture, and visited many beautiful Japanese gardens and urban landscape. The foundation provided scholarships to several students who otherwise would not have such a once in a life chance.
I have been associated with the Little Ripple Design Study Foundation for about 20 years, the foundation dedicates itself to international exchange, cultural exchange, and study abroad programs to Japan and Thailand. I once provided the lettering stamps, copper bracelet blanks, and tools to the foundation for the Japanese guests as one of the entertainments. They used the sets to make bracelets as souvenirs of their visit to Stillwater, Oklahoma. They also carved pumpkins for Halloween lanterns since it was Halloween. This foundation applies 100% of the money donated to students scholarships. Its charity causes are well worth mention.
I have been working with this foundation for many years and have had a great experience with their commitment to international exchange. The gardeners from Japan recently came to The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University and built a suikinkutsu in our Japanese Tea Garden (which the gardeners also built, over 20 years ago). My experience with this organization has been completely pleasurable and well organized.
When the delegation of Japanese vice minister of transportation and tourism were visiting the botanical garden at OSU, I was there to witness the exciting cultural exchange. The foundation provided the support staff and the demonstration of water koto cave and its sound display. It was exciting for me to watch.
The foundation sponsored the Kameoka Youth Gardeners' Association, Kyoto, Japan for their visit to Stillwater with Scholarships for Kazumasa Asada, Kazuya Mori, Koji Nakano, Yuji Katsura, Yugo Takada, Seiji Murata. They gave workshop at the Botanical Garden, Oklahoma State University and maintained the International Friendship Garden at the City of Stillwater.