When Lilka and I left our “regular” jobs and stepped into the brave new, but uncertain, world on November 1, 1980, our motivation in starting CHI was simply to share with American Host Families the joy our own family felt when we opened our doors to a young Japanese high school girl, Chiharu. Although she could hardly speak English, we quickly realised how similar we were in our humanity, in our dreams and hopes.

Our children learned the value of sharing, understanding and acceptance. Wasn’t this the most direct way to eliminate cultural prejudices and usher in a better world for the future generations?

Now, 44 years later, we know this to be true. CHI has touched millions of people both here in the U.S. and in 106 countries around the globe. We helped create friendships, and we affected many lives in the most profound ways. Even today, we believe there is hope for the future and CHI is committed to be on the leading edge of this effort.

CHI has gone through many changes, ups and downs, joys and sorrows… We have lost directors, employees, and Board members. But, in addition to our professional staff, we also gained a new CHI generation, children who grew up around us, and today continue to carry CHI forward, just as Lilka and I did in 1980, into the “brave new world.”

Happy 44th Birthday, CHI!