Good morning all,

Last night our team provided various "Minute to win it" games.  The students went from room to room laughing and cheering for each other in the competition.  Afterwords the camp host surprised Tina with a cake for her birthday and invited the entire camp into a classroom (that holds 40) for cake.  Yes,,,,, 140+ in one room, I opted to celebrate in the hall :).

The last three days have been terribly busy; they have been full of rejoicing, recuperating, and returning to work.

First, on Saturday, we had our fiesta-themed birthday party. We spent several hours decorating with balloons, paper chains, props, streamers, and garlands. Since it was a fiesta, our colors were very bright, our music was very loud, and the food was very good!

Hi Everyone, the 2nd session team going to Qiqihar leaves for Beijing this Thursday!  We are all a little nervous and excited!  We'll be joining the other 3rd of our team (who were in 1st session camps) for a little touring before heading to Qiqihar on 7/30.  We'll be sure to update the blog when we safely arrive in Beijing.  Lee

It is Tuesday evening right now, and eight days of classes are in the books. Tomorrow will be our last full day of classes, as Wednesday will be spent preparing for the closing ceremony, doing shirt signing, and having fun once last time in the morning session. Wednesday afternoon will be the closing ceremony.

A few more pictures in the days of our lives. Dave Williams

Tina's group chalk talk design stage.

Tina's group finished drawing.

Our team flags with our host Rebecca and our assistants Felicia, Felix, Luke, Jackie, Grace and a few students.

Chris and his group on the scavenger hunt.

Last night for our evening activity we broke into our mentor groups.  Each group went around the campus searching for specific items to discuss in their group.  One of the objects was a red envelope.  The Chinese use these at weddings to put money in for the newly weds.

Our classes are very busy as they not only continue their lessons, but also are practicing what their group will present for the closing ceremony.

Last night was our Luau Birthday Party, celebrating the birthdays of our campers that are in July. We also celebrated the birthday of one of our Americans , Ella, whose birthday is tomorrow. Our evening began with games and then was the reading of the birthday letters. These letters are from the parents of those who are celebrating their July birthday. The reading of these letters are always very emotional for the Chinese.

We continue to roll along here. Classes are going well.Our teachers are already working with their students in their preparation for the closing ceremony. It's hard to believe that we only have a few more days with these children.

Last night, the weather was on our side and we were able to play the Photo Scavenger Hunt game. The competition was fierce and we had two classes racing to the finish line at the same time! The Green Team came out on top and they celebrated their victory with a big bag of candy, which they very kindly shared with the other teams.

Classes have started up after a day of rest for students, school assistants and teachers.  One of our assistants told me she had to take her baby to the doctor yesterday because of a fever.  Please lift her and her child.

Nicks class is teaching Christmas, Karla is teaching baseball, Jana is teaching animals and Tina is teaching foods. All the students were eager to get back to class and see their teachers.  The bond we all have for each other grows stronger each day.  Tonight we will get together in our mentor groups for a scavenger hunt and share time afterwords. 

A few shots of our Datong team in action.  

Dave Williams, Datong

Jana, Eric, Nick and Steve teaching English corner

Frankye, Kate, Carol and Jaden leading dance at our birthday party

Some of our team and a few Chinese teachers from the school as our guides at the hanging temple