Dear Family and Friends,

Our evening of games and relay races went very well last night and the students enjoyed them. We did everything from sitting on balloons to the "human knot." Our two sports guys, Jon and Chris, were a tremendous help with organizing and demonstrating the relays. It was a close finish, but class 6 (Rita and Thomas) just edged out class 8 (Matt and Chris) with their students' heroic efforts. Tonight is the ever-popular carnival--this will be our last big activity together besides graduation tomorrow. Teachers have submitted names for their class's best speaker, and I will "interview" these students to see who is the very best--this Chinese student will actually give a speech at the graduation ceremony which is tomorrow (Friday) at 2:00 pm.

We did a large group picture this morning. Sophia is so good about seeing that we all get a copy. We took several shots, one with the dorm ladies, one with the photographer, one with Sophia and Mr. Yang . . .

We still have a few sore throats around and lots of tiredness but He has been so good--no one has had an illness that sidelined them for very long. We are back to our sunny usual weather for Xi'an but we have a had a wonderful 2 weeks of temperatures.

We now begin to think about not seeing most of these kids again. We know though that one of the most important things that we can do is to continue to lift them up. Many Americans also email their students all through the school year. Both of these are continuing means for Him to use. After we leave we must commit these souls to Him and ask Him to continue to work and cultivate what has been planted. We know He is faithful and not willing that any should perish, and that people from every tribe, tongue and nation will be in glory praising Him. We will see our Chinese friends there!

Thank you again for all your support.

Love, Becky (for the Xi'an Team)