Dear Family and Friends,

Another hot day in Xi’an!  This is actually our final FULL day as we have classes this morning, activities this afternoon, and tonight our big activity rivaling the birthday party—our carnival! Teachers will set up games on the athletic field.  When a student completes a game, he receives one ticket. After a student accumulates some tickets he can come and “buy” a prize.  We have items ranging from 1 ticket (piece of candy) to 25 tickets (a football) depending on the prize. Andy will dress up as a clown and be the “runner” who takes “spent” tickets back out into circulation to the teachers.  I usually man the prize booth which is a little like combat!  Fortunately Jordan will help me and can keep things in order. 

Last night many teachers went out with their Chinese students for supper and a visit.  He has enabled us to build many bridges, form many friendships, and has given us many opportunities for seed planting. We will discreetly give portions of the book or something to read to very interested individuals.

Tomorrow morning we will have class but parts of these 3 class periods will be dedicated to practicing each class’ final “performance” as well as autographs, pictures, and signing of T-shirts.  Then our graduation ceremony will be held on the ball field (no auditorium available since it’s being painted) at 4:00.  During this time we will start with opening remarks from Sophia (our Chinese host) then each class will share in a performance some English they have learned—poems, songs, skits, etc. Then from each class the teacher will award a citizenship or most improved student award. Then I will present a medal to the best speaker in each room.  The best speaker of the camp will present a short “speech” (1-2 minutes on American-Chinese friendships).  We will have closing remarks and then along with the students sing our song about “Friends” (Michael W. Smith).  Nancy, Staci, Jordan, and Anna have been working on this song in music with each class. After that will be many tearful good-byes, although many of the students will come to the hotel to see us off in the bus bound for the airport. It’s reality that we will probably not see most of these students again here on earth. With the advent of email, it will be possible to keep in contact with many, especially those who are interested.  I had a visit last night from a student whom I met in 2007 and continue to email with.  She has not become like minded yet but that is in my thoughts.

After graduation we will have our “banquet”—it is customary for the Chinese host to have an opening banquet (nice meal at a Chinese restaurant) as well as a closing banquet. 

Friday is free so people will be doing lots of things.  Some are hiking at a nearby mountain and many shopping.  All will have to pack because we leave for the Xi’an airport to fly to Beijing at 10:30 am Saturday morning and will arrive in Beijing at 12:20.

In Beijing we will have no activities scheduled until Saturday night because team members will be coming in from different camps at different times. Saturday night we will see an acrobat show—very good—all kinds of contortions and talent!  Then Sunday we have a meeting time with Chinese shepherds attending and sharing what it happening in their lives and work.  That afternoon, team members will either visit the Forbidden City or see old homes in Beijing (now restored but many have been torn down in the name of progress as occurs everywhere). Monday brings a visit to the Great Wall and then a shopping opportunity at what is called the “Pearl Market.”  Not sure why it’s called that as there are a lot more knock-offs than just jewelry!  It’s four floors of chaos and much bargaining but great for tourists to pick up souvenirs.

Tomorrow morning will probably be my final blog as I will probably not have opportunity after that.  Once the teams reach Beijing they are able to email or call you back in the states.

Please keep us in your thoughts, especially now, as students have had time to think about truths heard and opportunities continue.

Love,

Becky