We enjoy the luxury to sleep in this morning. Breakfast is at 8am, with a group briefing to follow at 9. We are urged to journal our own list of 12 stones. Write down how life has been transformed (or not); make a smooth transition back to home-life; and think about what’s next?

Teams from various countries share their experiences (good and bad).

Today’s schedule is one of departing from here to go to Nanning where some of us will stay 1 night. Others, they head straight to the airport and fly off to destinations of their own. Hug and kisses all around the hotel lobby. It is raining cats & dogs as we are loading our bus. The Principals from the 2 schools are on hand to send us off. Several students come by the hotel with umbrellas and stand by the bus to wave good-bye to their teachers. Can’t help but notice they are sobbing. The bus slowly pulls out of the parking lot as they chase the bus and soon disappear in the rain. 2.5 hours later, we arrive Nanning.

Posted by SL

Today is the last day of summer camp. Classes and activities make it more than a full day. In addition to the usual class work, students are busy doing their last minute rehearsal of their performance for tonight.

In Multi-media, the topic is “Redemption” – how to fix what is broken, and find what is lost?

This afternoon, my class throws a farewell party. We enjoy some snack and drinks. Signing books for one and other. Conversations centers around “will we come back next year?”

The local teachers hosted a friendship dinner for all foreign teachers. Delicious food and warm conversations fill the dining room. After dinner, it’s show time. Students bring chairs out to the basketball courts where the concert is held. All classes show off their colorful banners. Performances by 14 classes lasted over 90 minutes. Throughout the entire time, laughter, clapping, smiling and screaming echo all over the campus.

The Principal of D School is a great host. He gives a speech, thanking all the teachers who give up 2 weeks of their lives to come here to teach English. He presents flowers and gifts and pictures to all international teachers, and request that we come back again next year.

All nice things must come to an end. Students and teachers return to their respective classes and say farewell. Gifts are exchanged, as is email addresses. One girl student gives me a handcrafted card with a CROSS on it. The message thanks Jesus for His love for her.

Two other students give me a Christmas cards, one with baby Jesus & Mary & Joseph. I am moved beyond word.

Summer camp comes to an end with students walking the teachers to the gate where they say goodbye. Many sobbing!

Posted by SL

My four-member teaching team was reduced to three after one left for Hong Kong. Today my team has shrunk to two due to illness. It is very exhausting due to long hours and vigorous activities in hot and humid weather. Several have come down with cold, and others have stomach upset.

In Multi-media, students learn about the 5^th Commandment – Thou shall honor your father and mother, followed by Q/A. They are quick to grasp the essence of submission and obedience.

From 6:30pm to 8pm, the D School has “Games” night. There are 7 games, played in round robin fashion. Here are the names of the games:

1. Mad cups

2. Tunnel Ball

3. Cross Ball

4. Balloon Races – with balloon between the legs

5. Soft hockey

6. Volley Ball

7. Balloon Race – with ball back-to-back (2 players)

Students are very competitive. Even though there are no prizes, they always play hard and play to win.

Posted by SL