Summer of Service

(From Leslie)

Dear Moms, Dads and Friends,

I just have to squeeze out this last blog before we head off which is in exactly one hour. The leaving process began last night with a ceremony to present the certificates and to give the best students from each class a chance to speak and share their thoughts about the program. It was so heart warming from the Monkey class where Big Tom picked up a crying Francine and swung her around, to the Tiger class where a summer of discipline issues aside they were united and very spirited, to the Horse class who really kicked off the hugging rather than the shaking hands routine, and finally to the Dragons where Jim (say that really loud and fast and in a high pitched voice and you may come close to saying it how he does), literally flew across the stage into Rory's arms.

The teachers are dealing with the departure in different ways. Francine already cried, Rory has literally been on the edge of tears for 24 hours now (red face and all), Betty wants to take them all home, Ashley is exhausted from both work and from the leaving process, Lisa is sentimental and reflective, Jean, steady as a rock always, is hard to read, Daniel was sad a week ago, Andrew is trying to fulfill every demand and invitation out there, Chris is anxious about leaving, James, as always, will process it a bit slower than the rest, Michael is seems to be lost in thought, and I am a bit numb, just trying to get it all done and finish up strongly. We all sat around last night and had a "feelings talk" about how we have changed, how our expectations were different than what happened, what were the highs, the funniest moments, the most eye opening moments. And we also talked about whether or not any of them would like to teacher in the future. The answers were that the majority would consider it and those who chose that answer in no way correlated with those who felt the most comfortable teaching, which was in itself inspiring.

But the highlight for us all was the speech last night by Stella in the Monkey class. She wrote this entirely by herself and the teachers helped her edit for grammar only slightly. I will let the words speak for themselves as our departing thoughts from Jishou.

Closing Ceremony Speech by Stella
"Hello everyone! It's my special pleasure to speak here on our Monkey group's behalf. Still, it's a sad job for me to put my feelings into words. For six weeks, we have studied in this program. We are lucky to have had so many wonderful teachers like you here. Six weeks is long, long enough to remember all the teachers' talents, but six weeks is short, too short to share all the joys.

Summer is the season for all the living things to grow luxuriantly. However, it's also a season for people to part ways. It seems that the opening ceremony just happened yesterday. All the teachers are still so vivid in our minds. Mike's enthusiasm, Andrew's extensive knowledge, Francine's patience, James' shyness, Jean's gentleness, Betty's warm heart, Lisa's kindness, Ashley's cheerful disposition, Daniel's consideration, Chris' keen brain, Rory's sense of humor, Leslie's dignity. How time flies! Today we have to separate and go different ways. Though we are unwilling to say goodbye, we all know that there is no ever-lasting party. The moment the music finishes, we have to leave.

I still remember vividly the very first day we had class. Mike, Andrew and Francine were standing there. Shy and nervous, they took turns to speak. Oh! Gosh! They shared such a tacit cooperation. Right there, right then, I had the feeling that they were a match made in heaven. Afterwards, I knew I had been proved correct. Especially, when they were rapping and dancing together, my feelings were confirmed even more.

You, all the teachers have lent us the international eyes to observe the whole world. Gradually and surprisingly, we adopted a worldly perspective. We carried empty bags into this program, and it's all because of you our bags have been packed full of knowledge and different ways of thinking. How can we thank you enough for all these precious treasures? Each time you felt tired and weary, we felt guilty and heart broken. We really appreciate what you've done for us. Thank you!

Anyway, never will human being win the race with time. We are eternally bound to sit here and say goodbye. I hope that this friendship can bring more beauty and sunshine to our days. When we think of you, the miles between us will disappear.

Remember the good times we shared! We'll cherish our memories forever. We all wish you a pleasant and safe journey home. Thank you. Thank you all!"

And with those words we say goodbye to Jishou and look forward to reconnecting with all of you back home!

Much love,
Leslie