The Home Stretch

Our official classes have ended.  We spent the week in our oral and writing classes discussing with the students the topic, "Life Lessons."  We shared some final thoughts about how we felt though music from "Wicked"....
"Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
 But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.
 It well may be that we may never meet again in this lifetime.
 So let me say before we part, so much of me is made of what I learn from you.
 You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart.
 And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend...
 Because I knew you I have been changed for good..."

It has been an emotional week as we said "goodbye" after spending ten months with the same students.  There were a few tears, hugs and photos as we parted.  They are diligent young adults who are concerned about their future career and have a desire to bring "honor" to their family. 

Tuesday evening we were invited to attend the farewell dinner for the Foreign Language Department.  It was mainly to honor the foreign teachers who have been on our campus.  There are a few teachers returning to SDU this fall, including a French teacher and three Oral English teachers.  The two Spanish teachers , a Japanese teacher, a Russian teacher and the two of us are leaving .  We were asked again if we knew of anyone we could encourage to come to SDU and teach English, as there are still some vacancies.  The dinner always includes about 15 toasts!!

Far left:  Christina and David (Spanish teachers), Ken (Oral English from Scotland), Jason (Oral English from US), Mark (Oral English from US - but Korean, Morgan (French teacher)

 

During the dinner, a department teacher mentioned that one of Nancy's students had posted some positive comments about her oral class on the SDU website .  It is all in Chinese, but with Bing and Google translators we were able to get the idea of what she had written.  Nancy felt honored that her efforts in class were appreciated.  Several students have written in their journals or given us notes to thank us both for teaching them this year.

This week we have oral finals, to finish the written final and have to prepare grades for submission.  We are also trying to box up BYU items to be moved to another apartment, since there currently is no replacement BYU couple for our campus.  Plus we are sorting what to leave behind in China, clean the apartment and pack for a trip to Tibet/Nepal and our return to the US in July.  It will be a busy time!!

 We all raved about Lulu's outfit today at church.  She was accessorizing in South African style!  She will be spending five years at SDU to become a doctor.  She will not return to South Africa during that time.  When she is finished with medical school in China, she will continue to study for an additional three years in her home country.

  

Our final foreign teachers'  potluck on Sunday....right after we had our own church potluck.  And we still ate!  Mary from the SDU international office is in front followed by long term US teachers in China, Pam and Robbi.  Danny from San Diego (with hat) has taught oral English and has a masters in business.  He has enjoyed his teaching experience at SDU and will be getting a PHD in literature at Princeton in the fall.  Zina Cox, BYU teacher has on the blue top.  Lynn, the black teacher, is Canadian.

 

Stan celebrated Father's Day with two of his favorite foods....carmel corn and a chocolate chip cookie!

  

We have included a few additional pictures from the Huangshan trip.  It truly was amazing!!!

 Stan, Robin (Chinese colleague of Wayne Clarke), Wayne and Jasper (nephew of Robin)

 Notice that Stan is touching the post for support.  He said that crossing the bridge was a little unsettling!