Final Hungary Update

Hi! We wanted to give you one last update from Hungary before we leave. Thursday we traveled by train to the Fort of Komárom. This was very amazing. It was huge and the kids really found it interesting. We learned that it was the 5th most targeted Fort for the Americans to find because of the large supply of gunpowder and weapons that was stored there. The kids then walked over the bridge and were actually standing in Slovakia. After that we did a little shopping and then went swimming at an indoor pool. After catching the train to come back to Tatabánya the children returned to their host families for their last full night. This morning we are hiking to Turul (the bird) where we went the first day to make a campfire and cook goulash. If it rains we will cook in the caves. We have a very early morning where we will leave for the airport at 3:30 am. Although it may be an emotional good-bye with the Hungarians, we are also excited about coming home to our American families. We have really learned a lot and enjoyed ourselves. Everyone is excited about sharing our many pictures with all of you!

Hungary Update #6

Haliho! We have arrived back from our day trip to Esztergom. Here we were able to see some very historical places as well as play and have some fun. We first visited the castle of Visegrad. Here we saw very beautiful views of Hungary and the Danube River. We then had some fun at a park where all of our children went bobsledding. The kids really had a blast. We also gave them some play time at a nearby park where they ran around and most made an obstacle course on their own and competed against one another. At lunchtime we traveled to Esztergom where we saw the beautiful city and amazing Basilica. Here not only did we view the enormous inside, but we were allowed to walk up over 400 steps, most in a spiral staircase, to walk around the large dome on top of the Basilica. We could see a great deal of Hungary, along with Slovakia and the Danube River. The kids enjoyed this and took some great pictures. We were able to eat lunch and do some shopping in the city before heading back for the evening. Tomorrow we will go back to school in the morning and then in the afternoon we will hike back to Turul (the giant bird from last Monday) to play some games and make Gulyas over the fire. I have attached some pictures from the Basilica for you to see. The picture with the Maria Valeria Bridge shows Slovakia on the other side of the Danube. The views were breathtaking...I hope you like them! We will be home before you know it! See you then! Stefanie and Dave

Hungary Update #5

Hi! We wanted to give an update again to let you know of our activities and learning while here in Hungary. This weekend we went to Lake Balaton which is the largest lake in Hungary. While there we visited Tihany which is an Abbey. It was beautiful. We also walked around the village and saw different sights. There was a place where we could stand and yell and then could hear an echo. The kids thought this was very cool. We all tried it and then heard our echo. We then traveled to Keszthely and saw the Festetics Castle or Palace. In there we saw a huge library that was very interesting. We also visited a museum with different carriages and buggies that horses pulled.. After that we went to the museum where there were animals on display that people had hunted and stuffed. There were several animals of all types. There was even a huge polar bear that was on display. It was amazing to think that these were all hunted and of course the girls didn't like this very much. Upstairs in the museum was a huge model train display. They really enjoyed this part of the museum. After a long day of sight seeing we went to our cabin for the evening. We had dinner and then played games. They had organized mixed teams to participate in different events together. It was very similar to nativity's Spirit day. The students (and teachers) really enjoyed these activities. After an even longer night at the cabin we went to a water park in Hévíz on Sunday. This was an indoor and outdoor facility with heated pools and spas. It had a water slide that the kids loved. It also had a whirlpool that was different for our children, but they thought it was pretty cool. The students had a blast swimming and were very tired after. We went to lunch at a restaurant in Hévíz where we sat outside with a beautiful view of the countryside with villages and vineyards. The meal was delicious.. They played at the playground for a few minutes before continuing to Lake Balaton to walk around the pier. The kids were exhausted after the long bus ride home. We felt they needed to rest so they did not have to come to school this morning. They are coming to school for some programs in the afternoon. Dave and I taught our lessons today and are beginning to get a lot of interesting questions regarding politics and about life in America. I have attached two photos of the whole group at the Festetics Castle and the fountain. Hopefully all is well in Cincinnati. We have a field trip tomorrow and will return to school on Wednesday for the students to continue with their lessons. We will continue to update you with our activities. Everyone is relaxed and still having a wonderful time. It won't be long before we are back in Cincinnati! Take care! Dave and Stefanie

Hungary Update #4

Hello! There is not too much to report today. The weather is a little better here today. The sun is shining. We had school all morning and have "free time" with our host families this afternoon and evening. Some students are going back to Budapest and other villages around Tatábanya. We will leave tomorrow morning for Lake Balaton and stay there all weekend. There are cabins there that we will stay in overnight. There are hot springs for the kids to swim in while there and plenty of sights to see. Yesterday we went to a castle and saw some art displays. We made rock creatures. The students are very talented and artistic. All the children are having a great time and really learning a lot, as we are too! This has been a wonderful experience so far! We will probably not be able to write this weeked since we are at the Lake. We will give you another update when we get back Monday! Have a great weekend! Stefanie and Dave

Hungary Update #3

Hello! We have been very busy with plenty to see and do while we are here in Hungary. Today is Thursday morning and the children are in gym class. After they are finished completing gym, they will be going to English classes. Dave and I will be teaching all day with grades 10, 11, and 12. This proves to be a challenge as each of us are replacing the regular classroom teacher who is not present in the room. In the afternoon we are traveling to Tata to see the city and a famous castle. Yesterday we went to Hungary's capital Budapest all day. We started our tour on the Buda side of the Danube and visited a fortress which also included their version of the statue of liberty which symbolizes their freedom from all the countries they have had wars with in the past. We then traveled across the famous "chain bridge" to the Pest side. While in Pest we visited the Parliament, Hero's Square, the President's House, the Basilica of St. Stephen, and walked around looking at several other buildings and landmarks from Hungary's History. The children also had the opportunity to jump on a giant tramoline in the city park. They also had time to walk around to shop and eat. (Burger King) : ) Be assured that we have taken many pictures of what we have seen and will place them on a CD for each student. Yesterday alone we took over 250 pictures between us. We have noticed especially this morning that the kids seem to be VERY upbeat and more relaxed and secure in their surroundings. On the busride home from Budapest, the Hungarian students and Nativity students were as one, singing, playing, taking pictures and talking together. We have attached a few group pictures from some of the places that we have visited in Budapest and "the bird" (Turul) in Tatábanya. We hope you enjoy! Talk to you later! Have a wonderful day! Dave and Stefanie

Hungary Update #2

Good afternoon to all! We are all doing well here at our second day at Arpad Gimnázium! We made the newspaper here yesterday when we were at the street festival supporting "a day with no cars". This event was celebrated all across Europe. Please go to www.kemma.hu to view pictures of our children. Click on Képgaléria and then click on Tatabánya. You will see the children engaged in various activity. They really had a blast. We were told that these pictures will only be on the web page for a couple of days. This is the address that they gave us so hopefully it works! Yesterday morning the students went to English lessons here at the school. They also learned Hungarian numbers which will be used in a competition later in the week. In the afternoon we hiked about 6 miles up a mountain side to see some caves and The Turul monument, which towers over the town from Gerecse mountain. We also climbed the observation tower that overlooks the city and surrounding valleys. It was breathtaking! There was no struggle whatsoever with the amount of walking and climbing that we did. The students also learned to do archery. They all shot a bow and arrow at targets in the woods. They were instructed by trained archers. We then walked back to the school...Some ran with one of the teachers. After we were back at school they met their host families and went home for the evening. This morning we are back in classes and working on various art projects. Dave and I will begin our instruction about the US and Nativity school in the classrooms today with the Hungarian students while our students are in English lessons. After school today they will be returning to their host student's homes for an evening of "free activity" with their family. Tomorrow is a big day as we will be spending the entire day in Budapest. We will give you an update on Thursday with pictures included. In the meantime if there are any concerns please feel free to email us. Have a great day! Halihó Dave and Stefanie

Hungary Update #1

Here is the first report from our delegation to Hungary --

The first day went well. The flights were long but smooth. Every stop went without a hitch. We were delayed a little in Amsterdam which made us late arriving in Budapest. The kids were hesitant at first to go to their host families, but the Hungarians were so nice and welcoming it ended up ok. We went on a bus from Budapest to Tatabanya where the children met the parents and went on to their homes. The Hungarian host students were on the bus with us so they got to talk to them altogether for about an hour during the ride. From the school the students went home with their families for dinner and relaxing evening. There was no group get together. Their thought was that since we had a long trip and it was late that everyone would want to relax. Much to our surprise there was no welcoming ceremony at the school either. We haven't heard of one that is planned either. They have a bulletin board dedicated to Nativity with pictures from when they were there for IPW in 2006. There was also a display from 2000. The mural is still there and Dave explained to me what part you painted between the lines HAHA Jon Deutsch lost his wallet on this bus and called us that night. We were able to get ahold of the driver and he found it. It will be returned Wednesday when we go to Budapest. Today is the first day at the school. The kids are attending English classes and everyone is excited for us to be here. There was a festival out in the street. The streets were closed for "a day with no cars". This is something they do all across Europe and there were very many activities for the kids to participate in along the lines of other transportation methods. i.e. stilts, bikes, foot pedals. This afternoon we are going hiking to the famous bird (some statue at the top of the hill) and the mines which have caves. It is a little cold and rainy, but we are hoping for more sun later this week. Tomorrow we will be making bags and bracelets as well as going to more classes. Wednesday we are going to Budapest for the day. They have a lot planned for us while we are here and the kids are excited and enjoying themselves. Dave reports that to his surprise the town (Tatabanya) is relatively unchanged from when you were here in 2000. It seems as if there is more capitalism but existing in the old communist style architecture. He has seen many of the same people and they say hello to you! Dave and I will be teaching several classes separately with no other teacher in the room starting tomorrow. This should be interesting. We will let you know how it goes. We will give you the next report tomorrow! Have a wonderful day! Hollié Ho! Dave and Stefanie

News from Our German Delegation

We've received our first word from our delegation to Germany. It sounds as if things there are off to a great start. Keep them all in your prayers.

Here's the first report:

We are spending Day one at Otto Hahn. Your students have been wonderful. All are well- some are sleepy. Should be an early night for most tonight. No one is complaining about hunger or homesickness. You should all be very proud of how mature they are behaving.

It is rainy and cold here so enjoy your beautiful weather.

We have a meeting room at the school and the students meet their hosts on the breaks in their common areas. Today we walked some to The River Elbe and through Gettstacht when Anke was not teaching lessons.

Some students rode bikes to school, some were driven and others take the bus. They all leave school at different times but none of them leave until 12:10. some must stay until 2:00.

We have met up with Sebastian Kloth and Sarah Jamishidi who were interns within the last 2 years at Nativity.

We are having a Wonderful time and will go Hamburg tomorrow with the class. Interesting fact: Hamburg has more bridges than Venice. Should be fun.

Take care and do not worry too much! We are getting along wonderfully.

Maybe the last update from the China Delegation?

Thursday, March 13 -- Today was a ton of fun - visited classes today and in one engaged in a debate re. the use of cell phones in school. Both teams had American and Chinese students on them. Good arguments both ways - lots of interaction, lots of fun. Afternoon was spent at a Chinese Tea Ceremony. Training in the ritual is one of the courses at one of the Liuzhou high schools. The students who presented were amazing - you won't believe the photos when you see them. We are being overwhelmed with gifts form the staff and students. Walking through the campus it is not uncommon for students to give us gifts. Kirshane was given a puppy by her host family as a present which we have said she cannot take home with her. Tomorrow afternoon is the farewell banquet and then it's to the airport for a 10:40 departure. This may be the last e-mail - depending on how tomorrow goes

The Latest from China

Tuesday, March 10 -- Very busy day touring around town. Morning spent at the Museum of Liuzhou with exhibits from fossils to dinosaurs to prehistoric China up to early 20th century. Great section on the different ethnic groups as well as Chinese art, pottery and calligraphy. It's a beautiful 1 year old museum that is in the center of town - just on the other side of the park across the street from Long Cheng. After lunch we spent the afternoon at the factory that makes a the Chinese car - soon to be exported to the US they say. It is already exported to S. American, SE Asia, the Middle East, Russia and Africa. We saw the car assembled from the steel 'shell' to finish as they drove cars off the assembly line. Long Cheng has certainly "pulled out all the stops" to make this trip a memorable one. There was a positive reaction to the demostration classes Mr. Yost and I taught yesterday to about 150 teachers from Long Cheng and a neighboring school. The teachers were interested in a process other than lecture which they are almost forced to do with class size of 50 to 60 students. Mr. Yost taught an excellent lesson on forms of literary criticism - had a copy of his lesson plan in Chinese for the teachers to follow along with notes on his power point presentation. I taught a lesson relative to the upcoming presidential election with an emphasis on the voters' obligation to be informed on where the candidates stand. The discussion with the English teachers after the demo was lively with lots of good questions asked. Mr. Yost could do well mentoring teachers here! The demonstration classes made the front page of the Liuzhou Daily. Mr. Radtke and students continue to work on the video. You are going to be very impressed with the work they will have done. Can't wait for you to see it! There are 5 daily newspapers in Liuzhou (if I understood correctly) and two papers have assigned reporters to be with us just about every day. We were accompanied to the Museum and the car factory today. They each will do a big articles at the conclusion of the trip (if I understood correctly). Needless to say, our visit is big news. I'm writing this from the People's Hospital of Liuzhou as my host father makes rounds. He did open hear surgery today and is checking up on his patients. A good day with good weather. The days are going fast.

Weekend Update from China

Friday, March 7 – It's Friday evening and we are all tired - it's been a full week without (it seems) a moment to rest. Today we continued our meetings with students in Grades 7 and 8 - a Q&A format in small groups after having shown our Nativity video. The sessions end with "group reports on what we learned about America/China" and the Kung Fu video produced by the 8th grade group for the Lasagna Film Festival. We visited a "traditional Chinese painting class" - much different than the process Mrs. Burger with much less creativity. Perhaps that's not the point when learning traditional Chinese painting. What we don't see is student art displayed - but in all fairness there is not good way to do that. All the corridors are outside. Anything displayed would have to be under glass for it to last. This afternoon we visited a shop class were students cut designs from balsa wood (e.g., swan, rooster, etc.) using a saw made for kids. No safety issues here at all. We followed that with a visit to a traditional Chinese music class were students had the opportunity to play a Chinese version of an auto harp / table harp. Beautiful instruments with a great sound. We ended the class visits with the "Chinese pronunciation class" and tried to say a Chinese tongue twister. The Chinese students attempted "How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood" and "Sally sells seashells ...." Lots of laughter all around. We ended the day with a Team USA Meeting before breaking for the weekend - reminding students to save money for Shanghai, do some final taping at home for the documentary video, etc. Crunch time begins Monday for the video. Now is the time to start putting the content together into a video we plan to show the Long Cheng students Friday afternoon and the host families Friday evening at the Farewell Party. Students will be working with Ed in groups of 2 to edit the final version. Andy and I have been asked to teach a lesson to the Nativity students so the Chinese teachers could observe how classes are taught in the USA / at Nativity. They are very interested in the methods we use with a class of +/- 22 vs. their classes of 50 or more. Andy will teach a lesson on the writing process; I'll teach one on an overview of Chinese history. The principal will free as many teachers as possible to observe the class - not just the teachers of English. Jillian will translate / summarize at the end. It should be a lot of fun. The weather has turned and is just a bit colder - good sweatshirt / sweater weather - after a light shower today. Tomorrow some families are going hiking in the mountains; there is talk of a picnic on Sunday. We'll see how plans evolve / shape up. Nancy should be getting in touch with you to confirm your intent to host a Chinese student. We need to find an American host family for the student hosting Ed and the student hosting Andy. My student is not coming. The Chinese principal and vice principal are coming but do not speak English. An English speaking tour guide will accompany them. Jillian will be the 4th and there to interpret for one of the administrators. So, we need a family that can host 2 adults one of whom speaks English. Reminder: the visit of the Finns overlaps with the visit of the Chinese. We'll have for about10 days a three nation summit and will plan activities that will involve the students from all three nations. It's something we'll never forget! Sunday, March 9 – Not much news to report this Sunday evening. There was no whole group activity scheduled. We'll get a report tomorrow (Monday morning) on the weekend's activities. It tried to rain today but only managed to drizzle a bit. Crunch time begins tomorrow with the need to finish the video by Friday noon. Students will be working with Ed individually or in small groups to edit, etc. In two groups we will be visiting classrooms and distributing the "Friendship Journey" pencils we brought. Time is flying by - it's hard to believe that our trip is over half over. Monday, March 10— Weekend activities included hiking in the mountains / local park, picnic for many / most students. Monday we broke into two groups and visited English classes to observe and then interact with students. Went very well. The afternoon we were scheduled to go to the museum but it was closed. Plan B was a trip to the "souvenir flea market" - seemed like a thousand stalls in a huge building that sold anything you could think of. Many gifts for family and friends were purchased. Monday evening everyone - host families, many teachers, etc went on a boat ride on the river - beautiful evening! Back in class today.

China Update #8

Friday, March 7 -- It's Friday evening and we are all tired - it's been a full week without (it seems) a moment to rest. Today we continued our meetings with students in Grades 7 and 8 - a Q&A format in small groups after having shown our Nativity video. The sessions end with "group reports on what we learned about America/China" and the Kung Fu video produced by the 8th grade group for the Lasagna Film Festival. We visited a "traditional Chinese painting class" - much different than the process Mrs. Burger with much less creativity. Perhaps that's not the point when learning traditional Chinese painting. What we don't see is student art displayed - but in all fairness there is not good way to do that. All the corridors are outside. Anything displayed would have to be under glass for it to last. This afternoon we visited a shop class were students cut designs from balsa wood (e.g., swan, rooster, etc.) using a saw made for kids. No safety issues here at all. We followed that with a visit to a traditional Chinese music class were students had the opportunity to play a Chinese version of an auto harp / table harp. Beautiful instruments with a great sound. We ended the class visits with the "Chinese pronunciation class" and tried to say a Chinese tongue twister. The Chinese students attempted "How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood" and "Sally sells seashells ...." Lots of laughter all around. We ended the day with a Team USA Meeting before breaking for the weekend - reminding students to save money for Shanghai, do some final taping at home for the documentary video, etc. Crunch time begins Monday for the video. Now is the time to start putting the content together into a video we plan to show the Long Cheng students Friday afternoon and the host families Friday evening at the Farewell Party. Students will be working with Ed in groups of 2 to edit the final version. Andy and I have been asked to teach a lesson to the Nativity students so the Chinese teachers could observe how classes are taught in the USA / at Nativity. They are very interested in the methods we use with a class of +/- 22 vs. their classes of 50 or more. Andy will teach a lesson on the writing process; I'll teach one on an overview of Chinese history. The principal will free as many teachers as possible to observe the class - not just the teachers of English. Jillian will translate / summarize at the end. It should be a lot of fun. The weather has turned and is just a bit colder - good sweatshirt / sweater weather - after a light shower today. Tomorrow some families are going hiking in the mountains; there is talk of a picnic on Sunday. We'll see how plans evolve / shape up. Nancy should be getting in touch with you to confirm your intent to host a Chinese student. We need to find an American host family for the student hosting Ed and the student hosting Andy. My student is not coming. The Chinese principal and vice principal are coming but do not speak English. An English speaking tour guide will accompany them. Jillian will be the 4th and there to interpret for one of the administrators. So, we need a family that can host 2 adults one of whom speaks English. Reminder: the visit of the Finns overlaps with the visit of the Chinese. We'll have for about10 days a three nation summit and will plan activities that will involve the students from all three nations. It's something we'll never forget!

Today's China Update --

Friday, March 7 – The basket ball game was intense - two great teams played hard. I'll leave the details for the kids to share. Weather continues to be good. Days at school are filled with lots of activity. This morning we are meeting with English language classes. This afternoon we are shadowing in art class. We have a Chinese language lesson almost every day. Jillian is great - a wonderful style with all of us teaching a difficult subject to master. We are so lucky that she will be the one to inaugurate the program at Nativity. Two students from the local university stopped by yesterday - heard about our visit from the news. Their English is excellent. They sponsor the "English Corner" - a get together each Friday evening for university students who want to speak English. Topics are wide open - just a change to practice English. They were impressed with our kids and the program and spent a good part of the day assisting when our kids were learning how to write Chinese calligraphy and paint in the traditional Chinese style. A rep. from a private English bi-lingual school also heard we were in town and stopped by to find out about how this exchange came about. If I read between the lines correctly, she wanted to know how her school could participate. Adjacent to Long Cheng is a police substation. The officers gave us a tour of their 2 room office / substation and posed with the group for a photo. Students are taking turns filming at their respective homes. Ed Radtke and Andy has been great working on the film. The biggest problems we have is deciding what will make the cut. The following web page is, I believe, for the education department in Liuzhou. You'll find photos of our trip. www.doule.net/Article/tbbd/200803/47197.htm

China Delegation Update --

Wednesday, March 5 –
Just a quick note:

This was the media morning - TV spent close to 2 hours covering a Chinese language lesson, interviewing kids, filming a class in Chinese folk art our kids attended. You would be proud of the kids. Someone said it was national TV - but that has not been confirmed by a reliable source.

Evenings are filling fast with invitations to dinners etc. E-mail may not be as regular - rest assured they are having a great time - no homesickness at all.

It is becoming increasingly apparent how important this exchange is for Long Cheng.

Got to go. We are off to a class in Chinese calligraphy.


Thursday, March 6 --
Long day today and it's not over yet.

Lessons in Chinese calligraphy and fung fu. TV station and press were there for both. China vs. USA in basketball begins in 10 minutes (5:30 p.m. local time) - much anticipation from everyone.

One of the biggest things to get used to is the 2.5 hour mid-day break. Everyone goes home for lunch and a rest or out to the local restaurant or to the park or eat at school. Long Cheng does not provide supervision during this time.

At dinner last night with Chinese teachers and principal I asked what is the biggest challenge facing China today. The responses ranged from protecting the environment, world peace, raising the standard of living to health care cost. Good discussion - similar to a conversation that might take place in the USA. The one thing that was not on their list was terrorism.

We informed the Chinese that they would overlap with the Finns and the Chinese are very excited about the "3 nation summit" - Buckle your seat belts; it's going to be a week we'll long remember.

Off to the game.

More China News

Tuesday, March 4 -- Big day yesterday! We met with English classes, showed a short video of Nativity and provided lots of time in small groups for the Chinese kids to talk with our kids. They want as much time as possible to practice their English. The sessions went very well. We ended each class showing the Beyersdorfer / McClain movie from the Lasagna Film Festival. It received rave reviews form the Chinese kids! The "Friendship Festival between Long Cheng and Nativity" took place in the afternoon. Ours students sang (School Song and Suscipe) and danced (Square and Chicken), Sam on the harmonica, Adam juggling, Erik "hop hopping" for an audience of over 2000. The neighboring primary school was there as were officials from the local ministry of education. It took 30 minutes for the students / audience to assemble - all outside on a beautiful early spring afternoon. Our performance was very well received. We were followed by several Chinese acts - all very well done. Your sons/daughters are celebrities - Chinese students asking for autographs and e-mail addresses - and they are handling it very well. You would be proud of them! We have been interviewed by the press (with color photos on the front page) and by the TV stations. After the assembly we walked to a restaurant - the long way along the river. The dinner was hosted by the local Ministry of Education. Great food, great conversation. At the end the host families came to get their guest and headed home. Today (it's 9:15 a.m.) more sessions with English classes and "the games begin" this afternoon. Both Chinese and American students are eager to play basketball, volleyball and soccer. It looks like they will be scheduled over the next several days. At the 15 minute break between each period/class, there have been pick up basketball games. Among the Americans there is great interest in the result of the primaries in Ohio and Texas - no news yet on CNN web page. In conversation with Chinese adults there is some interest also though one person said, "It is your election and we respect your choice. It is not our business." One of the teachers said that "the circle keeps getting bigger" - as word about the American delegation gets out more Chinese people are asking about the experience; for example, my host father is a cardiac surgeon. I met with his group of cardiac surgeons from the hospital last night to talk about all kinds of things - and to learn a Chinese poker game. No homesickness. It's going to be tough to leave. Time to head off to class. Wednesday, March 5 So far in China I have had some chicken feet and other crazy different foods. their school is huge, 2000 students in a 5 story school. Everyday so far we have been treated like celebrities. Michael K. The weather here is wonderful. I've done so many things already in the very short t;i;me I've been here. I've gone strawberry picking, took a tour of the school and toured a temple in an amazing park. Rian J. I've learned it's hard to learn speak Chinese. I also learned that people in China are very interested in American culture. Rachel S. China i s wonderful place. It is very busy and crowded, but very interesting. I ma having a wonderful time in Luszhou and hope that I can come back here when I'm older. Lynn V. The trip so far in Luzhou has been a blast. Even though my host family makes me eat a lot, they are very nice family and they're very caring. I would recommend coming here again. Erik E. So far, I like China and am glad that I am here. Liuzhou is a great city and I believe everything will get better. Brian D. China has been very fun. the people have been so welcoming and my host family is great. I am really looking forward to the rest of the trip. Katie D. My trip to Liuzhou has been a lot of fun so far. The people here are so warm and welcoming, especially at the school. I am enjoying myself greatly. Amanda S. I'm loving China, everyone here love us. We're being treated like rock starts. We are singing autographs and taking news interviews. I'm on the font page of 2 papers. The only problem is not a log of people speak good English. Jake C. I'm really enjoying my stay in China. My host family is very welcoming and Liuzhou is a very beautiful city. Alesix K. It is very fun in China even though it is culturally different. I have learned a lot by being here about myself and other people. Kirshane E. My trip to China has been perfect so far. My host family has been extremely generous. It is great to be in China meeting and making new friends Adam B. China is amazing. the people are very hospitable and kind. This is an amazing experience. Sam E. There is a way (dao) about this place that is enchanting, and a bit daunting at times. But, the expanse of being in a foreign land and being surrounded by unfamiliar things is easily overcome by the sound of laughter: this is my first lesson in Chinese. Andy Nancy, please share with staff and forward to anyone I forgot to include. Thanks. Nativity colleagues: Andy was the master of ceremonies for our cultural show, introducing each act. You should have seem him. Over 2000 people, many of whom do not speak Chinese, most who don't speak it very well - and he had them all in the palm of his hand!

Delegation to China

Our delegation will leave tomorrow for the initial student exchange with our partner school in China. Students from our 7th and 8th grade, with their adult (faculty) chaperones, will be spending the next two weeks at Long Cheng Middle School. This is, we hope, only the beginning of a long, and fruitful partnership between our two schools.

We wish our delegates a safe journey. Please keep them in your prayers as they go out to do this work of changing the world through the friendships they will create.