Deyang Summer

I've been home from China now for a few weeks, but it's not left my thoughts for even a day. How can I tell you about this most memorable summer? We set off to a different place and seemingly a different time, Mel, Jason, Jeremiah, Miranda and I. We settled into our bare rooms and made them home. The connections with our classes full of Chinese teachers was immediate--and then we began collecting memories. The surprise of finding a turtle in our soup! The crazy enthusiasm for the bunny hop with our students. The days of endless dialogues and endearing one on one conversations. Of course, several encounters with Sichuan hot pot! There was the late evening conversation with Shichao as she told me the tale of her terrible loss in last years earthquake-- followed by a tearful visit with her and our team to the earthquake ruins in Wen Chuan. I'll remember the sweet chance to give little Anna her English name (after our Ani--"grace") and her bright fish painting for me in return. The wild gobbles as we acted out the Thanksgiving skit or the worshipful candlelit version of "Silent Night" we all sang together. The warm smiles of our dorm family-- and their washing machine instruction! The afternoon we seemed to go back in time strolling through the park in Mian Zhu and sitting in the tea house over cups of green tea. And evening of delectable street food with Rui-rui and the card games & green tea with her by the river on hot summer nights. I'll continue to be grateful for her care on our trips to the eye clinic through my frightening eye infection. Sunday worship in the crowded Deyang church, shoulder to shoulder with the dear tiny ladies sharing their hymnals... and the Sunday Rui rui joined us there. The cafeteria lunches with students, picking over spicy food. Morning ping pong with Ceicil and friends. Afternoons meeting with our team--sharing stories, reading scripture, praying toether... And the Closing Ceremony followed by unexpectedly tearful hugs and tender good-byes as our teachers left on their way home to towns all around. Unforgettable.