Hi Chris,
We had our closing ceremony this morning and each of us had to give
a short
speech. For me, it was the first realization that we were saying
good-bye;
which is very hard to do because we know we will not see most of these
people ever again. I'm getting emotional just writing about it.
According
to Chinese formalities, we spoke in order of age (rank), so I was the
last
to speak. By the time Lucy, Lynne and Marlene had finished, I
was
watery-eyed and working hard to contain myself. When I stood up to
speak,
the 75 teachers (our students) began singing to me. [Every morning,
I began
class by singing this song: "Good morning, students. How are you?
You're my
friends and I like you!" They would answer me, singing, "Good
morning,
teacher. How are you? You're my friend and I like you!"]
So when I stood
up to speak, they all began singing this song to me. You can
imagine how
that opened the flood gates!! Tears began streaming down my face
and I
could not sing back to them. I had an interpreter to translate
my English
into Chinese for the administrators present; but I told them that I
didn't
think tears needed translation. After giving a short speech,
my voice was
calm enough to sing back to them.
Later in the ceremony, we handed out certificates to our students.
This was
also very emotional, as each one expressed themselves to us.
Later in the
day, Mr. Liu, a very reserved and experienced research teacher, came
to me
and said, "When you spoke today, my eyes were wet." So many students
came
to us individually and told us what an impression we have had on them
and
that they will never forget us. Many said, "I love you!"
We have made such
a close connection with these people, it is an experience I will never
forget.
After the ceremony, we went to a restaurant with all the students and
had a
very nice meal. Then, we went upstairs to a "disco" room with
black lights
and colorful rotating lights. We did Chinese karaoke and dancing.
We even
sang a couple of American songs, including "Country Road (take me home)."
We also did some American fast dancing. That was great fun, with
people
taking turns going into the center of the circle to show their stuff.
Then a
congo-line formed and we wound around the place. By the end,
we were all
literally dripping with sweat!! Mr. Jiang asked if I would do
the honor of singing
"Edelweiss" with him. I agreed, but the dance ended before it
ever came on.
Before we left, he said that we shall sing it sometime in the future,
when he
comes to America. So we made a promise to each other that we
would not forget this.
Then came the time to say our last good-byes to our students . . . very
sad.
Many have promised to write, and many said they intend on sending me
a
birthday card. I think this coming birthday may be the best,
yet!! I think
I may have a mailbox full of cards from China!!
Tonight we are going out to a Russian "floor show" (in China!).
We are told
that it is a performance of singing and dancing with very loud music.
We
shall see . . .
I'll go for now . . . I can't wait to see you and Nikki!! I would
love to
go out to eat on August 11th. I don't know where, yet.
Let me think about it!!
Love, Sally