Some have asked for a note to their family. David wants his folks to know he misses them A LOT!
Daniel’s friends and family will be happy to see from pictures how greatly involved he has been in activities and sports.
Last night’s birthday party was a great success and David was honored since his birthday is in July. James enjoyed being in a cute skit and Sarah has reminded us so much of her mom, always ready for anything involving people. Valerie is totally committed to all activities.
Need to close now and say goodbye to two Chinese friends.

This is perhaps the most difficult day because we are beginning our goodbyes and most of us will not see each other again!
During the breaks in classes they are signing autograph books and T shirts and exchanging email addresses. The tears have already started to flow and tomorrow morning (Monday), after the closing ceremony, the students will begin to leave and our Kleenex supply will be totally depleted.
We have had a great bunch of kids and the Chinese assistants have been wonderful. ...read more »

Wednesday was the middle day of our camp session here at New Bridge High School in Beijing. Our Chinese counterparts felt we should have a break, so they took us to the Shicha Hai District of Beijing.

We toured the Mansion of Prince Gong “The best of all the prince mansions.” Also included were some traditional quadrangles with views of some of Beijings ancient alleys. The evening ended with a splendid meal at one of the Districts’s community centers.

Some of the team got off the bus at the local Wal-Mart Supercenter on the return. ...read more »

We know we didn’t get everyone in a picture but we may be able to send more pics at a later date.
The weather has been great. Last evening was a big event with a water balloon fight and a special “Olympics” event.
Everyone sends their greetings and love to family and friends. Without exception they all feel this is where they should be.
 J&J

While camp is purring right along with many afternoon activities happening, we decided to get a blog out before Sunday morning there in the USofA. We found an internet cafe with over 120 computers packed into a rather small, smoke-filled room,on the fourth floor of a delapidated building not far from the local MacDonalds. So, we’ll just say that our first evening program was super and the Chinese loved it. Another new student came today, bringing the total to 127. Thankfully, all the teachers are very flexible. ...read more »

Opening ceremony is over and the teachers are teaching, at last. They were so glad to finally meet their students and the Chinese assistants. The overall number of students is about 125, making about 15 or 16 per class, divided into 8 classes after a lengthy testing session last evening.
Many of the students are proficient in English and the spirit of cooperation is encouraging. Jim and Jodie were delighted to find that two of their students from ‘05 are here. ...read more »

Tuesday was such a wonderful day. This was the day we went to the great wall and it couldn’t have been a nicer day. Clear and relatively cool. Everyone took a lot of pictures and many had a good climb. Then on to the Summer Palace.
Finally the Pearl Market and SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPING.
Wednesday we came to the camp. After the rooms were assigned there was a most encouraging organizational meeting. We’re off to a good start in that regard. However, we simply have not been able to get a blog out because of computer frustration and lack of access to the Internet. ...read more »

Following a great breakfast at the hotel, we boarded our bus and headed for Tianneman Square. After many pictures we began a hot trek through the Forbidden City. We took a group picture and we’ll try to post it on a blog in a day or two. Halfway through the City, everyone except Jim, Daniel and John couldn’t resist a fix at an incredibly small Starbucks within the FC walls.
Next was a fine Chinese lunch in a beautiful restaurant. Sarah G was delighted to learn to eat Chinese spaghetti with chopsticks. Then an hour at a silk factory then on to the Summer Palace. ...read more »

After a combination international & chinese breakfast, our group climbed on the bus and received our daily ration of two bottles of water. Our bus then proceeded to the 9:30 meeting with like-minded international from around the city.

Our lunch in the hotel was our first real chinese meal. Mike P said he would give Anthoney $5 if he ate the fishes eye. For 5$ he did! He said it tasted like peanut. Christine Baker was surprised at how tasty the brains were. ...read more »

As the Fairfax Group was moving into the immigration area, they looked up and saw a bunch of yellow shirts. Sure enough it was the Milford group. This was our first time of meeting each other, so after quick introductions, we proceeded thru immigration and on to pick up our baggage. Thankfully all of it arrived too.

We all headed for the exit and met Woody. All the tranactions went smoothly and soon we were on a bus for the hotel. ...read more »