goodbyes are tough

here it is already thursday, and i'm just now getting to saturday!
we had to be at school for the final day earlier than usual, which made all the difference in the world, transportation-wise. we were actually able to find seats and the bus wasn't nearly as crowded!

the classes each met for a 30 minute review session. even though their command of what we've taught them is far from complete, it was amazing to see what they had picked up in such a short time. their eagerness to learn and their willingness to try hard or new things was an encouragement to each of us.

after classtime, we all gathered in the courtyard where a big ceremony was held. each class performend something they had learned during the week. we saw performances of the "family song," a demonstration of action verbs, "head, shoulders, knees & toes," and a color song. all the students performed a song they sang in english, and another group sang the "do re mi" song from the sound of music and "edelweiss" both with adorable hand motions. it was precious!
each class presented five students with a special "star student" award, and each child at the school received a certificate along with a class photo, which they all had us autograph!

saying goodbye was harder than we had imagined. . . our lives intertwined in just five days as their openness and eagerness to learn melted our hearts. it was the same with the teachers, too. after working with them for five days, we had really established some good "guanxi" (relationship). a few of the students walked partway with us to the bus, and parted ways when our paths went in different directions. more hugs, more pictures, more waving, only this time. . . tears. it was so hard letting go.

later that evening, we had the teachers to our apartment for a spaghetti dinner (eaten wiith chopsticks!) which they enjoyed--especially the garlic bread!! we played games until 10 pm and only had one complaint from the tennant below! :)
besides loving and teaching the students, exchanging ideas and encouraging the teachers, the best outcome of the week was establishing and building guanxi with the principal (who also came to dinner and played games!) of the school. we presented her with a modest gift of some school supplies which she greatly appreciated. there is already talk of the chinese volunteer teachers that worked with us coming back to guest teach. it is a beginning. . .
i have pictures, but the usb port is not working on this computer at the internet cafe. perhaps i'll have more luck later.