The team traveled to beautiful Dalian in Liaoning province (about 7 hours by train southeast of Siping). It was our end-of-year retreat, simply to debrief highs and lows and discuss the entire year. We’ve spent three days here and it has been enjoyable: pigging out on pizza and cheese-everything, going around town, having numerous trip to Starbucks (Jude and I just love the Green Tea Frapps), and watching my first movie in a movie theater in China (we all saw “Night at the Museum 2”). We’ve had a great time together and our team retreats have become part of our team culture. We leave at 12:15 PM for Siping by train; it should take about 8 hours. We all have sleepers, so we can enjoy plenty of space while traveling. Last year at this time, we went to Shenyang, and this year it was Dalian. Hmmm, where to go next year?

I’m so stoked about coming home this summer! I don’t have Wheaton classes in Illinois; therefore, no travel to and from there, no homework, and no stress. This summer is gonna rock! As of right now, I’m working on several different dates and trips. Right now, I’m scheduled to go with the Clements to Washington, DC around the end of July. That’s probably the only out-of-state trip I’ll take. Most of the time I plan to stay in or around Tulsa/Muskogee.

In team news, we’ve recently discovered that Vance will be leaving us for the States next year. Sarah is possibly going to Changchun, but nothing is secured at this point. We did receive word of two new teachers to my school – both women with one being from Maine and one from Alabama. They’re living the dream of coming to teach in China!

Former teammate, Michelle, is visiting us from Kashgar (that’s in northwest China). It’s good to see her and have her presence near us. She’s going home early for unknown reasons; she does seem tired and disillusioned. I’m glad she’s able to visit us and laugh into the late night hours.

Some of my more faithful and compassionate teammates visit the local Siping orphanage on a weekly basis. Kat has been in amazing contact with them as to the needs of the children. Recently, three children have come to the point of needing serious assistance: one with a cleft palate and two with club feet (see the pics).   The former is quite easy to fix as the child must be of age and weight; the latter is harder to find help. Kat has actually secured a hospital in Guilin (far south  China) who will have multiple casts over a year long process to “recreate” and “reshape” the feet. Good news indeed! To help this process out, similar to two years ago, each of us team members have created a special “prize” that can be won. Students buy tickets (as chances) for each of our prizes with the hopes of winning. My prize is with Wu and the winning student (and friend) will get a trip to Shenyang – free with a train ride, Western food, Starbucks and shopping. The drawing for this activity is this Wednesday at 3:45 PM. Our students are all abuzz about it.