Well here we are again. We are now in Chengdu. We arrived yesterday at 6:15pm. Saying goodbye to the students in Xichang was one of the most difficult things I and all of our team has had to do. The students were in tears and so were we. It is amazing the bond that was built in 5 days. The hotel was full of students and they did not want to eave. many of us had to just go in the elevator because we could not say goodbye anymore. Pat and I had a class of 8 boys and 7 girls. All of the girls were crying and holding on to both of us. Poor Pat finally broke down. He was Dad to all of them and they loved him. Pat has already said that he is ready to come back next year!!! The Father is good. I on the other hand was heartbroken to leave the boys...Imagine that... They of course were very stoic. no tears...sort of. There was one boy in particular that stole my heart. His name is Mark and he wants to be a Doctor. There was somenthing about the way he would watch Pat and I. I fell apart when it came time to say goodbye to him. I asked one of the interpreters to tell him that Jsus was a great healer and that one day he (Mark) would be also. Mark is one that joined the family. When the translator told him he started to cry.. needless to say that was all I needed. I know that he is destined for great things. I also am sure that the emotions of Patrick coming home added to it all.
Today we went to see the Panda's. Thet are truly amazing creatures. We have tons of pictures to share with you all.
Tonite we will go to the Chengdu Opera and see the "Changing Faces Opera" It will be a cool experience. Right now Randy and Pat are having dinner with Peter. He is the man that Randy shared with on the plane the first day we left Beijing. We will see what happens.
We are all tired and ready to be home. The youth have done an amazing job. Parents, you should be very proud of each and every one of them. Tomorrow we leave for Beijing.
Patrick left Irag on Friday evening sometime. We have not heard anything else. I am so anxious to see him. The flight home will be endless and the drive to Havasu even worse.
We miss you all. Thank you for the priveledge to represent all of you and the Father here in China.
Till next time
Miss Dianne