Beibei Good-bye

When we came in August four months seemed so long, but the time has flown by. As I write this, a going away party is being hosted by our St. John's, St. Ben's students for their Chinese friends - and for themselves. There are smiles - and there are tears.

I am thankful that our students have made us proud all semester long. I am also thankful for the friendship that the Chinese and other international students have extended to all of us. Both sides have benefited. Many, many friendships have formed - and memories for a lifetime.

I am also thankful that our students while here lived in an international dorm. There are Chinese students living there, who are studying for an English exam in January that determines whether they are eligible for study abroad. Many of them are eager to chat with our students. Most of the students in the dorm are from all over -- across Asia, Africa, Europe. That international living experience has taught us as much as, if not more, than the classes themselves.

Many of these students have come here on their own - and I give them lots of credit for their moxie. Early in the trip we met a young woman who had just graduated from high school in Bangladesh; Shaz immediately became 'one of us.' Then, we met her friend Kunduz who is here from Kyrgyzstan. We hope to see both of them in Minnesota as students of St. Ben's in the future. They would be real assets! They are each only 18 years old, but possess wisdom and poise beyond their years.

Shaz and Kunduz are seen here with another visitor from a long way away. He lives at the North Pole, but did make an appearance tonight at the Beibei good-bye party. On Sunday, we leave for a week in Beijing. But, we will be taking the people of Beibei along with us in our hearts. (Connie)