WOW! What a day. Today I left YongKang. It was very sad. I had a difficult time leaving the people who had been so very kind to me. Early this morning, my friend Tang brought the student "Mike" by my hotel to say goodbye. He said in his best English, "I am so sorry you are leaving and it makes me sad." He is quite a kid and I am happy to have gotten to know him and his family. I had an elegant lunch with the Principal in YongKang , the three assistant principals and Betty. It was another wonderful meal which ended with gifts, of course. I was presented with an incredibly beautiful Chinese vase. It is "blue and white" which is one of the best types of Chinese porcelain art you can find. I'm not exactly sure how to get it home, but if I have to throw out all my clothes to fit it in or pay a penalty at the airport, I will make it! The four administrators, Betty and I traveled to Dong Yang. It is my new home. This city is known for its wood carving of expensive and rare woods. Redwood and cedar are among the favorite mediums here. I was given a beautiful bracelet while in YongKang. Today I saw some spectacular pieces of art that are all hand carved and beautiful beyond belief!
We gathered at the new school for a passing of the "new American teacher." The old crew passed me off to the new crew. As they unloaded my bags and drove away, I was grateful to God for my awesome experience and had a huge lump in my throat. I have made some friends that I am sure I will have forever. The new gang invited me to the wedding of a colleague. I can't even tell you how wild this wedding was. It was more like the opening of a WWF match than a wedding. There were three toasts given to the elegantly decorated room full of about 300 Chinese guests (and one American.) One was given by the groom's best friend, one by the Principal of the bride, and one by the American at the Bride's request. I was a sweaty mess by the time it was my turn, but I kept it simple for translation purposes and because by the time I spoke, it was a madhouse! Speaking of houses, I am a guest in a luxurious home. I had mentioned that I really wanted to have the family experience, and I am getting it. She is a kdg teacher and he is a medical technology salesman. They have a 6th grade daughter. They are planning one party after the next to introduce me to the neighborhood. I met two neighbor families tonight after the wedding over tea and fruit. They are all very kind and welcoming and their hospitality is lessening the sting of leaving my friends from the first two weeks. I know this experience will be as fantastic as the first. I am excited about tomorrow. I begin te
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