Goodbyes

Last night we had our farewell dinner for the four amazing Chinese interns who have been here in Tri Cities.  I think I've shared on here, but Steven and I volunteered this year to oversee the BBI summer internship program for our area.  We had four students here since the end of the July who have been working at various places around Tri Cities.  During the weeks they were here, we held leadership sessions for them (personal growth) and took them on the weekends all over the Northwest.  It was an incredible (and busy) month.  

Last night at the farewell we gave them calendars of Washington State (I know, a bit weird?  But I wanted to get them something practical that also was special.), a CD of photos that everyone took during the month (over 3,000 photos), and certificates of completion.  I was sad to say goodbye to all of them.  This summer they each faced adversity in different ways and all of them have grown because of it.  Abby didn't end up at the internship she was planning on but handled it with maturity and grace and had an amazing experience at the property management business she ended up at.  Baron also had crazy stuff go on with his internship (like the business being shut down for a week), but he took initiative and basically found his own internship alternative for that week working somewhere else.  Schusie doesn't like animals, the sun or American food.  Yet, last night, she rode a horse!  And went tubing a few weeks ago.  Wow - she has grown so much.  She still doesn't like American food, but last night said it is just motivation for her to learn how to cook Chinese!  Haha.  And all of them ended up experiencing faith and church and hearing about God through their amazing host families and friends.  Erica especially took to heart the faith she saw in those around her and last night stated that even after she returns home would like to continue to read the Chinese Bible our friend Scott gave to each of them.  What an amazing month. 

They also got us a gift.  A framed picture of the six of us which they had all signed.  I love it.  What a great gift - their words are priceless and I laughed and cried a little last night reading it all.  I am so thankful for the time we had with them here and hoping that I get to see them all again soon when we make the big move over to China. 

Here we are with the interns last night - it's a picture of us holding a picture of us!  Haha.  Too funny...