Opening Ceremony

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We arrived Tuesday morning at Feng Tai First where we greeted the children who were to be our students for the next two weeks. The students were surprised when all five of us immediately approached them and began talking and interacting with them. This is not a common teacher-student dynamic in China. The students were very eager to try and communicate with us, but in no time at all we became acutely aware of the language barrier.

The opening ceremony was very formal, and such a unique experience. Principal Yin welcomed us and expressed her appreciation for the Jenison-Feng Tai partnership. Crystal likewise expressed her sentiments of enthusiasm about the partnership and possibilities it will bring.

In the afternoon we introduced ourselves to the students and lead group songs and games. We continue to be intrigued by the many cultural differences. For example, our translater was stumped when we asked her to tell the students we were going to sing a "silly" song: her response was, "We do not have this word." However, the students immediately fell in love with our silly song Three Blind Jellyfish, a Jenison 6th grade camp classic!

We are confident that the camp will be a success for not only these two weeks, but also as the first step in a long term partnership with Feng Tai First.

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