Ni hao.

A trip beginning.

This trip is sponsored by Golden Courage International. http://www.goldencourage.com   The program is called Culture and Language English Achievement Program (cLEAP), and is an 8 day program developed by my friend Diana Wong, with Ruth.  The school is in Yan Qing.  There are between 100 and 120 students participating, most of whom will be 15 years old.  The students generally have 3 years of written English.

Diana Wong is the lead instructor.  I am one of 5 teaching assistants participating in this program.  I speak no Mandarin, except for what I've read in a book and listened to on a CD in my car.  The other teaching assistants are Katia Lu, Sarah, Amy St Amour, and Keri Newton.  

June 2 was our pre-trip meeting at Dr Lu's home.  He served a very healthy Chinese lunch for us that he prepared.  Then Ruth led us through the course materials.  Ruth was very key in creating this program with Diana, but she will not be traveling with us.

Katia Lu, Ruth, and Dr Lu

Ruth (in white) prepping us on our roles.  Diana, Dongmei and Katia listen.

The cat wants to come, too!   Packed and ready to go!

Sarah listens to the instruction.