let the games begin

dinner with Paul

We spent the first really hot day of the season baking at the outdoor athletic arena as classes were cancelled and we joined students, faculty and staff for our school’s annual Sports Day.

The wind blew, the sun blazed and the temperatures reached the 90s as the day-long display of patriotism, school loyalty and good natured athletic competition unfolded. Blessedly, our English department seating was shaded throughout the day.

relay team ... at least 3 of us!

It was a great opportunity to visit with our colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere. It was also interesting to see and chat with our students outside of class, as we got to participate in a mainstay activity of the country’s culture.

Department by department, we all began marching around the stadium field just after 7:30 am. We then stood for a flag raising ceremony and a number of speeches, before retiring to our seats and the first round of competitions and snacks provided by the school.

the dragon boat team members

Competitors ran, jumped, hopped, bounced and danced to loud music and enthusiastic cheers and encouragement from the stands. K joined our colleagues in the 400m relay, sack race and the bounce race atop an inflatable dragon, despite swearing off competition after last year’s event. Our department did well and K came away with a Bluetooth gadget for her phone and a bottle of shampoo as prizes.

Our school treated everyone to a buffet lunch at our cafeteria, which is about a 15-minute walk from the arena. Everybody loves free
lunch and plates were piled high with meat, vegetables and rice.

As our apartment overlooks the stadium, we are “treated” to the Sports Days of numerous local schools this time of year. The streets around our complex are crowded with busloads of students and deliveries of food and drink. The cheering, music and PA system is sometimes so loud we can’t hear each other talk in our own apartment. Go team, go!

Back in class, students have finished their internships at local schools and are busy

making posters "Top 10 things I love about my community"

preparing for final exams. Our students are preparing to give 5-minute English speeches or teach an English lesson, depending on their confidence level.

Around town, we enjoyed an interesting time at a local Russian restaurant with our friend, Paul. Two young women from Vladivostok are spending the summer working at the restaurant and were excited to speak with us in English. It was quite the international event. Paul said, “I can’t believe I’m in my hometown.”

buying and selling day

May has been full of adventures and meaningful activities and we thank our Father for His good plan each day!

performing at the Arts Center

around town