Back in America

Everyone from our Summer programs has made it safely back home.  We are thankful for a remarkable Summer of teaching, fun, and impact in Asia.  The stories that we're hearing from the teachers is life-changing.  We've all been changed this Summer in unique and unforgettable ways.  Our hope is that many of these teachers will feel compelled to return next year or even come live in Asia for a season of life.  If you or anyone you know might be interested in a life changing Summer please tell them to visit www.elic.org for more information.

Teachers are Safe and Sound on their Vision Trips

We've received the official word from our vision trip leaders in each country (China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia) that all the teams have arrived safely and everything is running smooth. With only about 72 hours left in Asia, we are hoping for the hearts of these college students to continually be expanded to the work that's happening in the country that they are visiting. Our hope is that they are grasping the vision of why we think it's important for people to invest their lives in these countries to teach English and be a positive influence in the community.

Arrived in Nanjing, China

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Three of the teams from Hong Kong have now arrived in Nanjing, China. It was a new cultural experience as we rode 20 hours on a train. The bunks on the train were 3 high and some of the teachers had to climb to the top to sleep. When we weren't sleeping on the train we were playing cards, reading and watching the China countryside out the window.  Elena, one of our teachers, described the train as being like a sardine can and "that it was an interesting culture experience."

Now that we're in Nanjing we're getting a compelling vision of ELIC's work in mainland China. We're being led by Andy, one of our regional coordinators. He has many years of experience in China and his knowledge of the culture and country is phenomenal. 

Prom Night!

A few days ago one of the teams put on a prom night culture event for their students. It took the students a few songs to warm up to the idea, but they soon caught on and joined in the dancing. The teachers talked about how fun the whole activity was and how dancing with their students was an absolute blast!

Doing these culture activities is an important and fun part of the summer English camp. The students love to learn by having fun together.

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Wrapping it up

It's been a very busy few days here in Hong Kong. The teachers have been finalizing their classes, saying goodbye to students, and preparing for their next leg of the journey. As the English Summer Camps ended I heard many teachers talk about how they weren't ready to leave their students. "It was too fast!" they would say to me and to each other. There's no doubt that they have bonded with their students in very special ways.

Yesterday, we had a youth rally for the students who participated in the camp. There was singing and dancing and fun had by all. At the end of the rally many people began saying goodbye for the last time. It was a sad moment as tears were shed and hugs were shared. These are the days that the teachers and the students will never forget.

Tomorrow, all of the teachers will move on to their final leg of this journey they've been on. They will all embark on a 1-week vision trip to another country in Asia. Some are going to Laos, some to Cambodia, others to Mongolia, Vietnam, or Mainland China. Although they are exhausted from 3 weeks of teaching, everyone is eagerly waiting for what the next week holds at their new destination.

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Celebrating in Hong Kong

Every Tuesday evening we like to gather all 70 teachers together to do something as a big group. The purpose is to build community together and to also learn from one another. This week we went to Ruby Tuesdays to indulge in a nice, but rare western meal. Most of the teachers have been eating a very quick breakfast in our university cafeteria, then eating local Chinese food for lunch, and often eating Chinese food again for dinner. So a place that feels more like home was a welcomed treat for many. But this night was special in more than ways than one. We had the privilege of celebrating the birthday of one of our team leaders. The Ruby Tuesdays staff brought out two gigantic Sundaes with a candle in each one. Everyone cheered, we sang, and it was an all-around great time! Celebrating a birthday in Hong Kong is surely an unforgettable experience.

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A Day in the Life...

One of our team leaders recently wrote a short blog post to walk us through the average day at Engage.  Here you go:

wake up.
6:20 am (plus or minus a snooze or two)
food. Food.

bus.
45 minute ride- great for morning alone time. (essential)

teaching.
3 1/2 hours in the morning (yeah you could definitely pray for that)
our theme is "our world: united"
the students are attending an imaginary forum
where they talk about different life issues.
very well done.

lunch.
we order food from a local restaurant
they are so kind to deliver!
lunch also includes recovery time from teaching!

culture.
in the afternoons we show American culture
today is wedding day!
Naomi is wearing this year's latest fashion: toilet paper (money saver)

bus again.
such a fun time of war stories and, of course. sleep.

rejuvenation.
this happened to be a Friday and the goal for the night was recovery
so where did we go?
that's right, the nicest McDonald's (don't judge) you've ever seen!

team time.
fun recovery times are great, but this is our life source.
we talk and encourage each other
we hear about each other's stories of who we are
we speak truth to one another!
we all need to live this way


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Building Relationships

When this photo was taken there were kids running all over the room getting ready to play games and learn about an American holiday.  We paused for a moment to capture this photo and I remember thinking how happy these girls were.  They seem to love their teacher and love to have fun.  I've been impressed by these teachers and their relationships with the students.  Some very special friendships are being created here in Hong Kong!  

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The Peak

As the teachers wrapped up their second week of teaching, many of them spent Friday night taking in the awe-inspiring view from "The Peak."  A short tram ride or bus ride up the mountain gives you a spectacular view of Hong Kong.  From the top of the peak you can see all of Hong Kong Island, the harbor, and across the harbor to the Kowloon side of Hong Kong.  This is truly one of the most remarkable sights to see in the world.  It's a view of humanity, the busyness, the creativity, and the vastness of urbanization.

Standing at the top of the peak we see that our lives begin to take sharp focus.  We are very small, but we are a part of a grand story of reshaping culture and writing a new story for hundreds of high schools students throughout this beautiful, bustling city.  

At a small coffee shop on top of the peak I watched a few teachers interact with a few of their students who joined them for the trek up the mountain.  I was thrilled to see the smiles, laughter, and authentic joy they were experiencing together.  These teachers were instilling into their students much more than a language, they were instilling life-long values and building true friendship.  I was excited to see this going on and I trust those same friendships are forming on all of our teams throughout this entire city.  

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