Yingge Elementary School (Denise)

Sorry for the delay! I’m glad to have an internet connection tonight!

Smiling faces and bright eyes greeted us as we entered Yingge Elementary School last week. We shouted “Ni hao!” and the children yelled back “Hello” without reservation. They giggled at our attempt to engage them with the mandarin language. They were curious about the group of strangers the decided to enter their school that warm afternoon. They stared…looked away…then stared again. The students were overcome with interest. It was time for recess when we arrived, so the students were free and uninhibited.

Our stop at Yingge Elementary School was a clear deviation from the schedule, but one that reminded me of how people are placed in our space (at precisely the right time) for a reason. The generosity that we had been shown by our Taiwanese friends prompted me to wonder what we could do as a service to a community that welcomed us so warmly. The idea of volunteering at a local school came to mind and I mentioned my interest to Pam and the rest of the team.

To my surprise, the lady sitting near me at lunch was a retired school teacher. She said she would be glad to give us a tour of her school and to allow us the opportunity to listen in on an English class lesson. The elementary school was minutes away and with a quick walk, we were able to work this visit into our plan for the day.

The children were excited and engaged during their lesson. They seemed anxious to share the English they had already learned. Their warm faces helped to remind me of the simple pleasures of life that we so often take for granted…like humility, relationships, laughter, soft breezes, and smiling faces.

Thanks Yingge!