From Experimental to Industrial

Hi All! Coach Moore here filling in for one of our student writers.

The day began at our sister school with students attending class with their hosts while teachers got a welcomed chance to actually get some traveling work done. Beforehand, the school took the opportunity to take a group photo with all of us and its pricipal and our host students during their 20 minute break between classes (during which time the entire school makes a mad rush outside to do various exercises and jogging). Afterwards, we meet up with the students to attend their final class of the day, art class, taught by one of the Experimental High School teachers. She taught them how to paint flowers with water color on rice paper-like material. After taking a few photos of the finshed goods spontaneous rounds of rock-paper-scissors broke out. When the battles were won, or lost, our group rounded up to head over to the Henan Industrial School; a school for high school-age students wanting to learn a trade to enter the workforce upon graduation - much like our technical colleges at home.

The purpose of this visit was simple, to eat and fellowship! We were greeted by the employees of the school and their children, many of which were high schoolers, as they lead us to the place where the food was prepared. Everyone joined in making dumplins with the hosts. We made a lot of food! While doing so, children of the employees had a chance to walk around and work with so many of us practicing their well-spoken english. Towards the end of the food preparation, a group of our student-athletes were guided outside and noticed many students playing pick-up games of basketball. Of course they could not help themselves; so they motioned to play a game with the local students. In good sport and high hopes, our guys rounded up a good 5 players. Tougher than expected, our boys would realize their defeat with bowing gestures to the opponents.

Somehow, our guys just knew they needed a second chance to prove they could play way better than before, so on more of our second tour around the campus, we again stop at the court to watch a larger Charger group take on the athletic bunch for a second match. Only this time the rectangle of the outdoors court was filled with students on every side clapping and supporting buckets made by each side. Even Jaclyn was encouraged by the crowd making a bucket during her 7 minutes or so run on the court. After providing wonderful entertainment our hosts from the school sat us down and began serving the large group. The food was tasty as both guests and hosts ate together finding out more about each other. The feast ended with watermelon - lots of it - and tons of photos of the event. Before leaving the administrators of the school presented each of us with parting gifts as a token of thanks and appreciation. The "party" turned out much better than many of us had expected it would after an already lengthy day; I agree it was a welcomed surprise.

The night ended with a very inviting cool breeze and host families from our sister school arriving to pick up our students only to head to a "student-only" party to begin at 10 PM. I'm sure our group will enjoy the night.

Coach Moore