Natalie Brock, Parent
When we were on the plane to China at the beginning of our trip, Steve Zoni told all of us that he wanted us to feel the happiness he felt on his first trip to Nanjing.  He compared it to what an astronaut must feel when he goes to the moon.

I have been to the moon.

The people in Nanjing are beautiful.  The children were loving and attentive.  The food was fabulous.  We laughed together and had adventures that seem surreal as I sit here at home now.  I have shared experiences with my son and the Pasco Middle School teachers that I will never forget.

Our trip to the Buddhist temple made us think about our Christian faith and all of the symbols and rituals that are sacred to us.  Seeing the living conditions of many people in the cities made us appreciate all that we have.  Getting to know the students made us see that kids are kids, no matter where they live. Learning about the Chinese education system made us question and compare our curriculum and expectations in America.  We have so much to be thankful for, yet so much that we can improve.

Meals were a daily adventure.  Who tries eel and duck wing and fish head soup?  We did.  Who gets caught in a flash flood and has to negotiate with taxi drivers through a form of charades in order to get home?  We did.  Who reaches across cultural barriers and preconceived notions to form a bond that will hopefully last forever?  We did, but so did the teachers and students at Shu Ren.  I hope that our school and community can do whatever it takes to keep this relationship strong.

So, I have been to the moon, and I must say that I enjoyed every minute of the ride.