I hold out my arms in welcome to you, anytime you want to come again...

At the final celebration for China Team 169 in Haikou, a Chinese teacher participant made the following speech:

What a pleasure it turned out to be becoming close friends, but what a let down now that the departure is at hand. What a pleasure it turned out to be becoming close friends, but what a let down now that the departure is at hand.

I may be singing a lyrical and nostalgical song, every line of which I am sure reflects how much our studymates are feeling now. The ceremony is not only a time meaning by itself good luck, good health and cheerio, and also a celebration as a harvest moon that makes difference in my English because of your arrival.

I want to start by saying that I have been deeply moved these days by many things. Not a few of my days turned upon something that makes me so happy, the happiest I’ve been, and I am priding myself on seeing that. In this short time we’ve been together, --30 hrs over 14 days, -- we’ve grown so much. In fact, I don’t want to let you go.

Surely, it’s an opportunity to see the progress that has been achieved, to see the mutual respects we have developed, the close friendship we have built and the original thoughts we have shared. Most of all, we appreciate the selfless offerings our American guests, across the big ocean from out there, have presented: grown in an atmosphere that is characterized by “a melting pot”, “a nation on wheels”, “doing by yourself”, etc. Our guests, also our teachers make us feel close, friendly, honest, easy-going participants in a united group instead of piecemeal, you concentrated on well-scheduled tasks, and you always tried to double your all-out-efforts in helping us to complete our learning tasks. That’s much like an old saying, “Do not pray for task equal to powers, pray for powers equal to tasks.” You never waste time and never waste words. The essence just stands on three words “Do it now.”

I could not make it up to you, but I want everyone know how much the highlights of your work mean to me. Thank god for letting me meet you and may the miles not separate us. May the joy linger in your hearts, ever green like a x’mas tree.

I need no reminders, cross my heart, I want to do something simple to say I would continuously blow you a “hello kiss” and I wish everyone feels as good out there as I do, when looking into your direction. And every piece of happiness you’ve brought to me will be carefully treasured up and wrapped in my memory. I hold out my arms in welcome to you, anytime you want to come again. My heart is full of expectations, wishes and prayers for you all, always and forever. A bon voyage.