Our LSV children (and young adults) go back to school tomorrow.Just like any other students, they were excited about buying clothing and stationeries for the new school year.We accompany them to register and pay school fees and meal tickets on the first day of school.This year is very special for some of our children.Three children left primary school, two in fifth and one sixth.One enters high school eleventh grade and two going into tenth.

Good local schools are one big reason for our moving to the town of Nankang.While outwardly it is a countryside town, Nankang schools have a long history of excellence.Nankang was a center for government and education in the early 1900’s; thus the school quality remains high.Our LSV location is as ideal as possible.The schools are only 10-minute bike ride away, so we can keep close track of our kids.Last night we prepared the older kids for their dormitory life, by giving each of the new dorm students a new suitcase.They proudly carried the suitcase to their room to begin packing.

Our kids enjoy school and have adjusted well.Their positive attitude in returning to school stems largely from an enjoyable and educational summer vacation.They had improved so much in math because of the summer tutoring and one-on-one lesson in English.In August, we had daily craft time and cooking lesson, plus our special movie nights from our LSV DVD library.

As our new village moves closer to completion, more orphans will come to live and study at LSV.In two to three years, our first Nankang High School graduates will take the college entrance exam.We believe many LSV children, though fatherless, will be well-equipped to go on to colleges in Guangxi and beyond.

A short drive away from our new Village is Qingshantou, translated “Green Mountain Point” in English.  Located across the bay from the fishing town of Yingpan, this is a stretch of beach shadowed by green pine trees.  On one end of the beach is a small fishing village, and the other is the small village of Qingshan. 

Along the beach are some small thatched seafood restaurants, and places you can swim at high tide.  After a 20 minute drive from LSV, we stopped at one of these small places.  Walking a ways away from the people, we sat on the shady beach, and enjoyed the view.  The owner of the place approached us offering a hammock to take a nap.  At first we thought he wanted money, but then understood he offered to wave the 10yuan charge and let us use it for free.  He even tied it between two of the pine trees for us.

Under the shade, with a breeze coming through the trees, it was a pleasant place to take a nap.

Whether looking up at the green trees, or out at the gentle waves, it was a beautiful place.  The owner has just opened and the pine needle covered sand is raked clean.  That day the owner was hosting a group from a Beihai tour company.  As they sampled the seafood and hammocks, the owner hopes they will bring more people and business.

Next time we come, we will sample the seafood.  Better yet, we can bring our LSV kids and have a barbeque!  And afterwards we’ll take a nap too!