The Invitation
It began simply enough with an article in the paper requesting host families for Chinese students who would be attending “camp” for two weeks beginning July 11th and ending July 25th.  Sr. Marie Clement and Sr. June, always open to sharing hospitality, decided to explore the opportunity for a unique cultural experience.

This program called CECE for Cincinnati English and Cultural Enrichment began in 2008. Fifty students from Liuzhou and Cincinnati middle and high schools enjoyed two weeks together learning each other’s language in the morning and participating in inter-cultural leadership skill building activities in the afternoon.

China is a world power. With just over 1.3 billion people (1,330,044,605 as of mid-2008); China is the world’s largest and most populous country. As the world’s population is approximately 6.7 billion, China represents a full 20% of the world’s population so one in every five people on the planet is a resident of China.

We had the opportunity to host two 13 year old Chinese girls: Wan (last name) Weiyu, who chose the English name of Coraline and Yang Ruixia, who chose Catherine but soon became “Cathy”. Coraline has studied English for eight years and Cathy for five years.

Ice cream at Graeter's | Happy 13th Coraline! | Cathy at the Aquarium

Arrival!
The excitement was high on Sunday July 11th as we awaited the 28 guests to come through the gate. Each host family had signs with their guest’s names and the students were able to locate us quickly. Soon there was much noise and laughter as everyone became acquainted. We returned to Pinecroft and gave our guests a welcome basket. They gave us some Chinese gifts: hand cut out doilies, a Chinese mask and a small doll, and a macramé wall hanging that signifies peace and harmony.

Enjoying our Time Together
Our routine quickly became established. After making sure the girls were awake, we had breakfast together before transporting them to school by 8:45 AM. Camp was over at 3:30 PM. Our evening activities were planned to give them a flavor of Cincinnati. We celebrated Coraline’s 13th birthday at LaRosa’s, followed by a free concert in the park and concluded the evening with a Graeter’s ice cream cone. They had an opportunity to meet other young people as we hosted a dinner and a cookout with the Franciscans for the Poor volunteers. We also had a trip to Newport’s Aquarium, the art museum, and went to St. Clare’s Convent for lunch. They were filled with awe when they visited the chapel at St. Clare’s. And, of course, there was some shopping!

We invited Fr. Bonaventure, Ying (a friend of Sr. Mary Jacinta) and her son John to join us for a home cooked Chinese meal. Ying taught Sr. June how to cook with a wok. There were two pool parties given by two host families. They had a field trip to Dayton to see the Air Force museum. The biggest outing and favorite was King’s Island (a Theme/Amusement Park).

The girls both wore crosses. We inquired as to what the cross meant to them. The cross means “good luck”. We explained to them that the cross for us means we believe in God. They are not taught about God in school or at home. When Fr. Bonaventure spoke to them in Chinese about this, we learned that they think it is important to know more. Another interesting conversation arose when we asked if their parents would choose their future husband or did they get to choose. They said that it is about 50-50. However, they had already decided that they did not wish to get married. They want to be “free” to pursue their own interest and not to have to “take care of a man.”

Cathy and Coraline | Cathy and Coraline with Mother Frances

Fond Farewells
Before we knew it, it was time to time to depart. The girls requested Italian “noodles” for their last meal. We had angel hair pasta with sausage, which was a big ‘hit.’

Departure was filled with mixed emotions for students and host families. The next part of the journey for the Chinese students was to take in the culture and history of Boston, New York and Washington, DC.

The experience was enriching for us. We appreciated being a “grandmother” and “great grandmother” for two weeks. It was fun, challenging and one that we would do again.

Sister June Casterton,SFP