Nativity Welcomes Long Cheng Middle School
from
Liuzhou, China

April 17
The Delegation from Long Cheng Middle School in Liuzhou,China arrived in Cincinnati at 9:36 p.m.to the cheers of all the host families. It was a long flight from home and the students were tired. Everyone is looking forward to the first day at school!

April 18
Welcome Ceremony for The Delegation from Long Cheng Middle School in Liuzhou, China.
The Delegation from Long Cheng was welcomed to Nativity School in formal ceremonies that included a "sea of Chinese flags" that greeting the delegates as they entered the assembly hall / gym. The Delegation from Torkinmaki School in Finland joined the Nativity Community in the welcome.

The anthems of all three nations were sung and speeches were delivered. Nativity and Finnish student shared with the Chinese delegates what they hope to learn about Chine in the next two weeks. Mr. Herring and Fr. DeLuca spoke of Nativity's belief in the importance of student-to-student contact that will lay the foundation for peace in generations to come.

Students from China, Finland and the United States rang the Friendship Bell - a tradition at Nativity that signifies commitment to mutual respect and a desire for good well among all people.

Nativity's Annual Walk-a-Thon
After lunch the everyone joined in the Walk-a-Thon - an hour of exercise walking the Nativity Campus. The walk began with the flags of Nativity, the USA, China and Finland in the lead for the first lap. The younger students took the "short route" around the school; the older students took the "longer route" that included walking around the Church. It was a beautiful day for this annual event.

The Welcome Ceremony for the Delegation from Long Cheng Middle School Photos from the Cincinnati Enquirer /Amanda Davidson

Ms. Li, Mr. Chen, Mr. Mallory, Mrs. Elizabeth Tu

April 19
For some students - It was a day at the Ball Park to see the Cincinnati Reds play the Milwaukee Brewers. Mrs. Meng and Mrs. Peng joined citizens from Cincinnati attending the ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of the partnership between Cincinnati and Liuzhou.

Representatives from Liuzhou visiting Cincinnati signed the Memorandum of Understanding that will govern the relationship between the two cities for the next five years. It calls for programs in education, the arts, government and the environment.

Representing Liuzhou were Mr. Chen Guozhi, Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of Liuzhou People's Congress; Ms. Li Xuxiang, Director of Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office for the Liuzhou Municipal People's Government: Mr. Li Lenian, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Culture of Liuzhou Municipality.

Representing Cincinnati were Mayor Mark Mallory and Elizabeth Tu, Chair of the Cincinnati - Liuzhou Sister Cities Committee.

The Cincinnati Reds Game

April 20
The Delegations from Finland and China are introduced to the Nativity Community.
Host families and visiting students attended the 11:00 service at Nativity where they were introduced to the community. Both the Finnish teachers and Chinese administrators spoke to the congregation, expressing their appreciation for the warm welcome at Nativity.

For some students - a day at the Ball Park to see the Cincinnati Reds - unfortunately it was a rainy cold day in the Queen City. However, the Reds beat the Brewers in extra innings.

April 21
A bus ride and walk across the bridge to the Newport Aquarium
Accompanied by Mr. Herring, the Chinese and Finnish Delegations took the Metro bus to down and walked across the bridge to Northern Kentucky to visit the Newport Aquarium. For many it was the first visit to such a facility. Following the visit there, everyone walked back to Cincinnati and had lunch at Tower Place Food Court.

The next stop was the top of the Carew Tower - Cincinnati's tallest building. It was a perfect day: beautiful blue sky and lots of sunshine. You could see "forever" from the top of the building. A bus ride took us all back to Nativity in time to meet our host families at the end of school.

April 22       A trip to the Cincinnati Museum Center
It was back on the bus to downtown and a transfer to another bus for the ride to the Cincinnati Museum Center. There are three museums in the old railroad station: the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural Science, and the Children's Museum. There is also an Omnimax Theater.

Our first stop was the Cincinnati History Museum that tells the story of Cincinnati from its founding in 1788. After that we say the Omnimax movie on The Body.

After lunch we visited the Museum of Natural Science that has a cave and glacier that you can walk through.

The Cincinnati Museum Center

April 23
The Memorandum of Understanding between Nativity and Long Cheng is signed by the Chinese Delegation and the Americans.

Dear Fr. Paul, Mrs.Tu, Mr. Herring, teachers and students. Good morning. We are from Liuzhou and we take pace and friendship which crosses Asia and the Pacific Ocean. We have come to the very beautiful Cincinnati. This city is so beautiful and we can see peace and friendship.

Now between Nativity and Long cheng Middle School we are going to make a Friendship Bridge. We will work hard to make the friendship bridge strong.

Mrs. Meng
Principal, Long Cheng Middle School

Beth Tu Hoffman Cincinnati-Liuzhou Sister Cities She was instrumental in connecting Nativity with Long Cheng Middle School to explore the possibility of a partnership.		The Opening of the Assembly Students with flags of Finland and China To the a trumpet fanfair the Delegations processed into the gym at Nativity.
Nativity's Pastor Fr. Paul leads the assembly in prayer.	The Chinese students and their America hosts sign the Memorandum.	Steve Sunderland, University of Cincinnati, addresses the assembly.

April 24       A trip to the Freedom Center in downtown Cincinnati
The Delegations from China and Finland spent the day at Cincinnati's Freedom Center, a museum that tells the story of the Underground Railroad that operated prior to America's Civil War (1861-1865) as well as the struggle for freedom and equality around the world. They ate lunch at the Tower Place Food Court and had some time for souvenir shopping!

Square Dancing at Nativity

April 25     A day at the Zoo and International Game Night at Nativity with the Finns, Chinese and Americans
There were no classes at Nativity due to a professional day for the instructional staff. The visiting students and their hosts headed for the Cincinnati Zoo on this beautiful spring day.

Nativity's Physical Education Teacher, Dave Arbogast, organized the International Game Night with volleyball, corn hole, and Square Dancing as well as a variety of card and board games. For some the highlight was the Sundae Bar - ice cream with all the toppings!

April 26 and 27
A day with the host families

April 28
Farewell Assembly at Nativity for the Delegation from Finland
The day was spent visiting classes and sharing information about Long Cheng, Liuzhou and China. The American students had many questions about what life is like across the Pacific. At the end of the day we bid farewell to the students from Torkinmaki School in Finland. They returned home today.

April 29 and 30
Classroom Visits

May 1      Classroom Visits and Farewell Dinner with Host Families
Everyone gathered at the Efflers for the Farewell Dinner. It is the tradition at Nativity that on our last evening together the host families contribute a side dish, salad or dessert for the Pot Luck Dinner. The host parents shared their thoughts on the experience of hositng a student from Long Cheng, and the members of the Chinese delegation expresed their appreciation for all that had been done for them. A high point of the evening was the song the Long Cheng students sang for everyone.

May 2      Farewell Assembly at Nativity for the Delegation from Long Cheng and on to the airport

Before this wonderful time, I think that America is a very good country. In this country almost everyone are very kindly. And this school is a very good school. I believe our friendship will cross the Earth, across the world. Everybody here are very friendly. This is the first time I go abroad and I learn a lot of things. I have a good time. Many thanks for my host family. When I stay in their house they cook meals for me if I was hungary. They give me clothes if I was cold. They just like my family. So now I've got three brothers, four parents. I won't forget this wonderful time.

Wang ge Feng

Hello everyone. I'm Curtis. My Chinese name is Huang Si Lin. I have pretty fun here and my host student and her family are very kind. I found many differences between the USA and China. It's hard to believe that people can listen to the music while they are taking a shower. People are very polite, especially Pat. She can listen to me when I was talking as a fly. Children are pretty lovely. They like asking many questions and to "coffee". You speak too quickly, but it's funny. And it must be some students in 8th grade like taking perfume. It smells special. I know there are many mistakes in my grammar. Thank you for everything. Best wishes to you, my friends.

Curtis / Huang Si Lin

Hi everyone! I'm Sunny. First, I want to say "thank you" to you. You give me this chance to join this program. This is an important trip in my life. And I want to say "thank you" to my host family, Tori and Tina, and their relatives. They are all very nice to me. I'm very happy to stay with them in the USA. USA is a beautiful country, many green trees, blue sky and birds are singing and flying. I like lying on the grass, enjoy this nice place. I'd like to say "Come on, Tori" when Tori is playing soccer.

I love Nativity School, the teachers love students, and the students love their school, teachers and their classmates. I have visited all the grades in the school. The classrooms look like a family, very warm. I teach them to read Chinese and write them down. I am very happy to do this for them. And also, I made some friends. Sara, Christina, Jake and many more. (Sorry, I forget some of their names.) They look like my sister and brothers. They are kind, nice, and also friendly. I enjoy playing with them.

And there are many differences with China and the USA. And the people in the USA don't know many things about China, for example, history. But the friendship between our two schools will last forever. My friends, I will miss you.

Sunny

To Nativity: This is an exciting time in my life. Because it's the first time to visit abroad. I have fun with my host family, Sheeran's family. I love them. I want to give my best wishes to them. It's a funny family to join them. And my life in school is also unforgettable. I saw many things that I haven't seen or heard. For example, Nativity's headmaster, Mr. Herring picked up the trash which was on the grass. Students are very happy in the classes. That's what we should learn. Thanks again for everything. At last, I want to say, I like Cincinnati. I like Nativity. I like everyone at Nativity. I like Mr. Sheeran's pancake!! I will be back!!

PayXiaolin / Linda

American street is cleaner than Chinese street, and American students have fewer homework than Chinese student. American is healthy and strong. They like sport very much. American school is small and American classes have fewer students than China. American building is very tall and beautiful. I like America and every American friend.

Xia Jiajun / Bill

I came to America. I feel very happy. America is a beautiful city. Everywhere has many trees and everywhere have clear air. In my hosting family I feel they are very friendly. And I see many American friends. We go shopping and play together. So I feel happy every day. I don't what to leave America. I like everything in America. Thanks everyone. In America I like to have American breakfast, lunch and dinner. I like to play, eat and sleep. And play in the weekend with them. And they took me everywhere to visit. And I learned many things, like the sports, food and anything. I really feel happy in school or their home. I like America. I want to come back with I group up and come in there to see my friends.

Judy

Fr. Paul Deluca, Beth Hoffman Tu, Bob Herring

Hello. I'm Martin. I want to say "Thank you very much" to everyone especially my host family - Sam and his mother and father. They let me have a happy and good trip. Next I want to say USA life is very exciting and relaxing. Children in here are very happy. Finally, thank you again and I never forget life here and everyone here I'll miss everyone and Cincinnati is a beautiful city in the USA.

Martin

Americans are very friendly and lovely. My host family is very nice. American students have not so much homework . They are very free. I love America and American food. I will miss you and maybe I will come back.

Jerry

Hi everyone. My name is Ann. My Chinese name is Liu Yi Ling. Coming to America, I'm very excited. Everything is special. Cincinnati is very good! Nativity is very good! China and USA much more different I think - food, house, people, culture, history, language. And my host family is very kind to me! I love the smile from my host father. I love the chicken from my host mother. I love Alexis. She is crazy! I love Sydney. She is lively! I have fun with my host family. I will miss you forever. America is a beautiful country.

Liu Yi Ling / Ann

Hello everyone! My name is Snowy (Wang Yu Zhen). This is the best time in my life. Because it is the first for me to visit America. In Cincinnati I saw the blue sky and white clouds. There are so many trees and grass. It's so beautiful. I saw a deer go across the street. It made me surprised because I never saw that in China. I saw many animals in the zoo. They're lively and friendly. I like it so much.

My hosting family is so good. They are very nice. When my glasses broke, my hosting family's mom gave me new glasses. It made me be able to see everything so clearly. They always take care of me so I always feel warm and happy. they always give me a lunch at noon and give me dinner in the evening. They took me to see a baseball game and talked about it with me. I will never forget them. I want to come back to see them again in the future. In Nativity School, it's perfect in every way. I love everyone here. Thanks again. I love Cincinnati, Nativity School and my hosting family.

Wang Yu Zhen / Snowy

Students from Finland and China at the Aquarium

This is my best chance in my whole life. I just can't imagine that I can realize my unbelievable dream. I've promised this dream 3 or 4 years ago. I though this dream will realize 20 years later, but the time goes so fast. I cant believe I can really realize it in only 3 or 4 years later.

America is a very beautiful country and the people are all so very kind. And I've begun to falling in love in America. Tell you the truth. I don't really want to leave America. I want to thank my host family. The mother there is the best mother I've every see. She didn't forget to give me lunch money every time and it makes my very happy and I'm very proud of having the mom like this good.

Yu Jiaming

To Nativity School. I'm Seven. In this time in America I have many impressions. I am very happy in Nativity School. Thank you to my host family and Nativity School. The American students are very nice to get along with. I feel very soft and sweet. Some questions appear, but I can all overcome. Her grandmother likes my very much. She knows I like to eat the American chicken, so prepares the chicken for me every day. I am about to leave this at once ad offered me happy city. I shall think fondly of this city and American family. In the future, I want to attend university in America. Studying essence in two countries, better one goes to build my country. I look forward to this day's coming.

Zeng Zhen

Deep impression. Activity is communicated by studying 2 weeks I study a lot. I thank my host family and thanks to all in America. I'm very happy because Katie's family entertained me warmly and because students study jointly. I'll never forget Katie's family and American students and all in America. At the moment I want to recollect in the happiness in America and will always remain in my heart. I like America very much!

CoCo

The History of Our Partnership with Long Cheng Middle School
In October 2006 Nativity approached the Cincinnati – Liuzhou Sister City Committee to explore the possibility of a partnership with a Chinese school.  Beth Hoffman Tu, Chair of the Cin – Liu  Sister Cities Committee, identified Long Cheng Middle School as a place to start the conversation.  After months of discussion and negotiation with representatives from Long Cheng, we are proud to announce that we have agreed on the components of a Memorandum of Understanding that will define our relationship through 2012.  Our partnership calls for the following:

• For students in Grades 7 and 8 the opportunity for a student exchange in the spring of even numbered years.  We will send a delegation to China in March 2008 and host in April 2008. The same for 2010 and 2012.
  
  
• In exchange for immersion in an English language environment along with room and board, a teacher from Long Cheng Middle School will spend a year at Nativity teaching Chinese to our students.
• Students in Grades 5-6 will have Chinese language instruction 3 times per week.
• For students in Grade 4 – Chinese language instruction twice a week.
• For students in Grades K-3 – Two classes per month taught by the Chinese teacher from Long Cheng Middle School that will focus on Chinese traditions and culture.

This partnership would not have been possible without the assistance of the Cincinnati-Liuzhou Sister Cities Committee to whom we are deeply grateful.