The weekend between semesters we decided to get out for some fun. After church on Sunday, we drove into town. First was bowling, then ice cream at Dairy Queen followed by shopping and then supper. The students chose to eat at the Chinese Restaurant which offered a variety of dish choices for what the different kids enjoy.

Thankfully the bowling alley wasn’t too busy and we were able to get to lanes side-by-side. Most of the students aren’t proficient bowlers. There was a lot of hilarity as each student attempted to just get the ball down the alley and keep it out of the ditches, let alone make a good score. In between each person’s turn, the students would sit at the table and “do whatever” on their electronic devices. Every once in awhile the students would cheer each other on but it was the most silent, youth bowling experience I have ever seen. Congrats to Aleyna for being our top bowler!!

      

Dairy Queen was a much more animated occasion. The kids all stood in a long line and picked their blizzard or cone choice. Occasionally I had to help or point out something on the menu and the lady taking orders had wide eyes as kid after kid of different ethnic origin placed an order. For our new students, it was a surprise to have the waitress hand over the blizzard upside down! (to show the thickness of the ice cream) As the students ate, they discussed American presidents, history and politics. If anyone else had been in the room observing, I bet it would have been a perplexing scene to see international students discuss American-isms.

Supper was a quiet affairs as everyone dug into the food. At the end of the meal, Joyce got to show off her Chinese as the owner came out to thank us for coming and took a moment to ask Joyce where she was from.

It was a wonderful afternoon and well-spent time together!