Ping-Ping came home from camp today. I was so glad I had gone to the rather elaborate trouble and expense of sending her. For two weeks, she was away from the computer and TV. During that time, she hiked, swam, horseback rode, danced, etc…and, most importantly, made friends and spoke English! It was almost as if she was back in China. She was laughing and hugging people goodbye. Everyone seemed to know her–in China, she had spoken cheerfully with everyone we met.
The riding teacher reported that she was a natural. The swimming teacher said she had learned a great deal and did very well. Her main couselor, who had grown up in Japan and therefore connected with her quite well, said she was a trooper on the hike, as well as many other complimentary things about her.
And her English is getting better. She was able to talk to me a bit in the car. The first thing she said when I got there was "Me the rabbit?" ie when could she buy the rabbit we’ve been promising her since February. The first thing she asked once we got in the car is if she could go visit her Aunt Nanette’s (who has three girls Ping-Ping’s age.)
On top of all that, I got a report that Orville, who went off to camp still unable to read for some inexplicable reason despite being nearly 12, stood up the last day and read the morning Bible selection.
A nice day for the Wright Family!