About 50 Chinese Lifepegs members went to a nearby deer farm to enjoy great fall weather and to learn from the foreign members about some traditional American fall activities.
The hour’s bus ride gave us a chance to enjoy beautiful fall scenery, such as falling leaves and corn harvest in full swing, and to experience the peacefulness of being in the country. Once at the deer farm we made our way past pigs and chickens to a back pasture where we held our activities.
The first order of business was collecting firewood for the bonfire. After enough wood was collected, the games began. Six teams named after various fall items competed in activities, including a team-name cheer competition and pass-the-pumpkin. Each team also took part in two traditional American fall activities, bobbing for apples and pumpkin carving. None of the members on my team had ever carved a pumpkin before. The members showed great team work both in designing and carving.
Carved pumpkin
At sunset the bonfire was lit for the American tradition of roasting hot dogs over the open fire. Teams continued working together to make sure that everyone got their fill. After everyone had finished eating, we gathered around the fire both to stay warm and to enjoy the company of friends. There is something about a bonfire that brings people together and sets the stage for good conversations.
Too soon it was time to pack everything up and make our way back. During the dark walk back to the buses, one member commented that she had never done anything like this before and that she was very glad that she had joined in the activity. I think her thoughts were shared by all.
Barbecuing sausages
Goducate, with its mission of helping young adults in China to help themselves, has opened a second Lifepegs student activity center in southern China. The new center is located in one of the city’s major campus districts with a student population of 60,000 to 70,000 from 8 universities.
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