Day 115: Happy Father's Day

Seeing how our semester here in China is coming to a close, I have had to write several different reports that explain my students' progression and their ability to speak English. When given this task, I found it to be rather daunting, because I have so much to say for each child. They are all equally, but so differently, precious to me, and I just couldn't see how I could write all my thoughts about them in two simple paragraphs. However, through a lot of time, editing, and simplifying, I managed to get my final reports done for each of my eight home group students. 

At the end of each of these reports, I left my email address, in hopes to leave the door open between myself and the student after I leave. I would love getting updates or pictures or something when I am back home and can no longer see them everyday. That being said, I was absolutely thrilled when I got an email from Jessica's daddy this weekend. It said the following: 

Dear Kasey,

This is Jessica's dad, Jason.   Many thanks for your kind attention to Jessica. She loves all of you very much, even per semester there are many new teachers from the USA. We have realized this term she has begun to speak English better than before and she is more willing to communicate with us at home in English. We think all of these are related with the teaching methods of all teachers. It's really highly appreciated that all of you have done for all children.

Keep in touch.

Have a nice day!

Jason

Jason also sent many pictures of him and his daughter together, and it just put the biggest smile on my face. His love and desire to give his daughter the best really reminded me of my own father. He has always been willing to go out on a limb for me and do whatever it takes for me to be happy. He has also been there to give me the best advice, whether I'm being nice and asking for it, or even if I'm being a punk and just need to hear it. He has always been willing to go on adventures with me, whether it be getting jamocha shakes late at night, taking road trips and talking for hours, going skiing and racing down the mountain together, hiking the mushroom rocks with me, etc. My dad is the man, I am so grateful to have him as my father, my number one fan, and my best friend. I look forward to seeing him in a few short weeks, it will be such a wonderful reunion! I love you Pops!