Thankful

The past few days have come and gone like the wind. Teaching sixteen classes the same lessons is becoming breezier. Meaning, that before it seemed like I would've never been done with that particular lesson as teaching it so many times would get really old. But now I'm becoming more used to it, and I actually prefer being able to teach the same lesson multiple times because I get to tweek it each time. By the fifth or sixth class I've found the most effective way to give this particular lesson. And my confidence in it grows. And each class is unique, which makes each time fresh and interesting for even me. Still there's always classes like this morning's class 24. They are always a challenge. I've decided not to waste my energy and emotion on those students who'd rather sleep and read magazines in class and who just don't give a darn about English. This way I can focus on the handful of kids who actually try to learn, actually listen to me. It makes it more manageable anyway. There are just too many kids for me to try to motivate them all to learn. There's that point where it's really up to them, and there's nothing I can do for them no matter how hard I try to make the class interesting.

Today is actually Saturday, but I'm teaching Tuesday's classes. It's a weird feeling. This Sunday and Monday they have their sports meet, and Tuesday they have a day off. So I don't have to teach Monday, but I have to make up Tuesday's classes today. It's really weird, but whatever. They want us foreign teacher's to participate in some sports, too. I don't know what I'm supposed to do. If they have volley ball I'll play, or ping pong. But there's no way I'm running. I'm too out of shape for that!

We played volley ball again last night. I love playing with every one. It's so much fun, even though we all stink and rarely get good volleys going. Every one is there to have fun. Even the "professionals." And it's just a good fun happy feeling.

The other night I lost so much sleep. There was the strangest sound coming from outside my window. It sounded almost like a howling cat or something. But it was so loud and so disturbing. Some say it could've been the rats, but who knows. It was so loud!

Thursday night some of my students invited my to join them in their art class. I met the art teacher, Mr. Li Ming, last weekend when we went to the park. It was a lot of fun. I have never taken an art class in my life, so it was fun to see. There were only four students in there, which was a shocker! I joined them in sketching some objects. Mr. Li showed us a photo album of pictures of some of his work, paintings and drawings. He is an amazing artist. He reminds me of Jay Xiong, actually. Even laughs like him! Mr. Li brought out the caligraphy paints and brushes and taught me some Chinese characters. It really is an art. You have to hold the brush just right, and each character has to be written in the right order just right. Now I know some simple characters, and I can write my Chinese name LiAn.

During the class one of my students, Tracy, wanted me to tell her some ghost stories. She loves them for some reason. It's strange, becuase many Chinese are terrified of ghosts. Recently I heard that several people were killed somewhere in China in a night club, when the power went out and in the darkness someone shouted out "Ghost!" And a terrified mob crushed some people trying to escape the building. If someone yelled out "ghost" in the US I think everyone would laugh. Isn't in interesting the contrast of mindsets and deeprooted beliefs.

I'm talking about Thanksgiving in my classes this week. I think this will be the first Thanksgiving and Christmas that I will be away from home. It's kind of a bummer you know. My students often ask me if I miss my family and if I am sad that I will not go home for the holidays. Of course, I am. I miss home very much. And I am going to miss the food too! Turkey, pumpkind pie, purple salad! And being with family, playing Pounce! It doesn't get any better then that. In my lesson I tell them the meaning of Thanksgiving, and tell them what I am thankful for, like family and friends. So I think of you often and want you to know that I truly am thankful for each of you.

I have to run to class now!