Brenda and I went shopping today, and on the way home she told me it was her birthday! So later we went out to eat with Arthur and Anna. But all I can think of about that time now is the news that Arthur told us. Just two days ago one of his students here at No. 2 ended his own life by jumping from his apartment on the 7th floor. My heart breaks for these students. They are under so much academic pressure to say the least. He couldn't have been more than 13 years old. I wasn't exaggerating when I was telling you about my weeping "bird" (Amy) the other day. How horrible must it be at that young of an age to think life is hopeless? Another sad thing is that this boys tragic death will hardly make a ripple in this country, this city, not even this school. It's so messed up how little they value human life here. It saddens me. And sickens me. And fills my heart with such compassion for these young impressionable souls. I don't know what I can do, but I know at the very least I can love on Amy. Pray for her... for all of them. And for me, that the Lord will use me somehow to give them hope beyond their entrance exams and text books and truth that surpasses these every day tragedies. They have such happy faces and content appearances. But inside they are "starving" and "lonely" and "hopeless" like Amy said. Praise the Lord for he satisfies hunger, is a friend to the lonely, and he IS Hope. And he loves them so so so soooooooooooo much. And what a love he's given me for them as well. Praise his name.
Isaiah 61:1-3
Read it.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Bird
Remember from March 29 entry I told you about a girl who cried to me a couple days ago. I simply asked her how she was doing that day and she burst into tears. I did my best to comfort her. Well, today I got a note from her and I really want to share it with you. PTL.
She writes (word for word):
She writes (word for word):
To The Nicest Girl in the World
From A Bird Which is Hurt
Dear Teacher,
I just want to say "I love you." You came as an angel into my life. On that day, I was so sad that tears came from my eyes so easily. I didn't know what to say at that time. I worked harder and harder, but...
My English teacher said "No pains, no gains." But why, I have pained so much, but so little I gained. In my class, no teachers likes me, no classmates play with me. I have few friends that I often feel lonely. Why, why I pained but didn't gain. Why, why I can't be clever as others. Sometimes, I think everything is false. Somtimes, I think life is hopeless. But thanks to the godness [not sure what she means here], I was so positive that I can carry on even if I feel so exhast. I tell myself whenever that I must smile to the difficult. Never give up!
Dear Teacher, I really starve to have a friend like you. Will you make friends with me? I really like having a friend who is sincere. I will be very happy if you have time to write to me. Best wishes!
Yours,
Amy
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Jams etc.
Mark has been showing me extra attention lately. He calls me just to see how I'm doing and sometimes comes to my place to chat. This is really weird for me, and I wondered why the extra attention all of the sudden. And then I figured it out. He's asked me several times to please stay and teach next year. And I mentioned how I dont' know if I will because I miss my friends and family and often get lonely. So my theory is that now he's trying to make himself my good friend so I won't feel the need to leave! Nice try, Mark. Soon I have to break the news that I don't plan on returning. How much you wanna bet that there won't be any special attention after that!
You know how I've mentioned that the students study hours and hours, and have school even on Saturday... Well, it seems that they are getting really burnt out. I don't blame the poor kids! There are more heads sleeping in class, and less enthusiasm for even the games we play. Even the teachers seem burnt out. Every one needs a holiday! The other day just broke my heart. I was passing students on the stairs, and asked one of mine how she was doing. She ended up bursting into tears!! I hugged her and tried to comfort her. The only thing she said was, "I study and I study, but nothing." My heart went out to her. She is under so much pressure to perform accademically. And she is in one of the top classes, so I know she works hard. The system is hard to beat here in China educationally. If you do not know the text book info like the back of your hand, you can't hope to pass exams which are your only hope for a good future. So much weight is put on these exams they have to take. They have no choice to excell in the things that they are good at or geared for. They must do the required material. Some people are just wired differently, like this precious girl. She studies her tail off, but can't seem to make the grade happen. And she's devistated. You know they have to put bars on the doorms so students don't get it into their head to jump. Cuz it's happened many times before all around this country. It's so so so sad.
On a much lighter note, I'm having a pretty good week. Monday night we went out for evening tea. Jane, one of the Chinese ladies that works at the school, can speak excellent English and we often talk. She took the three of us foreign ladies out (Brenda, Anna, and I). Evening tea is a custom here, where people usually go later in the night. Jane reserved a private room for us at the Pearl restarant (the place I first ate at when I arrived in China). We ordered some really good dumplings, some funky date desert, vegies, and tea of course. For the special desert Jane ordered us this papaya thing. It's this papaya nearly hallowed out and filled with clear gelitin stuff... like aloe vera kind of. You know how it's kinda clear and gelitin like? It was sweet, and you add evaporated milk and some nut. Sorry I don't know exactly what any of it was, except for the papaya. It was served hot.
Jane used to be an English teacher at No. 2. Her English is better then any other I've met! Her vocabulary is outstanding. She now works in the copy room, though! She refused to teach for them, because she does not agree with the teaching styles the schools are using which focus mainly on grammar. She believes they need more conversational teaching, a more ballanced curriculum. I think she's right. They focus so much on grammar, that most of even the teachers can't even really speak English. They just have grammar knowledge! It's useless if they can't even use the language practically. Jane's dream is to begin an English school of her own for the evenings and weakends with her "unconventional" teaching ideas. She is paid by the government through the school, so they can't fire her even though they want to. She's kind of an outcast at the school. Many teachers used to be her good friends, but have since been told to shun her for not complying with the way things are. So she has no friends and they shoved her in the lowly copy room. If you don't do what you are told here, if you have original thought, you are put out!
We ran into Jane's cousin at the restraunt. He's this rich dude who owns a nice villa near the ocean, and runs a fish farm on Dong Hai Island. I kinda invited ourselves to check out his fish farm! So sunday we will get to see how they raise sea food here in China! yay!
Yesterday there were two traffic jams I was in. The first was on our way to school, and we were almost late. Only because some one hit a dog with their motorbike and it caused this huge jam. The next was later in the day when I had to take the city bus back home. There is this spot in the road where they are doing construction, so it is only one very narrow lane. Well our bus went about half way and oncoming was a taxi the other half way. Neither of them would budge to let the other pass. It was kind of humorous. Our bus driver just shut off his engine, put on the parking break and his little personal fan, and sat there. As did the taxi driver. Is grid-lock the word? They caused their own little jam with their stubbornness. Then finally the taxi driver gave in and backed his car up and we passed through. Nothing surprises me! But I do get a kick out of it.
The last week or so, several times some students have been bothering me in my own apartment by openeing up my windows from the outside and trying to peak through. My windows face the inside of the school, and there are walkways along the outside of my walls, but my windows are high, so they must've gotten some chairs in order to reach to open them. Several times this happened and this rudeness really peeved me. I called several times to complain and Mark let me know that they would investigate the naughty boys out and put a stop to it. I would've been happy with them simply putting a stop to it, but last night they brought the boys up to my place so they could apologize to me! Being a non-confrontational person, this was probably just as uncomfortable to me as it was them!! But I'm glad they apologized. Crazy, eh!!
The weather is really nice now. It's dried up a bit, and the sun peaks through now and then. Although, later today it got super windy.
I made swedish pancakes yesterday and stewed cinnamin apples. Yum.
I got a letter in the mail from Chen Cai Lian, one of the students we visited last weekend in the village. She says(word for word) "I write a letter to you for thanks, but words cannot express how grateful I am to you all. I'm truly honored by the kindness and attention you have shown me that day. The first impression of you for me is very pretty. Not only it I like, but also you kindness. You are the first foreigner that I meet. From my heart words I can't wait seeing you when I was having my maths classes and someone called there have foreign teachers been to our school, hearing those I was very excited." So cute, eh!! For never having met a foreigner before, and growing up on village education, I am so so impressed with her English! It really shows that she studies so hard. She wrote more about her family and more of herself. Blesses my heart.
I'm off to bed. I've got an early start.
You know how I've mentioned that the students study hours and hours, and have school even on Saturday... Well, it seems that they are getting really burnt out. I don't blame the poor kids! There are more heads sleeping in class, and less enthusiasm for even the games we play. Even the teachers seem burnt out. Every one needs a holiday! The other day just broke my heart. I was passing students on the stairs, and asked one of mine how she was doing. She ended up bursting into tears!! I hugged her and tried to comfort her. The only thing she said was, "I study and I study, but nothing." My heart went out to her. She is under so much pressure to perform accademically. And she is in one of the top classes, so I know she works hard. The system is hard to beat here in China educationally. If you do not know the text book info like the back of your hand, you can't hope to pass exams which are your only hope for a good future. So much weight is put on these exams they have to take. They have no choice to excell in the things that they are good at or geared for. They must do the required material. Some people are just wired differently, like this precious girl. She studies her tail off, but can't seem to make the grade happen. And she's devistated. You know they have to put bars on the doorms so students don't get it into their head to jump. Cuz it's happened many times before all around this country. It's so so so sad.
On a much lighter note, I'm having a pretty good week. Monday night we went out for evening tea. Jane, one of the Chinese ladies that works at the school, can speak excellent English and we often talk. She took the three of us foreign ladies out (Brenda, Anna, and I). Evening tea is a custom here, where people usually go later in the night. Jane reserved a private room for us at the Pearl restarant (the place I first ate at when I arrived in China). We ordered some really good dumplings, some funky date desert, vegies, and tea of course. For the special desert Jane ordered us this papaya thing. It's this papaya nearly hallowed out and filled with clear gelitin stuff... like aloe vera kind of. You know how it's kinda clear and gelitin like? It was sweet, and you add evaporated milk and some nut. Sorry I don't know exactly what any of it was, except for the papaya. It was served hot.
Jane used to be an English teacher at No. 2. Her English is better then any other I've met! Her vocabulary is outstanding. She now works in the copy room, though! She refused to teach for them, because she does not agree with the teaching styles the schools are using which focus mainly on grammar. She believes they need more conversational teaching, a more ballanced curriculum. I think she's right. They focus so much on grammar, that most of even the teachers can't even really speak English. They just have grammar knowledge! It's useless if they can't even use the language practically. Jane's dream is to begin an English school of her own for the evenings and weakends with her "unconventional" teaching ideas. She is paid by the government through the school, so they can't fire her even though they want to. She's kind of an outcast at the school. Many teachers used to be her good friends, but have since been told to shun her for not complying with the way things are. So she has no friends and they shoved her in the lowly copy room. If you don't do what you are told here, if you have original thought, you are put out!
We ran into Jane's cousin at the restraunt. He's this rich dude who owns a nice villa near the ocean, and runs a fish farm on Dong Hai Island. I kinda invited ourselves to check out his fish farm! So sunday we will get to see how they raise sea food here in China! yay!
Yesterday there were two traffic jams I was in. The first was on our way to school, and we were almost late. Only because some one hit a dog with their motorbike and it caused this huge jam. The next was later in the day when I had to take the city bus back home. There is this spot in the road where they are doing construction, so it is only one very narrow lane. Well our bus went about half way and oncoming was a taxi the other half way. Neither of them would budge to let the other pass. It was kind of humorous. Our bus driver just shut off his engine, put on the parking break and his little personal fan, and sat there. As did the taxi driver. Is grid-lock the word? They caused their own little jam with their stubbornness. Then finally the taxi driver gave in and backed his car up and we passed through. Nothing surprises me! But I do get a kick out of it.
The last week or so, several times some students have been bothering me in my own apartment by openeing up my windows from the outside and trying to peak through. My windows face the inside of the school, and there are walkways along the outside of my walls, but my windows are high, so they must've gotten some chairs in order to reach to open them. Several times this happened and this rudeness really peeved me. I called several times to complain and Mark let me know that they would investigate the naughty boys out and put a stop to it. I would've been happy with them simply putting a stop to it, but last night they brought the boys up to my place so they could apologize to me! Being a non-confrontational person, this was probably just as uncomfortable to me as it was them!! But I'm glad they apologized. Crazy, eh!!
The weather is really nice now. It's dried up a bit, and the sun peaks through now and then. Although, later today it got super windy.
I made swedish pancakes yesterday and stewed cinnamin apples. Yum.
I got a letter in the mail from Chen Cai Lian, one of the students we visited last weekend in the village. She says(word for word) "I write a letter to you for thanks, but words cannot express how grateful I am to you all. I'm truly honored by the kindness and attention you have shown me that day. The first impression of you for me is very pretty. Not only it I like, but also you kindness. You are the first foreigner that I meet. From my heart words I can't wait seeing you when I was having my maths classes and someone called there have foreign teachers been to our school, hearing those I was very excited." So cute, eh!! For never having met a foreigner before, and growing up on village education, I am so so impressed with her English! It really shows that she studies so hard. She wrote more about her family and more of herself. Blesses my heart.
I'm off to bed. I've got an early start.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Chi Fan le ma?
It's hard to believe it's been a whole week since I wrote last. Time is going by so fast. This week seemed to barely even happen.
I was feeling kind of tired and whining that I needed a day off. And how good is God? He actually gave me one! I usually only have one class on Thursdays early in the morning, but a Chinese teacher needed to make up a class so they took mine. It was great to be able to sleep in and relax for a day. Brenda and I went shopping later and tried to find some sandals now that the weather is finally warming up. It's amazing cuz there are hundreds and hundreds of little shoe shops, but I can't find a single shoe that I like. They have such a funky style out here. Like a mix between 80's and fur. One of these days I'm just going to take a day and snap shot some of these girls to give you an idea of the styles I have to choose from. It's unreal some of these outfits they come up with. If I finally do find something that I'm kind of interested in, they won't have my size. I can't win.
Maggie showed us this great tailor shop nearby the school. It's a couple of guys who have this shop but they can sew up anything you want. So I'm having them make me some nice shirts. And I know they will fit me just right! Plus it's so cheap. I will have 2 shirts handmade for about 5$ each.
Today was such a great day. Brenda and I were invited to visit a school in a nearby villiage about 2 hour bus ride away. Most of the students there have never before seen foreigners! The students were expecting us and had been waiting for our arival for weeks. They were more excited then I've seen anyone before! We took a short walk around the campus first. And from the windows of the school building there were like 200 boys and girls chearing and shouting, saying hello nice to meet you, etc. What a sight. They took us to a room where hundreds of students were crammed in together. On our way there the leader asked us what we would talk about. That kinda surprised me because we were not told to prepare anything. So I got a little nervous. But we are among the most excitement they've had in their lives, so I'm sure we could do no wrong. I wasn't sure if they'd understand us anyway. As we entered the room they all cheered for us like we were the president or something. Brenda spoke first and introduced herself and had the students ask her questions. I was so impressed with their speaking and listening comprehension for living out in the villiage, never having met a foreigner or been in a real English speaking situation. It was obvious that they work really hard. I was nervous speaking in front of so many students, but it was fun. They even asked me to sing a song. So I got Brenda up there to help me out and we sang Jingle Bells.
After the Q&A time we went outside to have pictures taken. What a sight! It was like we were famous movie stars getting mobbed by fans! They were all over us and asking for autographs and email address, and wanting their picture with us. It was a lot of fun actually. They asked a million questions. It's amazing how much more appreciative of our presence they are then our current students in the city. Sometimes the rich No. 2 Middle School students act too cool for us. But these kids in the villiage were so amazed and excited to meet us and talk to us. It would be fun to go back again some day.
We were actually only at the school for a little over an hour. Then we went out to eat with the English teachers there and had a great time talking with them about the life in China and how it compares to the U.S.
The bus ride is always nice. I enjoy seeing the counrty side and the farms. I love the rice fields and sugarcane fields and banana tree fields, and even corn! Reminds me of home.
I'm learning more Chinese lately. The woman who works in the reading room at school wants to learn English so we're doing a language exchange. Sometimes it's hard though becuase she knows zero English. I might even know more Chinese then she knows English! But she can remember things fast, so I'm sure she will pass me up in no time. So in between classes I talk with her and learn a little each time. Then I practice on my students. "Chi Fan le ma?" means "Have you eaten yet?" It's a common greeting here that basically means how are you doing.
Mangos are in season, finally! They are so great. There are so many different kinds. Little bite size ones, small ones, medium ones, big ones, and Huge ones! Some that turn red, some that turn yellow, some that stay green. Many of them have a really small pit too, so most of it is flesh, and they are really yummy.
Guangdong province has changed some of their policies here concerning hiring foreign English teachers, and it's caused several problems making it harder for No. 2 to hire teachers. One thing that changed was the teacher must be a native English speaker. So Anna did not have her working visa yet, so now since this policy has come she will not be able to teach here any more. Arthur already had his visa so he can still teach. (They are from Uzbekistan, first language is Russian). Another policy change is that a hire must have the working visa before they come to China. When I came in August I had a tourist visa and school got me the working visa. But now things are so much more complicated, and more international paperwork needs to get done before you can get a visa and come over. Another change is that the hire must have 2 years of teaching experience! The school was having a hard enough time as it was finding teachers. So it's a big bummer. It's a good thing I came when I did, or I would not have been qualified either!
I'm running out of things to say. I really want to say more, so if there are things you want to know, have questions about, or have any ideas about what I can divulge further... please let me know!
I was feeling kind of tired and whining that I needed a day off. And how good is God? He actually gave me one! I usually only have one class on Thursdays early in the morning, but a Chinese teacher needed to make up a class so they took mine. It was great to be able to sleep in and relax for a day. Brenda and I went shopping later and tried to find some sandals now that the weather is finally warming up. It's amazing cuz there are hundreds and hundreds of little shoe shops, but I can't find a single shoe that I like. They have such a funky style out here. Like a mix between 80's and fur. One of these days I'm just going to take a day and snap shot some of these girls to give you an idea of the styles I have to choose from. It's unreal some of these outfits they come up with. If I finally do find something that I'm kind of interested in, they won't have my size. I can't win.
Maggie showed us this great tailor shop nearby the school. It's a couple of guys who have this shop but they can sew up anything you want. So I'm having them make me some nice shirts. And I know they will fit me just right! Plus it's so cheap. I will have 2 shirts handmade for about 5$ each.
Today was such a great day. Brenda and I were invited to visit a school in a nearby villiage about 2 hour bus ride away. Most of the students there have never before seen foreigners! The students were expecting us and had been waiting for our arival for weeks. They were more excited then I've seen anyone before! We took a short walk around the campus first. And from the windows of the school building there were like 200 boys and girls chearing and shouting, saying hello nice to meet you, etc. What a sight. They took us to a room where hundreds of students were crammed in together. On our way there the leader asked us what we would talk about. That kinda surprised me because we were not told to prepare anything. So I got a little nervous. But we are among the most excitement they've had in their lives, so I'm sure we could do no wrong. I wasn't sure if they'd understand us anyway. As we entered the room they all cheered for us like we were the president or something. Brenda spoke first and introduced herself and had the students ask her questions. I was so impressed with their speaking and listening comprehension for living out in the villiage, never having met a foreigner or been in a real English speaking situation. It was obvious that they work really hard. I was nervous speaking in front of so many students, but it was fun. They even asked me to sing a song. So I got Brenda up there to help me out and we sang Jingle Bells.
After the Q&A time we went outside to have pictures taken. What a sight! It was like we were famous movie stars getting mobbed by fans! They were all over us and asking for autographs and email address, and wanting their picture with us. It was a lot of fun actually. They asked a million questions. It's amazing how much more appreciative of our presence they are then our current students in the city. Sometimes the rich No. 2 Middle School students act too cool for us. But these kids in the villiage were so amazed and excited to meet us and talk to us. It would be fun to go back again some day.
We were actually only at the school for a little over an hour. Then we went out to eat with the English teachers there and had a great time talking with them about the life in China and how it compares to the U.S.
The bus ride is always nice. I enjoy seeing the counrty side and the farms. I love the rice fields and sugarcane fields and banana tree fields, and even corn! Reminds me of home.
I'm learning more Chinese lately. The woman who works in the reading room at school wants to learn English so we're doing a language exchange. Sometimes it's hard though becuase she knows zero English. I might even know more Chinese then she knows English! But she can remember things fast, so I'm sure she will pass me up in no time. So in between classes I talk with her and learn a little each time. Then I practice on my students. "Chi Fan le ma?" means "Have you eaten yet?" It's a common greeting here that basically means how are you doing.
Mangos are in season, finally! They are so great. There are so many different kinds. Little bite size ones, small ones, medium ones, big ones, and Huge ones! Some that turn red, some that turn yellow, some that stay green. Many of them have a really small pit too, so most of it is flesh, and they are really yummy.
Guangdong province has changed some of their policies here concerning hiring foreign English teachers, and it's caused several problems making it harder for No. 2 to hire teachers. One thing that changed was the teacher must be a native English speaker. So Anna did not have her working visa yet, so now since this policy has come she will not be able to teach here any more. Arthur already had his visa so he can still teach. (They are from Uzbekistan, first language is Russian). Another policy change is that a hire must have the working visa before they come to China. When I came in August I had a tourist visa and school got me the working visa. But now things are so much more complicated, and more international paperwork needs to get done before you can get a visa and come over. Another change is that the hire must have 2 years of teaching experience! The school was having a hard enough time as it was finding teachers. So it's a big bummer. It's a good thing I came when I did, or I would not have been qualified either!
I'm running out of things to say. I really want to say more, so if there are things you want to know, have questions about, or have any ideas about what I can divulge further... please let me know!
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Hot Potatoes
It's been a pretty uneventful week. Although, Wednesday was kinda fun and busy. I had a full day of classes and improvising my lesson plan. Had fun with the students. Later when classes were over some of my students invited me to visit their dorms. All the students are required to live on campus now that we are in the new school. There are six people to a small little room. Lucy has great English and organized the little get together. They were all such cute little hostesses. We listeden to music and watched reruns of American Idol on Lucy's palm pilot. They love American TV. I stayed longer then I planned, so it was dark when it came time for me to go home. I was nervous about going home alone in the dark. I have to walk down this long dark dirt road to get to the bus stop from the school. It's really not safe for a young white female to be walking around at night and riding ghetto city buses. But the Lord kept me safe and I made it home fine.
It was a cold week again. But like a wet cold, really foggy and misty and perfect breeding grounds for mold. It's everywhere in my apartment and I think I'm having a reaction to it. I wake up sneezing every morning and I'm always really tired and lethargic. I try to clean up as much as I can and hope things dry out. It's the weirdest feeling this air. All the floor tiles outside are all beeded up with water in the air.
I've been thinking a lot about home still. Thinking about what's next for me and what I should do when I get back. Anybody have any suggestions? What do you think about me moving to North Carolina to live with my sister Eva?
Brenda was sick all night last night. I hope I don't catch anything from her. By the grace of God I've been generally healthy during my time here.
Brenda and I have been invited to a village outside the city. There is a school there where the kids have never seen a foreigner. So I guess we're going as show and tell to hang out with the kids and take pictures and have a good time. No teaching involved. So I am excited about that. I think it will be fun.
The time is just flying by. It seems I can't think of much to say anymore. Every day is kind of the same. Once in a while I will see something that is interesting. But as far as culture goes, very few things surprise me anymore. The latest thing that caught my attention was yesterday.
If y'all got time I'd love to hear from home!
It was a cold week again. But like a wet cold, really foggy and misty and perfect breeding grounds for mold. It's everywhere in my apartment and I think I'm having a reaction to it. I wake up sneezing every morning and I'm always really tired and lethargic. I try to clean up as much as I can and hope things dry out. It's the weirdest feeling this air. All the floor tiles outside are all beeded up with water in the air.
I've been thinking a lot about home still. Thinking about what's next for me and what I should do when I get back. Anybody have any suggestions? What do you think about me moving to North Carolina to live with my sister Eva?
Brenda was sick all night last night. I hope I don't catch anything from her. By the grace of God I've been generally healthy during my time here.
Brenda and I have been invited to a village outside the city. There is a school there where the kids have never seen a foreigner. So I guess we're going as show and tell to hang out with the kids and take pictures and have a good time. No teaching involved. So I am excited about that. I think it will be fun.
The time is just flying by. It seems I can't think of much to say anymore. Every day is kind of the same. Once in a while I will see something that is interesting. But as far as culture goes, very few things surprise me anymore. The latest thing that caught my attention was yesterday.
Dream and I were on our way to eat at KFC. Along the way, there is a street near the school where I always buy my fruits and vegetables. The ladies there are so cute and nice and always joke around with us. They come very early in the day with thei vegetables and arrange them on tarps on the ground. It's actually illegal for them to be selling goods this way. But for many people this is how they make their living. About once a week these guys in white trucks drive up to lay down the law. And I got to see as this seen happened. As soon as the sellers get the tip that the white trucks are on the way you've never seen such madness! They scurry around as fast as they can to get all their vegies together and get the heck out of there! What a seen! Then the white trucks pull up and angry looking men come out, never saying a word to the people. They just take away the vegies of those who weren't fast enough, and throw them in the truck. A lot of people loose their stuff. But as soon as the white trucks leave, they're back at it aranging there vegies or what's left of them. It's so silly. Week after week this same thing happens, but nobody is discouraged from selling in this same ol' spot. And "Big Brother" doesn't seem to care about trying a different method to get rid of them.
If y'all got time I'd love to hear from home!
Monday, March 13, 2006
Goood Evening
I usually go to bed a half hour ago. But I can't seem to get myself to bed tonight. So here I am, I guess I can tell you about my day.
This morning I assumed the weather would be like the last couple days as it had begun to warm up even in this weird fog. But as I came outside it was fridgid, wet, windy, and rainy! And I was not dressed for fridgid weather. But I didn't really have time to run up to my 6th floor apartment and put on a warm coat cuz the bus would leave with out me and I'd miss my class. So all day I had to put up with people saying stuff like, You should wear more clothes. It got really annoying.
I didn't spend much time preparing a lesson last night, so I have to admit: this week is somewhat of a copout lesson. I am doing a little shpeel on St. Patty's day and then teaching them to play charades. It's a copout cuz It's super easy for me to sit back and watch them act and I don't do a lot of talking. Well, the lesson was ok. The charades didn't go as great as I'd hoped. These kids are too cool for school sometimes. They'd rather see me make of fool of myself then themselves. Once in a while there is a goofy guy who loves to entertain and he'll bring up the competition. I've decided to change things a little, which is usually the case as I can improve a lesson the more I do it. In that sense it's really nice I get to repeat lessons 14 times. Tomorrow I've decided to talk about gestures and body language before we go into charades. We'll see how it goes. At times like this I kinda wish I had a curriculum to follow or somekind of guidelines. I'm really just pulling ideas out of thin air and it kinda overwhelms me that I have like 16 more lessons to come up with. I know it'll be fine. Something always comes up, and the students always manage to forget things that don't go well and love me no matter what. They're great.
After classes Brenda and I went to eat at "Sunshines." We used to eat there almost everyday when Nigel was around, but now I think we've only been there like five times since. It's still weird. We did a little shopping after we ate. The streets were so bare cause no one wanted to be out in the rain. These sniffles probably tell me I shouldn't have been either! Brenda bought some funky clothes. She's gonna role play an American highschool student and have the students ask questions. If it works well, I'm gonna do that to. I bought some saltine crackers that I discovered taste just like home! Good ol' saltines and peanut butter!
I the cozied up in my freshly crocheted(sp) afagan in front of the tube and watched some DVD's of Frasier Episodes while doing a crossword and eating my saltines. Brenday came up and we went over an essay written by a Chinese student who went to an English summer camp in England last year. They wanted us to correct grammar so it can be presentable enough to post on their new website. They are building it now, but I hope to get the address soon. They have put pictures of all us foreign teachers there! (In action!) There were so mistakes in the essay we almost had to rewrite it!
After that I went down to Arthur and Anna's place to help out with an internet phone service deal. If they can get it to work right I will sign up and have really cheap international phone calls. Then Anna and I watched a movie together.
Then I did some more planning for tomorrow's lesson which begins at 7:45am. That means I have to wake up in like 7 hours. Why can't I sleep!!
This morning I assumed the weather would be like the last couple days as it had begun to warm up even in this weird fog. But as I came outside it was fridgid, wet, windy, and rainy! And I was not dressed for fridgid weather. But I didn't really have time to run up to my 6th floor apartment and put on a warm coat cuz the bus would leave with out me and I'd miss my class. So all day I had to put up with people saying stuff like, You should wear more clothes. It got really annoying.
I didn't spend much time preparing a lesson last night, so I have to admit: this week is somewhat of a copout lesson. I am doing a little shpeel on St. Patty's day and then teaching them to play charades. It's a copout cuz It's super easy for me to sit back and watch them act and I don't do a lot of talking. Well, the lesson was ok. The charades didn't go as great as I'd hoped. These kids are too cool for school sometimes. They'd rather see me make of fool of myself then themselves. Once in a while there is a goofy guy who loves to entertain and he'll bring up the competition. I've decided to change things a little, which is usually the case as I can improve a lesson the more I do it. In that sense it's really nice I get to repeat lessons 14 times. Tomorrow I've decided to talk about gestures and body language before we go into charades. We'll see how it goes. At times like this I kinda wish I had a curriculum to follow or somekind of guidelines. I'm really just pulling ideas out of thin air and it kinda overwhelms me that I have like 16 more lessons to come up with. I know it'll be fine. Something always comes up, and the students always manage to forget things that don't go well and love me no matter what. They're great.
After classes Brenda and I went to eat at "Sunshines." We used to eat there almost everyday when Nigel was around, but now I think we've only been there like five times since. It's still weird. We did a little shopping after we ate. The streets were so bare cause no one wanted to be out in the rain. These sniffles probably tell me I shouldn't have been either! Brenda bought some funky clothes. She's gonna role play an American highschool student and have the students ask questions. If it works well, I'm gonna do that to. I bought some saltine crackers that I discovered taste just like home! Good ol' saltines and peanut butter!
I the cozied up in my freshly crocheted(sp) afagan in front of the tube and watched some DVD's of Frasier Episodes while doing a crossword and eating my saltines. Brenday came up and we went over an essay written by a Chinese student who went to an English summer camp in England last year. They wanted us to correct grammar so it can be presentable enough to post on their new website. They are building it now, but I hope to get the address soon. They have put pictures of all us foreign teachers there! (In action!) There were so mistakes in the essay we almost had to rewrite it!
After that I went down to Arthur and Anna's place to help out with an internet phone service deal. If they can get it to work right I will sign up and have really cheap international phone calls. Then Anna and I watched a movie together.
Then I did some more planning for tomorrow's lesson which begins at 7:45am. That means I have to wake up in like 7 hours. Why can't I sleep!!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Happy Women's Day!
So have you ever heard of Women's Day? It's an international holiday, yet this is the first time I've ever heard of it. Well, I am happy to participate in the festivites! All the female teachers got to take the afternoon off of classes and go to the Forest Park for a BBQ. The park was filled with groups of women. So interesting! I was not impressed with the park. The lake was nasty and there was garbage littered every where. They don't believe in throwing things away themselves here. But the company was fun. First there were silly games like jumping with a balloon, and a version of "Duck Duck Goose." It's really a trip to see a bunch of grown women in high heels playing these games! Here in the picture is some of our Chinese English teacher friends, Brenda, and meet Anna, Arthur's wife. She's a sweetie, cute as ever, and I like her a lot.
To eat we had BBQed corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, and chicken. They wrap whole chickens (head and feet included) in banana leaves and aluminum foil, then burry it in the ground and build the fire on top of it. It's a favorite here. I got a whole chicken to myself!!
Later tonight Brenda, Maggie, and I joined the Geography teacher (Mr. Chen) at the near by badmitten gym. They really take their badmitten seriously here. At first I made fun of them for this. Cuz I even saw a professional match on TV, and it looked so gay (pardon my expression!) But now I know, it is much harder than it looks! I made a total fool out of myself, like there was a hole in my racket or something. But it was a blast.
Here is a picture of a shopping center in Guangzhou when Brenda and I went a couple weeks ago. If you can imagine turning full circle in this square, the entire surrounding blocks were lit up and psychedelic just like this as far as the eye could see.
To eat we had BBQed corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, and chicken. They wrap whole chickens (head and feet included) in banana leaves and aluminum foil, then burry it in the ground and build the fire on top of it. It's a favorite here. I got a whole chicken to myself!!Later tonight Brenda, Maggie, and I joined the Geography teacher (Mr. Chen) at the near by badmitten gym. They really take their badmitten seriously here. At first I made fun of them for this. Cuz I even saw a professional match on TV, and it looked so gay (pardon my expression!) But now I know, it is much harder than it looks! I made a total fool out of myself, like there was a hole in my racket or something. But it was a blast.
Here is a picture of a shopping center in Guangzhou when Brenda and I went a couple weeks ago. If you can imagine turning full circle in this square, the entire surrounding blocks were lit up and psychedelic just like this as far as the eye could see.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Wet
Hi
I've been a little sick the past couple days. Began as the sniffles, then moved to my throat, then to my chest making it hard to breath, and now my body aches. The weather is so strange these days. Every morning there is a very thick fog like a giant cloud covering the earth making everything wet. Today I played a little ping pong with my students and the tables were all covered in a layer of water. It's great breeding grounds for mosquitoes and mold. Perhaps part of the lethargy and low energy I've been feeling has been alergic reaction to these surroundings. The air is so wet. The humidity has to be like 100%. And it still manages to feel cold. It's kinda gross to feel soggy all the time.
This week I am reading some Aesop fables to my students, and then having them tell me some Chinese tales. I wasn't sure how it would go, but I'm finding they really enjoy telling their stories and I enjoy hearing them. It's a nice change of pace from playing games.
Every day I take the bus to school. The school owns to buses, but they are not the type of school buses that you might be picturing. They look more like tour buses, and are very cushy. Sometimes Brenda and I share similar class times and ride together. But when I ride without her, I find company from the Chinese teachers who speak English. They are a lot of fun and I really like them. We talk about many things such as the weather, differences between China and the US, students, travel, food, and school going-ons. Today the bus smelled like rotten milk, though, and it was not a pleasant 20 minute ride to the new campus!
The new campus is coming along nicely. It is still strange to me that they allow classes to go on while there is construction all around, but hey we're in China. Every day there is more noticeable progress. It will be quite impressive when it's finished. Already the school is much larger then the Crown College campus! The way they do construction here is amazing. About 90% is done by hand. They have very little modern equipment that you'd see in the States. They mix cement by hand, and sift dirt by hand, and build scalfolding out of bamboo. It's pretty amazing. I will try to get some pics for you to see.
Suday I went to HuGuangYan Lake with a couple of my students. I had a nice time talking with them as their English is great. We talked about politics, religion, science, and history. They are very bright.
Tomorrow is International Womens Day. I've never really heard of this holiday before, but the Chinese take advantage of it. All the female teachers get the afternoon off to go to a park to have a BBQ.
I am homesick. I'll admit it. And when I feel like this time seems to go really slow. So I hope I get over it soon. It helps to think of the unique things about being here that I will miss a lot in the States. For example, I will really miss the street markets with fresh vegies and the funny ladies selling their things. They always tell us the names of the vegies and try to get us to buy, and make fun of our terrible Chinese, and their laughter is like this great choir that lifts your spirits and puts a big smile on your face. I will miss them so much. And the vegies are so fresh and SO cheap, it almost feels like stealing.
I've been a little sick the past couple days. Began as the sniffles, then moved to my throat, then to my chest making it hard to breath, and now my body aches. The weather is so strange these days. Every morning there is a very thick fog like a giant cloud covering the earth making everything wet. Today I played a little ping pong with my students and the tables were all covered in a layer of water. It's great breeding grounds for mosquitoes and mold. Perhaps part of the lethargy and low energy I've been feeling has been alergic reaction to these surroundings. The air is so wet. The humidity has to be like 100%. And it still manages to feel cold. It's kinda gross to feel soggy all the time.
This week I am reading some Aesop fables to my students, and then having them tell me some Chinese tales. I wasn't sure how it would go, but I'm finding they really enjoy telling their stories and I enjoy hearing them. It's a nice change of pace from playing games.
Every day I take the bus to school. The school owns to buses, but they are not the type of school buses that you might be picturing. They look more like tour buses, and are very cushy. Sometimes Brenda and I share similar class times and ride together. But when I ride without her, I find company from the Chinese teachers who speak English. They are a lot of fun and I really like them. We talk about many things such as the weather, differences between China and the US, students, travel, food, and school going-ons. Today the bus smelled like rotten milk, though, and it was not a pleasant 20 minute ride to the new campus!
The new campus is coming along nicely. It is still strange to me that they allow classes to go on while there is construction all around, but hey we're in China. Every day there is more noticeable progress. It will be quite impressive when it's finished. Already the school is much larger then the Crown College campus! The way they do construction here is amazing. About 90% is done by hand. They have very little modern equipment that you'd see in the States. They mix cement by hand, and sift dirt by hand, and build scalfolding out of bamboo. It's pretty amazing. I will try to get some pics for you to see.
Suday I went to HuGuangYan Lake with a couple of my students. I had a nice time talking with them as their English is great. We talked about politics, religion, science, and history. They are very bright.
Tomorrow is International Womens Day. I've never really heard of this holiday before, but the Chinese take advantage of it. All the female teachers get the afternoon off to go to a park to have a BBQ.
I am homesick. I'll admit it. And when I feel like this time seems to go really slow. So I hope I get over it soon. It helps to think of the unique things about being here that I will miss a lot in the States. For example, I will really miss the street markets with fresh vegies and the funny ladies selling their things. They always tell us the names of the vegies and try to get us to buy, and make fun of our terrible Chinese, and their laughter is like this great choir that lifts your spirits and puts a big smile on your face. I will miss them so much. And the vegies are so fresh and SO cheap, it almost feels like stealing.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Happy March
Today was one of those days. I know I shouldn't let some things bother me so much, but I guess I really hate being disrespected and even more so I hate not knowing how to deal with it. A couple of boys in one class today were being so naughty. They were sitting in the way back of the classroom and I could hear their music playing. So I went to confiscate it and they wouldn't give it to me. So I just told them to put it away and listen. Then five minutes later those two dashed out of the classroom without a word and never came back. This is highly disrespectful and unacceptable. I didn't mind the fact that they left cuz it was easier without them there, but the whole thing kinda ruined my day. My timidity and kindness and youthful appearance makes them think they can walk all over me I guess. I know I will learn more and more how to deal with disrespect. Next week those two are going to be my "special helpers." Put them to work so they can't get into trouble. But who knows, it could backfire and they could take advantage of the extra attention they'd get. How can I win!? Ah well. So I just have to get lost in some nice heavy music and get over it!!! Tomorrow is a new fresh day... and I only have one class and it's a delightful one.
Mark took me on a tour of the new campus the other day and I think I caught a little cold. It's been freezing the last couple of days. Other than these, I spend time having nice conversations with the Chinese teachers and some students, cooking with some of the foods my loving friends and family have sent me, and relaxing in my apartment.
Mark took me on a tour of the new campus the other day and I think I caught a little cold. It's been freezing the last couple of days. Other than these, I spend time having nice conversations with the Chinese teachers and some students, cooking with some of the foods my loving friends and family have sent me, and relaxing in my apartment.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Guangzhou
Last weekend Brenda and I went to Guangzhou mainly for shopping and to get away. Brenda didn't go anywhere for the spring festival three week holiday so she had pretty fierce cabin fever. We planned the trip well before we left having our Chinese friends write key words like "Bus station", the name of our hotel, and "Zhanjiang" in Chinese so that we wouldn't have as much troube with communication. We did really well, and had no problems getting around and getting to where we need to be. We stayed on ShaMianDao, which is like a little island mecca for foreigners. Guangzhou is a huge, overpopulated, and high poluted city. So this little island was nice to be able to feel like we could get away from those things. It just so happened that the U.S. Consolate is located on this island, and therefor there were many many couples there to work out the paperwork for adoptions. The first night we ate at a Western restaraunt and it was so funny for us to see so many foreigners. I can almost understand now why the Chinese stare so much. We found ourselves doing the same thing! We were like, wow, look at them all!! And then we were freaking out over the menu besides. Wow...tacos!!! So that's what I ordered, but was disappointed with a very Chinese taco. I guess I I'm foolish to expect to get the real thing here. We stayed at a youth hostel, where the price was right and the conditions were surprisingly great. We were very pleased with our selection. The next day we literally shopped til we dropped. But it didn't take long because I was a little sick and Brenda was reacting heavily to the polution. We splurged on good food and nice things. The Island is very popular for foreigners like I said, so there are many places to buy Chinese souvenirs. There are no places like this in Zhanjiang. So I bought a ton of nice things, even had a ChiPao made for myself (Traditional Chinese dress). Yikes I spent a lot. But it's my last oportunity I think to buy things like this. Almost every foreigner there was carrying there brand new baby girl. It's most common to adopt girls here, as the boys are desired more then they. So cute. I want one!! Saturday night we went to the Beijing Lu BuShingJie (Beijing walking street). Amazing! Its a major shopping area, and most impressive at night. There are millions of lights and lanterns and neon signs. Breathtaking and exciting. Too bad the items in the shop weren't equally impressive. We really wanted to buy some shoes but every shop was exactly the same and sold the same cheap ugly shoes. They have the funkiest style here that I really don't like. We entered one place that turned out to be an 8 story mall. There was a huge suare in the middle where you can look all the way up to the dome of the building and almost fall over from looking all around at the heigth of shops. Incredible. We didn't really buy much in these places. They were just cool to see. I'll post pics when I get the chance. The bus rides to and from Guangzhou were fairly pleasant. Six hours of sleeping and watching Chinese music videos. We made it back in time for me to plan my lesson for the next day.
Arthur's wife arrived last week, but we never really got a chance to get to know her until tonight. Now that I teach at the new campus I am not around as much to see them. Both Brenda and I have been uneasy about the whole situation and are not sure how it will be with Anna here now, because we are burdened with this secret of infidelity on his part. But we wanted to welcome her and so we took them out to eat tonight. Anna is such a sweet, kind, and beautiful girl. Only 22, but seems older than me. That's not hard to do though. She told me that Arthur mentioned to her that I went to a Bible College so she asked me if I had a Bible she could borrow!! I was so pleased and said ofcourse. She is orthodox, as she comes from Uzbekistan. So I am not entirely sure what her beliefs are. But I look foward to talking with her. There is something about her that shines, and I hope and pray that I have found a like-minded friend, or at least one very close to becoming... ya know what I mean. Please keep this in your prayers, including the fact that I know what her husband guiltlessly does behind her back. It's painful to bear, and I believe it is not my place to be a tattletale.
Anyway. Crazyness!! I miss home a lot. Just today Mark, our Chinese liaison gave me a tour around the new campus just to kill some time before the bus came. And he asked me, "Will you come back to teach next year... I BEG you!!" They've been having a hard time recruiting teachers I think. I told him I could not make any promises, but I will definitely spread the word to my friends that posistions are available here, the conditions are good, and it's a great experience. So seriously! If any one is interested, let me know. It's a great school.
I'm still not sure what the future holds. But I'm not worried about it. I have plenty of options! Time is flying by so fast. February is almost over. I will be coming home in less than 4 months! I can't wait to come home. But I must admit most readily I will miss China.
Arthur's wife arrived last week, but we never really got a chance to get to know her until tonight. Now that I teach at the new campus I am not around as much to see them. Both Brenda and I have been uneasy about the whole situation and are not sure how it will be with Anna here now, because we are burdened with this secret of infidelity on his part. But we wanted to welcome her and so we took them out to eat tonight. Anna is such a sweet, kind, and beautiful girl. Only 22, but seems older than me. That's not hard to do though. She told me that Arthur mentioned to her that I went to a Bible College so she asked me if I had a Bible she could borrow!! I was so pleased and said ofcourse. She is orthodox, as she comes from Uzbekistan. So I am not entirely sure what her beliefs are. But I look foward to talking with her. There is something about her that shines, and I hope and pray that I have found a like-minded friend, or at least one very close to becoming... ya know what I mean. Please keep this in your prayers, including the fact that I know what her husband guiltlessly does behind her back. It's painful to bear, and I believe it is not my place to be a tattletale.
Anyway. Crazyness!! I miss home a lot. Just today Mark, our Chinese liaison gave me a tour around the new campus just to kill some time before the bus came. And he asked me, "Will you come back to teach next year... I BEG you!!" They've been having a hard time recruiting teachers I think. I told him I could not make any promises, but I will definitely spread the word to my friends that posistions are available here, the conditions are good, and it's a great experience. So seriously! If any one is interested, let me know. It's a great school.
I'm still not sure what the future holds. But I'm not worried about it. I have plenty of options! Time is flying by so fast. February is almost over. I will be coming home in less than 4 months! I can't wait to come home. But I must admit most readily I will miss China.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Blessings and Joy
Tomorrow Brenda and I are going to Guangzhou (pronounced GwongJo), for a little shopping excursion. He he he.
It's so nice that we get to go. For a while there I didn't think we'd be able to, because this week they changed one of my classes to Friday afternoon, and we had planned to leave Friday at noon. And another problem was that I gave my passport to our liaison, Grace, so she could renew my visa which expires the end of the month. No one was really helping us out, so I talked to the Chinese teacher of class 22, and she was more than willing to switch times with me. I found Grace at a nice time when she found it hard to turn me down and she gave me my passport back (but I must return it Monday at 7:30am). It was a good feeling to know that I got out of that pickle on my own, where as the past few months I've had to depend on the Chinese liaisons to help me get anything done. I am feeling more independent here, which is way cool cuz it makes it more comfortable and relaxing.
Still life here is not without its challenges. Like earlier tonight Brenda and I wanted to see if we could buy our bus tickets so we don't have to worry about it tomorrow. So we planned out how we'd get to the bus station, and how we'd buy the ticket on our own. Arthur helped us tell the taxi driver where to go. He's not very confident that we could figure things out on our own. The bus station is such a zoo. Even before you hop out of the taxi, scalpers attack you. Ewe, that sounds really bad! What I mean is, scores of men and women surround you trying to sell you tickets. These kinds of places are notorious for thieviery so we watch our pockets and belongings like hawks. Even as we are in line at the ticket booth people crowd around hoping to change your mind. And we have the added bonus of being foreigners and every one wants to know our business so even after we reject them they are glued to us. If we had no sense of humor we'd surely go insane in this place. We just laugh and joke around and try to get to the ticket holder in one piece! No one there speaks English so we use the broken Chinese that we know to get the time, date, and price of the bus. After going back and forth in this humorous display we learned that we underestimated what the cost would be, so we didn't bring enough money. So we will have to buy our ticket tomorrow right before we leave.
Guangzhou is the capitol of Guangdong province where we reside. It's a 6hr bus ride away. It's a huge, overpopulated, high polluted city. But the shopping is good, so I hear. I have only been to the airport there for layovers. Please keep me in your thoughts as Guangzhou is full of thieves who prey on unsuspecting foreigners. I will tell you all about this weekend trip when I return.
The Father has given me so much joy and contentment this past week. I am really enjoying myself even in times when I sit at home with nothing exciting or adventurous going on. He's blessed me so much.
Blessings and Joy to you!!!
It's so nice that we get to go. For a while there I didn't think we'd be able to, because this week they changed one of my classes to Friday afternoon, and we had planned to leave Friday at noon. And another problem was that I gave my passport to our liaison, Grace, so she could renew my visa which expires the end of the month. No one was really helping us out, so I talked to the Chinese teacher of class 22, and she was more than willing to switch times with me. I found Grace at a nice time when she found it hard to turn me down and she gave me my passport back (but I must return it Monday at 7:30am). It was a good feeling to know that I got out of that pickle on my own, where as the past few months I've had to depend on the Chinese liaisons to help me get anything done. I am feeling more independent here, which is way cool cuz it makes it more comfortable and relaxing.
Still life here is not without its challenges. Like earlier tonight Brenda and I wanted to see if we could buy our bus tickets so we don't have to worry about it tomorrow. So we planned out how we'd get to the bus station, and how we'd buy the ticket on our own. Arthur helped us tell the taxi driver where to go. He's not very confident that we could figure things out on our own. The bus station is such a zoo. Even before you hop out of the taxi, scalpers attack you. Ewe, that sounds really bad! What I mean is, scores of men and women surround you trying to sell you tickets. These kinds of places are notorious for thieviery so we watch our pockets and belongings like hawks. Even as we are in line at the ticket booth people crowd around hoping to change your mind. And we have the added bonus of being foreigners and every one wants to know our business so even after we reject them they are glued to us. If we had no sense of humor we'd surely go insane in this place. We just laugh and joke around and try to get to the ticket holder in one piece! No one there speaks English so we use the broken Chinese that we know to get the time, date, and price of the bus. After going back and forth in this humorous display we learned that we underestimated what the cost would be, so we didn't bring enough money. So we will have to buy our ticket tomorrow right before we leave.
Guangzhou is the capitol of Guangdong province where we reside. It's a 6hr bus ride away. It's a huge, overpopulated, high polluted city. But the shopping is good, so I hear. I have only been to the airport there for layovers. Please keep me in your thoughts as Guangzhou is full of thieves who prey on unsuspecting foreigners. I will tell you all about this weekend trip when I return.
The Father has given me so much joy and contentment this past week. I am really enjoying myself even in times when I sit at home with nothing exciting or adventurous going on. He's blessed me so much.
Blessings and Joy to you!!!
Monday, February 20, 2006
Monopoly
Hello Dear Friends and Family
This week is going so well. I am very pleased with the way Monopoly is turning out. I actually jacked the idea from Brenda, but had a ball making it. You know how I love to color and create. My Monopoly version is not quite like the original. The rules are very simplified, and everything has to do with practicing English. So far it has proved to be the best tool I've used to get these kids to actually speak English. I'm so pleased and proud, I have to show you a picture. He He He.
Today is only the first day of using it, so I'm actually looking foward to the week. Usually I have to tweek a lesson, and even a game after the first day, which usually is a little shakey cuz they're my guinee pigs. But this was the best first day of a lesson plan.
It was great fun. So many laughs, and so much success in their using English. PTL!!
Yesterday, Sunday, I went shopping with a couple of my students. They are adorable, but I was so tired. They got me up really early. We were walking along the "walking street" and a woman approached us. She chatted with the girls first, and this has happened so many times I was certain that she was wanting to know who I was and if I could teach English for her. And I was right. She was the nicest lady though. She is the leader of a weekend English school for young kids. The school was very close by, so she insisted we have a look. I am terrible at saying no, so agreed to have lunch with her. By then my students were gonners. Just when I think I'm growing thick skin to say NO to these people, I melt. What I think are clear signs to say go away, just don't work on these persistent people! Well, Susan (the woman) is persistent, but she was also very kind, sweet, friendly, and I liked her as tired as I was. She seems a lot less shady then others who've asked me to teach English. The students range from 7-9 years old. And I could tell by watching the class (a Chinese lady was teaching them English), and by the way Susan and her teachers treated the students, that this was a nice place. As the parents arrived to pick up their kids, they all gathered around me and asked many questions in Chinese, and talked about me in Chinese, and gave me so many compliments, and they were all so friendly and nice! I have to record this, because this is the first time in Zhanjiang that I've felt such sincere kindness and interest. Usually when people do such things I feel like I'm being manipulated or that something isn't quite right. Well, I went to lunch with Susan, her 9yr old daugher "Snow White", and three other 8 and 9yr olds ("Dan", "Snow", and "Rain"). I wish I hadn't been so tired, because they were a delightful bunch. And their English was so cute. They took me to a really nice place, and ordered me one of the most expensive veal steaks, soup, bread, fruit bowl, and ice cream. Each of the kids also had a steak. It was a lot of food for me, so I was thinking these kids aren't gonna eat this. But holy smokes those tykes can put it away!!
So I'm seriously thinking about teaching there on the weekends. This is the nicest group I've met here, the classes would be much smaller (only 20), and they'd pay me good. I think it would be fun to hang around some kids. Plus they are at that age where they think you are the coolest thing ever. Wow, a foreigner! I just hope they don't tire me out for my main teaching job here.
Any interesting, exciting, or mundane news from home is welcome.
This week is going so well. I am very pleased with the way Monopoly is turning out. I actually jacked the idea from Brenda, but had a ball making it. You know how I love to color and create. My Monopoly version is not quite like the original. The rules are very simplified, and everything has to do with practicing English. So far it has proved to be the best tool I've used to get these kids to actually speak English. I'm so pleased and proud, I have to show you a picture. He He He.
Today is only the first day of using it, so I'm actually looking foward to the week. Usually I have to tweek a lesson, and even a game after the first day, which usually is a little shakey cuz they're my guinee pigs. But this was the best first day of a lesson plan.It was great fun. So many laughs, and so much success in their using English. PTL!!
Yesterday, Sunday, I went shopping with a couple of my students. They are adorable, but I was so tired. They got me up really early. We were walking along the "walking street" and a woman approached us. She chatted with the girls first, and this has happened so many times I was certain that she was wanting to know who I was and if I could teach English for her. And I was right. She was the nicest lady though. She is the leader of a weekend English school for young kids. The school was very close by, so she insisted we have a look. I am terrible at saying no, so agreed to have lunch with her. By then my students were gonners. Just when I think I'm growing thick skin to say NO to these people, I melt. What I think are clear signs to say go away, just don't work on these persistent people! Well, Susan (the woman) is persistent, but she was also very kind, sweet, friendly, and I liked her as tired as I was. She seems a lot less shady then others who've asked me to teach English. The students range from 7-9 years old. And I could tell by watching the class (a Chinese lady was teaching them English), and by the way Susan and her teachers treated the students, that this was a nice place. As the parents arrived to pick up their kids, they all gathered around me and asked many questions in Chinese, and talked about me in Chinese, and gave me so many compliments, and they were all so friendly and nice! I have to record this, because this is the first time in Zhanjiang that I've felt such sincere kindness and interest. Usually when people do such things I feel like I'm being manipulated or that something isn't quite right. Well, I went to lunch with Susan, her 9yr old daugher "Snow White", and three other 8 and 9yr olds ("Dan", "Snow", and "Rain"). I wish I hadn't been so tired, because they were a delightful bunch. And their English was so cute. They took me to a really nice place, and ordered me one of the most expensive veal steaks, soup, bread, fruit bowl, and ice cream. Each of the kids also had a steak. It was a lot of food for me, so I was thinking these kids aren't gonna eat this. But holy smokes those tykes can put it away!!
So I'm seriously thinking about teaching there on the weekends. This is the nicest group I've met here, the classes would be much smaller (only 20), and they'd pay me good. I think it would be fun to hang around some kids. Plus they are at that age where they think you are the coolest thing ever. Wow, a foreigner! I just hope they don't tire me out for my main teaching job here.
Any interesting, exciting, or mundane news from home is welcome.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Back At It
Well, it's back to teaching. This is the first week of classes. I was not ready to begin. I was already used to sleeping in til 10 and still had vacation on the brain. Here are my thoughts of the first day of class that I wrote while the internet wasn't working:
I woke up before the alarm, which probably means I was feeling anxiety. I actually slept last night, which made me think that maybe I wasn’t really stressed out. But the stomach ache I had was another indicator that I really was. I can never trust my mind. I knew I wasn’t very excited to be there, and I knew I wasn’t prepared. The classrooms are much larger, which makes the classes seem bigger because the students are more spread out. The classrooms echo, and there is construction outside. I can barely hear myself, I’m guessing they have a hard time hearing me too. I came prepared to show pictures of my trip to Yunnan with computer. So when I saw there was no computer, I had to totally wing it. I was very unprepared, and it’s hard for me to think of things off the top of my head like that. So the first class bombed. The second class went a little better, and by the third class I’d gotten kinda figured out what I wanted to say and how many things I could say before time ran out. Plus the last class was class 27, which makes all the difference, as they actually really want to listen to what I have to say.
So, the first day back was a little rough. The second day I missed the school bus and had to take a taxi to school, just making it in time. Maybe you're wondering about the switch in campuses. Well, the school is expanding at a fast rate. It is the one of if not THE best school in Zhanjiang. So they began building this new campus so they can have more room for growth. Last semester they began using it for the first time with only the 11th grade and half of 10th. So Brenda was teaching the 10th grade at the new campus and I was teaching the remainder of 10th at the old campus. But this semester they've moved the rest of 10th over there. The new campus is still under construction, so they are moving a little at a time. It sounds weird, but we're in China. They have a totally different idea of what makes sense. Last semester Brenda taught 12 classes, and I taught 16. This semester they've given her 2 of my classes. So now we both have 14, which makes my work load lighter, but I am really going to miss my students! It's really sad for me! I was able to sit in on the first time that Brenda taught my class 14. I'm sure they'll forget about me real soon. Brenda is a lot of fun.
Well, it's now Wednesday and things are starting to pick up and I'm getting more of a feel for my new surroundings. Today's classes were so much fun. I didn't do much, just talked about the Spring Festival, told them about my trip to Yunnan, how Hmong celebrate the New Year festival, and about Valentine's. I made a couple pink and red heart valentines and gave them away as prizes for the winners of a little game we played.
Last Friday I went with Arthur and Mr. Chen to the Golden Splendid. I'm not really sure who Mr. Chen is. He is some Chinese businessman who speaks English and likes to hang out with foreigners. I just tagged along for the show. I'm not too experienced with clubs, but this place was pretty decent. It reminded me of Chanhassen dinner theater. Every Friday they have a show, like singing and dancing. It's very common in China. It was very cool. The dancers were so good, the costumes were fantastic, and they even sang some English songs. I felt like I was at a concert. We all sat at tables, with nice comfy chairs, and ate nice foods like squid, fried milk, spicy cucumbers, and french fries.
Tomorrow I teach only one class... at 7:45am. I'm sure as soon as I get home I will go back to bed!!
The school is still searching for new teachers, even for this semester. So if anyone out there is interested in spending the next four months in China getting paid to be cool, then let me know and I can hook you up!
I woke up before the alarm, which probably means I was feeling anxiety. I actually slept last night, which made me think that maybe I wasn’t really stressed out. But the stomach ache I had was another indicator that I really was. I can never trust my mind. I knew I wasn’t very excited to be there, and I knew I wasn’t prepared. The classrooms are much larger, which makes the classes seem bigger because the students are more spread out. The classrooms echo, and there is construction outside. I can barely hear myself, I’m guessing they have a hard time hearing me too. I came prepared to show pictures of my trip to Yunnan with computer. So when I saw there was no computer, I had to totally wing it. I was very unprepared, and it’s hard for me to think of things off the top of my head like that. So the first class bombed. The second class went a little better, and by the third class I’d gotten kinda figured out what I wanted to say and how many things I could say before time ran out. Plus the last class was class 27, which makes all the difference, as they actually really want to listen to what I have to say.
So, the first day back was a little rough. The second day I missed the school bus and had to take a taxi to school, just making it in time. Maybe you're wondering about the switch in campuses. Well, the school is expanding at a fast rate. It is the one of if not THE best school in Zhanjiang. So they began building this new campus so they can have more room for growth. Last semester they began using it for the first time with only the 11th grade and half of 10th. So Brenda was teaching the 10th grade at the new campus and I was teaching the remainder of 10th at the old campus. But this semester they've moved the rest of 10th over there. The new campus is still under construction, so they are moving a little at a time. It sounds weird, but we're in China. They have a totally different idea of what makes sense. Last semester Brenda taught 12 classes, and I taught 16. This semester they've given her 2 of my classes. So now we both have 14, which makes my work load lighter, but I am really going to miss my students! It's really sad for me! I was able to sit in on the first time that Brenda taught my class 14. I'm sure they'll forget about me real soon. Brenda is a lot of fun.
Well, it's now Wednesday and things are starting to pick up and I'm getting more of a feel for my new surroundings. Today's classes were so much fun. I didn't do much, just talked about the Spring Festival, told them about my trip to Yunnan, how Hmong celebrate the New Year festival, and about Valentine's. I made a couple pink and red heart valentines and gave them away as prizes for the winners of a little game we played.
Last Friday I went with Arthur and Mr. Chen to the Golden Splendid. I'm not really sure who Mr. Chen is. He is some Chinese businessman who speaks English and likes to hang out with foreigners. I just tagged along for the show. I'm not too experienced with clubs, but this place was pretty decent. It reminded me of Chanhassen dinner theater. Every Friday they have a show, like singing and dancing. It's very common in China. It was very cool. The dancers were so good, the costumes were fantastic, and they even sang some English songs. I felt like I was at a concert. We all sat at tables, with nice comfy chairs, and ate nice foods like squid, fried milk, spicy cucumbers, and french fries.
Tomorrow I teach only one class... at 7:45am. I'm sure as soon as I get home I will go back to bed!!
The school is still searching for new teachers, even for this semester. So if anyone out there is interested in spending the next four months in China getting paid to be cool, then let me know and I can hook you up!
