You've seen it...it comes around every year at Halloween.
You click on a series of pictures that have a red dot in the picture. The first few pictures are of cuddly babies, and you are just oohing and ahhing, then suddenly a grotesque figure pops out at you and shouts, BOO!
It is terrifying, truly.
But, how else could I explain Halloween to the students?
I wish that I had a recording and video of the reaction in each of my classes, particularly the Tuesday night class, where the screen is right close to their faces.
Oh, you should have heard them scream....maybe you did!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday Frustration
There are 55 of them. Both students and desks.If I am at the front desk, all I can see is the black backs of 55 monitors, no faces, just 55 monitors staring back at me. If I get up and walk around, which I do often, I can look into their eyes, but there are so many, and we meet only once a week for 80 minutes. And, they all seem so far away and far removed.
How can I listen to each one individually, help them individually?
Even learning their names is posing a huge challenge, because I can never see their faces!
They are eager; I'm willing, but I'm at a loss sometimes; most of the time.
Tuesday night, I was quite ill. My hands were shaking when I put something on the board.
But, as they say, the show must go on.
I tried something new. It was so great - I think the students enjoyed it also (except for group 6 who had to meet in the freezing hallway...sorry, group 6, you'll get the warmest spot next time!)
Unlike my other 5 classrooms, this room has movable chairs - oh, it's a bugger when you can't move chairs around! Anyway, we divided into groups for their presentations. I went around to listen to as many as I could, but still, I didn't hear many of them.
I feel inadequate, as does Allen. Much is riding on this. They will be tested on their oral English skills, but I'm at a loss as how to best help them. I'll just keep praying and trying.
But, it's a challenge.
Monday, October 25, 2010
By the Numbers - after TWO Months in China
1 - anxiety breakdown; fine now
2 – very bad stomach episodes; still trying to recover
3 - colds (how do you get colds when it's 95 degrees with 95% humidity?)
60 – bad hair days
200 – students who are bright, happy, willing to learn
1,347 mosquito bites, mostly in my own bathroom
infinite - opportunities to meet wonderful people of a totally unique culture
2 – very bad stomach episodes; still trying to recover
3 - colds (how do you get colds when it's 95 degrees with 95% humidity?)
60 – bad hair days
200 – students who are bright, happy, willing to learn
1,347 mosquito bites, mostly in my own bathroom
infinite - opportunities to meet wonderful people of a totally unique culture
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Photo Phrenzy
For about one half hour today, I felt like a famous person. It was incredible, really.
Here's what happened; the students put on a foreign festival fair. There were booths from many different countries lining the sidewalk near the entrance to campus. Each booth had food items from the native countries, such as Spain, Mauritius, India, Russia, Brazil, and lots more. (But, one of Allen's students asked where the American booth was...we didn't see one.)
There were hundreds and hundreds of students there, tasting the food, buying the vodka and wine, just having a grand old time.
Now, here's where the famous person bit comes in....many times, as we were winding our way through the booths, which were filled with so many people, total strangers would come up and ask if they could be in a photo with us...or many of our students would ask if they could take our picture?
It was so strange....is it because we are old? gray-haired? fat? Did I have broccoli hanging from my teeth (which I often do here!)
"So this is what it feels like to be famous and walk through a crowd of people," I thought to myself. But, alas, it was over very quickly, and now we are just back to our normal selves in our homey apartment.
They say fame is fleeting, and now I know that to be true.
Here's what happened; the students put on a foreign festival fair. There were booths from many different countries lining the sidewalk near the entrance to campus. Each booth had food items from the native countries, such as Spain, Mauritius, India, Russia, Brazil, and lots more. (But, one of Allen's students asked where the American booth was...we didn't see one.)
There were hundreds and hundreds of students there, tasting the food, buying the vodka and wine, just having a grand old time.
Now, here's where the famous person bit comes in....many times, as we were winding our way through the booths, which were filled with so many people, total strangers would come up and ask if they could be in a photo with us...or many of our students would ask if they could take our picture?
It was so strange....is it because we are old? gray-haired? fat? Did I have broccoli hanging from my teeth (which I often do here!)
"So this is what it feels like to be famous and walk through a crowd of people," I thought to myself. But, alas, it was over very quickly, and now we are just back to our normal selves in our homey apartment.
They say fame is fleeting, and now I know that to be true.
I'm So Angry....
at the movie and television industry in America! I'd like to throttle them all!
Here's why I'm so angry. Many of our students are sweet and gentle. Many come from the country and small cities. They have a goodness and innocence that is very tender and appealling.
But, they love American movies and television.
So, just what kind of language to you think they hear on those shows? You guessed it - foul language, and taking the Lord's name in vain! So, to some of our students that kind of language rolls of their tongues like it does in America. But, they have little idea of what they are actually saying when they use some of the four-letter words. These are not words they have learned in the Chinese culture...oh, no, these are totally American foul-mouthed words.
And, it is so disappointing to hear a handsome young man or beautiful young Chinese girl say these words.
I love America, but sometimes the values that we have spread abroad stink!
Here's why I'm so angry. Many of our students are sweet and gentle. Many come from the country and small cities. They have a goodness and innocence that is very tender and appealling.
But, they love American movies and television.
So, just what kind of language to you think they hear on those shows? You guessed it - foul language, and taking the Lord's name in vain! So, to some of our students that kind of language rolls of their tongues like it does in America. But, they have little idea of what they are actually saying when they use some of the four-letter words. These are not words they have learned in the Chinese culture...oh, no, these are totally American foul-mouthed words.
And, it is so disappointing to hear a handsome young man or beautiful young Chinese girl say these words.
I love America, but sometimes the values that we have spread abroad stink!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
I Didn't Want to Go...
to the evening meeting of Relief Society. It's a very long ride to church, after dark, no Chye to speak Chinese to the taxi driver....
But, when Virginia, a new convert asked about going with her, I felt obligated. (Besides, the tiny little lady from Spain has a Black Belt in Karate...I didn't dare say no!)
So, five of us went from our campus: Virginia; her 17 year old daughter, Merche; Ruth; Meg, the branch president's daughter who lives on campus and goes to school here), and me. We had to take two taxis.
And, of course, once I got there, it was so fun to meet the ladies, get acquainted, talk, gab, laugh, and eat such good food - lots of variety as we have people from all over the world in our little branch.
But, during the closing prayer, when the young mother asked to "bless us so that we can all arrive home safely," it definitely has a totally different meaning to me now compared to when we lived two blocks from the church in Rexburg and that request was made.
We had the fastest taxi driver in the city...I'm sure he could win the Indy 500, hands down. My toes were literally curled up in my sandals...my knuckles were beyond white.
And, in answer to a prayer, we arrived home safe...maybe not sound, but safe!
But, when Virginia, a new convert asked about going with her, I felt obligated. (Besides, the tiny little lady from Spain has a Black Belt in Karate...I didn't dare say no!)
So, five of us went from our campus: Virginia; her 17 year old daughter, Merche; Ruth; Meg, the branch president's daughter who lives on campus and goes to school here), and me. We had to take two taxis.
And, of course, once I got there, it was so fun to meet the ladies, get acquainted, talk, gab, laugh, and eat such good food - lots of variety as we have people from all over the world in our little branch.
But, during the closing prayer, when the young mother asked to "bless us so that we can all arrive home safely," it definitely has a totally different meaning to me now compared to when we lived two blocks from the church in Rexburg and that request was made.
We had the fastest taxi driver in the city...I'm sure he could win the Indy 500, hands down. My toes were literally curled up in my sandals...my knuckles were beyond white.
And, in answer to a prayer, we arrived home safe...maybe not sound, but safe!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Coincidence or Tender Mercies
"Let's be sure to leave in plenty of time," I said. "I do NOT want to miss the bus."
Ah, prophetic words, indeed.
Each Tuesday we take a one-hour bus ride to the extreme other end of town to teach one class at a place called the Mega-Campus (so named because it is GINORMOUS!)
As we neared the little market, Allen said, "Oh my goodness, I just remembered that Dr. Sun said we could catch the bus here tonight."
"Are you sure? I didn't hear him say that. How will we know which bus it is?"
"It's very identifiable," he answered.
We saw buses come and go. According to Allen, none of them was the right bus. It got later and later and later. It takes between 45 minutes to an hour to get there...it was now 5:45, and our classes started at 6:30. But, we had no money and no phone. Finally, we realized that somehow we had missed the bus.
Allen dashed the several blocks back home to get the phone and some money.
"Taxi, it will be the only way to get there at this late hour!" he said even though it was now six o'clock, and the taxi shift changes at that time, so most cab drivers are unwilling to pick up a fare at six as they are headed home. (One night we tried for 45 minutes to get a taxi at 6 pm...they just want to get home, so they won't pick up people.)
Allen tried to call Allen Sun, but got Alan Lee (a student helper) instead. The young Alan immediately met us at the front gate where he hailed a cab, explained to the driver in Chinese how to get to the south campus. There was not a chance in heaven or anyplace else that we would make it by 6:30. We tried to call Dr. Sun (English dept head), and Vincent, (the teacher coordinator), who also ride the bus each week to the south campus. No luck.
"Let's call Kathy," I said. Kathy is the other teacher coordinator, who has helped us out before. Allen explained the situation to her on the phone, she spoke to the cab driver in Chinese to make sure he knew where we were headed, as not everyone knows this locale, then said she would contact Dr. Sun, even though we had not been able to.
A few minutes later Kathy called back to tell us the incredible resolution. Allen Sun taught all of Allen's class the 2nd hour of the evening after we were finished, and Vincent taught all of my class the 2nd hour of the evening! So, they would teach the class for the first hour, which was normally our time, and we would take the 2nd time slot, which was normally their time slot.
Now, here are some amazing NOT-coincidences...Allen was trying to call Allen Sun to tell him our predicament, but he got Alan Lee instead. Alan Lee came to the front gate and helped us secure a taxi and spoke to the driver in Chinese to tell him the directions. Kathy was able to contact Dr. Sun and make arrangements to trade our time slots. There are 60 people who ride the bus each week. We know 2 of the people on the bus. And, they just happened to be the 2 people who teach the same students we teach.
It all worked out.
Coincidences....I think not! Thank you, Heavenly Father for those tender mercies.
PS - after our classes, we also just barely made the ten o'clock bus home...too close to call all the way around.
Glad we can sleep in tomorrow.
Ah, prophetic words, indeed.
Each Tuesday we take a one-hour bus ride to the extreme other end of town to teach one class at a place called the Mega-Campus (so named because it is GINORMOUS!)
As we neared the little market, Allen said, "Oh my goodness, I just remembered that Dr. Sun said we could catch the bus here tonight."
"Are you sure? I didn't hear him say that. How will we know which bus it is?"
"It's very identifiable," he answered.
We saw buses come and go. According to Allen, none of them was the right bus. It got later and later and later. It takes between 45 minutes to an hour to get there...it was now 5:45, and our classes started at 6:30. But, we had no money and no phone. Finally, we realized that somehow we had missed the bus.
Allen dashed the several blocks back home to get the phone and some money.
"Taxi, it will be the only way to get there at this late hour!" he said even though it was now six o'clock, and the taxi shift changes at that time, so most cab drivers are unwilling to pick up a fare at six as they are headed home. (One night we tried for 45 minutes to get a taxi at 6 pm...they just want to get home, so they won't pick up people.)
Allen tried to call Allen Sun, but got Alan Lee (a student helper) instead. The young Alan immediately met us at the front gate where he hailed a cab, explained to the driver in Chinese how to get to the south campus. There was not a chance in heaven or anyplace else that we would make it by 6:30. We tried to call Dr. Sun (English dept head), and Vincent, (the teacher coordinator), who also ride the bus each week to the south campus. No luck.
"Let's call Kathy," I said. Kathy is the other teacher coordinator, who has helped us out before. Allen explained the situation to her on the phone, she spoke to the cab driver in Chinese to make sure he knew where we were headed, as not everyone knows this locale, then said she would contact Dr. Sun, even though we had not been able to.
A few minutes later Kathy called back to tell us the incredible resolution. Allen Sun taught all of Allen's class the 2nd hour of the evening after we were finished, and Vincent taught all of my class the 2nd hour of the evening! So, they would teach the class for the first hour, which was normally our time, and we would take the 2nd time slot, which was normally their time slot.
Now, here are some amazing NOT-coincidences...Allen was trying to call Allen Sun to tell him our predicament, but he got Alan Lee instead. Alan Lee came to the front gate and helped us secure a taxi and spoke to the driver in Chinese to tell him the directions. Kathy was able to contact Dr. Sun and make arrangements to trade our time slots. There are 60 people who ride the bus each week. We know 2 of the people on the bus. And, they just happened to be the 2 people who teach the same students we teach.
It all worked out.
Coincidences....I think not! Thank you, Heavenly Father for those tender mercies.
PS - after our classes, we also just barely made the ten o'clock bus home...too close to call all the way around.
Glad we can sleep in tomorrow.
Friday, October 15, 2010
To Market, to Market...
These were some of the sights we saw as we headed to town to buy Allen an inexpensive guitar....The most amazing one to me was the Christian bookstore...I have not seen something like it here in China before. I was the only one in the store, and asked the lady if they get many customers..."Not very many," she said, "but a few."
And, the answer to your burning question is....NO, I didn't buy any of the fancy schmancy desserts/cakes. We opted, instead, for a baked sweet potato on the corner of the university...tasted mighty good too.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Time Out to Read
The days we are not in class, we spend many hours at the computer working on our lessons.
Or typing out our class rolls. Yesterday, I typed in the 62 names of kids who signed the roll for my Tuesday evening class. When I deleted one student that I had accidentally typed in twice, the rest of the class was deleted. An hour and a half wasted, wasted, wasted!
F*R*U*S*T*A*T*I*O*N C*I*T*Y!
But, I have just read two books that left me breathless...for two different reasons.
Last week, we were on a long trip; lots of hours in the plane and in a bus, so I read:
The Bookseller of Kabul - which is a look at one family in Afghanistan. The book made me so angry, heartbroken, sad, in despair. It is the story of one man's power over his family: his sisters, his children, his wife, his brothers, his employees. And, it is the story of the plight of women in Afghanistan. It is a must-read for people trying to understand a patriarchal/power society. When I put the book down, I was speechless at the injustice, the slavery, the wearing of the burqa. And, I was so incredibly grateful to be born in America.....what a book!
Or typing out our class rolls. Yesterday, I typed in the 62 names of kids who signed the roll for my Tuesday evening class. When I deleted one student that I had accidentally typed in twice, the rest of the class was deleted. An hour and a half wasted, wasted, wasted!
F*R*U*S*T*A*T*I*O*N C*I*T*Y!
But, I have just read two books that left me breathless...for two different reasons.
Last week, we were on a long trip; lots of hours in the plane and in a bus, so I read:
The Bookseller of Kabul - which is a look at one family in Afghanistan. The book made me so angry, heartbroken, sad, in despair. It is the story of one man's power over his family: his sisters, his children, his wife, his brothers, his employees. And, it is the story of the plight of women in Afghanistan. It is a must-read for people trying to understand a patriarchal/power society. When I put the book down, I was speechless at the injustice, the slavery, the wearing of the burqa. And, I was so incredibly grateful to be born in America.....what a book!
Then, in between frustration city and working on lessons, I just read a very quick/easy/inspiring book - again a true story. It also left me breathless at the power of what one person can achieve. It was such an incredible story of love, service, and Christian goodness.
Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Brought Them Together.
WOW, what a story/book. I loved it because it is true and so very inspiring.
Okay, so now it's back to work - typing in class rolls, working on lessons, and enjoying life in the big city of Guangzhou!
But, I just want to add that I love the power of words and authors who know how to put the words together to create a compelling, rich story.
Thank you for books!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Hard Work
"You'll work harder than you've ever worked in your life!" she said at the end of the two-week workshop.
I can't say if that is true yet or not, but it definitely IS a lot of hard work. Yesterday, I was mentally and physcially exhausted.
Add frustrated to that list also.
We worked for a long time on the "TH" sound, admittedly a difficult sound to make. I talked about tongue position, the sound, blah, blah, blah. I listened as they said it over and over. We did a fun chant to work on it.
Then, after class, one of my students said, "Hello, Mrs. HackworT."
Deflation. Defeat. Derailed.
I can't say if that is true yet or not, but it definitely IS a lot of hard work. Yesterday, I was mentally and physcially exhausted.
Add frustrated to that list also.
We worked for a long time on the "TH" sound, admittedly a difficult sound to make. I talked about tongue position, the sound, blah, blah, blah. I listened as they said it over and over. We did a fun chant to work on it.
Then, after class, one of my students said, "Hello, Mrs. HackworT."
Deflation. Defeat. Derailed.
Friday, October 8, 2010
The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly....
on the Silk Road Trip.
The Good -
1. the incredible people who made the trip with us. 48 English teachers from all over western China. We laughed, we sang, we talked, but no one ever got upset or angry, even when two ladies were an hour late getting to the bus because they got lost in a huge tourist area.
2. the things we were able to do and the incredible, amazing sights we saw. I still cannot comprehend some of the places we were able to visit....such as the Mogao Grottoes. I had never heard of them, thought we were going to visit some ordinary caves and I was absolutely blown away by what the Buddhist monks had done, Centuries ago, in not only constructing the huge caves, but in the carvings inside the caves. (I thought the buildings in Europe were old, hey, they are just little kids compared to what we saw!)
The Bad -
1. the beds in the 4 and 3 star hotels. Some people actually got bruised in the night. It was like sleeping on a sheet of plywood. Seriously, it was so hard...who could sleep? Not I, that's who!
2. the Chinese breakfasts day after day. My stomach was not really prepared emotionally for steamed lettuce, steamed broccoli, steamed cucumbers, and steamed water at six in the morning.
The Ugly -
my leg...I got bit the first night in the 4 star hotel by something. For the next few days, my leg was puffy, swollen, red; and it hurt terribly to walk. I think it was a snake because there were two identical little round holes, side by side where his fangs probably bit into me...yeah, right.
But, how do you describe a once-in-a-lifetime experience like we just had?!?!?!?!
You just say, WOW, WOW, WOW.
The Good -
1. the incredible people who made the trip with us. 48 English teachers from all over western China. We laughed, we sang, we talked, but no one ever got upset or angry, even when two ladies were an hour late getting to the bus because they got lost in a huge tourist area.
2. the things we were able to do and the incredible, amazing sights we saw. I still cannot comprehend some of the places we were able to visit....such as the Mogao Grottoes. I had never heard of them, thought we were going to visit some ordinary caves and I was absolutely blown away by what the Buddhist monks had done, Centuries ago, in not only constructing the huge caves, but in the carvings inside the caves. (I thought the buildings in Europe were old, hey, they are just little kids compared to what we saw!)
The Bad -
1. the beds in the 4 and 3 star hotels. Some people actually got bruised in the night. It was like sleeping on a sheet of plywood. Seriously, it was so hard...who could sleep? Not I, that's who!
2. the Chinese breakfasts day after day. My stomach was not really prepared emotionally for steamed lettuce, steamed broccoli, steamed cucumbers, and steamed water at six in the morning.
The Ugly -
my leg...I got bit the first night in the 4 star hotel by something. For the next few days, my leg was puffy, swollen, red; and it hurt terribly to walk. I think it was a snake because there were two identical little round holes, side by side where his fangs probably bit into me...yeah, right.
But, how do you describe a once-in-a-lifetime experience like we just had?!?!?!?!
You just say, WOW, WOW, WOW.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)