Christmas in Guangzhou

So, here it is - my first Christmas without bows, wrapping paper, cards to mail, gifts to buy, goodies to be made. And, that was okay. But, it was also my first Christmas - EVER - without family. That was not okay. But, you know what? Next year will be great and for one year, this was really a marvelous opportunity and blessing.

I enjoyed my Christmas in China!

The kids loved it when a student from the class dressed up as Santa and passed out candy. What's not to love - everyone loves Santa and candy! I had to teach each Santa how to say, HO! HO! HO! Skinny and Chinese - not your usual Santa Claus!
Here I am surrounded by the Tuesday night class of 60 students. I taught them about Christmas caroling and we sang to some office personnel. Aren't they cute!?!?!

Waiting for our Christmas dinner of turkey, stuffing, mashed potaotes and gravy prepared by Chinese cooks.

Behold - the Turkey....it was mighty, might tasty. Just like an American turkey! Loved it.

Behold the dressing - Chinese stuffing made out of something - but definitely NOT bread. I didn't try it, but Chye said it was very spicey! The gravy for the mashed potatoes was tomato sauce.

Gotta have the room decked out in holiday decor. We used a vacant room in our apartment building for the Christmas day dinner. Many foreign teachers were invited, only a handful came. I think when they found out there would be no alcohol, it didn't sound that fun to them any more.

And, after dinner, some card games for laughter and enjoyment.

Our personal Christmas tree given to me by a student from Russia. It is about three inches tall, and the putting away after Christmas is the best part!

It was a great Christmas celebration.

I don't have pictures of our Christmas Eve, but it was a very spiritual evening with two couples from our branch, including a family that had just gone through the temple. We ate pancakes, ham, and srambled eggs. We listened to President Uchtdorf's Christmas message, sang Christmas carols, and rejoiced in just being together for a wonderful evening.

Later on, Dounald Thomas told us he had never had a Christmas Eve event with his family before and he was so grateful for that evening.

I'll be glad to be in America next year.

But, I'll always remember and be grateful for this Christmas in China.

Not Your Usual Sacrament Meeting Picture Display

It's the chapel, the recreation room, Sunday School room, and a hotel room.

This is what greeted us on Sunday morning when we walked through the doors.

I'm not used to seeing a Santa Claus in the church meeting place.

Well, as we say here - This is China!

Thou Shalt Not Judge - Part Two

"Holy cow!" I thought to myself when Rhonda walked in the room. "This is a class of adults, not tryouts for the circus!"

Her socks were wild and looked funny worn with her capris.

"Who would EVER wear those socks with those pants in public?"

Well, as it turns out, I would!

The weather turned cold, they are fuzzy and warm and only come in wild colors/patterns. I told myself that it was for comfort - not fashion. But, they looked mighty odd sticking through the holes in my Keen shoes.

Once again, I find myself saying, "You gotta quit with the judgment making thing!"

New Shoes

China red!

Mrs. Hackworth, I Have a Question to Ask for You?

All these have been asked in the last ten days:

"Why did you come to China to teach?"

"Do you like Lady Gaga?"

"Would you let your child dye his hair?"

"Do you go to church?"

"What day are your church activities?"

"Is everyone in America rich?"

"Will the government support you forever if you lose your job?"

"What do you think of Obama?"

"Is everyone in America as kind as you are?" ("NO! They are much nicer and kinder!")

"Does everyone in America have a chimney for Santa to go down?"

"Do you like our delicious Chinese food?"

"Will you go home to America during the spring festival?" (From Jan 21 - Feb 27)

"Have you traveled in China?"

"If you visit my city, can I be your guide?"

"How can I get better at speaking English?"

"Will you help me with my pronunciation?"

"Can I have your telephone number to call you during the spring festival when we are away from class?"

"Is that a new hat? It makes your face look much thinner!" (This from a boy - I will NOT take the hat off for the next six months!)

"Do you like eating in our delicious canteen?" (This is always the toughest one for me to answer...I have made up my mind to be totally honest, and I do NOT like eating in the canteen. See picture in previous post. Suggestions on how to answer, anyone?)

"Do you miss your family?" More than you can possibly imagine.

And, there you have it. a little over one week's worth of questions. Fun, eh?!?!?!

Where to Eat for Dinner

Chinese Restaurant?

or

American Restaurant?

Easy choice for me....

Most of the time I am not the person doing the choosing....

oh, my aching stomach!

Planning is the Key

MEMO FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
GUANGDONG UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES

We want to welcome you to our campus and hope you have a productive and enjoyable year in China.

Please note: you will be teaching 3 Freshmen English classes each Monday. There are usually 18 weeks in each term, so please plan accordingly. This will allow you to cover all 16 chapters, with two extra weeks for review. Also, we do not have an exact date yet for the ending of the first semester, but as soon as that is made available, we will let you know. The start date for school has not yet been determined. Stay tuned for further notices on this matter.

Planning is the key to a productive Semester at GDUFS.

MEMO FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

GUANGDONG UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES

NOTE: to all Freshmen English teachers. Freshmen do not start classes for four weeks, as they are all enrolled in Military training. Please plan accordingly.
Planning is the key to a productive Semester at GDUFS

Memo from the Department of English

Guangdong University of Foreign Students

Note: classes started last Monday. Hope you were able to meet with your Freshmen students at this time.

Planning is the key to a productive Semester at GDUFS

MEMO FROM THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

We have just been notified that all classes usually held on Thursday and Friday will be canceled in honor of something very important. Please note: these classes are to be made up on Saturday and Sunday. Please enjoy this unscheduled holiday time.

GDUFS - Where we highly value education.

MEMO FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
GUANGDONG UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES

As new teachers in China, you may not be aware that the upcoming holiday is the second most important holiday in China. In honor of the Mid-Autumn Festival, school will be canceled for ten days. All Thursday and Friday classes are to be made up on Saturday and Sunday. No Monday classes will be rescheduled or made up.

Planning is the key to a productive Semester at GDUFS

MEMO FROM THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Good news, we have just learned that all classes will be called off on Friday, due to the opening ceremonies of the Asian Games. NOTE: no tickets are available for students or faculty. Please enjoy your day off.

GDUFS - Where we highly value education.

MEMO FROM THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Good news! we have just learned that all Monday classes will be called off Dec 13 for the opening ceremonies of the Para-Asian Games. NOTE: The opening ceremonies will be held Sunday evening, Dec 12. No tickets are available for anyone.

GDUFS - Where we highly value education.

MEMO FROM KATHY MAI - FRESHMAN ENGLISH CO-CORDINATOR

All Monday classes should be planning to hold their finals on January 3rd. This is the the 16th week of the calendar year, and will allow two weeks for all-school testing week to begin. Thus, your classes will conclude on Monday, January 3.

EMAIL TO KATHY: Hi, Kathy, Allen's students just told him that school has been called off on Monday, January 3rd...do you know anything about this? I have scheduled my final that day as you said.

EMAIL FROM KATHY MAI - FRESHMAN ENGLISH CO-COORDINATOR

I have not heard about school being canceled on January 3rd and will check with my colleagues this afternoon.

EMAIL FROM KATHY MAI - FRESHMAN ENGLISH CO-COORDINATOR

I have checked with my colleagues and they know nothing about this.

MEMO FROM THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Good News! We have just been informed that the New Year Holiday will extend from January 1 through January 3rd. No Monday classes will be held that day. Please enjoy this extended holiday.
GDUFS - Where we highly value education.

EMAIL TO VINCENT- FRESHMEN ENGLISH CO-CORDINATOR

Vincent, I am confused. Originally we were told there would be 18 weeks in the semester. As I total all the military training, holidays, days off, etc., I am now down to 10 Mondays that class was actually held. Can that be correct?

VINCENT: FRESHMAN ENGLISH CO-CORDINATOR

Each semester has 18 weeks. Please be sure that you have planned accordingly. It has been a pleasure working with you this semester.
Planning is the key to a productive Semester at GDUFS

Thou Shalt Not Judge

"Holy cow!" I said to myself when I saw Rae's new hair cut.

It was just incredibly short, short, short.

"Who would cut their hair THAT short?"

Well, as it turns out, apparently I would. Accidentally, of course

I don't know when I have been so grateful that hair grows.

And, once again, I am reminded - bitterly - that I should never judge!

Multiple Choice Test

You have a very cold bathroom where you shower each morning. Since there is only one outlet, which of these do you plug in that single outlet for your morning ritual (provided you have remembered to turn the water heater on to heat the water one half hour before showering??)

a. small floor heater - (yes, the directions are written in Chinese, but just take a guess as to what it says and hope it's the one that puts out heat.)

b. Hair dryer, so you don't go out in the freezing cold and have your hair frozen to your head.

c. Curling Iron - essential to every woman, except the Chinese.

d. All of the above in little blocks of time. Start with a, move onto b, finish up with C.

Then dash quickly into the even frostier kitchen to grab a very quick breakfast before your tongue freezes to the spoon!

And, there, my friends is a typical morning in the life of Ling Ling.

Hearing Voices

Every morning - the chatter of old people speaking Chinese.

But, where would it be coming from and why so very early?

Our building houses mostly young teachers who are from Spain, Japan, South America, Great Britain, America, Germany, and they don't speak Chinese that well. And, the building juts up against a small mountain - there are no other buildings around. It certainly wasn't the workmen as the voices were also women's voices.

Why do I always hear these voices early each morning?!??!?!? It was a puzzle?!?!?!?

Puzzle finally solved after living here for about two months.

The Chinese that I am hearing, climb the path right behind our building each day to get water from the mountain spring or just to do their early morning exercise. They laugh, chatter, clap, speak loudly - it seems they are totally enjoying these early morning forays up the little hill.

Ah, they can teach me a thing or two about being healthy!

Me vs. "Desperate Housewives"

"I love American television shows," the cute girl said after the karaoke contest we had just judged was over. I knew what she was about to say, and then she added another, "I also love Desperate Housewives."

I looked at her and since I didn't know her and would likely never see her again, said, "Let me tell you something. That show is not what American housewives are like at all!"

"Really?????????????" she looked shocked. "You mean they don't sit around and gossip behind each other's back?"

I wanted to throw up.

"I live in a neighborhood with lots of housewives. They are of all ages. They don't sleep around. They help each other. They tend each other's children. They take food when someone is sick. They care for the pets when someone is out of town. They care for one another. They laugh together, enjoy each other. And, they are not mean to one another."

Then she asked a question I could not answer...."Well, then, what is a show that would tell us about the real America?"

She had me on that one.

The Interview

Reporter: So, you have certainly complained a great deal about the food. What do you normally eat for breakfast?

ME: Oh, breakfast is always great - no problems there unless we are on a trip. But, normally, I have a banana - washed of course! Then I have a a bowl of yoghurt with some cereal in it. Yoghurt is very BIG in China. My students bring yoghurt drinks to class all the time. But, I put my yoghurt in a bowl, then pour some American cereal on top. (We have a store where you can buy American products, but they are extremely expensive!) I have a piece of toast with peanut butter. (Finding a toaster was a HUGE challenge.) Then to finish the meal, I have some Lay's potato chips. Breakfast is good - it's American.

Reporter: What's for lunch?

ME: Sometimes a sandwich - grilled cheese or tuna, maybe soup. But, if we are eating out, it's usually something like - Slithered eels, little birds, chicken feet, steamed lettuce, fish head soup, or dog meat.

Reporter: You are kidding, right?

ME: What, me kid - about something as serious as food?

Reporter: You must reallly miss American food.

ME: Yes, I've written a letter to Santa asking if he will bring me some Taco Time bean burritos. If they don't come, then I'll know for sure there is no such thing as Santa.

Reporter: What about dinner?

ME: Sometimes Allen will make stir fry or make a big pot of delicious soup, but if he doesn't cook, the meal is too disgusting to discuss.

Reporter: Well, thank you for your time. Hope your stomach survives.

ME: That is my wish exactly!

Christmas in China

No tree, no presents, no Santas, no candy canes, no hot chocolate, no neighbors bringing cookies, no Christmas carolers, no decorations.

But, still the feeling of JOY in my heart.

Joy for:
family - friends - health - opportunities - America - birth of a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

So, Christmas in China is a good time to really feel what the day is all about after all.

And, that is something worth singing about!

Joy to the World - the Lord is Come!

Me Vs. "Gossip Girl"

Mrs. Hackworth, May I have a question for you to ask."

"Ask away," I said to the girls gathered round.

"Do you know Upper East Side?"

"Are American girls as gossipy as in Gossip Girls?"

"Do all American girls live in such nice dormitory?"

"Is New York City beautiful place to live?"

We moved from questions to statements:

"I want to visit New York - seems so wonderful."

"I just love 'Gossip Girls.' Is so interesting."

Me: Do you all watch Gossip Girls?

"At night, all six of us sit at desks in row here and watch "Gossip Girls.'"

I've never seen Gossip Girls. Thankfully, I have been spared that.

But, I have seen these wonderful girls and their basic, small, very old dorm rooms. I see their innocence and goodness; their natural kindness and modesty; their love of family and loyalty to country; and I wish they had never laid eyes on GOSSIP GIRLS.

I've got some serious work ahead of me to help them see that America is not like it is portrayed on GOSSIP GIRLS!

The Text Message

"Mrs. Hackworse," the text read. "Did you to find my phone in the classrooms after class? I have lose my phone. Share."

The message intrigued me.

How did she get my cell phone number?

I don't even know the number!

Hmmmm, very interesting.

But, the answer, unfortunately is NO.

The Vegetarian

"I NEVER get sick," she had said.

I looked at her as she peddled energetically down the road on her shiny red bike.

Several weeks ago, we had spent an afternoon and evening with Antje and her husband, Georg, both from Germany. She had told us she had been a vegetarian for many years.

Now, as I watched her ride on past, as I was suffering with a bladder infection - again - trying to stave off a cold, and my stomach ache returning, I thought....

"Hmm, I wonder? Should I?"