A NEW DAY

Well, school has started and I thought I would give you a picture of my class. Only 10 students, but it gives me some more personal time with them. They are very interested in learning (some more than others) and are doing quite well. Many want to become translators or go on in business.

Life in China is full of surprises. Like when you take your kids down by the river and you are bombarded by older people want to know why you have 2 Asian faced kids! People stare as they go about their business, but down by the river people are just walking and passing time. People have heard about foreigners adopting Chinese kids, but now they can actually see a family. I know HE is using this to break down walls. Many doors have already been opened to befriend people around town.
In an Asian world where people grade you by your social class and sucesses, we are becoming a physical illustration that there is something more. LOVE goes beyond cultural differences and social statuses (stati? Yes, I'm the English teacher).

We have also finally found french fries, butter, cheese, and fruit loops. (Sorry no pics...they look the same as in America.) Most of it is located in Yanji (like "Can-Gee") about 45 minutes away. But at least it is available. It was like a dream come true! Our taste buds did the happy dance, and all of a sudden everyone was just a bit nicer that day:) Until next time...

First day of school

Well, the first day of school came today. At 8:00 I walked to the school (5 minutes away) and got to my class. 3 hours of teaching English to 11 students. It was quite interesting to say the least. The kids were very outgoing. Each of them have English names (Deborah, Anna, Kaitlyn, Conner, etc.). One boy didn't have one so I gave him the name "Bob" (wonder why?)
I shared my story and life and they were all amazed at our multi-national family. I shared some music (great way to learn English). I thought the "beatles" would be a hit but no kid had a clue who they were (this is not your father's generation). Most loved Korean pop music (we'll find that out on Friday).
My father-in-law called me on skype during the middle of class. So at break time the kids got to practice their English on someone half way across the world. They were all amazed.
All in all it was a success and I think they enjoyed it. One kid shared with me some of his music which was what I liked as well. After class we talked a bit about the real "important things" of life. I could tell he was glad I knew where he was coming from.

On another note...I've learned a great Chinese proverb today. It goes like this, "Tall man with kid on shoulders need to duck low in China while walking under doorways" (sorry Jack!)

A Teacher's Retreat

Thursday and Friday we were bussed to a place just outside of Yanji (2 hr. bus ride) for a retreat for teacher's and their family. Actually it was information on team building, school schedule, and school guidelines. Hannah, Jack, and I, took this journey (by faith), while Michele, Lia, and Rae stayed back.
It was quite fun trying to listen to translations and keep Jack entertained. He was a trooper. Except at meal times (he doesn't like new foods and he is vocal about it!) Hannah found a friend and that helped with the boredom. (most of the kids were 4 and under). We spent many times out in the cold playing on the exercise equipment.

We sat on the floor for teachings and meals, totaling 23 out of 24 hours on the floor. (once again 1" cushions were available...I think it is a trick to make you feel like your comfortable) I think I am developing callouses on my rear!

I was asked to lead some songs a few times and yet they had to be easy English songs with no words about DAD...(that's a challenge). We ended up playing nursery songs! (seriously) To lead adults in "Old MacDonald had a farm", and "If your happy and you know it", or how about "Row, Row, Row your boat" (in rounds of course) was quite humbling. God continues to break me. In fact the second time I led in songs I noticed an hour later my zipper was down! (oops! Once again humbling!)

The floors were heated, but some parts were extremely hot. Much like sitting on the sidewalk in Phoenix during the middle of summer without shorts! Ouch!! In fact, as we laid down on a blanket to sleep it was so hot I thought I was going to get burned. Jack and I moved to a cooler place because I thought he would roll over and get burned. Good thing. One guy's keys were in his jacket pocket and the remote entry to His car melted! That's hot!

We slept in a room of about 5 guys. People came in late at night and turned on the lights to get stuff. Kind of like a late night wake up call! People got up around 5:00 a.m. to get going on their day...sitting in meetings. (got to get the best seat on the floor)

Rice is becoming by arch enemy. Little white grains plague me at every meal. One day I may even stand up and tell rice a thing or two about itself.

Anyway, we finally made it back home...exhausted, overloaded with information, and lacking sleep. That's why it is called a "retreat" right. You get away exhausted and come back exhausted. At least you have the memories, right?

I've "hit the wall" as they say. I just hope I've run hard enough to run through it. My DAD knows what He is doing though.