Hello to Everyone: Beijing Adventures

From Jacob

Hello Everyone!

I just thought you all might enjoy seeing what I'm doing here in Beijing! You can also check out more pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/job.teamchina2007.

Hello to Everyone: Christmas on the Last Day of Class

From Beth

Hey everybody,

It seems impossible that it our last day of school. Today we are doing Christmas and birthdays. We are turning the birthday party into a goodbye party thing. Lots of fun things on the plan as far as games go and such. And the last of our stuff to give away is wrapped as Christmas presents or in birthday gift bags. Today we had Christmas Eve and decorated our 6-foot construction paper tree as well as making stockings to hang on the fireplace. It was fun.

After school Nikki, Kristen, Bekah, and I went to hot pot with some of our students. It was your usual hot pot experience. Somewhat scary but a bit fun! We enjoyed the time with "our kids."

We've been crazily getting ready for tomorrow, so I'm off to bed before I lose my mind!

SO---you can keep out of trouble for a couple more days, right?
LR--So what about a purple fan? Or maybe green butterflies? Lol. We''ll be back soon!!

Hello To Everyone: Missing My Students

From Ben

Hey everyone!

Sorry that I haven't written on the blog yet. I've been pretty busy. Class has been good but tiring. I love all of my students; they are tons of fun. Spending time around the city has been great and very eye-opening at times. This has definitely been a memorable experience. I can't wait to see you all soon. Just wait till you see my sweet Chinese outfit. It's way cool. Miss you all very much!

Hello To Everyone: Classroom Memories

From Angela

Hi family and friends,

We're in Beijing now, but I thought I would share a little of my experience in China. I had a class of 11 students and their age range was about 8-13, I think. They were so much fun to be with and to teach. We taught about Valentine’s Day on Friday and lots of the kids gave Rebekah and me a Valentine card. One of my students named Joe gave me one with hearts around my name. So, I think he understood the concept we were teaching. I have been trying to learn Chinese from the students too, and they enjoy laughing at how I pronounce the words. Mom, you were so right about all the different little necessities you said I should bring along. I am really going to miss everyone here when we leave. Each of my students are so special to me, and I am going to miss being with them! I am also going to miss my assistant teacher Lynn, because she has been amazing and a great friend. I will miss shopping at the market with Lynn. Nancy, who is one of my students who is 11 years old, helped me as I bargained for some amazing gifts. I have been able to eat lunch with her this week and that has been so much fun! It has been amazing being here!

Hello To Everyone: Meeting Old Friends, Seeing New Sights

From Linda


Touring Beijing has been fun, but our time with precious Chinese students is what we'll cherish most. Last night, after getting settled in our hotel rooms following our visit to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, I was so happy to get together with Chase, one of my students from last summer, and his girlfriend Dora, who met me at the hotel around 10 p.m. They are going to be college juniors this year and are trying to make decisions about post-grad study in China or abroad. We walked to KFC for some beverages and caught up on news and future plans. (By the way, Chase and Carl say a big hello to "Darryl." I was able to talk to Carl on the phone for a few minutes.) I wish I hadn't been so tired; I could have talked to Chase and Dora for hours, but I finally had to say goodnight.

Now we've just returned to our wonderful Debao Hotel from a day of touring in Beijing: This morning, after a delicious continental breakfast that offered western foods like French toast and cereal, we joined thousands of others to climb a popular portion of the Great Wall (August is vacation time for many Chinese). Our tour guide told us that the Wall was built during the Ming dynasty by a huge labor force of people, many of whom died in the process and were buried in the wall (it was believed that the souls of those who died stayed nearby and would defend the wall from invaders). Btw, the photo of Justin leaning out of the wall looks scary, hey? But don't worry--his feet were held securely.

After our climb, we went to lunch at a Jade restaurant/factory and learned how to tell true jade from fake jade. We shopped in their store, then took a ferry ride on the lake at the Summer Palace, where the Qing dynasty empress known as Dragon Lady spent her summers and used money acquired through corruption to renovate the park. We then went to a pearl restaurant/store where we learned how to tell true pearl from fake pearl and shopped before enjoying a buffet meal (it even included refills of strawberry, grape, lemon or orange juice). Our last stop was near the site of next year's Olympic games where we climbed a hill to snap pictures. The stadium (French-designed to resemble a bird's nest) will be completed by next March.

Tomorrow we will do a little more sight-seeing and shopping before heading to the airport for our trek home. See you soon!