Friday, July 27, 2007
Hello to Everyone: News from Beth
From Beth
Dad, Mom, and everyone,
As of noon yesterday we were halfway done with our three weeks of teaching. It doesn't seem possible that we only have a week and a half left.
Our class is great. The last two days we watched The Wizard of Oz during our activity hour for English listening practice. I'm pretty sure Kristen, Nikki, and I enjoyed it more than the students! We were all in the back of the room singing along. There were even some acting scenes coming out—that we are glad no one could see.
I'm sure you read Nikki's account of my brilliant move with the dumplings on Sunday. Let's just say I think I've had enough dumplings for a while!
We have a teaching assistant for our class who comes in sometimes. His name is Li. We are hoping to be able to do some things with him. We've had several nice conversations with him during activity time and the this past Saturday at the panda reserve. He seems really personable and friendly.
There's a little girl at our favorite restaurant whom we've been making friends with. Today she got to tickling me, which doesn't work since I'm not ticklish. But she seems to be very ticklish so we had a good lunch break. I should run. The afternoon part of our day is about to start.
SO—Love and thoughts from all of us here! Saw a really cool string instrument thing at the opera last Friday and thought of you.
LR—So, I hear you don't want another pink fan—what's up with that? Miss ya!
Love and thoughts to you all!
Dad, Mom, and everyone,
As of noon yesterday we were halfway done with our three weeks of teaching. It doesn't seem possible that we only have a week and a half left.
Our class is great. The last two days we watched The Wizard of Oz during our activity hour for English listening practice. I'm pretty sure Kristen, Nikki, and I enjoyed it more than the students! We were all in the back of the room singing along. There were even some acting scenes coming out—that we are glad no one could see.
I'm sure you read Nikki's account of my brilliant move with the dumplings on Sunday. Let's just say I think I've had enough dumplings for a while!
We have a teaching assistant for our class who comes in sometimes. His name is Li. We are hoping to be able to do some things with him. We've had several nice conversations with him during activity time and the this past Saturday at the panda reserve. He seems really personable and friendly.
There's a little girl at our favorite restaurant whom we've been making friends with. Today she got to tickling me, which doesn't work since I'm not ticklish. But she seems to be very ticklish so we had a good lunch break. I should run. The afternoon part of our day is about to start.
SO—Love and thoughts from all of us here! Saw a really cool string instrument thing at the opera last Friday and thought of you.
LR—So, I hear you don't want another pink fan—what's up with that? Miss ya!
Love and thoughts to you all!
Hello to Everyone: Mopeds and Traffic
From JonathanEverything here is going very well (for the most part anyway)! When I was here two years ago and wrote, everyone said I was boring. I have exciting stories to tell, but I'm sure the girls here have already told those stories in a far more exciting way than I could tell them.
Classes are going well. Linda and I have 19 students. We hardly ever see a few of them, though. We average 11-14 probably. I was able to play ping pong with one of our students the other day. We rode his moped. (Mom, he even let me drive it! I am OK!)
We didn't have to teach Wednesday afternoon, so Justin, Eric, and I went on an adventure through the city. We went to KFC, the tailor, the scroll place, and a fancy hotel.
We are going up the mountains this weekend. It should be fun. Despite the dozens of times that we have almost been hit by buses, cars, and bicycles, we are all doing quite well. No one has been too sick yet. We Americans played the Chinese in basketball the other day. We lost by only a few points. So long for now!
P.S. Dear Mom, please don't send money. We will be home by the time it gets here! Happy birthday on Saturday! I hope you have a good day. I love and miss you!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Love, Raw Meat, Toilets, and Smoking
From LindaOn Tuesday morning, Brian Trainer spent about an hour telling my classroom, made up of English teachers, about the four types of love according to the ancient Greeks--sorge (family love), philos (friendship), eros (physical), and agape (sacrificial)--and how the best marriage includes all four. The students enjoyed looking at wedding photos he passed around, in which, incidentally, his hair was jet black. In this photo, Brian teaches while Sherry observes.
You're never sure what you'll encounter in China. I took a picture of a man hauling a raw slab of meat on the back of his bike yesterday morning. Steak and eggs anyone? Traffic consists of people on bikes or mopeds, on foot, or in cars, taxis, and buses--all converging and merging at major intersections. It's quite a sight, especially during rush hour! The pedestrian does not seem to have the right of way here, so it's a good idea to look both ways, including behind you and in front of you!
Garage-sized shops dot the urban landscape along almost every street, selling products ranging from fire hydrants and cabinets to fans, tires, and even western-style toilets. These ones are on the way to my favorite coffee shop, where I can hear some pleasant American music, sip a smoothie (western prices, though), and use my laptop with wireless. 
Today in class we divided into small groups to discuss health problems (and solutions) in China, similar to those we encounter in the States--smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of exercise, and overeating (the students are all pretty thin in my class, so I didn't expect them to list overeating as a problem here, but apparently it is for some Chinese). In this photo, a young man is smoking--a common sight among young and older men in China.Hope you're doing well back at the ranch!
Hello to Everyone: Dumpling Dimwits
From Nikki
Dear Mom, Dad, and friends who are concerned for my health here in China:
Dear Mom, Dad, and friends who are concerned for my health here in China:
You will be comforted to know that I am eating well, but dining in China has become an adventure all on its own. My first night here we had a banquet with the vice president of Mount Royal. I was very excited to try my first traditional Chinese cuisine. Sadly, I forgot to calculate my first time using chopsticks into my excitement. Here I am sitting at the head table with the Trainers, a few other college students and the vice president of Mount Royal. Mr. Trainer suggested strongly that we try every item that was presented to us on the table. My heart was in it but my hands would not cooperate--45 minutes, 25 dishes, and multiple frustrations later, I managed to consume about 4 small pieces of food, and only with the help of Beth and a toothpick. I was so embarrassed and frustrated because I was hungry; I had myself convinced I was not going to eat at all this trip. Thankfully I tried my hand the following day at chopsticks and was able to succeed.
Besides the chopsticks fiasco, dining has been fun. Kristen, Beth and I were invited out last week by one of our students for lunch and we got to try traditional Sichuan snacks, including dumplings shaped like eyeballs and the ever so popular pickled chicken foot. It was, in the words of Mr. Trainer, Interesting. I didn't mind the chicken foot actually, but I wouldn't want to go and order on a random whim.
Finally my last interesting story was just last night when we went to our favorite Chinese restaurant, where we love the sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, and dumplings. Five of us were dining, and we wanted two dumplings a piece. Beth decided to order for us, and we asked for 2 dumplings a piece, or so we thought. . . actually we ended up with 2 PLATES of dumplings per person. . . that would be 150 dumplings for 5 of us. It was traumatic, funny, heartbreaking, and embarrassing all in the same moment and I will never be hungry for dumplings again!!!!!
Love to all back home!
Nikki
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Basketball Challenge--The Pre-Olympic Game
From JustinOn Tuesday afternoon at 5 p.m., the pre-Beijing 2008 Olympics took place when the staff of Mt. Royal challenged the Americans to a basketball game.
Noah from FBBC was our go-to-guy. Eric Dunford could be put in for MVP. Final score was 64-59, China.
Considering how seriously they take this and considering that we never practiced, we did not feel too bad. They enjoyed playing so much that they want to do it again sometime next week.
Considering how seriously they take this and considering that we never practiced, we did not feel too bad. They enjoyed playing so much that they want to do it again sometime next week.
Weekend Fun
The weekend is a wonderful time to build friendships and enjoy each other. Some of our weekend activities included sharing American-Western food with students, visiting the Panda Zoo, and attending a Chinese variety show. Check out today's slideshow: When the slideshow starts, run your cursor over it to reveal the comment bubble; select this icon to view captions.
Hello to Everyone: Living at the Tailor's
From Sharon
Hello all!
This is my dumb American story of the week. Taryn and I were at the bank getting cash exchanged. You have to fill out all of these forms and one of the places on the form asks for your address. Usually we write down something that has to do with the hotel we are staying at, although we don’t really know the exact address. Well this time I thought I would be smart and just hand the man the business card that has our “home” address written on it in Chinese characters.
We have many business cards that we carry to give taxi drivers so they can get us to our favorite locations. We have a couple of restaurants, stores, other hotels and attractions, etc., so that we can get around town with relative ease. Well, I gave the bank teller the wrong card. I realized when getting in our taxi that evening to go home that I had shown him the card to the tailor’s store.
I had wondered why he looked at the card so funny, and then put it away in the drawer. I had to ask several times before he finally gave it back. Taryn and I just had to laugh! We were so confused . . . but I guess sometimes we probably look like silly American tourists.
Hello to Mom, Dad, Ryan, Kezia, Micah, Grace, and Jabez.
Thinking of you all!
Love, Sharon
Hello all!
This is my dumb American story of the week. Taryn and I were at the bank getting cash exchanged. You have to fill out all of these forms and one of the places on the form asks for your address. Usually we write down something that has to do with the hotel we are staying at, although we don’t really know the exact address. Well this time I thought I would be smart and just hand the man the business card that has our “home” address written on it in Chinese characters.
We have many business cards that we carry to give taxi drivers so they can get us to our favorite locations. We have a couple of restaurants, stores, other hotels and attractions, etc., so that we can get around town with relative ease. Well, I gave the bank teller the wrong card. I realized when getting in our taxi that evening to go home that I had shown him the card to the tailor’s store.
I had wondered why he looked at the card so funny, and then put it away in the drawer. I had to ask several times before he finally gave it back. Taryn and I just had to laugh! We were so confused . . . but I guess sometimes we probably look like silly American tourists.
Hello to Mom, Dad, Ryan, Kezia, Micah, Grace, and Jabez.
Thinking of you all!
Love, Sharon
Hello to Everyone: Pouring Rain
From Beth
Dear Mom and Dad, Everything is going great here in China and it isn’t even as hot as it was last year. I’m teaching Advanced 1 with Nikki and Kristen. We have 14 kids who are all great and lots of fun.Today after school we went to a park with two of our girls and one of their mothers. It was really fun, even when it started pouring rain, and we went for a crazy ride in a little park transport car. We ended up standing in a guard shack with like 20 people for almost half an hour.
After it stopped raining we went to dinner with the one and her mom. Kristen’s face was just a little red from all the spice but both her and Nikki’s chopstick handling skills are improving.I’ve got to run and plan for tomorrow, so—we all miss you tons!
Thanks for all the thoughts from everyone!
Love, Beth
Hello to Everyone: The Famous Hot Pot Meal
Happy birthday Josh!
I am having an awesome time in China. I have a class of 12 students. My first day was okay, definitely tough. The last couple of days have gone very well, and I have really enjoyed teaching. My students took me and another teacher to a restaurant to experience a “hot pot” meal after class on Tuesday. We ate cow stomach, duck tongue, duck intestine, eel, potatoes, chicken feet, lamb, beef, and some kind of squid thing! China is very interesting.
Miss you all, Dad, Mom, Josh, Ben, Wish you were here, Kels! Miss you,
Nathan M.
Hello to Everyone: Loving Chinese Food
From Justina
Dear family and friends,
Well, it has been one week since I left for China, and I have had so many adventures. At the airport, nine of us got stuck in an elevator for 15 minutes. I have eaten at many Chinese restaurants. I try a new one every day. The food is delicious. I went to the flea market on Monday and Tuesday. They have a lot of stuff. I spent a couple hours there each day. On Tuesday it was pouring rain and my team teacher and I walked in the rain and got soaked.
Today I went to the town square. It was beautiful. There are many tall skyscrapers and a ton of people. I’ve tried to go clothes shopping, but all the clothes and shoes are way too small. My teaching is going well. I have only six students with ages ranging from 12-20. Now that we are getting to know our students, teaching is getting easier and more fun. I am healthy and everything is going great. I do miss some things about home, like normal toilets, and having soap and toilet paper in a public restroom would be nice. Other than that, I am having a great time. I miss you all and can’t wait to tell you more about my adventures.
Love, Justina
P.S. Happy birthday, Clinton!
Dear family and friends,
Well, it has been one week since I left for China, and I have had so many adventures. At the airport, nine of us got stuck in an elevator for 15 minutes. I have eaten at many Chinese restaurants. I try a new one every day. The food is delicious. I went to the flea market on Monday and Tuesday. They have a lot of stuff. I spent a couple hours there each day. On Tuesday it was pouring rain and my team teacher and I walked in the rain and got soaked.
Today I went to the town square. It was beautiful. There are many tall skyscrapers and a ton of people. I’ve tried to go clothes shopping, but all the clothes and shoes are way too small. My teaching is going well. I have only six students with ages ranging from 12-20. Now that we are getting to know our students, teaching is getting easier and more fun. I am healthy and everything is going great. I do miss some things about home, like normal toilets, and having soap and toilet paper in a public restroom would be nice. Other than that, I am having a great time. I miss you all and can’t wait to tell you more about my adventures.
Love, Justina
P.S. Happy birthday, Clinton!
Hello to Everyone: Significant Conversations
From Linda
Dear friends,
So far we have completed five days of teaching, and today three new students joined my classroom. Everyone on the team seems to be settling in well as teachers and getting comfortable with their students. It’s been nice to have easy-going Jonathan as my team teacher as well as participation and help from Mrs. Trainer in making copies and adding great comments in the classroom.
Today, in celebration of Valentine’s Day, we asked for student essays and feedback on what makes a relationship and marriage successful. A student brought in her husband’s guitar for me to play, so we taught some American songs, which the students loved.
The students seemed to really enjoy a home-made DVD I showed yesterday, which gives a taste of life at Maranatha. We also studied from their textbooks, discussing cultural diversity and reading about the Titanic; then we had a contest to make words based on just 8 letters of the alphabet. I had lunch with two of my students for the second time this week—Jill and Jane. They are both English teachers and quite friendly. One young lady I talked to yesterday named J heard us singing Amazing Grace (to illustrate the long A sound) and loved the music. She asked me lots of significant questions and talked about her life.
I miss everyone at home and wish everyone well!
Love, Linda
Dear friends,
So far we have completed five days of teaching, and today three new students joined my classroom. Everyone on the team seems to be settling in well as teachers and getting comfortable with their students. It’s been nice to have easy-going Jonathan as my team teacher as well as participation and help from Mrs. Trainer in making copies and adding great comments in the classroom.
Today, in celebration of Valentine’s Day, we asked for student essays and feedback on what makes a relationship and marriage successful. A student brought in her husband’s guitar for me to play, so we taught some American songs, which the students loved.
The students seemed to really enjoy a home-made DVD I showed yesterday, which gives a taste of life at Maranatha. We also studied from their textbooks, discussing cultural diversity and reading about the Titanic; then we had a contest to make words based on just 8 letters of the alphabet. I had lunch with two of my students for the second time this week—Jill and Jane. They are both English teachers and quite friendly. One young lady I talked to yesterday named J heard us singing Amazing Grace (to illustrate the long A sound) and loved the music. She asked me lots of significant questions and talked about her life.
I miss everyone at home and wish everyone well!
Love, Linda
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