Yesterday, I had my first group of Post Graduates for the semester. They are great students, and all clinical medicine majors, with specialties ranging from oncology to obstetric to artificial reproduction. It should be a good year, and I am hoping to include lessons on English medical terminology and patient care in the class. I'm excited.
On the first day of my classes, I make my students fill out information cards on index cards. It has basics like their name, contact information, major, and hometown. On the back of the card, I have them list three things:
1. Two things I want to learn in this class
2. Two facts about me
3. Two questions for Ms. Sarah
Under the first section (two things I want to learn in this class), the most common responses are:
1. Better pronunciation
2. American culture
3. American medicine
Some random ones from this year:
4. I want to know some things about tennis
5. I want to understand what you said in class
6. I want to be able to speak like a Native American (that one just made me laugh... you mean Cherokee?)
Two facts about me:
1. I want to travel around the world.
2. I like delicious food.
3. I'm an introvert boy.
4. I like swimming and sleeping.
5. I listen to music when I am happy or sad.
6. I am lively and make friends with others
7. I like English very much.
8. I like the Gossip Girl.
9. I am a girl who loves laughing.
10. I love NBA, my best star is Kobe Bryant!
11. I desire happiness and freedom in life.
Two Questions for Ms. Sarah (This is where things got interesting)
1. Why did you come to China?
2. What is your sport?
3. Do you love your job and your students? (yes yes yes)
4. Do you like Chinese food? (when it tastes good)
5. Do you have a boyfriend?
6. Would you date a Chinese man?
7. How long will you stay in China?
8. What are you fond of? stamps? music? (stamps?!?!? - so funny)
9. Do you like the weather here?
10. When are you free?
11. What is your vexation? (What? My vexation? Someone is trying to impress with the vocab)
12. Do you like anime movies?
13. Are you married?
14. What do you think of the name "Tyler"? (Umm... I think it's fine...)
15. May I be your friend?
16. Do you miss your family? (yes)
17. Can you sing a song for the class? (no)
18. Can you give me a hug?
19. Do you like to travel?
Awkward question of the day is...
20. Can I often touch you after we finish these classes?
Um... no.
I'm hoping that something was just lost in translation. They probably wanted to use the idiom "keep in touch" or something akin to that. At least, I hope so.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Not Sure How to Respond to That
I taught my first two classes of the semester this morning, and they went very well. I am happy to be back with my students, and am looking forward to teaching. I have so many new ideas, and I'm ready to use them. I will have two classes this afternoon, and I have an awesome lesson prepared!!
Oh, and there are now street vendors on campus selling pineapple on a stick!!!! What a magical place this is.
On to the main story for the day: I finish teaching and begin walking down the hallway. One of the Chinese English teachers, whom I have spoken with a few times, stops me and says, "Hello, Sarah. You are more beautiful this semester because you are thinner. It must be because you have not adapted to Chinese food."
Um... thank you???
It's funny to me that Chinese culture can be both more vague and more blunt than American culture on different matters. They are very vague when discussing plans or schedules or agreeing to do anything. On the other hand, they are very blunt when talking about weight, salary, possessions, etc. Very interesting.
Oh, and there are now street vendors on campus selling pineapple on a stick!!!! What a magical place this is.
On to the main story for the day: I finish teaching and begin walking down the hallway. One of the Chinese English teachers, whom I have spoken with a few times, stops me and says, "Hello, Sarah. You are more beautiful this semester because you are thinner. It must be because you have not adapted to Chinese food."
Um... thank you???
It's funny to me that Chinese culture can be both more vague and more blunt than American culture on different matters. They are very vague when discussing plans or schedules or agreeing to do anything. On the other hand, they are very blunt when talking about weight, salary, possessions, etc. Very interesting.
Welcome Back
This sight greeted me yesterday as I arrived back on campus from a trip downtown:
If you walk around campus, you will find thousands of comforters hung up in every available space. Every building is capped with them. Every grove of trees has comforters hanging from the branches. Every balcony has one hanging over the side. The students are back, and they need a clean and dry comforter! No dryers here.
Yes, those are blankets.
If you walk around campus, you will find thousands of comforters hung up in every available space. Every building is capped with them. Every grove of trees has comforters hanging from the branches. Every balcony has one hanging over the side. The students are back, and they need a clean and dry comforter! No dryers here.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Jennie in Zhengzhou
I have the most wonderful sister who traveled around the world to see me!!!
Here are some highlights from Jennie's time here:
1. Christmas
Chinese tradition is to give apples to friends on Christmas Eve. Here is my haul:
What to do with all of these apples? Jennie and I made apple cake!!!! Yum!
On Christmas Day, 80 of my post-graduate students showed up at my apartment to wish me a Merry Christmas. They gave me a photo album with a picture from each of them and a note they had written. I cried. Then, they each wanted a picture, so Jennie and I smiled for about 80 pictures. It would have been great, if I wasn't so sick (stomach bug). But, I'm glad I stuck through.
Some of the notes that were inside:
"Dear Sarah,
You are my first foreign teacher. We love you very much for your beauty and humor. You have been a qualified teacher and even better friend. Thank you for all that you have done. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Lara"
"Dear Sarah,
I like attending your classes, and I felt very happy in your classes. You taught me cooperation and how to think. I love you. I hope that you are always leading a happy life.
Yours,
Hope"
"Dear Sarah,
Welcome to China! Merry Christmas!
Enthusiastic, kind-hearted, patient Sarah with the brightest smile. You always see person from the best side, which makes you really beautiful. Do you think that we could be friends? Call me maybe.
Catherine"
Love them! My students are such an encouragment.
2. Cooking
I invited some of my sophomores over to cook with Jennie and I. They ended up kicking us out of the kitchen and did most of the cooking themselves. But, it was a fun time, and it gave Jennie a chance to get to know some of them. I love these girls
Jennie and I also did some cooking of our own. We made Mexican dinner for my team, and other random dishes throughout the week. Jennie is a great cook, and it was so nice to eat her yummy food (especially her famous mashed potatoes!!!)
3. Shaolin Temple
This is the birthplace of kung-fu, and is only about an hour away from where I live (though it takes a bit longer to get there using public transportation. Jennie and I had a great time exploring the sites.
4. Puzzle!
I love puzzles, and Jennie gets them as gifts for me often. She always tries to find really challenging ones. This year, she brought one for my birthday, and it was awesome. Here it is finished:
Oh, and we had hot pot!
Here are some highlights from Jennie's time here:
1. Christmas
Chinese tradition is to give apples to friends on Christmas Eve. Here is my haul:
 |
| most of the apples have cool designs on them |
On Christmas Day, 80 of my post-graduate students showed up at my apartment to wish me a Merry Christmas. They gave me a photo album with a picture from each of them and a note they had written. I cried. Then, they each wanted a picture, so Jennie and I smiled for about 80 pictures. It would have been great, if I wasn't so sick (stomach bug). But, I'm glad I stuck through.
Some of the notes that were inside:
"Dear Sarah,
You are my first foreign teacher. We love you very much for your beauty and humor. You have been a qualified teacher and even better friend. Thank you for all that you have done. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Lara"
"Dear Sarah,
I like attending your classes, and I felt very happy in your classes. You taught me cooperation and how to think. I love you. I hope that you are always leading a happy life.
Yours,
Hope"
"Dear Sarah,
Welcome to China! Merry Christmas!
Enthusiastic, kind-hearted, patient Sarah with the brightest smile. You always see person from the best side, which makes you really beautiful. Do you think that we could be friends? Call me maybe.
Catherine"
Love them! My students are such an encouragment.
2. Cooking
I invited some of my sophomores over to cook with Jennie and I. They ended up kicking us out of the kitchen and did most of the cooking themselves. But, it was a fun time, and it gave Jennie a chance to get to know some of them. I love these girls
Jennie and I also did some cooking of our own. We made Mexican dinner for my team, and other random dishes throughout the week. Jennie is a great cook, and it was so nice to eat her yummy food (especially her famous mashed potatoes!!!)
3. Shaolin Temple
This is the birthplace of kung-fu, and is only about an hour away from where I live (though it takes a bit longer to get there using public transportation. Jennie and I had a great time exploring the sites.
4. Puzzle!
I love puzzles, and Jennie gets them as gifts for me often. She always tries to find really challenging ones. This year, she brought one for my birthday, and it was awesome. Here it is finished:
Oh, and we had hot pot!
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| Can you count how many layers I had on? |
The Question Master
A while back, I was asked to be a judge at a Provincial-Level speech competition. That competition took place towards the end of December. I traveled to Kaifeng, expecting to judge. However, when I arrived, they told me that I was no longer going to be a judge, but instead I would be the question master. Dun Dun Dun.
Every contestant would give a prepared speech, and then an impromptu speech. I would need to ask each contestant one question after their impromptu speech. I was able to see the questions the night before, and wrote most of my follow-up questions then.
The whole weekend was interesting. I traveled with the other judges and formed some unique friendships. Here I am pictured with two of the judges:
I had the most exciting conversation with one of the judges. He asked me where I am from, and I replied, "Texas." When I say "Texas", to a someone here, the two most common responses I get are either, "Oh, that is where George Bush is from," or "Oh, that is where Sheldon (big bang theory) is from!" The first thing this man said, however, was "Oh, have you heard of a place called Lubbock?"
Squeal of excitement from me!!!!!!
Yes, I've heard of Lubbock! That is my home!!
He goes on to explain that his son is studying there, and we talk about Lubbock for the next hour. Small world. Big Father.
At the end of the competition, I was asked, once again, to give a speech. I've learned to be expecting this, so I had something prepared. It is a little bit intimidating giving a speech at a speech competition, but I felt confident. The Father must be preparing me for something with all the speeches I'm having to give while living here.
To top it all off, I received a free ride to the airport to pick up my sister, and a free ride back to campus. The Father is good!
Every contestant would give a prepared speech, and then an impromptu speech. I would need to ask each contestant one question after their impromptu speech. I was able to see the questions the night before, and wrote most of my follow-up questions then.
The whole weekend was interesting. I traveled with the other judges and formed some unique friendships. Here I am pictured with two of the judges:
I had the most exciting conversation with one of the judges. He asked me where I am from, and I replied, "Texas." When I say "Texas", to a someone here, the two most common responses I get are either, "Oh, that is where George Bush is from," or "Oh, that is where Sheldon (big bang theory) is from!" The first thing this man said, however, was "Oh, have you heard of a place called Lubbock?"
Squeal of excitement from me!!!!!!
Yes, I've heard of Lubbock! That is my home!!
He goes on to explain that his son is studying there, and we talk about Lubbock for the next hour. Small world. Big Father.
At the end of the competition, I was asked, once again, to give a speech. I've learned to be expecting this, so I had something prepared. It is a little bit intimidating giving a speech at a speech competition, but I felt confident. The Father must be preparing me for something with all the speeches I'm having to give while living here.
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| My seat, front and center, with the microphone. Sometimes, I step back and say, "Is this really my life?" |
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| The winners!! |
Christmas Parties
Belated Merry Christmas.
I know. I know. I am WAY behind on blogging. Life gets a little crazy at the end of a semester.
Towards the end of my semester, I had Christmas parties with each of my classes. These were a blast. We did white elephant gift exchanges, played games, and some of classes even prepared entertainment. I also wore the most awesome sweater ever to some of the parties...
I know. I know. I am WAY behind on blogging. Life gets a little crazy at the end of a semester.
Towards the end of my semester, I had Christmas parties with each of my classes. These were a blast. We did white elephant gift exchanges, played games, and some of classes even prepared entertainment. I also wore the most awesome sweater ever to some of the parties...
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| With some of my sophomores |
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| I ended up having a Christmas Party on the night of my birthday (I know, I know- December birthdays). My class got me a little birthday dessert. SO Sweet! |
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| With some freshman... and my awesome leopard sweater! |
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| Some of my Freshman guys dancing to Gangam Style |
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| More freshmen!! You can see my face in the middle. |
COLD
Just returning from the warmth of Thailand, Zhengzhou is cold!!!!!!!! My apartment will not have heat for the next two weeks, and I have learned the art of layering. Currently, I have on 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 2 pairs of socks, and two hats. It works...
I was looking through some pictures I took before I left ZZ that I hadn't posted. Here are some from one of the snow days we had at ZZU:
I was looking through some pictures I took before I left ZZ that I hadn't posted. Here are some from one of the snow days we had at ZZU:
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| I took this one to show the use of umbrellas. People use umbrellas here in every kind of weather: sunny, rainy, snowy, etc. |
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| Bicycles everywhere! |
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| This is on the path that I walk to my classroom |
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| My outfit for the cold... many layers, warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf, and face mask. It does the job |
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| With a couple of my kiddos after class. Love them! |
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Overwhelmed
I've been ruminating over this post for the past couple of days, wondering how in the world I could describe my experience at conference. There is so much that I want to say, but some thoughts go so deep that no words can really do them justice. Just know that this is one of those times. I will reach for my best words to weave a picture for you, but know that my words will undoubtedly fall short.
Every year, my org holds a conference for all workers in Asia. We gather together in Thailand for a time of refreshment, community, classes, discussion, remembrance, and seeking the Father. While at this conference, I just had the overwhelming sense of being part of a family, a family that I in no way merit belonging to. These men and women have given up their lives for something higher, have given up comforts of the west, have given up close contact with their families to go and live in a hard place and share the Father's love. I was reunited with wonderful friends from orientation, and I met so many amazing new friends. As I live in a land where I don't belong, this family gave me a sense of belonging. They spurred my love for the Father, my desire for the nations to know Him.
Some highlights:
1. Times of singing and adoration. I have no words for what I experienced in these times of corporate praise. I was confronted again and again with His overwhelming love, my deplorable sin, His grace, and my need. To know Him, that is the only good.
2. Being with friends. The Father has graced me to know some of His choicest souls, men and women with hearts aflame for Him. I learned a bigger stride walking alongside of them these past two weeks.
3. Fun activities. Swing dancing, playing games, trips to the market, etc. Laughter was all around me and bubbling up from inside of me all week long.
Photos:
The Father has be unbelievably good to me that I get to know people such as these.
Every year, my org holds a conference for all workers in Asia. We gather together in Thailand for a time of refreshment, community, classes, discussion, remembrance, and seeking the Father. While at this conference, I just had the overwhelming sense of being part of a family, a family that I in no way merit belonging to. These men and women have given up their lives for something higher, have given up comforts of the west, have given up close contact with their families to go and live in a hard place and share the Father's love. I was reunited with wonderful friends from orientation, and I met so many amazing new friends. As I live in a land where I don't belong, this family gave me a sense of belonging. They spurred my love for the Father, my desire for the nations to know Him.
Some highlights:
1. Times of singing and adoration. I have no words for what I experienced in these times of corporate praise. I was confronted again and again with His overwhelming love, my deplorable sin, His grace, and my need. To know Him, that is the only good.
2. Being with friends. The Father has graced me to know some of His choicest souls, men and women with hearts aflame for Him. I learned a bigger stride walking alongside of them these past two weeks.
3. Fun activities. Swing dancing, playing games, trips to the market, etc. Laughter was all around me and bubbling up from inside of me all week long.
Photos:
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| Terrace Dinner with the Southerners :) |
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| With my teammie and my roomie |
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| Barb and John!!! I love them. John is one of the best people to have a conversation with! |
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| Such wonderful people. Love them. |
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| With my brothers! |
Friday, February 15, 2013
Adventure of the Best Kind
This day included so many things that enliven my soul:
1. Nature
2. Thunderstorms
3. Amazingly great friends
4. Randomly bursting into song with those friends
5. Hiking
6. Hiking
7. Hiking
8. Seriously, this hiking was just about the best thing ever
9. Elephants
10. Good, deep conversation
11. Beautiful flowers
12. Lots of laughter
13. Waterfalls
14. Pad Thai
15. Hiking
Some images from the day...
First, we visited an Orchid Farm. The entire time, I was wishing I had my macro lens for pictures.
Then, we road some elephants. Emily and I named our elephant Norma. We had the idea for a children's book called Norma the 'Nanna Eater. Then, we learned that Norma was pregnant. After being sad over the fact that she had to carry us through the jungle while being pregnant, we named her son Ned (yes, son... somehow, we just knew). So, if our children's book is ever published, we almost have a sequel ready to go... Ned and the Nefarious _________ . (Any Suggestions?)
Then, we took a trek through the jungle. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this hike. I can't even begin to explain how amazing and alive I felt climbing over boulders, crossing streams, and peering through the trees at wild elephants!! Living my entire life in good ol' Lubbock, I just never before realized how amazing hiking is! It is stupendous! Now, if you ever mention me in a conversation, and someone says, "Sarah who?" you should respond, "You know... Sarah... that girl who loves to hike." Then, they will say, "Oh, ya... Her. Got it."
The end of the hike led to a waterfall. We took a break here and, even though I wasn't necessarily dressed for the occasion, I decided to just jump (more like fall) into the water! I mean, how many times in my life will I be at a waterfall? I might as well experience it to the fullest!
The End.
Stay tuned for our next episode... Conference
1. Nature
2. Thunderstorms
3. Amazingly great friends
4. Randomly bursting into song with those friends
5. Hiking
6. Hiking
7. Hiking
8. Seriously, this hiking was just about the best thing ever
9. Elephants
10. Good, deep conversation
11. Beautiful flowers
12. Lots of laughter
13. Waterfalls
14. Pad Thai
15. Hiking
Some images from the day...
First, we visited an Orchid Farm. The entire time, I was wishing I had my macro lens for pictures.
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| The Whole Crew |
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| about $65 - that would be one very expensive flower |
Then, we road some elephants. Emily and I named our elephant Norma. We had the idea for a children's book called Norma the 'Nanna Eater. Then, we learned that Norma was pregnant. After being sad over the fact that she had to carry us through the jungle while being pregnant, we named her son Ned (yes, son... somehow, we just knew). So, if our children's book is ever published, we almost have a sequel ready to go... Ned and the Nefarious _________ . (Any Suggestions?)
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| This is our Father's world, and it is breath-taking. |
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| Prince Ali, mighty is he, Ali-A-Baba... |
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| I know, I know... TTU, TAMU, and WBU all in one outfit... |
Then, we took a trek through the jungle. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this hike. I can't even begin to explain how amazing and alive I felt climbing over boulders, crossing streams, and peering through the trees at wild elephants!! Living my entire life in good ol' Lubbock, I just never before realized how amazing hiking is! It is stupendous! Now, if you ever mention me in a conversation, and someone says, "Sarah who?" you should respond, "You know... Sarah... that girl who loves to hike." Then, they will say, "Oh, ya... Her. Got it."
The end of the hike led to a waterfall. We took a break here and, even though I wasn't necessarily dressed for the occasion, I decided to just jump (more like fall) into the water! I mean, how many times in my life will I be at a waterfall? I might as well experience it to the fullest!
The End.
Stay tuned for our next episode... Conference
Thailand, Part 1
I am so refreshed!!!!
I have just returned from Thailand, and want to share some pictures with you, but will do so in a few different posts. Thailand is beautiful; my body, soul, and mind were refreshed by my time there.
This first group of pictures is from some time I spent traveling with my friends Emily and Erika. We had a great time together, and even decided to do a photo shoot (which is so great, because I miss taking pictures quite a lot!)
Coming soon... Chiang Mai and conference
I have just returned from Thailand, and want to share some pictures with you, but will do so in a few different posts. Thailand is beautiful; my body, soul, and mind were refreshed by my time there.
This first group of pictures is from some time I spent traveling with my friends Emily and Erika. We had a great time together, and even decided to do a photo shoot (which is so great, because I miss taking pictures quite a lot!)
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| I spent time walking on this beach at sunrise. We have such a wonderful Creator!!! My breathe was taken away by the beauty He has made. |
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| Las Tres Amigas! |
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| One of the best things about Thailand = fruit shakes |
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| Beautiful Erika! |
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| At the market, where awesome sunglasses are sold. Random creepy guy in background... |
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| Beautiful Emily! |
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| Elephant Pants!! |
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| Seriously happy... |
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| This picture so captures our friendship, rooted in and centered on the Father. |
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| Apparently, I'm an expert at fishy lips :) |
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