My first meal in China, as I entered the restaurant I was taking it all in. The differences between our cultures: the flexible plastic hangings that you walk through in the door way, the men eating their meal at the table with their shirts off, smoking, the amount of people helping us, our plates and bowls wrapped in plastic, and my worst fear chopsticks laying on the table. Dustin and Teresa I know what you two are reminiscing about right now. Let me tell you they eat some freakin' spicy food compared to most Americans (a glass of milk has never sounded so good to me). I suddenly understood why so many men eat with their shirts off in China and it was not just because of the 100% humidity in Wuhan. At the table I had to face the decision I had made to try everything put in front of me at least once, and make sure that somehow I get it down into my stomach somehow. They did order a couple bottles of Coca-Cola, which was helpful, but I noticed some taste differences like they may have added a tiny bit of alcohol to the drink (probably to make sure it stays good, but not every Coke and Pepsi tastes like this so I don't really know) and it was a lot less carbonated (as remained true).
After telling you I had nothing to cook on for two and half weeks some of you may be wondering what in the world I have been eating. If it is a school day I have a pretty regular diet of yogurt and a piece of fruit in the morning for breakfast. At lunch I normally I have some type of sandwich or I eat at the teachers lounge for around 5 yuan (a little less than a dollar). Dinner normally involves going out to eat somewhere, and depends on where I am. I am seldom at home during those hours, but that may change as the year moves on. We do have some regular places that we go to a Chinese restaurant about a quarter mile walk away which is pretty good. There is also a restaurant which serves good American food that we go to every Saturday when we attend our foreign fellowship group; a burger never tastes as good after eating so many unfamiliar foods. For the most part though Taylor and Stasi have been taking us to different places they enjoyed eating at last year which has been a lot of fun.
As for teaching an oral communication focused English class I have found it to be quite a challenge since my smallest class is forty-eight students making any activity we might do
extremely difficult. The students' abilities vary quite a bit, some can keep up with me while I am speaking at a normal speed while other students could use a lot more one on one time then is possible. Most of my classes I only see once a week (these are called general classes) which makes improving their English extremely difficult, but still I try my best. I only have three classes (these are called international classes) that I get to see twice a week. So for the most part I teach the same lesson all week with small variations. On Mondays we have something called English corner where the students get a chance to speak English and practice those skills with us. These students are typically the better English speakers in our class as well. Most students can do the box conversation, but when they get beyond they seem to struggle. For now I have tried to keep my self distant and strict so the classroom keeps a more teachable environment. About twice a week I go out to play sports with the students one day I play soccer and the other I play basketball. I have found this to be an alright way of meeting students, but I still have a lot of work to do. I should also say that when I tell people that I work at this school it invokes in them an instant amount of respect for me, since this is the no. 1 school in central China. If you would like to see some pictures of the school here is the link to the school's English website: http://www.hzsdyfz.com.cn/english/Overview.php?lanmu=School%20Overview
One of my favorite activities as been to go to this coffee shop, Mr. Mai's, it is place where Chinese people can come to practice their English, and meet and ask questions of foreigners like myself. The people who come here are mostly college age to young adult. I have found this place to be a great chance to meet and talk with people about whatever they want. I have even had the opportunity to hang out with some of them out of the coffee shop as well which as been very exciting. The conversations I have with people here are always encouraging, and seem to keep me motivated through out the week at times.
When I speak with people I notice a real lack of hope at times, and an acknowledgment that something is missing from their lives. Many feel a sense of doubt about life and of religion, and I think rightfully so. Life in China involves a lot of pressure to succeed and to be what is desired by structures bigger than themselves; these pressures create nothing in people, but just leave emptiness and darkness. While religion is terribly damaging at times to these people as well especially when people admit to having doubts about their own beliefs. To these people I say the questions we ask do not always have satisfactory answers or solutions that we can or want to understand, but I have or have had some of those same doubts at times and maybe we should pray anyway not because we will get answers but because God sent His son.
Well I hope this update was a little bit helpful I have yet to cover transportation, construction, what I do when I go explore, and where I go to buy groceries. All topics I look forward to telling you all about. I hope that we can live in a way that tells people our kingdom is not of this world. Good bye for now. Shalom.
10 comments:
Great update, Cory! You explain things well so we can really visualize your life and activities. I think it's wise of you to set the standard now in your classroom of you being in charge. Don't get discouraged, the relationships with your students will continue to build. We'll pry for you on that one. I'm glad you enjoy Mr. Mai's so much. You know, for us, we didn't see any sprtual stuff happening in our relationships until April, so be encouraged! Yes, we live for His Kingdom!! Peace!
Thanks for all the work in writing that post. It's always fun to read about Americans in foreign countries and the adventures that come along with that. Blessings on all your work and the fun times ahead.
Cory,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. I pray that your journey is positively memorable and significant.
Mike
I like it. The specific details, ins and outs, really paint the picture. I'm surprised for example that you have English Corner on Mondays. Cool. I'm sure you are working hard and you'll find meaningful ways to engage the students. I always had so much trouble engaging the masses, but the handful were especially rewarding. MMMmmmm I want to share some Shaokaorou with you my friend. I miss the spices of China. I ate pizza tonight and covered it with red pepper. I used to think, "who eats that stuff." After China... now I'm that guy. hehehe. May the Spirit of everlasting truth and power be upon you in word and deed my friend.
Hi Cory,
It was really nice to read all about your experiences. I will show it to the family. We love you!
Hello Cory! Hope all is well. We sure loved to hear about your getting started in China. I can't imageine what it must be like to try to comunicate to 48 Chinese students with many variations in skills and abilities. I could only compare it to a device that doesen't work. You need to know what it is supposed to do. Then figures out what part is not working and then figures out how to repair or replace it. So I guess it would be the same in figuring out what works best for each level of skills in the class and then tailor a program that would work. You have Sandy and my prayers in acomplishing your mission.
A little on what we are doing. This past weekend we spent at Cottonwood cove on Lake Mojave. I coordinated our 32nd Annual Poker Run. I won on an inside straight which I opend on the last card. Sandy and I spent Sunday night in a cove and was able to get some rest after the gang left. Zachary is the king of riding the tube. He can really hang on and half the time i s flying above the water he is so light. Anyways we had a great weekend with Bob's family and the boat club members and kids.
With Warmest Regards your Uncle Jay and Aunt Sandy.
this is awesome bro...we think and pray for you daily bud. i know you have many days ahead of you but i am so looking forward to seeing you and hearing about this trip and seeing how god has worked in you. you're one awesome guy...love you lots bro
Hey Cory, so glad to hear things are going well. I'm jealous of all the spicy food. Keep the updates coming.
Hello Cory. Just a note to say your Aunt Sandy and I are thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers. Hope all is well.
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