September Update

Language camp in Yangshuo

Language camp was incredible.  The location was spectacular, the people were wonderful, and every day I was able to spend time with friends and study Chinese.

Ping'An

Ping'An

Yangshuo is a beautiful place.  We enjoyed biking beside rivers and mountains, swimming, and cave exploring.  On one weekend we were also able to skirt up to Ping’An, where there are gorgeous rice terraces. 

We also met many interesting people including a tour guide from Holland, a handle of rock climbers, and a lady from S. Africa, who came to China for the same reasons we did.  One of our teachers was a sister and we got to visit a Chinese group who were dedicated to studying our book every week.  I love meeting people from such different backgrounds and cultures who still have the truth that we have.  It’s encouraging to know that it can be found in many places.

Xing Ping

Moving in

Thanks to Bonnie, Laura, and Matt, I was able to move almost everything from my old campus to my new one in less than three hours (despite dropping a bottle of soy sauce which splattered and shattered all over the floor).  We only had to take two taxis! 

I’m still cleaning and organizing though, so I’m not exactly settled.  Due to certain circumstances, we did not return to Wuhan until Friday afternoon so I’m a little behind on planning lessons and cleaning.  My new apartment is awesome though.  When I’m finished putting things away I’ll post some pictures.

Teaching

On Friday or Saturday last week, I found out that my classes don’t start until the 10^th, which is great.  (Most classes start on the 2nd).  I’ll be teaching five writing classes each week, two on Tuesday and three on Thursday.  Two of the other foreign teachers, Mary and Abby, are also teaching the same writing classes and I am really excited about planning lessons and tests with these two.  Mary and her husband Ed have been in China for years and I think they are both outstanding teachers so I have the opportunity of learning from some of the best. J   

I was able to catch up with one of my students from last year and was excited to learn that she has been continuing to read our favorite book!  This week I hope to catch up with some others.  It's still only the first week back for them so everything is a little hectic.  :)