Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve!

I hope you are having a restful Christmas Eve with family, snow, etc. And I hope you are WARM!

People were right about Nanchang--the cold seeps into your bones and never leaves. It is particularly challenging and frustrating when you are supposed to dance ballet with it at 32 degrees inside a theater.

We didn't have to teach today, but we still had to go to new campus for most of the day. We went to the rehearsal in the morning for the worker's union performance, which turned out to be a big, fancy shindig.

During the rehearsal, I slipped on the super slick stage. All the performers before me had tracked in the rain and muck from outside. So then I was thinking about not falling and how my toes were so numb, I couldn't point them. While I was concentrating on that, I totally blanked out halfway through my dance and just stood there. I felt like I disappointed a lot of people, but I was glad it was just a rehearsal.

While we were sitting in the audience watching the other flashy performances, about a dozen of my students trooped in, expecting to see my dance. They had just got out of class and came over as soon as they could. I was sorry to tell them they had missed my dance. And students weren't allowed to come to the afternoon show.

They also brought a bunch of Christmas presents for me, which was unexpected. I left the place carrying an armload of gifts. They gave me a huge stuffed dog, really warm mittens, a face mask for the cold and/or pollution, some pretty cards, and a beautiful, miniature tea set.

Then our team and the foreign affairs office people who are in charge of us went to the cafeteria for an appetizing lunch of boiled greens and 20 times baked cauliflower. I didn't mind too much that there wasn't anything good to eat. We sat there with the cold wind gusting in through the doors, and I could tell we were all getting really run down. So Rachael and I decided to lift up our thoughts to Him like we were having a conversation, because our whole team has been struggling through the past few very stressful days.

After lunch Mr. Li and Amy took me to the school clinic, because two of my fingers on my left hand hurt really badly. They are currently very swollen, red, and achy. We barely made it through the door when a bunch of doctors and eager patients gathered around my hand. A lady doctor just squeezed my finger and looked at it for a minute.

I never found out what was wrong with it. Amy, the translator, said she didn't know how to translate it. I asked her, "Was it from the cold? Was it from a bug bite? Did I hurt it? Do I have arthritis?" She said she didn't know. Then they gave me some smelly oil stuff to rub on one of my fingers. They also gave me some sort of little plaster mixture to wear on it for four days, too.

Then we went to the performance and sat in the audience. We watched as lots of people poured into the auditorium, which seemed more like a damp, cold tomb. But it was hard not to get excited by the excited people around us. Everyone was bundled up, chattering away. Really tall military guys in green uniforms with their chests puffed out stood at attention in the aisles, by the stage, and by the doors during the whole performance. It reminded me of the "Sound of Music" when the Von Trapp family is singing on the stage and they escape soon afterwards. The Nazi soldiers then run out exclaiming, "They're gone! They're gone!"

So our team was all dressed up and we sang a song, half in English, half in Chinese. The crowd of several hundred people was enthusiastic. Then the music for my dance began. I leaped out onto the stage thinking how I should have gone to the bathroom before I started.

At first no one could see me, because the stage and auditorium was pitch black. Someone hadn't turned the lights back on. But I kept dancing. After a few seconds the lights went on and I decided just to have fun and entertain the expectant people. I also spontaneously added some more dramatic arm expressions and made sure to flash a smile every 2 seconds. The stage actually wasn't slick this time, and I just enjoyed dancing for the audience. Thankfully, I didn't blank out at all. The audience started clapping during the middle, just like if I had done 32 fouettes. I could have fallen and they would have still cheered. But I know that I did my best, and was thinking that all of those "Nutcracker" performances from the past weren't for naught. Who knew that we'd spend our Christmas Eve day this way.

And our Christmas Eve night has been quite wonderful. We met in Joelle's room with other Chinese brothers and sisters to celebrate Christmas. We decorated sugar cookies, read the Christmas story from the Word, sang carols, and lit candles. Afterward, we went outside and threw firecrackers on the ground and played with sparklers. We also wrote "wishes" on a big red paper lantern. One of our friends lit a light under the lantern, and we watched in wonder as it floated into the air and slowly sailed away. It was so meaningful to be with other brothers and sisters in China on such a special night.

This Christmas isn't really about getting lots of presents or doing Christmasy things or going to fellowship. It is more like having to totally rely on Him, otherwise you think you might not make it to tomorrow. It's also about remembering the important things in life and how life in Him brings true joy and contentment, despite circumstances or cultural barriers.

Anyway, Sheng dan kuai le! (Merry Christmas!)

P.S. I have received 49 text messages so far from my students wishing me a Merry Christmas. I have no idea how that many people got my phone number, but I guess word spreads quickly.

A Frozen Winterland

Welcome to southeastern China, where it never snows! But, alas, it snowed yesterday!

Yesterday morning I woke up to bitter cold in our apartment. As the sun slowly began to rise, it shed light on a still, white world. And it was about 25 degrees, with the wind chill lower. That might not be very cold to some of you hearty Americans, but it is much colder in drafty, unheated building. The temperature is the same inside as outside. And so many students don't have heavy enough clothing for this type of weather.

So I bundled up that day in my very unattractive China-bought winter clothing, looking more like a manly Eskimo than anything. I went to school and tried teaching 1 class, but it was pretty difficult because of the cold.

Most of the students were so excited to see snow, because it was the first time for many of them. But that excitement quickly faded as people became more numb by the second. For class, we stood the entire time, because I'm pretty sure they were going to freeze to death, especially without gloves. One girl brought in a snowball for me and I set it on the podium up front. It didn't even begin to melt during the 2 hour class, since it must have been below freezing in the classroom.

The whole time, I was thinking, "this is ridiculous!" Nobody can learn in this type of environment, especially without good socks or any gloves. After a while, I just gave up and let them go early. But they didn't really have anyplace warmer to go.

Anyway, I got home at lunch time not being able to feel my toes--they were so numb. I looked at them and they were a very waxy white, which scared me a little, especially when they refused to warm up. I guess according to the Internet and other people, I was starting to get frostbite. The feeling in my toes finally started coming back after soaking them in lukewarm water for 30 minutes...

Today I taught 2 classes and it was slightly warmer. It was about 35 degrees in the classrooms. It didn't feel quite as bad today, because the wind wasn't gusting through the windows and doors. But my students still looked miserable. I asked them if they liked winter and they all screamed, "NO!"

Since today was the last official day of the semester our classes, we didn't do very many productive things. I had them jump up and down to stay warm, and I also taught them the "hokey pokey," which they loved.

We also had a "free talk" where I asked them questions and they asked me questions. I found out a lot more about their lives. It costs 8,000 yuan ($1,200)/ year to attend this university, which is pretty expensive for China. Their parents or villages support them. And the majority of their parents work in factories--shoe factories, plastic factories, or clothing factories. Their parents migrate to big cities to work endless hours in these factories so their children can have a better life than they've had.

A lot of my students also have siblings, which isn't all that rare, despite China's "one-child" policy. They all said that their parents were fined a certain amount for them, if they were younger children. I told my students I think they were more than worth the money. :)

I also had them anonymously write an evaluation for my class, so I can try to do better next semester. They wrote about one thing they liked, and one thing they would change or would like to learn. Most of them didn't follow the directions, and just made it whatever they wanted to say to me indirectly. Some of the responses just about made me cry, not because they hurt my feelings, but because I feel like He has actually been using me to touch their lives by being a good teacher.

Here's a little sampling of some of the sweetest or most outrageous ones. Prepare to laugh. Or prepare a Kleenex!

"It's really lucky that I could have the chance to learn from you. Salute to our wonderful teacher!"

"My love of oral English class: Although it is very chilly today, we still sit down the room J2-105. However, we would rather stay here which is warmer than outside. Most of all, we're excited about the special class that Miss Laura teaches us oral English. In other words, as soon as she came in, we are boiled. Also this is the last class in 2008.
I always want to say 'I really appreciate Miss Laura, her teaching is very helpful, and so humorous and generous she is, we all love her.' Time lefts just like the water follows in the river. But we aren't regret."

"Our English teacher (Laura) is funy, and her English is very wonderful. Her beautiful voice is much better than any other English teacher. She is so beautiful, just like a superstar. I want our English teacher teaching us until we graduate."

"I think we have a good and kind English teacher in our class. She is very helpful and beautiful English teacher. She teaches me how to study English and make every students happy in her class."

"What I liked about the class is Miss Laura often let us discuss and talk free. So that we have time to be creative. I think this is one point different from Chinese education."

"I like the class. Because it makes me feel relaxed and happy. The way of you teach us is easy to understand. I like the classmates. They are interesting activity fellow. I like the teacher. You are easygoing and always bring happy to us, never be angry to us. You are our teacher, also you are our friend."

"How time flies! Many things become a part of my memory. I find I fall in love with my teacher. I love her humor, her lovely expression and teaching skills. I find I learn many things from Miss Laura. I understand what is optimistic. I also know much more knowledge on America. I really think it's the best memory of my life. Thanks Miss Laura sincerely!"

Wow. I could have included many more, but those were the most memorable. :) I hope you enjoyed them! Good thing I had them leave their names off the papers! I don't want to know who has "fall in love with my teacher."

I just wanted you to read some of those comments I received, since you are a big part of what's happening over here, too. I think that I have earned a lot of respect, and the students can see that I'm different. It is a great transition to eventually be able to speak of the Father's love and how He has helped me teach this way and be this kind of person.

Merry December 23rd! Have safe travels and stay warm!

Winter is truly here

Happy Winter everybody!

It has been a wonderful and cold weekend. It is now Sunday night and I don't know where the whole weekend went!

On Saturday morning I finally got to read for leisure for a couple of hours. Later I also got to talk to some lovely family members on the best invention--Skype. Then Rachael and I went to Wal-mart on the 231 bus, which is always a fun excursion. Nothing notable happened, which was sort of a nice change.

We were walking by a tall apartment building that was under construction in the afternoon. There were workers up on the 8th floor, who yelled at us "HELLO! HELLO!" This usually happens when we walk by people on the street, but I was pretty amazed at the workers who were a million feet in the air and had spotted the top of the foreigners' heads. I couldn't help but look up and wave at the smiling workers looking down at us.

Then last night the girls on our team celebrated Jodi's 23rd birthday with another meal of... Chinese food! Then we watched "Air Force One" with Harrison Ford, and had a great time. It was such a suspenseful movie, but we were laughing the entire time. It was such a nice night!

This morning we did not have fellowship, but Rachael and I decided we still wanted to go downtown to Ba Yi Square to wander around. We thought that because it was freezing cold and extremely windy, the buses wouldn't be crowded. But, nope, nobody was deterred. The Chinese are never deterred by anything. Everything was just as crowded as usual. Several buses went by without stopping. So a senior student started chatting with us and it was pretty pleasant. Usually the Chinese are so friendly, so you never feel alone or hung out to dry. On the contrary, sometimes the attention can be suffocating. But today it was welcome.

We went to the post office, the eye doctor for contact solution, a DVD shop, and other random shops. The majority of shops in Nanchang aren't very interesting. About every third shop is a copy shop. Another third sells MP3 players and computer parts. The rest are either restaurants or parts for bicycles and mopeds.

It is also fun to go downtown, because once and a while you spot another foreigner, and usually we know them or have seen them before. In the DVD shop we saw a guy from fellowship. Then at a bus stop we saw another older foreign guy we had seen on another university campus. He pretended he didn't see us. That's how some of the foreigners are. They obviously see you, but they like to be by themselves like a Lone Ranger. Sometimes they also seem peeved that they aren't the only exotic foreigner in the city. I, however, love to talk to the rare foreigner, because it's like finding an endangered bird or species of animal.

Tonight we had a dinner and Christmas service with our fellowship at one of the university's downtown, just like for Thanksgiving. It's wonderful to meet with other Americans, Germans, Africans, Australians, Philippinos, Indians, etc. who are also brothers and sisters in Him.

At 8:30 we took the bus home in the bitter cold. It is the coldest it has been yet. It is 30 degrees, with the wind chill much lower. That's pretty cold for Nanchang, especially when there isn't any heat in most buildings. Today when Rachael and I were trying to cook, the propane on the stove kept going out because of the wind steadily blowing through our very drafty apartment.

Tonight it's supposed to be about 20 degrees. I worry about my students, because they don't have any heat in their breezy dorms. At least I have a little heater in my bedroom, which is more than most people in this city or university have.

So in honor of the first day of winter, I will share a text message one of my students sent me: "Today is the winter solstice. we usually eat dumpling in china. otherwise your ear will be frostbited. so please remember eat dumpling. hope you have a good weekend. :)"

Oh, no, I hope I can sleep tonight, knowing that I didn't eat a dumpling today. Hopefully I won't wake up with a "frostbited" ear.

Have a great Sunday!

News updates

Today I conducted my last final exam! I feel like the semester is wrapping up well. I still have to teach next week, but we'll just do fun stuff.

It was another strange day. After my class, two very glamorous policewomen interviewed me and my teammates individually through a translator. I recognized them from when a couple of us went to the police station a couple of months ago and when they took our pictures as we were teaching. The Chinese like to keep good tabs on their few foreigners.

So today was one of those little check-ups. Again, they wanted to know where else in China we've been and how this city compares to those cities. They also asked if we felt safe here, etc. I answered in a very generic, non-committal way to those questions, just like how they asked the questions. I said I felt safe and I love this city. I'm being treated well. I didn't mention that I fear for my life because of the traffic.

They recorded what I said in a notebook and then they had me sign it. Then they gave us a business card all in Chinese with a number to call the police station, in case we ever needed help. It was just a formality. Later my teammates and I were laughing that if we were in trouble and had to call them in English, it would be useless. They would just say "shenme? shenme?" (what? what?) I guess it's another inspiration to learn Chinese, in case of an emergency.

I also found out that our team and I will not be in the university's 15th anniversary performance like they had told us we would be. Apparently our performances last night at the "rehearsal" were "not formal enough." That's a little sad. I have a feeling that's not the real reason we won't be participating, but maybe next time I'll know to bring my elaborate tutu and headpiece.

It was just a tad bit frustrating, because I know I danced really well and that the crowd loved it. I have also been practicing for a couple months now and the university had said my dance was basically mandatory. However, they said we can perform next week on Christmas Eve for the "worker's union" at the university. Oh, okay. Whatever that means and whatever a worker's union is. Is that like entertaining the troops? Again, I can't take it personally, just like everything else that doesn't really make sense here.

Yesterday I received three packages, and my teammates also received some, too. Joelle let me borrow a very recent Newsweek she got in the mail. I was so excited to read it, but then I read the cover, which said "How to fix the world." Inside it said, "how Barack Obama can forge a global formula for peace." Then I realized that I'd rather be ignorant at this moment and just read filtered news from China. Or maybe I'd rather be reminded that there is only one true Peacemaker, and it's not Obama or any other fallible human being that might grace the cover of an American news magazine.

On a bright note, we found out today that our Thailand travel plans may be close to getting resolved. Thai Air has finally decided to reimburse us for our cancelled flights. And our travel agent found us new flights, although they are much longer and not as direct. On the way there we can fly to Guangzhou to Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and then go back the same way. So thanks for your thoughts on that. It was a good opportunity for me to trust Him. For some reason all the other way more crazy things that have happened here haven't bothered me as much. I finally just had to give it to Him, and of course it always works out! (Right, Andrea?)

I leave you with a cute note a student wrote about Miss Laura: "My teacher is very young. On the other hand, she looks after us very well." Yes, I sort of feel like they're my children now and I want to protect them and I want them to succeed and I want them to know truth.

Happy Friday!

Life's a stage

Hello, from the blog of ballerina Laura. The day has come when I've been able to dance in front of a Chinese audience.

Today after class, the FAO took us to the university's "small theatre" for a performance rehearsal. The university's 15th year anniversary is in January, and the foreigners will be a part of the crew who helps mark the occasion.

I was surprised when we walked into a really ornate, formal building that had a huge stage and seats. There was a random audience of students, teachers, and nurses gathered. Our team sang a song that Shannon and Joelle had written. Shannon played a drum and Jodi played the guitar. The rest of us sang, and we each had microphones. In addition, we each had a "solo"--a line each. And the song was half in English, half in Chinese. Everyone in the audience started clapping along.

I don't think they cared if we could sing well or not. They love the foreign teachers. And at the end we said, "Wo ai Zhongguo; Wo ai Nanchang; Wo ai Lan Tian!" (I love China; I love Nanchang; I love Blue Sky!) They went crazy, because they truly love their country and university above all.

We ran off the stage, and music immediately played for my ballet dance that I've been choreographing. Everyone was watching, enraptured, and I tried my best to dance well. I think all those many years of performing the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, etc. paid off. At the end I ran off and then ran back on for a curtsy and then ran off again. I was so glad to see that I could still dance. And I'm glad I pleased everyone. People gathered back stage were also glad. One tall guy went up to me, smiling so broadly. He put two thumbs up right in my face and it looked like he was going to kiss me. And another guy asked in Chinese if I was Russian.

Then we watched the other performances. Most of them were also dances, and they were pretty good. It was just so exciting. It was slightly less exciting when one of my students came up to me backstage begging for a better grade on her exam. I didn't expect to see her there. Yesterday I had to give her a zero on her final because she kept cheating on her exam, despite numerous warnings.

Anyway, I have come to the conclusion that China is a society which loves putting on a show. Students are constantly practicing for a performance on any given day. And our team's participation in this particular show is practically mandatory. Oh, well! It's sort of fun.

In other news, I've been conducting final exams and hanging out with students, usually for lunch. They have also been giving me Christmas presents that make me want to cry. One girl came to my office today with a box wrapped in paper. I opened it, and inside there were literally hundreds of tiny origami cranes and hearts that she had folded. It almost took my breath away. I will have to post a picture of it.

Then other students gave me lots of chocolate, since once upon a time I said I liked chocolate. I have enough to last me the rest of my life. A couple other girls gave me a pretty jar with about a hundred 3D paper stars in a million different colors they had folded. There were also little scrolls rolled up with little messages like, "We wish you a happy everyday!" and "We love you!"

I also went out to lunch with one of my students, who is interested in the Word. I paid for lunch last time, so I received a text message from her today that said, "Dear Laura-- you are in china. i'm landlord. you had the bill last time so i will foot the bill today. it's called "courtesy demand reciprocity" so i will do that today. it's my pleasure. :)" I just liked the part about "i'm landlord."

So as the semester is drawing to a close, my students are growing so much dearer. Today when I was watching over them as they diligently took an exam, my heart felt like it was going to burst. They are the sweetest kids and I want them to have hope in the Father so much.

Wow, that was a lot I had to say today. Thanks for reading. And thanks for lifting us up! There is so much happening right now, that I'm barely sleeping, barely eating, and barely stopping to breathe. Maybe you can think of me that I would rely on Him and not on my own strength.

China party

Today it was a bit warmer and I felt a bit better. My neck and throat are hurting now, but I had more energy and was able to teach for four hours straight without dying. So that was very welcome!

In class we have been reviewing for the final exams. I also have them journal about a special question I choose every class. This week's question has been, "Who is the most influential person in the world and why?" I have to admit I chose that question partially because I could predict what they would say. And I was about half right.

When I was in rural China 2.5 years ago, all the students had answered that question the same: Chairman Mao Zedong. So I was curious to see if it was true for a more urban part of China, 2.5 years later. About a third of my classes said Chairman Mao. They said he was a great leader, he unified China, and gave people food to eat, etc. Then about another third said Thomas Edison or other scientists. The rest said their parents or famous basketball players. I thought it was an interesting little survey in disguise... :)

After a quick dinner at home on old campus today, I ventured back to new campus by myself on the city buses. I haven't tried to get to the other campus by city bus. Usually we have a driver or I take the school bus. I had been very formally invited to a class party by three of my classes. So I thought it would be nice to attend.

I managed to get on the right bus and get off at the right stop. I also found the right building and the right students and the right party. One of the classrooms had been transformed into a party room of sorts. There were bright balloons and streamers hanging everywhere. I hardly recognized any of my students, just like I barely recognized the classroom. A lot of the girls had skirts on and makeup. Some of the boys had their hair all slicked back. All of my students were still very cute and innocent looking, though.

I walked into the classroom of about 100 of my students, plus a random Japanese class of about 60 students. It was a very well-planned shindig. All of my students absolutely screamed when they saw me, and I was so excited to see them, like usual. They were in an extra festive mood. Some of the quietest, most sullen students were being the most extroverted people ever. It was entertaining.

The whole classroom was lined with desks, where everyone sat with glow sticks, oranges, and sunflower seeds as party favors, I guess. I was talking to my students, and then they sat me all alone in the "VIP" seating. From that point on, I didn't understand very much. Other Chinese teachers came and sat next to me and the party was more like a performance. Several of the students were emcees, and some did little funny skits in Chinese. Others danced. I applauded and smiled a lot in appreciation, even though I was thinking, "I have no clue what's happening." Finally a couple students, Savannah and Reborn, felt sorry for me and acted as my translators.

Then a teacher borrowed my little purse for his skit. I was very confused, but didn't argue. He wore it and put a bunch of stuff in it. So during the skit, he was pulling out a harmonica, chalk, and a cactus from my purse. Yes, a cactus. And everyone laughed. Later I dumped out a bunch of cactus remains from my purse. All I could do was laugh.

After about an hour and a half, a very enthusiastic boy from the university newspaper and a few of my students pulled me out to the hallway for an "interview." The reporter was so nervous, and didn't write down a single word I said. There's no way he understood or could remember what I said. I know that a little article will appear in the newspaper, which will have me saying wonderful propaganda that I didn't say. Oh, well! Again, all I could do was laugh. Then he had me write a "New Year's message" for the whole university student body. I hope all 50,000 students will be encouraged by my humble New Year's message for good health and well-being. :)

By 8:15 p.m. the party didn't seem to have an end in sight, so I quietly left. It had been nice to see my students acting so care-free and happy. Reborn walked with me to the front gate to make sure I found the bus stop again. Then when the 220 bus pulled up, she got on and gave express instructions to the bus driver to drop me off at the old campus back gate. It was so precious of her. All of my students are always so hospitable and kind.

Now it's very late and I have a very full day tomorrow. Thanks so much for your thoughts!! I'm getting better and I still love China and my students!

Christmas cookies at the orphanage

The past few days have been a blur. Yesterday (Sunday) I didn't make it to fellowship with my team because of my fever and exhaustion, etc. I slept for 12 hours straight Saturday night.

Today I'm feeling a bit better, but I still have a slight fever and I'm still exhausted. Thankfully I just had to teach one class, and they were good students. I was worn out from just standing up there and talking. For most of the time I just leaned on the podium, hoping I wouldn't fall over.

On Saturday I could tell I was getting a bit more ill, but our team went to an orphanage that afternoon on the other side of the city. I didn't want to miss it for anything.

We hung out with about 25 kids at the "children's village." They ranged in age from 5 to 15, and they were all so precious, especially the 5 year-olds, because they looked like they were about 3. And I wanted to adopt all of them.

Our team brought Christmas sugar cookies to decorate with the kids. It was so funny, because they had never frosted cookies before, and sprinkles were very foreign to them. We had to basically frost all the cookies for them, but they loved to eat them!

Then we played games outside in the chilly air for about an hour. We couldn't really communicate with them very well, since our Chinese is so limited, but it didn't seem to matter. We still had a great time hanging out with them and playing with them. They were just so enthusiastic, and were bursting with energy. One 11 year-old girl said it was the "happiest day of her life." There were also a few girls who wanted to just hold my hand the whole time. Then there was one crazy, but cute little boy who just ran over to me and sat in my lap for a while.

Anyway, it was really wonderful, and hopefully we'll go visit them again next month. It was certainly a highlight of my weekend.

Please be thinking of us as we wrap up this semester--for health and for meaningful conversations with our students.

(I'm leaving you with some pictures of our team at the orphanage).