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!