Our Journal Entries

Tuesday, March 22, 2011





Begin forwarded message:

From: Anna Shea <annakshea@hotmail.com>
Date: March 22, 2011 10:01:54 PM GMT+08:00
To: annakshea.horsegirl@blogger.com



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Ciggi, far left, with red shirt, spent an evening with our girls on Monday discussing her dreams to be a teacher of Chinese in an American University someday. She asks some penetrating questions about beliefs in the States and the holidays we celebrate.

Today's English teaching went very well! All students are experiencing greater confidence in the classroom, and have become expert at responding to tough questions. I sang all verses of O Holy Night for the students as an example of my favorite Christmas song. We wrote difficult words on the board and had them translate meanings. Then, we gave the teacher a Christmas cd by Celine Dion with the song on it and lyrics for her to use with her students.

For example, at question time in Ashlee J.'s and Finch's class, one bold teenage boy was very forward:

"Ashalee are you married?"
"No, I am only 16."
"Ashalee, do you tink Chinese boy handsome?" (all gasp, students cup mouths wide eyed!)
"i think they are very nice."
"Do you have boyfriend?" ("ooooh!" from classmates)
"No."
"Ashalee, I tink you the most beautiful girl in the whole world. I hope zat some day you can...in love me."
"thank you."
As he rose from his desk to walk toward the stage at the blackboard, a rescue plan flashed through my mind to dive in like a referee in a boxing ring if he tried to kiss her. A hand shake satisfied him.

"Any other questions--about American culture??"

This was a blast of a day. Chinese calligraphy, art, and  choir classes. Brianne was given a beautiful still life drawing from an art student. It is worthy of a fine frame on a wall.

I visited a sick friend, DeAnna, in her dorm who missed her English class with us today. We talked for about an hour all about holidays in America, music in America, her opinions of school, her family, and and Chinese traditions.

Brianne and Lisa found a locust about 4 inches long, like a short hot dog. He is green and maroon, with spikes on his hind legs. Many can be found in the hill country away from the city.

Tomorrow we will go to a Chinese legalized church service to hear some singing.

We will perform our pirate play for the teachers of English and one English class. Daniel, Mr Sturley and I will meet with English teachers to discuss philosophy of education, assessment methods, and how to coordinate group projects for easy assessment. I am a bit nervous, but excited.

Ashley A. feels a tug to return some day after college for a few years! Cara flushed a bar of soap down the squat toilet, which also serves as a shower. Cara is a champion at leading group songs and discovered a love for teaching!! Robert and Ashlee are a little sick. Jono feels some muscular/skeletal discomfort. Brianne is 100 percent and she and Nick joined the PE run this morning. Nick is quite the talk of the girls' dorms. He has befriended a dark-skinned guy named Jit who calls Nick and everyone in our group a brother or sister. Today after our English class, about 25 boys wanted hugs from Mr. Sturley, so he gave them all a group hug. I cried, it was so touching to see their faces light up in the embrace of a father figure. Many of these kids see their parents about 1 month a year.

Daniel is considered, "very lovely, funny, and kindness" by the group of students at lunch today.

Carson initiated a game of Ninja by the pond that drew about 50 kids on their post-dinner break.

Finch is asked if he is Chinese and whether he can sing an M and M rap song. He is doing awesome as a teacher.

Kaylee is doing great and thriving with her group of friends.

All of us read aloud your comments on our blog! We appreciate everything so much!

Any questions about Chinese life here? We are learning daily and growing faster than we can measure!

I have never seen Mr. Sturley laugh and smile so much. We are overflowing with joy and trying not to think about our departure. Salad is sounding good, though. I tried knock off oreos. The middle tasted like coconut soap and the brown part was like cardboard. Carson says, "I will never take a toilet for granted again!" We love it here, though. Sending love and greetings from the other side of the globe!


10 comments:

  1. Hello Everyone! It is so wonderful to read these blogs...I look forward to them everyday. It sounds like you are all having a great time. Hi Jonathan, I can't wait to hear you rap some Emenem (sp?) This last blog made me laugh out loud. Thanks for all you are doing, Anna, to keep us informed on all your activities. We miss you all so much!
    ~ Mama Finch

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  2. Hello Everyone. What a wonderful experience you are all having! I laughed today as well. It's obvious how much everyone is growing from this experience! We miss you and can't wait to see you! Mrs. Johnston

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  3. Ashley - The trip sounds amazing - can't wait to hear all about it from you. Hope you're keeping up your journal and can share it all with us. How are you liking the different foods? Loved Anna's description of the "Oreo"! I can't believe you've already been gone a week....still snowing here by the way! Miss you all - tell Kaylee and Daniel I said "hello". Love ya lots....Grandma Gail

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  4. Jonathan - Mrs. Roncancio helped me in the office today and we read the blog together. She said to not be discouraged and she and Mr.Roncancio would spend some time talkig to DAD today. Konw we are thinking of you constantly, I am even up a time or two at night thinking of you. We got a financial package from LETU for you. Iam still working on it. Love, Mom

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  5. Jonathan and Cara - looking forward to your return home and a personal report on your trip. Love you, Granma

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  6. Hey guys! Aymie here! Just wanted to clear up the eminem spelling issue...it is E-m-i-n-e-m. :) and i can't wait to hear my lil bro rap one of his songs. Thank you so much for the updates Anna, They are such an ecouragment to me. I am so proud of all of you, stay strong, you're in our thoughts constantly. I MISSSSS YOU LIL BRO!!!! like crazy. I love you all so much!!!! xoxoxoxoxo amessss

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  7. Hi All,
    So glad you are all Rock Stars, enjoy it while you can.I wanted to remind Nick he has to find out about Cattle Ranching as part of his homework for this trip. I miss you Nick, Wilbur is home now and snoring away, he keeps looking for you, but then goes back to sleep.
    Love you. Debbie Shirk

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  8. Hi to everyone! Glad to hear all about each days activities. It helps us at home to feel connected to the experience. Kaylee glad to hear that you are doing well and love you! Dad reads the blog each day from work. We have a ton of snow! Enjoy your time there. Love, Mom

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  9. Wow, what an adventure so far. Nick, how do you do it? Jono we are sending you encouragement. Son, maybe you could share "The Chin! Two!" with your new friends. Ashlee J. is unable to turn off that charm, it is natural. Brianne should check her elbow. As for Carson, Ashley A., Cara, Kaylee and Robert, we are missing you and are proud of your sense of adventure. Miss you all!-Mr. Finch
    p.s. Thanks John, Anna, Daniel and Lisa

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  10. It's fortunate that we have such talented students at PCS, since dance, music and acting are frequently requested by your hosts. Break out the instruments... we are so proud to have such an amazing representation of our American culture in all of you.

    Being away from home is difficult even for adults -- try and treasure the rest of your experience-- you will look back on this trip with great fondness.

    Ashlee -- You are an official International Heartbreaker... no surprises.. love you much.

    Mrs. Griffin

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Please be mindful of the nature of our trip as a "cultural exchange" and avoid terminology that may cause problems for us...you get what I'm saying.