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!
