A Man of Few Words Says A Few Words About China.

Back In the USA!

I don't want people to think I've abandoned this sight! 

We arrived back to the States a week ago and praise the Lord for seeing us home safely and without any problems whatsoever. 

In Tai'an we literally had 3 minutes to board the train with all of our luggage and kids.  But everything turned out ok, and we made it to Beijing.  I'll post more in a couple days as we are still aclimating to this wonderful Oregon atmosphere.

Blessings,

Gary.

(I'm still getting used to the fact of using a computer in English!  This is great, no Chinese characters to guess what I'm supposed to do!)

Posted by: chinaroad at 15:30 | link | comments (1)
just me

Reverse Culture Shock, & Zaijian!

About this time tomorrow we head out on our next journey.  Making our way to Beijing by overnight train.  A couple students, one a doctor and the other a hospital worker, will help load us onto the train.

During Spring Festival we had the privledge of attending a great retreat in Hong Kong.  This was just what we needed at the right time.  One thing we noticed as soon as we crossed the border from mainland China how 'different' everything was.  More Western.  A few weeks of that and back to the mainland we really noticed the stark contrast between the East & the West. Going from HK into Shenzhen and heading back north was a reminder of the differences separating two distinct cultures.

So, what exactly is different?  Start with everything.  The bleakness of the landscape,  the perpetual haze, the old run-down buildings.  They all serve as  a reminder.  For what, I'm not sure.  But you know the difference when you see it.

One book I've read called "Survival Kit for Overseas Living" speaks at length about life overseas. It also has a chapter on re-entry.  I know that a lot of things have happened in the US since we've been gone.  Fashions change, styles change, and life goes on.  Yet I don't look forward to many aspects of western culture.  The consumer mentality, and the whole bigger/more is better belief.

I was speaking to another teacher here who taught in China several years ago for a year.  He said it was harder to adjust going back to America, than it was coming to China.  In what ways I'm not sure, but I'll find out soon enough.  In any event We'll do fine.  The Lord will guide and provide.

"Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 
to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever. Amen." -- Ephesians 3:20,21

Zaijian!

Posted by: chinaroad at 00:06 | link | comments (1)
just me, china life

Final Day

Today was our closing ceremony.   We said our goodbyes to our students, and had one last lunch with several of them.  Saying goodbye is hard to do, especially when you know that you may never see that person again.  I ended with my closing remarks giving the students encouragement for the progress they made, and mentioned a quote from Walt Disney --"All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them."

It's satisfying to hear that when many students come to us they couldn't understand a word we said, and when they leave they not only understand but can communicate at a conversational level!

It appeared that over half of the students left already.  The majority of our "students" are working adults sent here by their work units to become more proficient in their English skills.  They have families they haven't seen for four months and are anxious to get back home quickly.  I don't blame them for leaving early.

Many people started to cry, and it's a difficult thing to say goodbye to those you've worked with/taught so closely the last 18 weeks.  Many of these people will never have contact with another foreigner again.  Some work with the Party and have many opportunities to interact with Westerners.  Whatever the status of the student, I'm confident that they leave here with their perceptions changed about Americans.

A part of me goes with each and every person that I've come in contact with.  I'll never forget their faces and unique personality.  A year in China changes a person.  I return to the States different than when I left.  It truly goes beyond words and description.

A piece of my heart will remain in China.

Two of our teammates left tonight (without saying goodbye).  Right now I find it very difficult to believe that it's over.  Part of me doesn't want to accept it, and look forward to the next group of people.  This is not to be.  Monday the new teachers arrive and the summer program begins.  We will be in Beijing roasting.

Right now it's hot & humid.  This weather is hard for a Pacific Northwesterner.  Suzanne is hard hit with something bad,  possibly a case of food poisioning.

Sunday we will visit the orphanage one last time.  We'll give A¹ & A²'s toys  to these little guys.  They have so little, and the joy on their faces when Suzanne comes is precious.

Here are the customary pictures:

Doo doo doooo, lookin' outside my back door......

Only because I like this one, I'll repeat it.

"Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."  Mathew 7:13,14 NIV

Posted by: chinaroad at 00:47 | link | comments
teaching