Sunday, September 28, 2008

Jimo to Pick Up Clothing from the Tailor!‏

Disclaimer - these next few posts are a little out of order - but at least gives you an idea of what Rog and Jane have been up to lately! - Lesa

Hello everyone:
I will try again today to send the email I tried 3 times to send yesterday - our internet was on the blink again.
Yesteray morning I had no classes, so I headed to Jimo Market to pick up my skirt I had the tailor make. There are pictures to be attached to this email and you can see what I saw! You will see the little tailor and his wife, as well as other things... I never, in my wildest dreams, could have ever imagined such a place. As we walked it his little (and I mean little!) shop, we passed many vendors on the street selling their wares. There was even a pet chicken along the street, who turned his head just as I snapped the camera. The street has SO MUCH to see. People use the street for everything even as a bathroom - yes, right on the sidewalks.......
You always have to watch your step in China! The tailors shop is something right out of a very old horror movie... I tried to capture the feel of the place on camera - but it was impossible. There is no way I could ever describe or even show you the place - you had to be there and we even had to pinch ourselves to realize we were even there! What is a sheltered, small town, Cedar City girl doing here in China???
We also went back to visit the Pearl Lady and spent 2 hours with her. One of the China Teachers had a 3 strand pearl necklace made of dark blackish-brown pearls to match her new outfit. We watched as the Pearl Lady double knotted each pearl and strung them together. It was fascinating and turned out just beautiful. I, of course, bought me more pearls! I bought some gorgeous pink ones, as well as some dark blackish ones and also a bright red coral necklace. Yes, I will continue to buy pearls to bring home...
The weather has turned cooler and feels like Fall. I miss beautiful Cedar mountain and the colors at this time of year. I have been thinking of my beautiful red silver leaf maple tree in my back yard in Cedar City. How I miss seeing it change color as well as the brilliant yellows of the quaken aspen trees.
Today I only had one class and I have washed bedding all day.It is in the living room, over the portable drying rack. I miss my clothes line in Cedar as well...
We received a much appreciated "care" package that Lesa sent to us with a guy, from Provo. It was great... Thanks dear Lesa. You are so loved and appreciated. The things you sent were items that were needed. Now we may "last" until Lesa and Darren come to China in the Spring.
Well, I will close for now... we are going to the "Municipal Government" dinner in a few minutes, and I must get gussied up.
I will report on the dinner later.
XOXOXOXO Mom

VISA's

Just wanted to give everyone a quick little "update"!! My parents did FINALLY receive their Visa's (which are good until July 31st, 2009) so they were able to leave on their Silk Road trip today!!
Thanks- Lesa

Governmental Banquet‏

Good Evening Everyone;
It is Friday night and we just returned to the apartment after attending the big banquet with the Municipal Government of Qingdao. There were so many dignitaries there - members of the Communist party, as well as the mayor and several "big wigs" from the community. They were celebrating 49 years of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China. It was a big "shin dig". The table settings were spectacular, as were the flowers, as well as the food. They all looked like something out of a Martha Stewart magazine.
The meal started out with 6 cold combination dishes - very tasty. The second course was boiled fish ball soup with bamboo piths. Third, and best course, was deep-fried prawns with sweet and sour sauce. Then there was the fried, diced beef with black pepper and, of course, garlic. The next one was braised conpoy (fish) with winter melon - it was ucky! Then, the grand dish - roasted duck - head,eyes, brains,and all. Oh, and the duck was marinated with bean curd sauce - very appetizing!!!! ( It was enough to make you hurl!) Next came the steamed mandarin fish in X.O. sauce. Of course, the fish included the head, eyes and gills, etc. A real treat... Then came the fried lily bulbs with bamboo shoots and gingko nuts - interesting. Next came the fried rice - not as good as the type I have learned to make!!! Oh, and next came the spring rolls filled with chicken. To top the meal off, we had the best pudding - made from fresh mangos and topped with fresh fruit, along with 3 different melon squares on a skewer. The desserts were set in a gorgeous square block of sculptured ice. And the fresh flowers were in abundance everywhere. So, it was a 11 course meal. I can honestly say that it was really good - except for the conpoy fish and the distainful duck, with parts. The programs and invitations were the very finest as were all the dishes and table settings. The Chinese have, on a fancy little dish, by each place setting, a white rolled up, damp washcloth to clean your hands on. It is really nice. There were very fine porcelain chop sticks for everyone, as well as a fancy, wrapped toothpick at each place setting. I was impressed. Not to mention all the free flowing wine, in abundance.
Tomorrow we both teach for 4 hours straight and then home to prepare for Sundays lessons, as well as washing clothes,for our Silk Road Trip. We still do not have the promised visas!!!!!! I am getting a little nervous. Tomorrow will tell alot. We do have that big "to do" at the University tomorrow night. I am SURE that it will not be as fancy as the one tonight. What a let down...
We pray that all is well with everyone and want you all to know that we think of you often. We miss our home and family. We miss our children and ESPECIALLY the grandchildren. You are all in our prayers. We feel so very blessed to have such a good life in the good old USA. We know that we are here for a reason and we love these people. They are very special and when the time comes for us to leave them, we will be sad. They will always be a part of our lives, from now on.
Will write more tomorrow.
Much Love, Mom

Banquet for international teachers @University‏

Hello-
It is Saturday night and we just got home from the banquet for all the international teachers at Qingdao University.
It was one of those long, drawn out things. We had to meet at 4:15 this afternoon on the steps of the campus library. After that, we went to a"reception" in a room where they talked to us - thru an intepreter, and gave us each a really nice teaching contract for the year. Then, we boarded a bus and went to a restaurant for a Chinese dinner. It was not as fancy as last night and the food was not nearly as tasty. The fish that was served was so fishy tasting and really salty. And, it is always so appetizing to walk into a restaurant and have the assortment of fresh sea life swimming before your eyes, as well as fresh silk worms to eat! And grubs! They are considered a delicacy. :( Yuck!!!! You just have to close your eyes and nose as you pass them!
The dinner went on and on and there was plenty of Qingdao beer for everyone. Don't know if you realize it, but Qingdao is known, world wide, for its famous beer!
The meal was a 12 course ordeal and there was only one dish that I really liked, which was a sweet potato dish. They usually serve 2-3 fish dishes and some of them are repulsive. They always end the big meal with a whole, fresh fish - head and all! It is so upsetting to have a fish set before you, with the head still attaached, eyes and all, as well as all the gills and bones....
On the way home, it was raining, so I thing that tomorrow will be a rain day. We both have class tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. and we are so tired this week. They may give us a week off, but, believe me, we pay dearly for it.
The visa's STILL are not here. We are told they will be here tomorrow. We shall see. Yes, we are all pretty panicky. Many prayers will be rendered tonight for the return of our passports, as well as the visa's.
We will miss you all this week, while we are gone. I will keep a journal, as best as I can. I know there will be many exciting things happen to us. I can hardly wait for the camel ride. Not to mention the donkey ride!
Our tour will begin with a 5 hour plane ride to Urumiqi tomorrow afternoon. Urumiqi is a sprawling metropolis in the Xijiang Ughur region. Then we go to the Heavenly Mountain and Heavenly Lake, by boat. We will visit the Ughur area and shop at the famous Er Dao Qiao bazaar. We will then visit the ancient city of Jiaohe, with the ancient well irrigation systems, and visit a Urgur family. Then we will travel by train to the Tuyugou Valley village to enjoy the pure and original Ughur customs. On to the Pachikli Grottos and Gaochang by donkey cart! On the train again to Dunhuang, sleeping on the train. In Dunhuang, we will ride a camel to the desert and Crescent Moon Lake. Then on to Xi'an - the great ancient capital of China and eastern end of the silk road trip. While in Xi'an, we will see the Terra Cotta Warriors and the Horses at the tomb of Qin Shi Huang. Also the Great Wall!!! There will be a chance for us to shop at a muslim market at the bell tower. Then on home Sunday night. We will all be so tired, I am sure. But, I am the only one who does NOT have a class on Monday morning, after we arrive home.... Lucky me.
We have tried to call everyone tonight, we will try again tomorrow morning.
Hope all is well with everyone. We love and miss you.
OXOXO Mom

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Address in China

Roger and Jane Halladay
Attention: Department of International Teachers c/o Director Shirley
Qingdao University
308 Ningxia Road
Qingdao, China 266071

Crazy Day - Terrifying Taxi Ride!‏

Boy, oh boy - what a day... Rog had school at 8 a.m. and I started at 9;30 a.m. The first thing that happened, I got to my class building, climbed 4 flights of steps, and went to the designated classroom and the door was locked - but across the hall were some of my Sophomores, and they thought that I was to teach them. I was SURE that I taught in room number 411, so I walked back down to the first floor and the office with Mr. Chen. I showed him my paper stating that I was to teach in room number 411, and he grinned sheepishly and said, "Halladay, you teach in other building today because of the holiday break next week". So, I walked back up the 4 flights of steps, grabbed my little suitcase, walked back down the 4 flights and outside to the next building. It was the medical students building and I climbed the 4 flights, found room number 411 and walked in the room. There were 40 smiling, happy faces to greet me and my whole day changed for the better!!!! They were every teachers dream come true! I fell in LOVE.... I told Rog, when I saw him after class, that I had "fallen in love". I get emotional thinking about them - they are exceptional Chinese.
By the way - there are a couple of things that I keep forgetting to tell you.
First, I have this really homely girl in one of my classes. The majority of the Chinese are very nice looking, it is very rare that you see one that is very different. I took notice of her when she came into the class and when it was her turn to ask me a question about myself, she was so concerned about my family, but the other students kinda ignored her. That was on the first day I taught her class. I taught her class again yesterday and I had each student in the class fill out an information sheet about themselves. I have them tell me something about themselves and her reply was: " I don't have a lovely face, but a lovely heart". When I read that, I cried for her. How very touching it was.
Second, you would all have a real culture shock if you could see the Chinese university girls. Terry Miller, one of the male BYU teachers, was very shocked to see the girls walking to class holding hands.. You should see them - they all walk along in twos or threes holding hands. I know, you would all be in awe...
After class today we all had to go to the Police Station for our annual Visa's for China teachers. We all loaded on a very decrepit bus that looked to be on the verge of the dump yard. We waited for about an hour and finally handed in our passports to them ( yes, we are all very frightened to do that!) and were on our way. But...... Rog and I had to go with our Chinese helper "Leon" to the Chinese Post Office Customs Office to get the package they have "kept". The package was sent to us in August from SUU and it contains many things about SUU as well as some shirts for our students, compliments of SUU. Our friend, Trudy Smith, was so helpful in facilitating the package and we have waited and waited for its arrival. To make a long story short, the Chinese have kept the package because they think that there may be something in the package they want. They took us to the back of the building in a dingy little office and there were 4-5 workers and they chattered to Leon and then they sent him to another office for more paperwork. We stayed in the dingy office. When he returned, they brought the package forth and started to open it to look inside. They removed the entire contents of the package, which was 13 t-shirts and some printed papers about SUU. Leon and the Customs Offical talked for several minutes and he turned to us and said - "they need to see your original passport to release the package". We had just given our original passports to the Police and the Customs people would not even look at the photocopys we had of the passports - they had to see original passports!!! So - we had to return to the University... But, the dingy bus had taken all the others to the University while we were at the Customs office, therefore we had to catch a cab....
The cab ride home was a ride to remember.... the driver went 80 kph, darting in and out of traffic and crossing over lanes. At one point, we were across the yellow line, going against traffice, going the opposite way, passing 4 cars that had stopped at the intersection, and we made a immediate right turn in front of the 4 cars.- with the driver honking his horn, as we went by the cars.
It was the ride of a lifetime. No seatbelts! I will never again fail to fasten my seatbelt at home. I promise. I looked over at Rog and made him promise not to EVER drive like that at home. I started to laugh and could not stop. He raced around curves and corners at record speeds and I am surprised that we didn't get whiplash. I was never so happy as when we stopped and I was on solid ground.
What a day....
Tomorrow us girls will go back to Jimo and get our skirts the little cock-eyed tailor made for us. I am sure it will be a day of adventure . Can hardly wait. We will travel by bus, luckily.
Until tomorrow..
Love you,
mom

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

A Good Life

Dear Family:
Our Internet has been out for a couple of days, so that is why you have not heard from us!
Things have been going on here though... We have been anxiuosly waiting for our Visa's to arrive. There is a hold up and if the "red tape" is not muddled thru by Sunday, September 28, we will be Illegal Aliens!!! As soon as we entered China, we had to apply for a work visa and one was "supposed" to have been issued before now. We hear that the government has changed the procedure for the visa's and it takes a new route this year. Tomorrow we have an appointment with the government for our visa interview. We were told tonight that this may take us several hours. Who knows - we may be coming home soon - if the visa's do not arrive before Sunday, September 28. Yes, we are all "sweating" over this one! Part of the reason for our concern is the fact that we are supposed to go on the Silk Road Trip on Sunday afternoon for 8 days, and we cannot go on that trip WITHOUT the visa! Yes, we are nervous....
Next week is a national Chinese holiday and therefore, no school! That is the reason we planned a trip. However, our teaching schedules have been changed, so we will 'double up" on some classes that will be missed next week. My department really changed my schedule!!! They have my schedule where I am to teach 22 hours of class this week before we go!!! Yes, you read that correctly! 22 hours in 6 days.... Today, I walked and walked and walked to class to teach for 6 hours. The classes are in 2 hour blocks and I am so tired after standing on a little podium in front of a HOT, sweaty classroom. I am beat tonight!
But, the students are so great... Today, a student ask me if the families in the United States had to pay for their children to go to school. In China, only the very best students are priviledged to attend school and it is at the expense of their families. Many sacrifices are made for the Chinese child who attends school. And, that child has to leave home to attend school and pay alot of money. They live in dorm rooms - 8 to a room, with 4 "bunk" beds stacked on each side of the room. The have a shared bathroom at the end of the hall with toilet facilities only. They have to go to the public bath house to bathe. The boys go to the public bath house on certain days and the girls on the opposite days. They have no laundry facilities or cooking facilities. They hand wash their clothes with cold water in their shared "bathroom" in the dorms. And, they eat at the cafeteria or buy food on the street to eat.
And, there are no computers or phones in the dorms. If they want to use the computer, they have to go to the library or one of the computer places and pay to use the computer. They pay by the hour to use the computer! Now, I feel guilty when they ask me for my email address.. knowing that they have to pay to contact me! Another student stayed after class this afternoon and told me that he wants to be a Doctor "very bad". He ask me how he could come to the USA to study medicine, because he has heard that the USA is so advanced in the medical field. He started to cry very hard and he stated that he was so very sad to watch his Grandfather die of cancer. He just "knows" that he will try to find a cure for cancer. The poor little guy just sobbed. It really was touching.
I feel like I am the one getting the education here. They are truly chosen, loving, kind, generous people. I give all the students that have a birthday for the month a chocolate candy. Today I handed out the September birthday's candy. One girl came up to me, during the break and she had 1/3 of her candy left. She said that she had eaten some of the candy, she had given a portion to her friend, and she had saved the last portion for me! I got tears in my eyes, at her generosity. She also handed me a note, and told me that I remind her of her Grandmother, who she loves very much and she told me that she loved me. I feel so very blessed to be among people such as her - she teaches me so much more than I could EVER teach her...
Last night we attended another Chinese talent show. It was a program hosted by the Student Government for the new Freshmen on
campus. They had invited us as "special guests" and they escorted us into the place and when they seated us, they had us all a fancy program along with a bottled water. (By the way, anytime the Chinese invite you to a special event, they honor you with a bottled water!) Rog had a little Chinese student sitting by him, telling him everything that was transpiring. As you all know, Rog is hard of hearing! Needless to say, he only heard a fraction of what was being told to him! After the program, we walked home in the pouring home with our umbrella's. It was beautiful...
We are invited by the Chinese Government to a special dinner this Friday night - a "formal" dinner. We are to get all dressed up and dine with the "big wigs". Can't wait. Especially when we hear of the "horrors" in food we will probably be served..
Also, we will dine with the Qingdao University President this Saturday night. Formal attire also... By the way, formal attire for us, is a skirt and top for me and a white shirt, tie and slacks for Rog!
Will report more later.
Sure do miss everyone and our life there. I am loving the teaching and I know that I should have been a teacher by profession. I LOVE IT. And, I especially love the students....
Thanks for all the concerns and prayers on our behalf - we feel it.
Much Love, Jane

China Happenings!‏ September 21st

Dear Ones:
Just a note to update you on what we have been up to... We have been very busy getting all our classes planned for the next two weeks, as we are going on our trip a week from today. Our teaching schedules have been all changed around to teach extra classes,so that the holiday week can accommodate everyone...My oh my...
On Friday, my Department guy, Mr. Chen, called to have me meet him in our lobby. I ran down and he handed me the teaching schedule for next week and also asked me to correct a large group of papers for the Department Head. Can any of you who know me, believe that? I was amazed, to say the least...After Mr. Chen left, we went to dinner over across the street at our favorite "dive" with Doug and Valerie Salmon - the Canadian couple that are teaching at Ocean University. They had called us earlier, and ask us to go to the Qingdao Symphony at our University. One of the music professors, from their University had given them 4 free tickets and we were the lucky ones to be invited! The symphony is excellent and the evening was a night to remember, with many memorable songs performed that we were familiar with. They had a special guest violinist from Holland that played and she was unbelievable. There was also an exceptional trumpetor and a great percussionist. That symphony is the best I have ever seen. It was a night that will be hard to beat.
When we were at the symphony, the Salmons saw one of their friends who could read Chinese - she was Chinese! She explained to us that there would many other different performances throughout the next 6 weeks and they were all listed on the program. In fact, she told us that the violinist we had just seen, would do the concert on Saturday night, at Ocean University....So, we told all the other English teachers from BYU and we planned a trip over for the next night.
Saturday morning we did lesson plans and walked to the little "Smiths" on campus and had some copies made at the "Kinkos" on campus. THAT is an experience - getting copies made!!! We went to our regular place and our "friend" was not working and a "stand in" had taken over for the day. He made 14 copies for Nona and screwed up everything - we waited for about 25 minutes for the 14 copies and decided that we would try another printer!
We all hurried home and changed our clothes and caught the bus to Ocean and met the Salmons and the Taylors. They had prepared supper for everyone and then we went to the concert. It was good, but not nearly as good as the one the night before.
When we were at the concert, I spotted a darling little person - I thought that the child was a girl and told the mother what a cute little girl she had... She looked at me and smiled and said, "He's a boy"! I felt pretty stupid. Anyway, he smiled at me and chased me around the lobby during intermission and as I walked back into the concert, he "goosed" me!!!
As we left the concert and rushed to catch the bus home, he and his mom boarded the same bus as we boarded and he sat right , next to me! He kept giggling and poking at me, and it escalated to him pinching me and playing pretty rough..I tried to keep him occupied and I started singing songs to him. He really did enjoy them, but it was the mom that really enjoyed the songs! She kept trying to get me to sing different songs. By the time the little guy got off the bus, I was exausted.
Then, this morning as we boarded the bus to church, a little boy sat right by us and threw up!!! He just could not stop - he felt awful - we could tell, but at the same time, we tried to stay as far away from him as we could! It was an experience that I hope I do NOT have to do again while I am in China....
It is late and I am so very tired. Tomorrow starts a crazy, long week and I have to get up so early in the morning, so I will close for now. Please pardon the mistakes.
Will write more soon.
Much Love, Mom

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Shopping in Jimo‏

Dear Ones:
Yesterday afternoon we went to Jim Market to shop. My, my, my.... What a day and what sights to behold. We went into "Old China" to a neat little fabric shop and it was quite a trip to get there. We went here and there and wound round and around getting there and the sights, smells and sounds were remarkable. People doing everything you can imagine. There are people that go through all the garbage cans looking for food, and especially looking for anything plastic. China recycles plastic and therefore, pays people to recycle. I love putting any plastic in the garbage cans, because I know that someone will make a few yuan to eat from my plastic. If I see someone that is ready to rummage through the trash, I hand them my empty bottle and they are so appreciative. Imagine that? Kinda sad. Isn't it? We are so very fortunate in the good old USA. We have so very much and really do take our good life for granted. I thank my Heavenly Father every night for the many many blessings I enjoy and living here really makes me appreciate all I have been given.
All the vendors were on the street as we walked and they cook everything you can even think of. They take small crabapples and put them on a small stick and put some red, sticky, slightly sweet "stuff" on them and sell them on the street. Everyone eats them but the Americans. And hotdogs.... they love them on a stick or just to grab one and eat it - hot or cold. And, we see all the ladies, especially the Grandmas, eating a whole cucumber as they walk down the street. Yesterday they had this small grill type thing that had little indentations on it and they were selling these small eggs on a skewer type thing( one of the ladies said they were quail eggs!) they cook them and sell them as little round balls that are connected, to eat hot as you shop. They are about 1 inch round each when cooked and there are about 6-8 per shewer. They were selling dried, fresh fish ( can you even imagine the smell?) Shrimp and this ground up, fish gut stuff that everyone loves. Oh, and they serve all this "street food" in the thinnest plastic bags I have ever seen! I would venture to say that we passed, at least, 350 food vendors in about 20 minutes. Oh, and they love tofu - especially cooked. But, the smell could gag you - you cannot hold your breath long enough to not smell it as you pass!
But - there are just as many good smells as you walk by the food vendors... It is very tempting not to try some of the better smelling, better looking food, BUT we have been warned not to eat "off the street".
Anyway, we travelled to the little fabric shop. It was amazing. The silk is the most gorgeous I have ever beheld.. And the colors are brilliant. I took a skirt to show the taylor what I wanted and to buy fabric to make. The sales ladies, in the fabric shop, tell you how much material you will need! There are NO patterns - just pictures to look at....There were 3 of us who wanted things made and as we were making our fabric selections, the taylor arrived. He had a little tablet and his measuring tape. He is one of those little men who have one eye that looks one way, and the other eye, looks the opposite way!!! This made me somewhat apprehensive about his sewing ability! I would guess that we were in that little shop for a good 2 hours, and we had Rog with us!!! Now, anyone who knows Rog, knows of his extreme patience...I must say - he was great and very patient!!! He took a pair or shorts that had a ripped pocket and a lady mended them right on the spot for him, with a very ancient looking sewing machine that worked like a charm.
Then, we were on our way... We went into the main Jimo market - my favorite spot to shop in China, I might add. Rog wanted to buy a couple of ties and we (the 3 ladies) let him wander for his ties. He bought 2 ties, 100% silk, for $1.50 each, American money!
Unbelieveable. We passed our little "Pearl Lady" and waved. All us ladies are planning on a day at Jimo market WITHOUT the men soon. The men have been very patient with us women at the Jimo market, but we know their limits and we all agreed, as did the men, that the next time we go to Jimo market, the women will go alone...:) :) :)
Then, to top the day off, we headed home about Quitting Time, on a very crowded bus. It took us about 45 minutes to get home and we were all so very tired. The heat and humidity is so hard on us fat Americans. Our little humble apartment is a haven.
Oh, I almost forgot.... I got a little surprise from our travels yesterday.. I bought a beautiful long,silk wall hanging - which has been painted on. It is gorgeous and will look lovely in my home in Cedar City. It has a Chinese saying on it and some flowers and butterflies and signed by the artist. Natalie will love it.
Well, the travel log is finished for the day. Today will be uneventful, I fear. We have lesson plans to prepare. It is not all just fun here. We really do teach school and love it. Our students are the very best that China has to offer and we are learning to love them.
Both of us are having them fill out information sheets about themselves and attach a photo. These we will cherish. They have woven themselves into our hearts already.
We love and miss our family and such dear friends as we are priviledged to have.
Thank you for all the prayers in our behalf - we feel of your strength.
Rog snd Jane

Monday, September 15, 2008

Autumn Festival Holiday at Ocean University

Hello:
We got up early this morning and travelled to Ocean University. We met Doug and Valerie Salmon at May 4 Square and there were Chinese families everywhere spending the day together. Little people running all over with the parents and grandparents watching them. We walked along the beach by all the little shops and enjoyed each others company. We walked for approximately 12-15 miles in the extreme heat and humidity. In our travels,we came to a big music square with alot of Chinese people singing and they invited our group to come up and sing for them! We ditched! The "music square" has big statues of Beethoven, Bach and other composers. The Chinese love music - especially classical music. There were two groups of older adults playing Hacky Sack. They certainly are fierce competitors!
We walked past a park of beautiful statues and we took photos to send home. It took us 4 hours just to walk along the beach and it was gorgeous. The Chinese love their children so much and the little ones are their pride and joy. It was good to see all the families having such a good time enjoying each other. It made me realize just how much I miss all my family - especially my little people.
The Salmons showed us one of their favorite places to eat and we had a great Chinese lunch. After lunch we walked to a little quaint art gallery in the old German part of town. You will see in the photos,how pretty it was!
But, one of the most fun things we did was go to a little Chinese "Boutique". Oh my! It was about as big as my small hall closet at home! That little woman had so many treasures crammed into those 4 walls...She had some beautiful Chinese fabric wall hangings, and tablecloths, as well as the cutest little purses out of fabric. I had to buy a wall hanging for our apartment and then to take home to Cedar City. Many vibrant colors and symbols. And, of course, a new small purse was in order as well.
To end the trip, we went to see the Salmons BYU China English Teachers apartment on their campus... I know that it is hard to not compare - BUT - their apartment is the cutest thing. It is in one of the old German buildings and it is twice as big as our humble abode! So spacious - their bathroom is bigger than our kitchen.!
On the way home, we had to stop and get some groceries and when we got home we crashed! We were gone for 12 hours today and we have to teach tomorrow morning early, so I will close for now.
Sure do love and miss you all,
Mom

Autumn Festival Holiday at Ocean University

Hello:
We got up early this morning and travelled to Ocean University. We met Doug and Valerie Salmon at May 4 Square and there were Chinese families everywhere spending the day together. Little people running all over with the parents and grandparents watching them. We walked along the beach by all the little shops and enjoyed each others company. We walked for approximately 12-15 miles in the extreme heat and humidity. In our travels,we came to a big music square with alot of Chinese people singing and they invited our group to come up and sing for them! We ditched! The "music square" has big statues of Beethoven, Bach and other composers. The Chinese love music - especially classical music. There were two groups of older adults playing Hacky Sack. They certainly are fierce competitors!
We walked past a park of beautiful statues and we took photos to send home. It took us 4 hours just to walk along the beach and it was gorgeous. The Chinese love their children so much and the little ones are their pride and joy. It was good to see all the families having such a good time enjoying each other. It made me realize just how much I miss all my family - especially my little people.
The Salmons showed us one of their favorite places to eat and we had a great Chinese lunch. After lunch we walked to a little quaint art gallery in the old German part of town. You will see in the photos,how pretty it was!
But, one of the most fun things we did was go to a little Chinese "Boutique". Oh my! It was about as big as my small hall closet at home! That little woman had so many treasures crammed into those 4 walls...She had some beautiful Chinese fabric wall hangings, and tablecloths, as well as the cutest little purses out of fabric. I had to buy a wall hanging for our apartment and then to take home to Cedar City. Many vibrant colors and symbols. And, of course, a new small purse was in order as well.
To end the trip, we went to see the Salmons BYU China English Teachers apartment on their campus... I know that it is hard to not compare - BUT - their apartment is the cutest thing. It is in one of the old German buildings and it is twice as big as our humble abode! So spacious - their bathroom is bigger than our kitchen.!
On the way home, we had to stop and get some groceries and when we got home we crashed! We were gone for 12 hours today and we have to teach tomorrow morning early, so I will close for now.
Sure do love and miss you all,
Mom

Autumn Festival Holiday at Ocean University

Hello:
We got up early this morning and travelled to Ocean University. We met Doug and Valerie Salmon at May 4 Square and there were Chinese families everywhere spending the day together. Little people running all over with the parents and grandparents watching them. We walked along the beach by all the little shops and enjoyed each others company. We walked for approximately 12-15 miles in the extreme heat and humidity. In our travels,we came to a big music square with alot of Chinese people singing and they invited our group to come up and sing for them! We ditched! The "music square" has big statues of Beethoven, Bach and other composers. The Chinese love music - especially classical music. There were two groups of older adults playing Hacky Sack. They certainly are fierce competitors!
We walked past a park of beautiful statues and we took photos to send home. It took us 4 hours just to walk along the beach and it was gorgeous. The Chinese love their children so much and the little ones are their pride and joy. It was good to see all the families having such a good time enjoying each other. It made me realize just how much I miss all my family - especially my little people.
The Salmons showed us one of their favorite places to eat and we had a great Chinese lunch. After lunch we walked to a little quaint art gallery in the old German part of town. You will see in the photos,how pretty it was!
But, one of the most fun things we did was go to a little Chinese "Boutique". Oh my! It was about as big as my small hall closet at home! That little woman had so many treasures crammed into those 4 walls...She had some beautiful Chinese fabric wall hangings, and tablecloths, as well as the cutest little purses out of fabric. I had to buy a wall hanging for our apartment and then to take home to Cedar City. Many vibrant colors and symbols. And, of course, a new small purse was in order as well.
To end the trip, we went to see the Salmons BYU China English Teachers apartment on their campus... I know that it is hard to not compare - BUT - their apartment is the cutest thing. It is in one of the old German buildings and it is twice as big as our humble abode! So spacious - their bathroom is bigger than our kitchen.!
On the way home, we had to stop and get some groceries and when we got home we crashed! We were gone for 12 hours today and we have to teach tomorrow morning early, so I will close for now.
Sure do love and miss you all,
Mom

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Paralympics Closing Ceremonies‏

Hello:
I just wanted to write before I forget the feelings I had yesterday and last night!
Yesterday morning we went to the Qingdao University Post Offfice - it was like none other that I have ever seen. We took pictures outside the door - I will send them. There was a woman there with her little children and the baby had his usual little Chinese outfit on,where the baby can go to the bathroom whenever they please. I still do not have a photo of that yet. I will get one soon. The little bare bottoms look so cute.
After the Post Office we went over to the stadium where we were the night before, hoping that something was going on. They let us in the building and there were some dancers practicing for the event. We still did not know when the closing ceremonies were to be held..As we sat there, a Chinese woman came up to us and sat next to Nona - the oldest BYU English teacher. She leaned over and ask Nona if she could ask her some questions and Nona agreed. She ask us all about why we were there and if this was our first trip to Qingdao, how long we planned on staying, and several other questions. She said that she was writing a news article for one of the local newspapers about the Olympics and the sailing events that took place in Qingdao. We visited with her for about 25 minutes and some of the others wanted to go and try to get tickets to the Olympic sailing and they left. Nona, Rog and I stayed to visit with "Song" - the reporter. She told us that she had some tickets for the closing ceremonies of the Paralympics for that evening (Saturday, September 13) and she would like to give them to us! She only had 7 tickets tho and there are 8 of us.
We were so excited and we hurried to find the others. We decided that we would all go to the stadium that night and try to get in. I have to admit that there were several skeptics. However, at 6:30 p.m., we all got dressed up and went to the ceremonies. When we got there, there were military guys all over the place as well as policemen. We just walked up to the security at the front door and Rog handed all the tickets to the fellow at the door, and he punched them - not even counting them to see if the numbers were right.
Once inside we looked for our "assigned" seats. We were not all together but Rog, Nona and I were on the front row of the upper deck. On each seat was a big bag of noise makers with colored lights, Olympic flags, more noise makers, a program and bottled water. It was a real nice event! A little policeman was helping us to our seats and we all thought that one of us would be asked to leave, because of no ticket. BUT, we made friends with him and he spoke perfect English. He told us that we could basically sit anywhere we wanted to sit and if someone came and said that we were in their seats, we would have to move. We had very good seats and the event was wonderful, with the Qingdao symphony orchestra playing all the music . There was some beautiful dancing, singing, a violin solo, deaf children "signing" a song, an outstanding juggling act and all the paralympic participants were there also. The Americans took 2 gold medals and they were there. We were so proud of them and the USA. After the event, we went down on the floor and met the athletes and photos were taken. I will send them to you. It was a night we will all remember.
The Chinese treat us like we are something very special and they are so respectful of us. It is a very refreshing thing. In our society, as people get older, they are not treated with as much respect.
Tonight the Chinese are lighting fireworks to celebrate the Autumn Festival. They have told us that this is the second largest holiday the Chinese celebrate - it is a day for families. It makes me reflect on my family and how very much I love and miss them. I want them all to know of my appreciation for every one of them and how important they are to me. I treasure the wonderful memories I have of each one. Know that our thoughts and prayers are always with every one of you. You mean the world to us.
Tomorrow we have the day off teaching so we will go over to our fellow teachers houses at Ocean University and tour that area. They live along the beach and in the old part of Qingdao - a very beautiful area. I will take the camera.
Much Love,
Mom

Living the Good Life in China

I had class all morning and when I got home we went to the cafeteria (I will take mycamera there tomorrow to show you the upper class dining area!) After that we just came back to the apartment and did nothing. Then, wed ecided to go and find the post office on the campus and the adventure began....We could hear the little Freshmen doing their training in the football arena, so we decided to head over there. We noticed that there was something going on inside a big enclosed area and our curiosity gotthe best of us, so we wandered inside. There were alot of authorized personnel going in and out of the building, so we just walked right onin. There were huge sound equipment vans and buses,a television crew,and an orchestra assembling outside the building . We all acted likewe belonged there too. Well......they were doing a dress rehearsalfor the closing ceremonies of the Paraolympics !!!!! We stayed for about an hour and the dignitaries kept smiling at us and nodding atus!! I guess they figured we should be there too ! All the technical crew and equipment was being assembled and we were right therewatching all the goings on. However, we never found anyone that understood English, so we could find out if this was the only dress rehearsal, or if there would be more action tomorrow night. Guess where we are going tomorrow afternoon/evening? We are getting very brave and brazen in this China adventure.I had another 2 new classes today and they were SO cute. I just lovethem. They are so curious about the Good Old USA and I love tellingthem about her. Another round of unusual, strange, funny new English names they have given themselves. If I find any name that is highlyunusual or funny, I will email them to you tomorrow.
Oh Lesa, I have been meaning to tell you about a very unusual thing the Chinese do that will really amuse you...When we were at the outdoor "Grungy Grub" we saw a Chinese fellow sit down to his dinner and, of course I had to see what it was he was eating. He had a big plate of noodles BUT she served him a small side dish of fresh garlic cloves. He would take a bite of the noodles and then pop a fresh garlic clove in his mouth and eat away. I ask my students about itand they said that it was a common thing to do. THAT is why they always have such stinky breath..... I know how you love that fresh garlic smell..Well, tomorrow will be another adventure. I will report. All our loves, Mom and Dad

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Mid Autumn Festival

Greetings:
Today is Thursday, September 11 and it has been another somewhat eventful day. I am fast discovering that every day in China is an event!
Rog had class this morning starting at 8:00 a.m. until noon and I had no classes today :) I got up, washed and Joann called and asked me to go to the store with her. We have 3-4 grocery/variety stores here on campus and we have named them after the stores in the USA. She wanted to go to our so called "Albertsons". We walked to the store - I am going to be in the best physical shape when I get home in July - and dilly dallied back to the apartment. Rog arrived home and we all walked to the cafeteria which is a gastronomical delight! (Todays specialty was baked flour and water biscuits, eggplant surprise, scrambled eggs and tomatoes ala yuck, chicken upchuck, fatty pork and sprouts and 2 undeterminable items..)
After the tasty lunch, Rog had a department meeting and I had a darling little Chinese gal, by the name of Ariel, come to the apartment to talk about helping all us teachers go shopping and find things we need. She said that she knows an excellent taylor for a good price, as well as anything our hearts desire. We will go shopping with her next week, as we have a 9 day trip planned starting September 28 on the "Silk Road" and we want to look our best! AND we brought too few items of summer clothing and it is still hot here.
Starting Saturday China will celebrate the mid Autumn Festival. We have no school on Monday to celebrate. "The joyous mid-Autumn Festival was celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th moon, around the time of the autumn equinox. Many referred to it as the "15th of the 8th moon.
The mid Autumn Festival is a traditional festivity for both the Han and the minorities. The custom of worshipping the moon can be traced back as far as the ancient Xia and Shang Dynasties. (2000 B.C. - 1066 B.C.) This day was also considered as a harvest festival since fruits, vegetables and grain had been harvested by this time of year and food was most abundant. Food offerings were placed on an alter set up in the courtyard. Special food for the Festival is the moon cake. For generations moon cakes have been made with sweet fillings of nuts, mashed red beans, lotus seed paste or Chinese dates, wrapped in a pastry. Sometimes a cooked egg yolk can be found in the middle of the rich tasting dessert. People compare moon cakes to the plum pudding or fruit cakes which are served in the English holiday seasons. Nowadays, there are 100's of varieties of moon cakes on sale a month before the arrival of the Moon Festival".
The University gave us all a "Six Pack" of Moon Cakes for the holiday. They are delicious...
Must go - I have company....
Sure do love all of you. I will write more later..
Much Love,
Mom

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Living in the Lap of Luxury

Monday

Yesterday was Monday, and I did not have to teach.. The little man came to replace our bath tub and what a merry-go-round.....He drilled around the outside of the tub, which was all tiled and it made such a huge mess. He did remove the tub and left it out in the hall, just outside our door. However, he only worked for 2-3 hours and he just left - leaving us bath tubless for the night. He just came in and showed me that the caulking is wet and I will have to wait to use the tub. I don't think that he is planning on filling in around the tub where he has taken the tiles out - it looks "wonderful" (not!) Oh well, I AM in China and they do things so differently here! There is something so comical about the way they do things. Never quite finish things up. Makes me laugh - if I didn't, I would probably cry!
We went to the store yesterday, to find food for the birthday celebration tonight, and we could not read what one word, on any label - it was all in Chinese. It was just a guessing game. We ended up getting Ramen noodles and we do not know what flavor or what type. Every time we go to the store, we buy things, hoping we will find something we will like. And, all the clerks, just follow us around and watch us!!! They are probably all laughing at us. AND NONE OF THEM SPEAK A WORD OF ENGLISH.......
Last night the birthday boy - Joe Goodrich - wanted to go to Lisa's and eat, which is downtown. The food is okay and pretty expensive. When we walked out of the restaurant, across the street, there were fish hanging on the fence, not even "gutted" or cleaned in any way. Made us all hope that it wasn't something we had ordered.
This morning, Rog and I both taught 8-12 a,m, They ( the students) are so cute! They are all so shy and humble. Our family does not know how famous they are among the Chinese..........Rog and I both have introduced ourselves and shown photo's of our family. They are celebrities among the Chinese students, and don't even know it'! They thougth that the boys were so handsome and the girls so pretty.
The students all pick American names and those names would make you laugh. Some of the boys pick girls names and some of the girls pick boys names! Names like: Jack the Ripper, Song, Satan, Lemon, River, Genius Pig, Moon, Flutter, Arrow, Dexide, Deco and Skeel Penny, to name a few!! And,I still have 4 more classes this week and 7 more classes in 2 weeks...So, the names will keep rolling in .You just never know.
They were SO impressed that Darren knows Kung Fu.. I told them that Darren and Lesa may visit China and they all want to meet him. He is a hero in their eyes because he knows Shaolin Arts!
What an unusual,loving, innocent people they are. They assume nothing and they appreciate the smallest kindness. Today a student (male) ask me what kind of perfume I wore....That really stumpted me! I told him that I had on Apple Blossom lotion, and he said that he really liked it! They look at you so lovingly and you can see the adoration in their eyes. They all want to know all they can learn about the U.S.A. They "Oooh and Awe" at every new thing we tell them about the USA. What I wouldn't give for a Utah Jazz t-shirt to show them or a t-shirt with one of the Jazz players on.
Tonight is the birthday "bash" for the boys. It will be potluck and there are alot of people invited. Don't really know how it will turn out - but we will wait and see. I have bought Rog a Qingdao University T-shirt for his birthday tomorrow. The students will get a real kick out of it I am sure.
The students really make all of us Americans feel like we are celebrities! They look at us like we are their heros and it is really great for us who are so homesick. As great as they are - they could NEVER take the place of our dear family. How we miss all of you. Please know of our love and concern for each and every one of you. You are constantly in our prayers and not a day or hour goes by that we aren't thinkging about you. How we love you....
Must go for now. Will write more soon.
All my love,
Mom/Jane

Laoshan Mountain‏ - Saturday's adventure!

Yesterday, Saturday September 6, 2008 we went on a tour of the Laoshan Mountain - a famous Qingdao tourist stop.
"Facing the Yellow Sea, Laoshan Mountain is located in the northeast end of Qingdao City. It is one of China's first major scenic resorts to receive the approval of the state council - also a national 4A tourist area. The tall and majestic Laoshan Mountain is famous for its marvelous mountainous scenery and costal landscape. It also holds significant importance in Taoism. Among all the famous Chinese mountains it is the only one that shoots up directly from the seaside."
It was really something to see and it had about a million steps - some of the smallest steps you have ever seen!!! It took us about 2 hours to climb it and we were sure pooped and sweating at the end.
On the way to the mountain, we stopped by Oceans University satellite campus and picked up a teacher and that was when we saw all the college Freshmen in the uniforms - they were doing their 3 week training before they can enter the University.
Also, you will see a picture I took out of the bus window when we were a hands length next to another bus. And, the little shops along the way.. Also, see the swinging bridge. We were on the swinging bridge and that little Chinese guy grabbed Rog and had his friend take their picture together. Oh, all the sights,sounds and smells.....
And - what do you think of our little apartment?????????????
Today, at Fast and Testimony meeting, we had a baby blessed. It is so interesting to always have an intrepreter. In Relief Society, we all introduced each other and found out 3 things about all the sisters and how to pronounce names. To look in their faces and see the love there is really something... The one little sister, whose baby was blessed today, said that all she wants to do is spread the gospel message to her friends and family. The love in her eyes is evident in all her actions and she has the love of Christ for everyone. Sister Choi (pronounced Chang) is her name.
At the end of church, a little 10 year old girl ( Sister Choi's daughter) was running and playing, and someone asked her to stop and play the piano. I could not believe that it was a 10 year old girl playing.... It sounded more like a concert pianist....
And she had the entire song memorized. Amazing.
One small sideline... all the walkways or sidewalks in China are "bricks'" or pieces of 8"X8"cement and they are all just pushed together, not really secure. We were hurrying to get to the bus stop this morning and Victoria Brinton, one of the BYU China teachers, tripped on one of the cement pieces and fell flat on her face. She started to bleed all over the place and scared us all. However, she just got a 1 inch cut above her eyebrow and she got to miss church....
Joe Goodrich has a birthday on September 8, just 2 days before Rog's birthday SO-O-O-O we are planning a little birthday celebration dinner for Tuesday night with all the China teachers - about 15 -20 of us. Hopefully it will be a surprise for the two birthday "boys"...We are planning a potluck dinner and Joann and I will do the main dish. Hopefully we can find something American to celebrate with - maybe spaghetti with lots of meat. We will see what happens...
All the bus drivers and all the taxi drivers constantly honk their horns here in Qingdao - it is so noisy. After yesterdays trip and all the honking, we have decided that we will be using our car horns VERY LITTLE when we are driving at home in the USA!!!!
All my love - Mom/Jane

Letter from a Student

Dear Halladay,
Welcome to Qingdao University! Your presence impressed me so much that I felt excited all the day. I am so lucky of being your student. Maybe this is the gift of the God,
for I have dreamed for a long time to meet a nice and kind
English teacher.Now my dream comes true.Thank God. Thank you.
Stepping on this land far from home ,you may feel a littl nervous.Dont' worry. I'm your friend and waiting for your service. Please turn to me for help when you have any question or problem. I will try all my best.
I can be your little guide to lead you into understanding Chinese culture, history and customes.You will love all these things.Believe me the more you know
about China ,the deeper you love it.
Here is my mobile phone number :15866805734. Please
tell me your phone number and apartment address at your convenience.If you need my help please call me.For example ,I can tell you how to cook Chinese food.I can also go shopping with you to help you find some articles both cheap and of good quallity .If possible,we can take a trip around the city together during weekens.
Have a good time in China!

Yours,
Lily

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Friday NEWS!

It is 9:30 p.m. and we just got home from Carefour store. Had to get a few things.
Last night, during the night, I could hear a bug just above my head buzzing and I felt all itchy and like I had been bitten. I could not get back to sleep and it was 4:00 a,m. I finally drifted off to sleep and when I woke up I discovered that I had been bitten numerous times - by a mosquito, I think. You should see me... I have 3 on one arm - one is all swollen and makes my arm look all mis-shapen. One on my neck and one by my eye and it is all swollen. Today, Rog saw one flying around here in the apartment - but could not find it to kill. He (the mosquito) is just lying in wait for the lights to go off and us fall to sleep and he will reappear!!! But tonight I will put insect repellant on and fool him.
Today, we worked on our lesson plans for about 6-7 hours. Rog went up to the classrooms with the two other men to check out the computer possibilities in the classrooms around 12:30 and got home around 4:00p.m. They wandered all over campus and stopped and had some photocopies made for me and then went to lunch. Well..... they decided to go to a little authentic restaurant and I guess they could'nt read the menu , so they just pointed at a few items. They ended up with rice, a cut up chicken - feet and all and another dish they couldn't ever figure out what it was. One of the other patrons finally went to another store and bought they all a bottled water!!! He said, "ultimately a good time was had by all". Funny huh?
I have most of my first weeks lesson plans all figured out - I think. Here is how my schedule goes...
Weeks starting with an even number - Monday - no class Tuesday - 1 class 8a.m.-10a.m. and 1 class 10a.m.-12noon
Wednesday - 1 class 10a.m.- 12noon Thursday - no class Friday - 1 class 8a.m.-10a.m. and 1 class 10a.m.-12noon.
Weeks starting with an odd number - Monday - 1 class 8a.m.-10a.m. and 1 class 10a.m.-12noon Tuesday - 1 class 8a.m.-10a.m. and 1 class 2p.m.-4p.m. Wednesday - 1 class 10-12noon Thursday - 1 class 8a.m.-10a.m. Friday - 1 class 10-12noon.
Every class is with different people and therefore, I have 12 different classes in 12different classrooms.... I am running all over the place....
Rog, on the other hand, teaches Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8a.m - 12noon. He has every Friday off... What a life. We are doing things totally foreign to us and we are loving it. This next week our classes are in full swing. My "odd weeks" or weeks with the Freshmen don't officially start until October 13 - because of military training for all Freshmen.
This afternoon, when we got on the bus to go to the store, I watched as a little Mom and her son got on the bus with the little old Grandma and looked in their faces. There was such love for each other and the young woman was so kind, loving and respectful of her mother. They are so very proud of their children and the old Grandma's always have the children. These peoples faces have so much character and sometimes sadness in them. They really are a beautiful people. I just know that I will cry when I have to leave here, we have made acquaintance with so many of the people we see on the streets and in the little vending areas. The little ladies that sell their fruits by our University gate and the ones who sell their fried food on the street.
I really must go for now. We are going on a road trip tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to Laoshan Mountain - a famous area in Qingdao. I will take the camera.
Much Love - Jane

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

A Day Out on the Town!

We have had a great day, again. We went with the teachers from Oceans University to a little shopping market in "the real China". I am sending photos tonight and then some more tomotrrow. The place is called Jimo and there is just about anything you could ever want or wish for there. I am sure that I wandered thru there with my mouth open! It was spectaular and the people are so interesting.
They had a taylor shop where the lady will make any type of dress or suit you could wish for. The fabric selection is so vast and the buttons are arrayed by the hundreds. I tried to take a picture, but they turned out fuzzy. I am sure that I will go back there tho - it is the place where the English speaking "Pearl Lady" has her little shop. We stopped to chat with her and I walked away with a pretty strand of pearls. It was so very hot and humid and I stopped and got a pretty Chinese fan also.
On the bus ride home (the busses are another scarey story, I will relate later!) we decided to stop at the local Carefree store and walk home, because my friend, Nona, wanted to go back to an interesting little area to shop. I know we walked at least 5 miles in the extreme heat. I am sending photos of those little shops also... WOW - they sell fried Duck heads and fried chicken feet.... Unbelieveable.......I took a picture of the fried chicken feet and also some of the exotic live fish for sale to take home and cook up, along with the squirming, fresh grubs.
I finally got our apartment all cleaned up, so that I can send you some photos tomorrow or the next day. Tonight, when I was washing clothes, the Branch President came by the apartment.He had to step over the drain hose that leads from the washing machine,to the bathroom. And I wasn't even embarassed! This is how we live now... Kinda funny. Sure makes me appreciate what I have at home in Cedar City. We take so much for granted in the United States.
The Chinese people are so wonderful. They are always watching us and waiting for us to nod to them or smile at them. They always get off their seats and offer them to us on the bus . Today I saw a little mother nursing her baby when I went into the market, and as I was leaving the market, the grandma was holding the baby. I ask her if I could take her picture and she was so proud of that baby - just like Grandma's are all over the world.
I must go for now, hopefully I will hear from you soon.
Much Love, Mom/Jane



Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Fun Pictures with the Kids - Pre China!

Monday Update

It has rained here for the past 2 days solid, I mean REALLY rained. Today looks like it will clear up. Hopefully because, Mr. Chen or Aaron as I have named him in English, is coming to show me on campus where it is that I get to teach my classes,
Yesterday was quite the day. It was Sunday and we woke to "bucketfulls of rain". We had to leave for church by 8:50 a.m. so we got our umbrellas and met the others in the lobby. We hurried to the bus stop and met the Oceans teachers and boarded the bus for the 40 minute ride to the "church". Our church services are in a Korean couples apartment and there are about 38-40 people in the branch. Rog blessed the bread in English and a Korean brother blessed the water in Korean! All songs are in both English and Korean and every speaker has a Korean intrepeter. It was the 5th Sunday, so the Relief Society and Priesthood were combined and we all had to stand up and tell where we were from and a little bit about service. As soon as the meeeting was over, we walked back to the bus stop, and boarded a very crowded bus. I mean crowded too. We were in that bus just like sardines in a little can!
We were in a hurry to reach our apartment because we all had a meeting with the Qingdao University staff at 3:00. JoAnn Goodrich - our friend - called us to come to their apartment for a little toasted tomato,cheese, bacon sandwich. Yes, Rog ate the sandwich!!!!!! Also, she served fresh apples and Asian pears (the best ever)
Our meeting with the University was very interesting. They introduced themselves, and we introduced ourselves. They had a table with "treats" set up. The treats consisted of bananas, cherry tomatoes, instant coffee, little packaged Chinese cookies and crackers.
I spoke with "Aaron" again and he handed me a revised teaching schedule. I have 2 more classes added to my teaching schedule!!!
The funny thing is - the one class is a post graduate class. I AM NOT A TEACHER BY PROFESSION!!!!! I was shocked, to say the least. So, now I teach 14 hours on "odd" weeks and 12 hours on "even" weeks. What the heck????
Last night was the first time we had some free time on our hands to do as we pleased. We looked at my teaching manuals :( and listened to some music, watched the news (of course) and read scriptures. We always go to bed by 9:30 or 10:00 and wake up by 5:45 - 6:00. Yes, we are getting old....
We love and miss you all. You are all in our prayers......
OXXOOXOXOXo Jane