Another Crazy Week!!

Dear Family;
I know that I have not written for awhile but I have had so many great thoughts and feelings.
Saturday, November 8 was another great day and to start the day, 3 darling students came to the apartment. They came to hand in papers they had not completed the day before. Mary, Ariane, and Gama came over about 10:30 and brought with them, a ray of sunshine to our meager apartment. They were so happy to be here and to "see the American teachers apartment". They agreed to stay for a few minutes and we had a wonderful talk. They really looked and pondered over the photo album Lesa made for us. They asked us every persons name and acted so interested in our family. They also did some interpreting for me, namely, the directions on a new hot plate we have recently purchased. They expressed the desire to cook for us and we planned a night they could come back and cook a Chinese dinner for all of us. They left us with big smiles on their faces and a hug. Started our day out perfect. It was a day to prepare for class and quiet for the rest of the day.
Sunday we had the usual rush to the bus, for the 45 minute "stand up" ride to church. Roger had to stay late and do Clerk duty and I came on home with the ladies after the meetings. Four of "my girls" telephoned that they wanted to drop by the apartment and they arrived about the same time Roger got home. Sara, Helen, Lemon and Banana were great to talk with and we discussed what they want to learn in the classroom. They were definite in their ideas and a help in my lesson plans. We promised them that if they would speak English for 5 minutes per day, their English skills would improve noticeably. They agreed to try it! Such cute, wholesome, lovable, girls... What a privilege to know and associate with people such as these Chinese people. How blessed we are to be here and a part of the BYU China Teachers program.
Sunday evening we were invited to dinner at Judy and Andy's apartment. Judy is one of Rogers students and she is a gem. Such a darling, sweet, intelligent, lovable little gal. She told us to walk to the front gate of the University and she would be there to meet us. As we neared the gate, a cute Chinese fellow ask, "Are you Roger and Jane?" It was Andy - we had never met him yet, but she had described us to him and he recognized us! I will include a photo of the two of them with this email. We walked to their apartment and they had everything all ready to eat. Such a small, compact apartment with every inch occupied. They set up a small table and they sat on folding chairs and we sat on the bed (the best seats, of course!) She prepared a traditional Chinese dinner, fit for a King. The food was delicious. I ask about everything she cooked and how to prepare. She said that she would be glad to go to the market with me to show me the special Chinese spices and seasonings and instruct me how to prepare the food. Next week we will shop.
After the dinner, Andy did all the dishes and Judy sat and visited with us. After he finished,we talked for about an hour as they showed us family photos, with them asking many questions about our life and family and customs. Then they bundled up and walked us back to our apartment. We invited them in to meet the other BYU couples and they came up to our place for another 1/2 hour. What a great weekend we were privileged to have. Special people and times. Times we will never forget. Times we will always cherish.
This week has been my "odd" week - with my Freshmen, as well as Post Graduates. They just keep getting more precious to me, with the passing weeks and months. Those dear, sweet, kind faces - always smiling - will be locked in my memory forever! How will I EVER be able to leave them ? ? ? That is a tough one... Also attached is an email from Derek, my class monitor. How dear to my heart....
Yesterday afternoon, Ray and Maryann Andrus arrived to check on all the BYU teachers here in Qingdao. It was good to see them and get a hug from home. They surprised us and brought a package of chocolate chips. ( Oh - the small things in life that mean so much!)
They will be here until Sunday afternoon. They have meetings scheduled tomorrow with the Qingdao University admimistration and also with Ocean University administration. Saturday they go to the Pearl Market, we will take them to lunch at our favorite place, and Saturday night they will take all the BYU teachers to dinner. Sunday, church and then they move on to another city.
As you can tell, we never have a dull moment!!! We are absolutely loving life. We know that we were meant to be here at this time - there is no doubt in our minds. These people will be forever engraved in our hearts. We will never forget them. How blessed we are!!!!!
Please know of our love for each of you... We miss you and think of you every day, and every minute.
Much, much love,
Mom

Deaar Mrs Halladay,
I miss your sweet smile.you know,next week,we will have our mid-term examination.We only have to take English exam.
Now,I have sensed the coming winter,cold outside.Don't forget to put on more clothes when nessecery.Be careful not to catch the cold.
Next weekend ,our grade will hold the tug-of-war competitions between classes under our dormitory.If you have time ,you can come and watch.I believe it is a wonderful match.

Love,
Michelle

Andy and Judy