Well thankfully I made it to Ric & Cindy's apartment in Tianjin in one piece! I got off the plane and had to find a taxi and then find their apartment. I called Cindy and she actually had to talk to the taxi driver because she knows way more Chinese than obviously I do.. Once I got to their apartment and met them, I immediately went to bed. I took a melatonin on the plane so I would sleep but I was just still so tired. And it was 1:00 AM.
Woke up on Sunday morning and met their son who is still with them along with their 2 grandchildren who are 4 (girl) & 2 (boy). They are SO fun and I love playing with them. We left at about 8 in the morning, got street food for breakfast and then got on a bus for an hour drive to a hotel in a place called Teda. The service was very good.. they have a small congregation and they sang Easter hymns. It honestly felt like I was a little kid again, at one of the small churches we went to in Kentucky :) After church the whole congregation went to someone's house (apartment.. like I said, there are no houses) for Easter meal. There was ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls, salad, pumpkin soup, and dessert for days. It was the best westernized meal I have had here!
After getting back to Ric & Cindy's, we just relaxed and spent time talking. The kids hunted eggs inside the apartment and then dyed eggs. While they were doing that I was watching something on my iPad and they were so curious so they came up to me and I showed them all the kid options on Netflix. They curled up next to me and we watched "The Great Mouse Detective" :)
Ric and Cindy are one of the nicest and sweetest couples I have met. They have made me feel so welcome and at home here and I'm very excited for the days to come as we travel to Beijing. They asked a teacher in the school they work at to come along with us and kind of act as my tour guide around Beijing. Since Ric & Cindy will be teaching, I will now have someone to explore Beijing with me! I'm thrilled. She is Chinese so it'll be perfect to have someone who can translate everything. I will meet her today (Monday) as we go see some things around the city. Also, where we are staying in Beijing will be free of charge. They arranged all this for me and I couldn't more thankful for everything they have already done for me!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Flying.
I am currently writing this on a plane headed to Tianjin to spend my Spring Break. I realize that this won't be posted until after I get there but writing to my friends and family makes the time go by a lot faster :) My flight was originally supposed to be at 6:30 but after several annoucements of delays, we took off at 7:30. I will most likely land at 12:30.. then get a taxi at the airport.. then ride
to Rick & Cindy's apartment. AND obviously tomorrow is Easter Sunday so we will be going to church in the morning. Cindy told me that Rick is preaching! I'm excited about that. I'm also excited about the fact that I have been saving my favorite Easter candy that I brought with me for Easter Sunday :) My mom bought me the sweet tart chicks and ducks and you have NO idea how eager I am to open them. If you don't know anything about the sweets in China.... they're almost non-existent.
I have some more good news about future plans.. The weekend after I get back from Tianjin I will be traveling to Yuxi which is a village/town about 3 hours (driving) away. The girl scouts at our school will be going there for the weekend to teach other kids about Easter at a school and some other outreach activities. The more I found out, I will let you know! I am going because one of the teacher assistants in my classroom is going to help translate because the Girl Scout leader is American and she thought I might like to go and help out/chaperone. Of course I wanted to say YES but I was really worried about money for the stay and food, etc. But ya know, God is so good. He never has failed me. I was discussing this with Jean one day and she sad "How's your money situation? You doing okay? Ya know what, I have some ministry money, I'm going to just pay for your way to go." If that isn't an answered prayer and a sign, I don't know what it is. Once again, I must say: God is SO good.
The only thing that makes me sad about being gone that weekend is I will only have 2 weekends left after that to do/see stuff in Kunming! I can't believe that. Time is an enemy right now... I want more time here but also, I want time to go by so I can be home, graduate and begin my "adult" life. Bah.
Okay now it's time for an update on the "China Biking Chronicles" because I'm sure you're all dying to know if I have had another dramatic experience... and the answer is no :) Sally's (what I decided to name bike; no judgement please) chain has been entact for more than a week now and although she is old and squeaks a lot when I pedal... she remains strong! Let's pray she lasts the next 4 weeks.
Things I've Learned:
13. All domestic flights in China offer a meal on the plane. Even if it's just an hour.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
A Good Day
So today was a really good day because of many reasons:
1. The whole elementary part of the school (grades JK-5th) did a service trip during the school day today. The students delivered cookies to people working in the neighborhood (guards, maintennance, people who sweep the sidewalks, water the grass, etc.) and thanked them for all their hard work. The kids really enjoyed it and so I just hope they learned from that experience!
2. My teacher uses dried bamaboo sticks as pointers in the classroom and today I realized that would be something really great to take home and use in my future classroom... so I asked her about them and she said "oh, I have a hand full in the back cabinet." I have two set aside for me to take home! How great is that! A story to go along with that.... when I was walking back to the cabinet to get the bamboo sticks, there were a group of students working so of course they were all asking me what I was doing. I said to them "I am getting some of these sticks so I can use them when I go back home and teach." One of the little girls looks at me and says, "Your going to teach Miss Rolfe??" Otherwise known as Josalyn, my roommate. OH Kindergarten :)
3. Josalyn took me to the Bird and Flower Market which is this huge outdoor market where 100's of venders come out and sell literally whatever you can imagine. There are pets, plants, jewelry, tea sets, the list could go on and on... It was just a really neat place and I will probably end up back there again to buy gifts!
4. We also ate dinner down there at Papa John's and let me just say that for a girl who has been craving cheese (there is not cheese here. not the kind I am used to anyway...), it was like a dream come true. And what was so funny to me is that Papa John's is like a nice sit-down restaraunt here in Kunming. I have no idea why but it is very elite. They also started to play english christmas music when we came into the restaraunt.. Josalyn said it is because when they know there is a foreigner in the place, they try to impress you. Oh boy.
Things I've learned:
11. You can bargain/barter anything. I mean really, anything.
12. How to sing happy birthday in Chinese :)
1. The whole elementary part of the school (grades JK-5th) did a service trip during the school day today. The students delivered cookies to people working in the neighborhood (guards, maintennance, people who sweep the sidewalks, water the grass, etc.) and thanked them for all their hard work. The kids really enjoyed it and so I just hope they learned from that experience!
2. My teacher uses dried bamaboo sticks as pointers in the classroom and today I realized that would be something really great to take home and use in my future classroom... so I asked her about them and she said "oh, I have a hand full in the back cabinet." I have two set aside for me to take home! How great is that! A story to go along with that.... when I was walking back to the cabinet to get the bamboo sticks, there were a group of students working so of course they were all asking me what I was doing. I said to them "I am getting some of these sticks so I can use them when I go back home and teach." One of the little girls looks at me and says, "Your going to teach Miss Rolfe??" Otherwise known as Josalyn, my roommate. OH Kindergarten :)
3. Josalyn took me to the Bird and Flower Market which is this huge outdoor market where 100's of venders come out and sell literally whatever you can imagine. There are pets, plants, jewelry, tea sets, the list could go on and on... It was just a really neat place and I will probably end up back there again to buy gifts!
4. We also ate dinner down there at Papa John's and let me just say that for a girl who has been craving cheese (there is not cheese here. not the kind I am used to anyway...), it was like a dream come true. And what was so funny to me is that Papa John's is like a nice sit-down restaraunt here in Kunming. I have no idea why but it is very elite. They also started to play english christmas music when we came into the restaraunt.. Josalyn said it is because when they know there is a foreigner in the place, they try to impress you. Oh boy.
Things I've learned:
11. You can bargain/barter anything. I mean really, anything.
12. How to sing happy birthday in Chinese :)
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Sound Of Music
So I can't believe that Spring Break is so soon. I am so excited (more than I can show via blog...) to fly to Tianjin and then travel to Beijing by TRAIN next week. I have made lists of things I definitely want to experience and see so I'm just praying I get to do them all :) The good news is, I will have internet everywhere I'll be so I will be able to tell you about all my stories!!
This week I have been planning my science unit for the week after spring break; which is the same week as their standardized testing. So, I'm trying to make it a lot of fun for the kids- they will deserve it after testing all morning! Jean told me too that my last day in the classroom (May 3) we will be going on a field trip to the train station AND we are going to have a party for me on May 2. I am super blessed.
So this week is the school's big production of the Sound of Music. They have shows Thursday-Saturday and I will be going Friday before I leave Kunming. Since a lot of our students will be going to see the show, we have been showing clips of the movie during school time. Today, the scene where Rolfe and Leisel are dancing and singing "16 going on 17" and all of a sudden the kids started chanting "KISS, KISS, KISS!" As most of you know, they kissed, and all my students screamed. Oh, Kindergarten.
Watching the movie gave me flash backs of watching it at my Grandma Wilson's house as a girl.. it was always our favorite to watch together. I remember thinking how old I thought Rolfe and Lesisel were... haha. I could tell my students were thinking the same thing.
Things I've learned:
8. Chinese men often carry their girlfriend/wife's purse for them... yes, I am serious.
9. How to count to 100 in Chinese!!
10. People who are here to share Christ's love say they are here on "family business" (code for missionary).
This week I have been planning my science unit for the week after spring break; which is the same week as their standardized testing. So, I'm trying to make it a lot of fun for the kids- they will deserve it after testing all morning! Jean told me too that my last day in the classroom (May 3) we will be going on a field trip to the train station AND we are going to have a party for me on May 2. I am super blessed.
So this week is the school's big production of the Sound of Music. They have shows Thursday-Saturday and I will be going Friday before I leave Kunming. Since a lot of our students will be going to see the show, we have been showing clips of the movie during school time. Today, the scene where Rolfe and Leisel are dancing and singing "16 going on 17" and all of a sudden the kids started chanting "KISS, KISS, KISS!" As most of you know, they kissed, and all my students screamed. Oh, Kindergarten.
Watching the movie gave me flash backs of watching it at my Grandma Wilson's house as a girl.. it was always our favorite to watch together. I remember thinking how old I thought Rolfe and Lesisel were... haha. I could tell my students were thinking the same thing.
Things I've learned:
8. Chinese men often carry their girlfriend/wife's purse for them... yes, I am serious.
9. How to count to 100 in Chinese!!
10. People who are here to share Christ's love say they are here on "family business" (code for missionary).
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Chicken Zhen
It is Sunday afternoon and I am back at the apartment watching Coyote Ugly. I have had a pretty interesting weekend... Friday night me and Josalyn went to Jean's (my teacher) apartment in a different part of the city. It was about a 40 minute bike ride there and then we walked to get dinner at a restaurant that was like a japanese steakhouse where they cook the food in front of you. After we ordered, it took quite a long time to get our food. Jean knows the most Chinese after living here for 10 years so after asking multiple times about our food, we eventually got the food and they placed the "chicken" we ordered in front of us. It wasn't chicken. We found out that what we ordered was actually chicken gizzards/insides! On the menu it said "Chicken Zhen." So. The lesson learned is that even after studying Chinese for 10 years, you still don't know it all :)
On Saturday we woke up and got a western breakfast. Eggs. Bacon. Pancakes. It was very good. We also went to this international imported foods store.. it was so tiny.. but as we were walking out, I spotted a green can that I know so well. 5 cans of Mountain Dew sat on the shelf just waiting for me. The previous day, I had to just been telling someone how bad I was craving a Mountain Dew so for those that know me, you know how happy I was :) Later on in the day after walking around the west side of the city and heading home, Josalyn and I went to Starbucks and got a drink. It was a little expensive but so worth it!
Church this morning was really good. We sang all songs that were familiar to me and so it was wonderful to just worship at the end/beginning of a week. I'm very excited about this week because Spring Break begins on Friday which means I fly to Tianjin on Saturday! Yay!
On Saturday we woke up and got a western breakfast. Eggs. Bacon. Pancakes. It was very good. We also went to this international imported foods store.. it was so tiny.. but as we were walking out, I spotted a green can that I know so well. 5 cans of Mountain Dew sat on the shelf just waiting for me. The previous day, I had to just been telling someone how bad I was craving a Mountain Dew so for those that know me, you know how happy I was :) Later on in the day after walking around the west side of the city and heading home, Josalyn and I went to Starbucks and got a drink. It was a little expensive but so worth it!
Church this morning was really good. We sang all songs that were familiar to me and so it was wonderful to just worship at the end/beginning of a week. I'm very excited about this week because Spring Break begins on Friday which means I fly to Tianjin on Saturday! Yay!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Living life
I made it through my first full week at school here :) It is really flying by like I knew it would. I taught math groups all week and so next week I will be teaching writing groups next week. When we get back from spring break, they have standardize teaching and I will also begin a science unit on motion. I'm a little nervous about that because science definitely isn't my comfort zone but I also know that the kids really enjoy it so it will be fun to teach :)
Last night, a group of girls (5 of us) rode our bikes to another girl's house for bible study. It's about a 30 minute ride so not terrible- I love getting the exercise and the weather is perfect here so it makes it that much more enjoyable. However, last night, the chain on my bike broke AGAIN (BAH) going down a hill... it was underneath a bridge on a really busy street and I couldn't pedal up the hill so when I got off to push it and walk, all I thought was "these girls probably think I'm so lazy and can't pedal up a hill." lol. So after pointing to the chain dragging the ground many times, we finally found a bike shop and got the chain replaced! I should call these stories "China Biking Chronicles."
I'm super excited about this bible study though because I came at the perfect time. We are starting a brand new book next week called Traveling Light by Max Lucado. It's all about releasing the burdens that we weren't ever intended to carry and give them to God. I think it's going to be good to really get into a study and be focused on something while I am here. It will keep my mind off missing home and allow me to be connected with people here. God is good!
This weekend me and Josalyn, my roommate, are going to the west side of town and staying the night at my teacher's house (Jean) Friday night to explore that area. I'm super excited about that! I can't wait to share what it is like!!
Last night, a group of girls (5 of us) rode our bikes to another girl's house for bible study. It's about a 30 minute ride so not terrible- I love getting the exercise and the weather is perfect here so it makes it that much more enjoyable. However, last night, the chain on my bike broke AGAIN (BAH) going down a hill... it was underneath a bridge on a really busy street and I couldn't pedal up the hill so when I got off to push it and walk, all I thought was "these girls probably think I'm so lazy and can't pedal up a hill." lol. So after pointing to the chain dragging the ground many times, we finally found a bike shop and got the chain replaced! I should call these stories "China Biking Chronicles."
I'm super excited about this bible study though because I came at the perfect time. We are starting a brand new book next week called Traveling Light by Max Lucado. It's all about releasing the burdens that we weren't ever intended to carry and give them to God. I think it's going to be good to really get into a study and be focused on something while I am here. It will keep my mind off missing home and allow me to be connected with people here. God is good!
This weekend me and Josalyn, my roommate, are going to the west side of town and staying the night at my teacher's house (Jean) Friday night to explore that area. I'm super excited about that! I can't wait to share what it is like!!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
SO much
I literally wish I could explain and tell you all everything that is happening right now here in Kunming, China but I shall give you the highlights :) First of all, as many wise people have told, it has become easier and easier to be here with each passing day. Not that it was terrible or anything but I never thought I would get to the point where I could order something at a restaurant, count to 20 in Chinese, or ride down the street by myself to buy apples. It's the little things.
I went to church for the first time on Sunday at an international worship service that is actually run by government (strange, I know) that is specifically for foreigners. Some people however, meet with friends just in homes for Sunday morning church. I believe I will stick with going to regular church. I also had to get my bike fixed on Sunday because the chain completely broke off! We found a guy on a street with a cart who was fixing bikes.. it cost me 4 RMB. That is less than a dollar in America :)
My students completely fill my life with joy as I knew they would. Although they never sit still, they always tattle and they always have some kind of boo boo which needs a bandaid, I couldn't ask for a better group of kids. I'm hoping to get pictures up soon of them so you all can see the smiling faces I get to see everyday! There is one student in particular who has become of special interest to myself, my teacher and the special ed. teacher. Knowing my background, my teacher had me test her on Monday on letter sounds and recognition and writing. I looked at all the data collected and we had a meeting with her mother after school. I presented everything that I found to her mother and then we created a plan to help her get to know where she needs to be for Kindergarten. This was HUGE to me because I don't feel like many student teachers have an opportunity like this in the states let alone a completely different country... God is good! I get to teach 21 kids along with some intervention as well!!
This week at school is spirit week- it's a lot like what school's in the states have. Everyday is something different to dress up as. Monday you were supposed to wear bright colors, neon, etc. so I wore my bright red pants and aqua shoes with an aqua shirt. I looked insane but it was fun. Tuesday was "Tasty Tuesday" and you were supposed to dress up as your favorite candy, sweet, whatever. I was a sour patch kid. I dressed in all red, wore a sour patch kid package around my neck and then gave one to each of my kids at the end of the day. They thought it was the coolest. haha.
Last but not least, I have some exciting news for my spring break which is March 30-April 7. I have planned and booked a flight to Tianjin where I will spend the week with Cindy and Rick Harvel (they used to teach at MVNU). They invited me into their home for Easter and are going to take me to Beijing so I can see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and other places that typical tourists go. At first, I was very hesitate about this but after much prayer and thinking, God kept confirming and showing me that this was a good thing. Not just because I get to see all the things I want to see but because being with Cindy and Rick will give me a piece of home that I am missing already. I'm so excited and blessed beyond belief.
Things I've Learned:
5. China has no laws against domestic violence... I learned that when literally witnessing a fight inside a restaurant against a man and a woman. The restaurant didn't kick them out and no one called the police.
6. The government controls EVERYTHING. Including water and electricity. I was warned that they can go off any time without notice.
7. There are people that still live villages who come into the city (Kunming), search through trash, pick out things to take to landfills and get money so they can provide for their families :(
I went to church for the first time on Sunday at an international worship service that is actually run by government (strange, I know) that is specifically for foreigners. Some people however, meet with friends just in homes for Sunday morning church. I believe I will stick with going to regular church. I also had to get my bike fixed on Sunday because the chain completely broke off! We found a guy on a street with a cart who was fixing bikes.. it cost me 4 RMB. That is less than a dollar in America :)
My students completely fill my life with joy as I knew they would. Although they never sit still, they always tattle and they always have some kind of boo boo which needs a bandaid, I couldn't ask for a better group of kids. I'm hoping to get pictures up soon of them so you all can see the smiling faces I get to see everyday! There is one student in particular who has become of special interest to myself, my teacher and the special ed. teacher. Knowing my background, my teacher had me test her on Monday on letter sounds and recognition and writing. I looked at all the data collected and we had a meeting with her mother after school. I presented everything that I found to her mother and then we created a plan to help her get to know where she needs to be for Kindergarten. This was HUGE to me because I don't feel like many student teachers have an opportunity like this in the states let alone a completely different country... God is good! I get to teach 21 kids along with some intervention as well!!
This week at school is spirit week- it's a lot like what school's in the states have. Everyday is something different to dress up as. Monday you were supposed to wear bright colors, neon, etc. so I wore my bright red pants and aqua shoes with an aqua shirt. I looked insane but it was fun. Tuesday was "Tasty Tuesday" and you were supposed to dress up as your favorite candy, sweet, whatever. I was a sour patch kid. I dressed in all red, wore a sour patch kid package around my neck and then gave one to each of my kids at the end of the day. They thought it was the coolest. haha.
Last but not least, I have some exciting news for my spring break which is March 30-April 7. I have planned and booked a flight to Tianjin where I will spend the week with Cindy and Rick Harvel (they used to teach at MVNU). They invited me into their home for Easter and are going to take me to Beijing so I can see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and other places that typical tourists go. At first, I was very hesitate about this but after much prayer and thinking, God kept confirming and showing me that this was a good thing. Not just because I get to see all the things I want to see but because being with Cindy and Rick will give me a piece of home that I am missing already. I'm so excited and blessed beyond belief.
Things I've Learned:
5. China has no laws against domestic violence... I learned that when literally witnessing a fight inside a restaurant against a man and a woman. The restaurant didn't kick them out and no one called the police.
6. The government controls EVERYTHING. Including water and electricity. I was warned that they can go off any time without notice.
7. There are people that still live villages who come into the city (Kunming), search through trash, pick out things to take to landfills and get money so they can provide for their families :(
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Seeking Him
I made it to my first weekend :) It has definitely been an interesting but exciting week. Thursday and Friday I was in my classroom, getting to know my students and learning the routine. Kindergarten is very different here but also very much alike. We had a parent party at the end of the day on Friday before school let out and all the parents came except for one student. I told my teacher that if we did that in the states, we would be lucky to get a couple of parents to come! I was very grateful for it though because I was able to introduce myself (with the teacher assistant translating of course..) and they were all very kind and welcoming. I will start teaching math next week to all the students in small groups so I am very happy to just be able to jump right in.. and the fact that my teacher has said multiple times that she trusts my judgement. That means a lot to me!
On Thursday, I went to Chinese class! My teacher goes twice a week.. its a one-on-one session with a Chinese lady who is super cute and nice. So instead of her going, I will take her place for the next 7 weeks while I am here! She told me I got the hang of it really quick and was very impressed. That is seriously going to be so nice getting around the city and buying things at a store, etc.
Friday afternoon I came home from school and laid on my bed with no intention of falling asleep, but I did. That was around 4:30. I ended up sleeping all evening, through the night and woke up around 6:00 am Saturday morning! I did wake up a couple of times but I kept falling back asleep. I think I just really needed that time to rest... hopefully my sleeping schedule won't be all crazy this week.
It feels like I am on a really long vacation here.. even as I work in the classroom, it's so strange. Wish I could explain it! Although life is getting easier here, I still have times of struggle. I am continuing to seek Him in all the times I feel lonely or question why I am here. Just as always, He confirms that He has a plan for me- bigger than I will ever or could ever imagine. I'm looking forward to living through that plan with Him by my side. With Him, I know I can do anything! Keep me in your prayers, as I know you already are.
On Thursday, I went to Chinese class! My teacher goes twice a week.. its a one-on-one session with a Chinese lady who is super cute and nice. So instead of her going, I will take her place for the next 7 weeks while I am here! She told me I got the hang of it really quick and was very impressed. That is seriously going to be so nice getting around the city and buying things at a store, etc.
Friday afternoon I came home from school and laid on my bed with no intention of falling asleep, but I did. That was around 4:30. I ended up sleeping all evening, through the night and woke up around 6:00 am Saturday morning! I did wake up a couple of times but I kept falling back asleep. I think I just really needed that time to rest... hopefully my sleeping schedule won't be all crazy this week.
It feels like I am on a really long vacation here.. even as I work in the classroom, it's so strange. Wish I could explain it! Although life is getting easier here, I still have times of struggle. I am continuing to seek Him in all the times I feel lonely or question why I am here. Just as always, He confirms that He has a plan for me- bigger than I will ever or could ever imagine. I'm looking forward to living through that plan with Him by my side. With Him, I know I can do anything! Keep me in your prayers, as I know you already are.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Simple life
Today (Wednesday), I had a really great day. It was a little crazy but tomorrow I will start in the classroom and hopefully get in a routine.. but today I learned A LOT of new things and got to know some new people as well.
Started off by going to an all staff meeting at the school where I had to introduce myself and explain why I was there. Everyone was so curious why I chose Kunming and honestly, I didn't have a very good reason! But when I said that it was where God called me to, they understood perfectly. Being in the presence of Christians makes life a lot easier :)
I then got to spend some time in the classroom, about an hour and a half. Then went to have brunch at Solveig's apartment where I got to meet basically all the stay at home mom's whose husbands work at the school, including all their kids that aren't old enough for school yet. They are all so welcoming and loving and ask me tons of questions and since today I wasn't as tired and not as 'out of it' as yesterday, I really enjoyed getting to know them and learning how they got to Kunming.
After that, one of the ladies, Crystal, took me all around the city to help me get groceries, a Chinese cell phone, and just help me learn how to get around. For 138 Qui (that is what they call the money here, not Yuan) I got some hangers, 5 chicken breasts, I think a 10 pound bag of rice, coffee and pretzels.. which translates to about $15 in. So I got it pretty good here! Everyone also gets their fresh fruit at just a little tent/vendor in the street so I got a whole pineapple and 5 apples for 15 qui which is about $2.50. How awesome is that?? I'm gonna try and cook so we shall see how that goes... haha.
She also took me to a shopping center.. like a mall but all open and outdoors. That is where I got my groceries and a phone. There was a Mcdonald's, Dairy Queen, Starbucks, KFC, & H&M. So that is where I will go if I'm needing any Americanized stuff. Or if I really need to go on a shopping spree haha! I'm curious if H&M is more or less expensive than the states.. hmm..
I think what I love most so far is the community of it all. Mostly all the people who work in the school live in the neighborhood and it's like one big family. In the states, you plan to have dinner with people like weeks in advance but here you see someone at school and say "hey want to go out to dinner with us?" or "want to come over and have dinner?" It's just so friendly here and it is completely safe for me to ride my bike around the neighborhood by myself if I need to go to a convenient store or get dinner. I am really enjoying the freedom to do what I want but also knowing that I can call anyone and they would help me with whatever.
I can't wait to learn even more about the school and my class the next two days and share that with you guys! The people I love! Continue to keep me in your prayers.. although I am adjusting well, doesn't mean I'm not homesick. I love you all so very much!
Things I've learned:
3. No one carries around purses or anything. Cell phone and money- that's all you need.
4. When you buy a cell phone in China, they give you a long list of phone numbers that you pick from. The numbers with less '4s' are considered better so they are more expensive. Something I will never understand!
Started off by going to an all staff meeting at the school where I had to introduce myself and explain why I was there. Everyone was so curious why I chose Kunming and honestly, I didn't have a very good reason! But when I said that it was where God called me to, they understood perfectly. Being in the presence of Christians makes life a lot easier :)
I then got to spend some time in the classroom, about an hour and a half. Then went to have brunch at Solveig's apartment where I got to meet basically all the stay at home mom's whose husbands work at the school, including all their kids that aren't old enough for school yet. They are all so welcoming and loving and ask me tons of questions and since today I wasn't as tired and not as 'out of it' as yesterday, I really enjoyed getting to know them and learning how they got to Kunming.
After that, one of the ladies, Crystal, took me all around the city to help me get groceries, a Chinese cell phone, and just help me learn how to get around. For 138 Qui (that is what they call the money here, not Yuan) I got some hangers, 5 chicken breasts, I think a 10 pound bag of rice, coffee and pretzels.. which translates to about $15 in. So I got it pretty good here! Everyone also gets their fresh fruit at just a little tent/vendor in the street so I got a whole pineapple and 5 apples for 15 qui which is about $2.50. How awesome is that?? I'm gonna try and cook so we shall see how that goes... haha.
She also took me to a shopping center.. like a mall but all open and outdoors. That is where I got my groceries and a phone. There was a Mcdonald's, Dairy Queen, Starbucks, KFC, & H&M. So that is where I will go if I'm needing any Americanized stuff. Or if I really need to go on a shopping spree haha! I'm curious if H&M is more or less expensive than the states.. hmm..
I think what I love most so far is the community of it all. Mostly all the people who work in the school live in the neighborhood and it's like one big family. In the states, you plan to have dinner with people like weeks in advance but here you see someone at school and say "hey want to go out to dinner with us?" or "want to come over and have dinner?" It's just so friendly here and it is completely safe for me to ride my bike around the neighborhood by myself if I need to go to a convenient store or get dinner. I am really enjoying the freedom to do what I want but also knowing that I can call anyone and they would help me with whatever.
I can't wait to learn even more about the school and my class the next two days and share that with you guys! The people I love! Continue to keep me in your prayers.. although I am adjusting well, doesn't mean I'm not homesick. I love you all so very much!
Things I've learned:
3. No one carries around purses or anything. Cell phone and money- that's all you need.
4. When you buy a cell phone in China, they give you a long list of phone numbers that you pick from. The numbers with less '4s' are considered better so they are more expensive. Something I will never understand!
Made it
Oh boy. Don't even know where to begin. First of all, I am officially in Kunming :) All I want to do right now is go to bed but every person keeps saying "you gotta stay up!!" in order to get on the schedule. My flight to Beijing wasn't horrible but I really didn't get that much sleep. When we landed in Beijing, there were just too many lines to get through and since I had less than an hour between flights, I missed my flight to Kunming (ugh!) but it all worked out perfectly because there was a flight one hour later. After going from desk to desk, asking tons of questions, checking in my baggage again, going through security, and running to the gate, I made the flight and was able to relax. I slept that entire 4 hour flight.
When we arrived in Kunming, I found out they do something different in their airports than in the US. They basically dropped us off in the middle of the runway, piled us on a bus, and then dropped us off at the doors where baggage claim was. I looked around for the ladies that were picking me up for awhile and I began to be frantic because I really had no way of contacting them at the time. Finally I spotted an American woman (you can spot us a mile away) holding a sign that said "Welcome Rebecca Kammer." The woman, Jean, picking me up is my cooperating teacher who I will be working with and the other woman with her was Solveig (hospitality coordinator at KIA). They were so kind and helpful! We then took a 40 minute drive to get to KIA- I got to see the city a little bit and it is very beautiful. The weather is quite perfect.
We arrived to the neighborhood (there is a Chinese name that they call it but can't remember at the moment..) which is like an american neighborhood except instead of houses, there are apartment complexes. And that's just where everyone lives! This neighborhood is also where the school is located. Solveig took me into the apartment and I was able to freshen myself, she had bedding all ready for me, some food items to get me started and there were some flowers and candy on my desk :) We then walked around the neighborhood to get to the school, stopped and ate lunch at a local little restaurant. I ordered a grilled cheese wanted to be safe and it was the best grilled cheese I have ever had! I got a tour of the school and met all my students! They are all so cute and I can't wait to work them...
Everyone here is so nice and helpful. It makes it easier when they are like that! Josalyn arranged for me to borrow someone's bike so I used that a little bit today! I'm learning all kinds of new things.. can't wait to tell you guys more!
Things I've learned about Chinese culture:
2. There is no such thing as waiting in a line. Therefore, you must be assertive.
When we arrived in Kunming, I found out they do something different in their airports than in the US. They basically dropped us off in the middle of the runway, piled us on a bus, and then dropped us off at the doors where baggage claim was. I looked around for the ladies that were picking me up for awhile and I began to be frantic because I really had no way of contacting them at the time. Finally I spotted an American woman (you can spot us a mile away) holding a sign that said "Welcome Rebecca Kammer." The woman, Jean, picking me up is my cooperating teacher who I will be working with and the other woman with her was Solveig (hospitality coordinator at KIA). They were so kind and helpful! We then took a 40 minute drive to get to KIA- I got to see the city a little bit and it is very beautiful. The weather is quite perfect.
We arrived to the neighborhood (there is a Chinese name that they call it but can't remember at the moment..) which is like an american neighborhood except instead of houses, there are apartment complexes. And that's just where everyone lives! This neighborhood is also where the school is located. Solveig took me into the apartment and I was able to freshen myself, she had bedding all ready for me, some food items to get me started and there were some flowers and candy on my desk :) We then walked around the neighborhood to get to the school, stopped and ate lunch at a local little restaurant. I ordered a grilled cheese wanted to be safe and it was the best grilled cheese I have ever had! I got a tour of the school and met all my students! They are all so cute and I can't wait to work them...
Everyone here is so nice and helpful. It makes it easier when they are like that! Josalyn arranged for me to borrow someone's bike so I used that a little bit today! I'm learning all kinds of new things.. can't wait to tell you guys more!
Things I've learned about Chinese culture:
2. There is no such thing as waiting in a line. Therefore, you must be assertive.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Questions, lines and patience.
I am currently sitting in the LA airport waiting for my flight to Beijing and it has been quite a journey already. Thankfully, all my flights have been on time and have gone smoothly. When I landed in LA, however, my eyes got big because I simply had no idea where to go. After asking where I had to go next (the international terminal) I then had to ask someone else where that was. Then after going the completely wrong way, I had to turn and ask a different person where it was again. Somehow I made it there (Had to walk outside for 5 minutes which was different but very refreshing) and got in line to check in but I thought to myself "hey, I already have my boarding pass and my bag is checked in so I shouldn't have to go through this again." I should have known to just not listen to myself but whatever! I went up to security, waited in that line, to find out that yes, I indeed had to check in first.
I'm praying my connecting flight between Beijing and Kunming isn't like this. I will go nuts!
So now I must sit and wait until 1:40 AM to leave (4:40 AM at home). Considering I am running on 4 hours asleep, I'm hoping to sleep most of this 13 hour flight 😊
To my family and friends who have been praying for me- I love you and thank you so much. I know God's presence has been all around me during my travels!
Things I've learned about Chinese culture:
1. They like to travel in large groups.
I'm praying my connecting flight between Beijing and Kunming isn't like this. I will go nuts!
So now I must sit and wait until 1:40 AM to leave (4:40 AM at home). Considering I am running on 4 hours asleep, I'm hoping to sleep most of this 13 hour flight 😊
To my family and friends who have been praying for me- I love you and thank you so much. I know God's presence has been all around me during my travels!
Things I've learned about Chinese culture:
1. They like to travel in large groups.
Monday, March 4, 2013
6 Days.
It's hard to believe that in 6 short days, I will be on a plane headed half way across the world! I'm so incredibly blessed to have this opportunity and I will thank God everyday for it. I still have a long list of things to do before I leave but I am taking one thing at a time :) What I am most worried about at this point is the traveling. Please pray for me that I will find gates quickly, remain calm when I land in China and not be too bored during lay overs. I have faith that HE will watch over me and keep me safe. I promise to write to you all again when I land! Thank you so much all the support and prayers. I will forever be thankful.
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