This past week, I went to the Black Hills with some friends from Mankato. We went hiking, and tubing down a lazy river in the middle of a field. It was quite a surreal experience. It feels great to have time to have some of these experiences and enjoy being with friends and family.
In these past 2 weeks, I have also had some opportunities to read some excellent books about China and also talk with several people from China to learn more about the culture and government. All the preparation has helped me realize how different China's system is from our own. Last summer, it was easy to overlook these differences because I was only there for about 6 weeks. I think that living in the country for 2 years will be an eye opening experience and all the pre-research has made me realize that I will need to guard what I discuss and be a respectful guest in the country. And as much as I might try to blend in and adapt the customs of the local people, I will always remain an outsider. This means that I cannot attach my self-worth to how well I am doing at assimilating into the culture. Nope, my self-worth will come from a deeper source as it should now too.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Friday, June 08, 2007
Placement
After months of waiting, I learned where I will be teaching. I will be teaching in the province of Hunan in the city of Hengyang, the second largest city in this province. The Lonely Planet guidebook says, "This city is not a beauty" but I am not going there for the beauty. So far, I know that the city is an industrial place with a population of over 6 million. There are some beautiful places close to the city including a holy mountain called Hengshan mountain.
My teaching team consists of two other couples. One couple has been teaching there already for one year and one couple will be going for their first year with me. Coincidentally, I also know the second couple from my summer term with this organization. The last member of our team is a young teacher who is returning for her second year at Hengyang with this program.
My teaching team consists of two other couples. One couple has been teaching there already for one year and one couple will be going for their first year with me. Coincidentally, I also know the second couple from my summer term with this organization. The last member of our team is a young teacher who is returning for her second year at Hengyang with this program.
Monday, June 04, 2007
So much China Information
Lately, I have realized that I need to study more about China, if I am going to be living there for the next 2 years of my life. HOwever, it is quite a large region and culture to research. Tons of books and resources exist on this marvelous country. But, I only have limited time before I leave the country.
In addition, I need to not only be studying the country, but also the language. This also takes time. So many people I meet ask me if I can speak Chinese. Obviously, I tell them the truth---No! "But I am studying it," I say reassuringly to them.
Even if I devote every waking hour in the next 6 weeks to studying China and the language, I know that I will not be able to learn everything there is about the country. So, I have to pace myself. 20 minutes of language study a day and 15 minutes of reading about the culture. And obviously, I am not going to be able to read every fiction book or non-fiction book that is remotely related to China. I will do what I can, while trying not to have an anxiety attack.
In addition, I need to not only be studying the country, but also the language. This also takes time. So many people I meet ask me if I can speak Chinese. Obviously, I tell them the truth---No! "But I am studying it," I say reassuringly to them.
Even if I devote every waking hour in the next 6 weeks to studying China and the language, I know that I will not be able to learn everything there is about the country. So, I have to pace myself. 20 minutes of language study a day and 15 minutes of reading about the culture. And obviously, I am not going to be able to read every fiction book or non-fiction book that is remotely related to China. I will do what I can, while trying not to have an anxiety attack.
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