A "colorful" story from class

Inputting grades at the end of the semester. Found the story I've been meaning to share. How would you grade it? Assignment was to tell an interesting story using past tense verbs.

DISCLAIMER: I didn't teach the phrases or vocabulary used in the story.

The following story is the unedited, original version written by a freshmen college student.

Someday, there were some boys in the field playing football. They were laughing, running and shouting. While they were playing, a little girl was coming. She gave the freedom of a bird. Unfortunately, the bird didn’t seem like flying in the sky, but it liked flying over the boys' head. The little girl confused at that time. Why not fly away? Suddenly, the bird shitted joyfully and then flying far away. Still then, the girl nodded and said, "I see." touched One of the boys realized this thing, his hair and being angry, "Who did this horrible thing to me? How dare someone crap on me. I'll get him for this!!" And, Why me??

You never know what you'll be reading when you sit down to grade!

I'm going to miss these students.

Ever hearing, but never understanding ...

Does Father still use visions and give directives today? It seems like they happened all the time in the book of Acts. At that time people followed them. 

Maybe we just aren't listening.

This thought was posed during supper tonight has caused me to think about what it means to hear and follow the voice of the Spirit. Hang with me while I attempt to paint a picture of the context I'm coming from. 

Several days ago for lunch I decided to visit our campus’ version of Chick-fil-a. I always order the same thing, a chicken sandwich which I point to and attempt to say “chicken sandwich” (in Chinese) and I point to the potato smiles (they don’t have fries). In my limited understanding of their exuberant, yet condescending shouting of Chinese and dramatic pointing and gesturing, I believe they think I am quite strange for ordering this combination. 

Normally, a grandmother and her grown son run the shop (sometimes the little grandson is around too looking into the fryers at eye-level). However, the other day it was only the grandmother. She managed to communicate to me that the bill would need to be charged in two separate deductions (one for the sandwich: 9 yuan, one for the potato smiles: 5 yuan). Since apparently 14 yuan couldn’t be charged in one bill. (Don't waste your one 'why' question!)

Okay, I thought, that’s not a big deal.

--- As a side note, I don’t always eat Western food. It’s my treat as a pick-me-up on tough days. ---

Being her only customer of the morning (as I was ordering my meal before the lunchtime rush) one of the ladies, a dishwasher, walks into the little shop (it’s literally in the crevice underneath a stairwell). She begins to shout/yell Chinese at me (as if speaking louder helps me understand more … it doesn’t). Her hands are flying to-and-fro as she discusses something about me with the Chick-fil-a grandma. They keep pointing to me, my backpack and my shoes. I’m at a loss for Chinese words to tell them. All I can understand is I’m doing or have done something wrong or I’m dressed in a manner that doesn’t meet their standards or I …

I kept thinking, ‘Man, how long will it take for the oil to heat up so the chicken can cook. The light for the fryer doesn’t even look like it’s turned on. I feel awkward, ashamed, judged …. I’m wearing my winter coat, I have it completely zipped up (even though it’s technically above freezing at noon). I’m still wearing a pair of long-johns (but they can’t see them). Oh, and I’m wearing my cute dress socks (because sometimes you just need a pick-me-up when you’ve had a couple tough days) and my comfortable flats because after standing for 6 hours a day my legs hurt if I haven’t been wearing good shoes.’

I'm still not sure what they were trying to tell me that day. (I think maybe it had to deal with them thinking I didn’t have on warm enough shoes since they could see my socks). 

Why do I share this story and how does it connect to the question posed at the beginning of this post?

Well, I think the Spirit is speaking. And maybe, we are even hearing His voice. But, hearing alone doesn’t always cut it. I can hear Chinese all day long, but it doesn’t mean I understand what people are saying. Does this make me stupid? Well, sometimes I feel stupid and illiterate. But, I don’t believe I’m stupid. I simply haven’t learned the language to listen, speak, read and write it fluently. I can understand simple phrases and instructions, but if you add any details I'm lost.

So, how do we learn the language He speaks?

I believe learning a language requires:

A) Availability – I need to be available, willing and desiring to learn. A teacher can teach all day, but if the student doesn’t want to learn then they won’t learn.

B) Intimacy – I have to immerse myself in the presence of the language and thus the presence of the one speaking the language. This is often intimidating!

C) Willingness to take risks – To learn a language just for the sake of saying I’m bilingual doesn’t seem to serve a purpose unless I’m willing to use the language I learn. For Chinese, if I learn a new phrase such as, “You are a good cook” it’s important for me to share it with the person who’s a good cook as a word of encouragement. For communication with the Spirit, I think it’s important for it to be glorifying to Father and edifying to the Body. Using a new language is risky business, but necessary if we hope to improve in fluency.

“This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah…’” – Matt. 13: 13-14a

I don’t claim to be fluent in other languages. But I wish to be. I want to hear and understand the words others share. 

I’m willing to embrace the difficulties of the journey ahead. Are you?

Strength for the Journey. Courage for the Days Ahead.

Favorite song from this week:
"What Joy (Psalm 146)"

Winter Holiday (January-February 2013) Recap:

1. Reunion of friends. Meeting their friends and families.
2. Chinese family culture. Being invited with graciousness to experience family life with several families.
3. Bu yao (Don't want)! - Said repeatedly to a middle-aged man sitting next to me on a plane who tried to kiss me and hold my hand. --- This isn't the norm. ---
4. Sweating! Thailand is warm. It's been such a blessing to be reunited with the Body and to spend time outside without a coat on.
5. Rest and Restoration. The pillar of fire has been over this place this week.

Sometimes friends say it better than I can. Check out my friend Laura's reflections on this week.

Be blessed!

Lora

Happy New Year!

Blogging has been on the back burner (if I still had multiple burners versus one hotplate). We've been busy having Thanksgiving and Christmas parties. 

Cathy and I worked with students to make almost 150 sugar cookies. 

 

For New Years we had intended to have a delightful meal from the one bus stop away restaurant (that has a Chinese version of mashed potatoes and gravy) followed by floating lanterns. However, when Audrey had an unexpected trip to the hospital plans were changed.

 We still ate supper at a restaurant. Only we only ventured as far as "The End" a restaurant just off our campus that has the friendly Ba Bao dog. The French teachers joined us for the festivities. Afterwards we watched "UP," and finally the night finished with us making two kettles worth of boiling water. I'm glad we didn't get any noise complaints called on our cheers at the snow. 

Check out the video for some very tired teachers excited by this natural phenomenon. 

Happy New Year!

Let it Snow!

The sound of shovels scraping the sidewalks awakens me in the mornings now. It is winter time in Harbin. Sometimes I forget I am living and working in a foreign country. The sounds of the shovels remind me of shoveling snow on the farm back home. Now it is the same freshmen who I teach in the classroom who are armed with shovels and brooms. 

This is one class of students out sweeping the rain before the snow came. Notice in left middle ground, Money's mittens attached with a string. In the middle Briana always needing to be seen. Middle background is Charles with a broom (he's the one who called an American restaurant during class).

Their class picture with the shiny shovels and brooms.

I taught them the word shoveling the same day I was teaching shortened speech. 

Example:

What are you doing? -> Wat'r ya' doin'?

Yesterday, when I asked them how the were doing, the students answered. "I'm so tired." <in a very whiny voice>  Knowing I always ask them "Why?" They told me, "We were clean snow." <insert them gesturing in their seats the motion of sweeping and shoveling>

Taking advantage of the opportunity to review, I said, "Oh, you were shoveling snow." I was met with puzzled looks. Slightly disappointed they didn't seem to remember the word, but not fully discouraged I said it again and wrote 'shoveling' on the board. The class did the "Ohhhh" sigh as they all said "SHOV' LIN' " 

Only one of the reasons I enjoy my classes, because they now actually understand my accent and whether they realize it or not, they are starting to sound a little more Kansan every day!

Stay warm! Lora

100 days - Reflections

I intended to post thoughts from my 100^th day gone from the States. However, after preparing lessons for the following week I was exhausted so I just went to sleep! Tonight, I am tired again, but I feel I should write a few thoughts about the last 100 days in China. 

How did I celebrate our 100^th day in China?

First, I ate a big, juicy delicious steak! (Our program director came for our semester visit and he paid for lunch!) The steak came with a side of fried rice, French fries and a passion fruit/orchid yummy drink. **interesting combination**

Second, I took a three hour long nap. I was tired. 

But Miss Lora, why are you tired?

Typical morning routine:

1. Get my groggy body out of bed. (My alarm goes off at 6:30 am. This step needs to be completed by at least 7:00 am if the other steps will go smoothly ... namely steps 2 and 3.)
2. Shower. (A bigger event than just a regular shower because of the whole shoilet thing! aka everything in the bathroom area gets wet)
3. Grab something to eat.
4. Plan how many layers look needed based on a brief behavioral analysis of the people walking outside. (Questions to include: What is the average weight of coats? How quickly are people walking? Do they look like they are cold? Are the girls scurrying? Are the boys scurrying?) Depending on the results of my brief study I will then plan how many layers I need, which type of socks and shoes to wear and whether I should also bring a scarf and gloves.
5. Say “Ni hao!” and wave to the A Yi (Auntie aka house marm) as I leave the dormitory. (Around 7:30-7:40 am)
6. Prepare myself for the stares and Chinese comments as I step outside. I often wonder what people are saying to their friends. “Look at the weird foreigner, she looks like she just woke up. Why is the foreigner wearing a coat with a fur collar? etc.”
7. Practice running up six flights of fake marble stairs (This only works if I’m not stuck behind students who are literally hanging off their friends coat tail who is walking on the step in front of them. I know they are a collective society, but I still don't understand how pulling your friends down on the stairs because you're tired is helping either one of you). My goal is to be able to run up six flights of stairs and not be winded when I arrive to the office. I have yet to achieve this goal.
8. Hang up my coat. Breathe. Maybe eat a piece of candy left over from Halloween. Pr and ask Father to bring energy to the class and to help me teach.
9. Go down two flights of stairs to fourth floor.
10. Check the room number before entering. Attempt to remember the day of the week in order to confirm I am indeed about to enter the correct classroom. (I skipped this step one day and it was embarrassing.)
11. Again ask for strength and wisdom for the day to teach these students.
12. Enter the classroom to typically find the students in a half-vegetative state of exhaustion. Some are passed out on their desks others reciting English texts from their textbooks to themselves.
13. The bell rings, I say, “Good morning class!” (With a ton of excitement!) Maybe three or four students answer “Good morning teacher.” I sigh, give a joking you’re-killin’-me-smalls disapproving head nod before mustering up even more energy to say, “GOOD MORNING Class!” This time about half of the class responds. The students who were actually asleep when I arrived are still asleep and their partners haven’t poked them to wake up yet. Once everyone is awake I’ll ask them, “How are you?” They will try telling me, “Fine, thank you.” Again implement the you're-killin'-me-smalls head nod. Feed them lines for how they are probably actually feeling (tired, exhausted, EXciTed, HUngrY, etc.). Thus, class begins.

Since you have now read my morning routine and if you're like me you're probably now feeling exhausted, I’ll leave you with this thought:

Be sure to read the story behind the chair!

 ** I sometimes I wish we could function by the old timer’s habit of working from dawn til dusk. If so, I’d only have to be up 6:30 am – 4:00 pm. Yes, it gets dark here at 4 pm! (And getting up at 6:30 am wouldn’t be a big stretch because that’s what time my alarm is set for even though I will press snooze twice normally!)**

The classes are having some type of art competition. This means the back of the classroom vaguely resembles a fourth grade science fair/art show. One group made a chair out of water bottles and newspaper. The students convinced me I should sit in the chair (after explaining to me a student in a different class had created the chair.) Nervous the students were setting me up to sabotage a different class' project I timidly sat down. Surprisingly the chair actually supported my weight and was oddly comfortable.

Draw your dream home.

The prompt I gave the students: Draw and describe your dream home. Consider size, location, space, and what it looks like inside and outside.

Here are my three favorites from the recent assignment.

Exhibit A: Of course you should make your family walk up fewer flights of stairs. And, why not make your poor dog live in the chimney/attic of your four/five story house.

  
Exhibit B: She's not a crazy cat lady, she's my student: Her written response: 

"I want a house with a big garden. It doesn't need to be too big, but must have a big, warm chair and a fireplace. I want to live a place to be cold in winter, and can snow heavily. At that time, I can sit in my chair beside the fireplace with a cup of hot milk in my hands and a fat cat on my knees. The garden can be bigger, because spring. Both the cat and me need to exercise."

  
Exhibit C: Who doesn't want a tank with 12 windows and a dog with a very curly tail?