Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Last Day of Teacher Training

It's hard to believe that I have been here in CC for two weeks now! Two weeks ago, I was up all night packing and was so exhausted as I ate my last Swedish pancakes for a long time. It seems like much longer than two weeks since I have changed worlds and learned so much. With all the reading and preparation that I did, I haven't been shocked by cultural differences. However, information alone is never enough to give you the experience of a place: its sounds, smells, and sights. My view of China has changed dramatically since before I came and is readjusting every moment. China is bigger and more complicated than I imagined. There are many extremes: rich to poor, high tech to medieval, spicy to sweet. It is also welcoming in many ways. People are so very different and think very differently, but in the end, they are just people. Friendship is just as precious, perhaps more precious.

I have benefited greatly from the training offered by veteran English teachers here. Many things I needed to be reminded of, but lots of things were new and exciting about this field. Teaching here is going to be challenging and rewarding. In the next couple of weeks, we will be practicing what we have learned in an English camp. So, I am going to have to leave this update and put my nose to the lesson planning grindstone.

Thank you so much for all of you who helped me to get here. Formal thank yous are on the way. (Tomorrow I plan to learn where the post office is.) This is an amazing privilege and opportunity, and I hope to keep you updated as much as I am able.