This week I’m sharing some more stories from Qingdao! I hope they make you smile and laugh (and maybe cringe a little bit....because spicy octopus tentacles *shudders*).
CHINESE LANGUAGE SUCCESS
He said some version of, “Where are you from?”
To which I excitedly replied, “I am American!” in Chinese (Shout-out to my Chinese teacher for making me repeat that phrase a hundred times).
When he nodded in understanding I felt like “The Breakfast Club” fist-pumping into the air with joy and accomplishment. You’ll be glad to know I waited to do the fist-pump until after I walked around the corner from his stand. Little wins, little wins!
CHINESE HEDGEHOGS
MY FIRST CHINESE WEDDING, sorta
KOREAN FELLOWSHIP
(I was also SO EXCITED to finally get to use some of my Korean language skills… See, Mom? Watching all those KDramas DID actually come in handy!)
I am still seeking my Father’s guidance in finding a fellowship home here in China, but I really am hoping this will be the body He calls me to grow and serve alongside!
SPICY OCTOPUS TENTACLES
Afterwards, I bought the most gourmet ice-cream dessert (in a real waffle with strawberries, Hersey’s chocolate sauce, and topped with an Oreo) I’ve ever had in my life and it may have been life-changing.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE FAIL? (or teaching success?)
English corner is held weekly in a restaurant open on the university campus. The owner is pretty strict about us leaving exactly at 8:00 PM when the employees officially get off for the evening. This week when it was time for the class to end I announced to all the students (about 20+ people) this:
“Hey guys, it’s 8:00 now. We should go before they give us the boot.”
I was suddenly struck by many looks of confusion, interest, and shock. In this room full of non-native English speakers, I had used one of the weirdest American idioms around.
One of the students said, “Teacher, B-O-O-T? Boot?”
When I nodded and he still looked perplexed, I suddenly decided it was easier to just demonstrate. Please enjoy the image of me standing in front of a group of Chinese university students, making a kicking gesture with my foot and attempting to explain the meaning and purpose of the idiom, “to give the boot”.
My Middle Schoolers are still as awesome as ever, I'm totally crazy about these kids. In 7th grade we've just finished reading "The Outsiders". It felt like a true full circle moment for me read and teach this novel for the first time. The reason why is because the teacher who taught me "The Outsiders" when I was in 8th grade is also the man who our Father used to inspire me to become a teacher. Mr. Meister, when you read this, I want to say THANK YOU AGAIN for dreaming big and letting our Father use you in my life. I strove to teach my kids to "Stay Gold" and I hope I made you proud.
I want to challenge you all to say thank you to a teacher who had an impact on your life this week. If you can say it in person, write them an email, or send the thank you to heaven if you can't find any other way to get a hold of them, DO IT. Teachers ALWAYS need reminded that they made a difference.
Have a blessed week everyone!