Well, today has set some new records for me. The low today here in Ulaanbaatar was -32F with wind chill factors to -50F. Oh the life here that is the reason that I am so excited to be in T-land soon where it is currently a very nice, balmy 81F. A mere 100 degree difference!
How nice the beach will be in 3 weeks. PTL!!!!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Well, it is that time of year when time and attention is focused on giving thanks, and I too have been focused on it lately (more than usual). Below is a list highlighting my thanks for this past year (and life for others)...
- FATHER ALMIGHTY
- mom - she is wonderful and so amazing at everything, she truly keeps me running here in so many ways
- family
- former team and supervisor
- current team and supervisor
- chat friends - KS, MP, CC, NP, CH, DS, AC, CF, NL
- true Mongol Brothers - C, B-O, W,
- Mongolia International University
- LEI Program - students and colleagues
- many friends in Inner Mongolia, Hong Kong, and Ulaanbaatar
- Dr Pepper
- care packages, cards, & letters
- Beach Reach 2009
- memories and life itself
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Five Weeks into it....
Five weeks into school for the LEI Program, I have had many wonderful and stressing experiences. I truly am blessed to be teaching again with so many unique, intriguing students.
Most of the stressful moments have come more from the logistical / administrative aspect of teaching (as any teacher would know). Some examples of these moments:
Now, these moments only account for a very small amount of my time. The rest of it is filled with moments of sheer joy & blessings. It is these times that impact me so greatly with rich memories and experiences that I will remember until the last days of my life. My time here has been greatly enriched by working so closely with students from several different countries, lives, cultures, and experiences. Some of these moments so far:
Most of the stressful moments have come more from the logistical / administrative aspect of teaching (as any teacher would know). Some examples of these moments:
- sudden schedule changes
- more and more students added while space is a valuable, scarce commodity
- students changing their schedules creating havoc in grade books / records
- English Education Majors observing your class several times a day for days on end
- dealing with students who speak up to 4 different languages
- a classroom full of teen-age males (enough said)
Now, these moments only account for a very small amount of my time. The rest of it is filled with moments of sheer joy & blessings. It is these times that impact me so greatly with rich memories and experiences that I will remember until the last days of my life. My time here has been greatly enriched by working so closely with students from several different countries, lives, cultures, and experiences. Some of these moments so far:
- a rich heritage of Believers in my classes who live life fully in Father and share of it in class
- 2 students who walk me home because they fear I may be hurt
- World Friends - my small group
- an invitation to join some students for a day in the countryside
- a classroom full of teen-age males (they add such a uniqueness to their class - B3)
- A1, B2, & B3 Conversation Classes
- C1 & C2 Helps Classes - had for a week, but developed some great budding relationships
- wonderful colleagues from 7 different countries
- a wonderful Vocabulary Staff - Bayarmaa, John, Anna, Natasha, and Yanna
- great friends who are actual MIU students
- too many new friends to name here - they are all blessings in their own respective ways
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Foundations Commences
September 8th marked a blessed day in my life. Classes for the Foundation's Program (also listed as LEI) at Mongolian International University (MIU) began that put me in direct contact with many students. Oh, how my heart was filled with tremendous joy and praises for Father's greatness and loving-kindness.
Since that first day, it has been hectic and chaotic, but it has been such a welcomed part of my life. I coordinate the Vocabulary Section of our curriculum and teach 3 Conversation courses. Granted, this will change soon because our schedules seem to have a shelf-life of about 2-3 weeks.
We have nearly doubled the number of students in our program from just 3 weeks ago. Then we had about 85 students, and now we are looking at a little over 160. What a blessing, but stretches the 9 teachers that we have. We are all greatly tired by the end of the day, but Father renews and refreshes for the next day.
Additionally, each of the teachers leads a small group of about 15 students. This is a group of students of all English lang. abilities. The purpose is to foster more relationships, immerse them in English more, and also to share the Good News!
Yesterday, Friday Sept. 19th, we had our first Student Activity Night. It was a night of games by which each small group earned points. Overall for the night, my small group was 4th by points. Despite their placing, I was so proud of them to see them working together as a team. They are wonderful new friends. And our group's name is "World Friends." They together created this name and chose it. I am very proud of them.
Sometime soon, more news, stories, and pictures!
Since that first day, it has been hectic and chaotic, but it has been such a welcomed part of my life. I coordinate the Vocabulary Section of our curriculum and teach 3 Conversation courses. Granted, this will change soon because our schedules seem to have a shelf-life of about 2-3 weeks.
We have nearly doubled the number of students in our program from just 3 weeks ago. Then we had about 85 students, and now we are looking at a little over 160. What a blessing, but stretches the 9 teachers that we have. We are all greatly tired by the end of the day, but Father renews and refreshes for the next day.
Additionally, each of the teachers leads a small group of about 15 students. This is a group of students of all English lang. abilities. The purpose is to foster more relationships, immerse them in English more, and also to share the Good News!
Yesterday, Friday Sept. 19th, we had our first Student Activity Night. It was a night of games by which each small group earned points. Overall for the night, my small group was 4th by points. Despite their placing, I was so proud of them to see them working together as a team. They are wonderful new friends. And our group's name is "World Friends." They together created this name and chose it. I am very proud of them.
Sometime soon, more news, stories, and pictures!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Gold, Boxing & Judo
Mongols are a very proud people group of their culture, traditions, and relationships. Mongolia is a humble nation that is usually peaceful and very friendly. Lately, one could add hyper-stoked regarding their Olympic results!
Now, heading into the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Mongolia had won 17 medals in past Summer Games but never a "Gold Medal."
But, at the completion of the Games yesterday, Mongolia had earned its second Gold Medal and 4th overall medal of this Olympiad. The official medal winners from Mongolia are:
I along with all Mongols am very proud of my 'adopted' country's Olympic perforamance this year. Their have been many celebrations all around Ulaanbaatar. It is a wonderful thing for the Mongols to have something in which to find national pride after the national issues almost 2 months ago.
Now, heading into the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Mongolia had won 17 medals in past Summer Games but never a "Gold Medal."
But, at the completion of the Games yesterday, Mongolia had earned its second Gold Medal and 4th overall medal of this Olympiad. The official medal winners from Mongolia are:
Gold
Gold
Silver
SilverI along with all Mongols am very proud of my 'adopted' country's Olympic perforamance this year. Their have been many celebrations all around Ulaanbaatar. It is a wonderful thing for the Mongols to have something in which to find national pride after the national issues almost 2 months ago.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Winter Has Arrived on August 22nd
Greetings from Ulaanbaatar!
Today, I am deeming that winter has arrived to my new home on August 22nd. Today, the high outside is 60F with low this evening of 40F. Normally, I would not be too bothered by this, but the 10 day forecast calls for the same or lower! Unfortunately, it will not improve any from here on out. It merely gets colder and colder and colder....
A friend here says that it always snows at least once by the end of September.
Oh, the life in UB!
Today, I am deeming that winter has arrived to my new home on August 22nd. Today, the high outside is 60F with low this evening of 40F. Normally, I would not be too bothered by this, but the 10 day forecast calls for the same or lower! Unfortunately, it will not improve any from here on out. It merely gets colder and colder and colder....
A friend here says that it always snows at least once by the end of September.
Oh, the life in UB!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
I have been in East Asia for a long time when...
I have been in East Asia for a long time when...
~eating food is easiest with quai zi (chopsticks)
~simple questions are best asked in the local tongue
~local food is the most delicious and cheapest
~most transportation is by foot or by peddle
~if not by foot or by bike, then by bus, taxi, or train
~being shocked when seeing another foreigner
~you don't understand current trends and fads in the States
~entertainment is found in international views on the the 2008 Presidential Race
~you expect all drinks to be scalding hot
~walking in the middle of the road is faster than on the sidewalk
~I don't expect logic / common sense to be victorious
~pollution levels not weather is the gauge to an outdoor activities success
~local English translations provide ample amounts of laughter and concern
~an English magazine or book is a highly sought-after item
~you know the songs played in shopping areas and other public facilities i.e. buses, tv, radio
~
~eating food is easiest with quai zi (chopsticks)
~simple questions are best asked in the local tongue
~local food is the most delicious and cheapest
~most transportation is by foot or by peddle
~if not by foot or by bike, then by bus, taxi, or train
~being shocked when seeing another foreigner
~you don't understand current trends and fads in the States
~entertainment is found in international views on the the 2008 Presidential Race
~you expect all drinks to be scalding hot
~walking in the middle of the road is faster than on the sidewalk
~I don't expect logic / common sense to be victorious
~pollution levels not weather is the gauge to an outdoor activities success
~local English translations provide ample amounts of laughter and concern
~an English magazine or book is a highly sought-after item
~you know the songs played in shopping areas and other public facilities i.e. buses, tv, radio
~
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
One Year Review
Granted my one-year-on-the-field anniversary was about two weeks ago, but I figured now would be a good time to reflect on some of the highlights of my first year out here. Granted, they are all special memories that I will take with me and cherish for life. During this time, I have been blessed with some of the most amazing friendships that include both Americans and Nationals. Further, I gained about 10 brothers in my home.
Here are my photos providing a visual image of my first year on the field. More to be added soon!
Below, I am going to give a bulleted list of events, thoughts or anything that has been meaningful during my first 366 days (can't forget leap year):
*Remember my calling while here! Thanks Monte
*Renewing prior and establishing new friendships with Nationals and Americans
*Working with the volunteer teams during the Summer
*Connor and Owen's volunteer trip to work with me
*New Brothers
*Company Picnic and Vacation
*2 weeks of outdoor-based squatty potties (in winter temps of -20F)
*Night bus back to HH (left my city at 6:20 - driver knew me)
*Weekly visits to KFC (the staff knew me well there)
*ATTEMPTING to sing a Mongolian song in Mongol at my school's opening year ceremony
*Learning to wrestle Mongolian style
*Being the only-foreign resident in my city
*Riding on non-heated buses for hours in -20F weather
*Enduring a bus ride through grain fields for 11 hours to save 100USD (we skipped the toll booths)
*Return trip - we demanded to pay the toll fares and our trip was 5 hours
*Hanging out at the local wang ba
*Spending time with my students doing anything
*Adventures of changing locations of service
*My school: students, fellow teachers, staff, and administrators
*Life in Hong Kong for about two months (transitional time)
*Care Packages, e-mails, visits
*Skype / AIM / QQ Buddies especially KS and MP
Here are my photos providing a visual image of my first year on the field. More to be added soon!
Below, I am going to give a bulleted list of events, thoughts or anything that has been meaningful during my first 366 days (can't forget leap year):
*Remember my calling while here! Thanks Monte
*Renewing prior and establishing new friendships with Nationals and Americans
*Working with the volunteer teams during the Summer
*Connor and Owen's volunteer trip to work with me
*New Brothers
*Company Picnic and Vacation
*2 weeks of outdoor-based squatty potties (in winter temps of -20F)
*Night bus back to HH (left my city at 6:20 - driver knew me)
*Weekly visits to KFC (the staff knew me well there)
*ATTEMPTING to sing a Mongolian song in Mongol at my school's opening year ceremony
*Learning to wrestle Mongolian style
*Being the only-foreign resident in my city
*Riding on non-heated buses for hours in -20F weather
*Enduring a bus ride through grain fields for 11 hours to save 100USD (we skipped the toll booths)
*Return trip - we demanded to pay the toll fares and our trip was 5 hours
*Hanging out at the local wang ba
*Spending time with my students doing anything
*Adventures of changing locations of service
*My school: students, fellow teachers, staff, and administrators
*Life in Hong Kong for about two months (transitional time)
*Care Packages, e-mails, visits
*Skype / AIM / QQ Buddies especially KS and MP
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Car Boots & Irony
Yesterday, I was walking from my apartment to my favorite place to eat, KFC. When I head there, I was head down the same street. Yesterday, something caught my eye that I had noticed only once before in this country. Car Boots! The ones that they lock onto one of your wheels for illegally parking or having outstanding fines. Now having experience living in my country or another country similar will really help to make this a complete and very ironic situation.
Here there may be defined rules for traffic and parking, but they don't seem to exist in the minds of those who drive around here. I have seen cars parked in every possible direction and arrangement which includes blocking loading ramps, entrances / exits, sidewalks, bike lanes, bus shelters, gates, etc.
Therefore, it boggles my mind why a car would have a Boot on it here. Further irony to this story, is that the car yesterday was parked straight and in a legal spot. Yet, the car behind it parked half in the street and half on the sidewalk that was blocking traffic was fine and bootless! Life here!
Here there may be defined rules for traffic and parking, but they don't seem to exist in the minds of those who drive around here. I have seen cars parked in every possible direction and arrangement which includes blocking loading ramps, entrances / exits, sidewalks, bike lanes, bus shelters, gates, etc.
Therefore, it boggles my mind why a car would have a Boot on it here. Further irony to this story, is that the car yesterday was parked straight and in a legal spot. Yet, the car behind it parked half in the street and half on the sidewalk that was blocking traffic was fine and bootless! Life here!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Life Here Somedays....
What do you get when you mix 120 Mongols, 1 American, finger nail clippers, cell phone games, texting, lots of smoking, and various forms of print media?
You get my school's once-a-semester faculty meeting! This one topped Fall's by about 15 minutes as in yesterday's was just short of 2 and a half hours. Yes, we all got the privilege of sitting in a meeting room for about 150 minutes listening to the administrators talk about policies, test results, goals for the term, College Entrance Exams, training for teachers, etc. Oh, and the entire meeting was either in Mongol or Chinese. Thus, I sat and did nothing for 150 minutes! Actually, part of the time I talked with Father about my school, my peers, and my students! The rest of the time I was watching one of my colleagues play a great game of Bejewled 2 on my other's cell phone. Also, I kept count of one of the history teachers smoke habit: 12 cigarettes.
The best part about it is that the next one will be in early September! Yeah!!!
You get my school's once-a-semester faculty meeting! This one topped Fall's by about 15 minutes as in yesterday's was just short of 2 and a half hours. Yes, we all got the privilege of sitting in a meeting room for about 150 minutes listening to the administrators talk about policies, test results, goals for the term, College Entrance Exams, training for teachers, etc. Oh, and the entire meeting was either in Mongol or Chinese. Thus, I sat and did nothing for 150 minutes! Actually, part of the time I talked with Father about my school, my peers, and my students! The rest of the time I was watching one of my colleagues play a great game of Bejewled 2 on my other's cell phone. Also, I kept count of one of the history teachers smoke habit: 12 cigarettes.
The best part about it is that the next one will be in early September! Yeah!!!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Winter Holiday Adventures Part 2
Intermission: I spent about three weeks in Thailand between the first and second halves of my winter holiday adventures. During this time, I met with many like-minded friends who encouraged and challenged me in a meeting setting. This time afforded me friends, fun (ultimate frisbee, the beach, laughing, stories), and great Western food including several stops at Starbucks! Further, I vacationed with several friends to the Island of Koh Samui which was 3 days of pure bliss. It was warm and humid! Two things that I miss from Oklahoma. We swam, walked on the beach, snorkeled, drove around the island, and celebrated a good friend's birthday!
Back to my winter vacation adventures: Upon returning to the country, I stayed with a friend for four days in Hohhot. During this time, I enjoyed the company of friends, did some specific shopping (imported food store), and ate McDonald's several times. My treat while in Hohhot! Then I returned to my home for a day, before heading out to the grassland again.
Now, when it takes 3 Nationals to coordinate when you are supposed to get off your bus, things don't seem to be very optimistic. Anyways, after traveling for about an hour and a half, the bus stops and there is my student, Hairtu. I am grateful to see him and to know that he was there to meet my bus. So, we hop onto the family truckster (translated Chinese motorcycle which most Mongol families have as their primary mode of transportation) and head to his home. Now, his home is down a paved road, a dirt road, and through the sand dunes which surround his home. This trek lasted for about 30 minutes in the cold, whipping wind. We arrive at his house and I am warmly greeted by his brother. The usual scenario entails over the next few days. Stuff the foreigner, refuse him to help out with the work, and bring him along to visit the whole family / surrounding neighbors. Now, I really enjoy my visits to my students homes; therefore, these things don't bother me. But, they are customary! Hairtu has a large family who was very gracious and hospitable to me during my visit. His paternal grandparents offered for me to live with them permanently. They were so excited to have a foreigner in their home, they did not want it to end.
During my visit to his maternal grandparent's home, the electricity went out which directly affects two things: tv and light bulbs. The loss of tv is not a big thing, but that one halogen bulb that lights the room for 4 hours each night is somewhat crucial. Out come the candles, flashlights, etc. Well, we finish eating dinner and begin to head home. This time around when heading home it is dark. Thus, through the country in the dark with Father's creation in the night sky as our guides and miniscule cell phone flashlights, we made our way home. The next day I headed back along the same roads to the main highway to catch the bus into Wu Shen.
I head into Wu Shen and spend 3 days with Hurwa. I visited his house before in part 1. While here, he and I enjoy each other's company while walking around his hometown. We meet up with his best friend who goes to school in their hometown. His school has already started, so I had the opportunity to meet some of his classmates thus making new Mongol friends. I really did enjoy it! Additionally, I saw several of my own students from school. My time in Wu Shen was relaxing and enjoyable.
Now, I am back in Erdos, and we began school this morning. So, it is back to the 'usual' of class and relating with my students. I already have open invites to continue my adventures this summer. I anticipate them!
For now, I have added pictures and will add some more soon from my adventures in Thailand and in the grassland! To view my pictures, just click on any of the pictures displayed and it should automatically take you to my photos page!
Back to my winter vacation adventures: Upon returning to the country, I stayed with a friend for four days in Hohhot. During this time, I enjoyed the company of friends, did some specific shopping (imported food store), and ate McDonald's several times. My treat while in Hohhot! Then I returned to my home for a day, before heading out to the grassland again.
Now, when it takes 3 Nationals to coordinate when you are supposed to get off your bus, things don't seem to be very optimistic. Anyways, after traveling for about an hour and a half, the bus stops and there is my student, Hairtu. I am grateful to see him and to know that he was there to meet my bus. So, we hop onto the family truckster (translated Chinese motorcycle which most Mongol families have as their primary mode of transportation) and head to his home. Now, his home is down a paved road, a dirt road, and through the sand dunes which surround his home. This trek lasted for about 30 minutes in the cold, whipping wind. We arrive at his house and I am warmly greeted by his brother. The usual scenario entails over the next few days. Stuff the foreigner, refuse him to help out with the work, and bring him along to visit the whole family / surrounding neighbors. Now, I really enjoy my visits to my students homes; therefore, these things don't bother me. But, they are customary! Hairtu has a large family who was very gracious and hospitable to me during my visit. His paternal grandparents offered for me to live with them permanently. They were so excited to have a foreigner in their home, they did not want it to end.
During my visit to his maternal grandparent's home, the electricity went out which directly affects two things: tv and light bulbs. The loss of tv is not a big thing, but that one halogen bulb that lights the room for 4 hours each night is somewhat crucial. Out come the candles, flashlights, etc. Well, we finish eating dinner and begin to head home. This time around when heading home it is dark. Thus, through the country in the dark with Father's creation in the night sky as our guides and miniscule cell phone flashlights, we made our way home. The next day I headed back along the same roads to the main highway to catch the bus into Wu Shen.
I head into Wu Shen and spend 3 days with Hurwa. I visited his house before in part 1. While here, he and I enjoy each other's company while walking around his hometown. We meet up with his best friend who goes to school in their hometown. His school has already started, so I had the opportunity to meet some of his classmates thus making new Mongol friends. I really did enjoy it! Additionally, I saw several of my own students from school. My time in Wu Shen was relaxing and enjoyable.
Now, I am back in Erdos, and we began school this morning. So, it is back to the 'usual' of class and relating with my students. I already have open invites to continue my adventures this summer. I anticipate them!
For now, I have added pictures and will add some more soon from my adventures in Thailand and in the grassland! To view my pictures, just click on any of the pictures displayed and it should automatically take you to my photos page!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
A Pleasure Cruise in Paradise
OK!
I am not taking a cruise anytime soon, but it seemed to be a nice title for my next entry which is being typed from paradise. I am on vacation with my friends right now in a Southern Hemisphere country which means that it is summer currently for me. And for this, we say Thank You Father. It has been roughly 80 degrees warmer at all times from here to my home. Hence, my pure pleasure at experiencing such grandeur. I love hot, humid weather! I am well-satisfied here. This post will be short, but I will include another link to my pictures such that you may visually share in my 'pleasure cruise in paradise!' My time here will continue for another week. Thus, more stories and pictures may follow along with part 2 of my Grassland Adventures.
I am not taking a cruise anytime soon, but it seemed to be a nice title for my next entry which is being typed from paradise. I am on vacation with my friends right now in a Southern Hemisphere country which means that it is summer currently for me. And for this, we say Thank You Father. It has been roughly 80 degrees warmer at all times from here to my home. Hence, my pure pleasure at experiencing such grandeur. I love hot, humid weather! I am well-satisfied here. This post will be short, but I will include another link to my pictures such that you may visually share in my 'pleasure cruise in paradise!' My time here will continue for another week. Thus, more stories and pictures may follow along with part 2 of my Grassland Adventures.
| www.flickr.com |
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Winter Holiday Adventures Part 1
Part 1 is used in the title due to my own personal vacation breaking up my winter holiday travels into two parts. This is an account of my first adventures. As all adventure stories go, this probably will be lengthy. I have included a link to my pictures on-line at flickr. From here, you can see pictures that accompany all of my adventures.
This story begins in my home city waiting to coordinate when buses will actually run to the little cities that dot the province in which I live. Finally, after several days of talking with one of my students, Alus says that Saturday morning there will be a bus to his hometown at 8am. So, I pack up and head out of my apartment at 7am for the bus station which is not one of my most favorite places ever. So, I am at the bus station about 7:15am only to find out that the bus is going to run now at 11:30am. I am not going to wait at the bus station for almost 4 hours, so I trek home where I basically lay around trying to stay warm being it is cold outside and would only get colder.
Now, I am on the bus headed to a small town out, out in the middle of nowhere. I am constantly told that it would only be a little longer! Now, here they don't heat the buses during the winter months, so everyone has coats, hats, scarves, gloves, etc. in great abundance attached to their body. While I am on the bus for my what ends up being a 5 hour journey, Alus calls me and tells me that he is not home. I am thinking he is gone to the market or something, but will be around to greet me in his home city. No, he is on the only other bus out of his town to another town. So, he informs me that some other students will greet me and show me around his home city. Thus, I meet them at the station and we eat dinner (hot pot) which is very, very enjoyable being it is around -20F outside. Plus, I have sat in this barren temps for 5 hours on a non-heated bus. Well, I stay for one night in this city and I am awakened the next morning by Alus. Alus proceeds to tell me that is snowing around his home town and that buses won't run after the morning hours. So, my students and I go and eat breakfast and then head to the bus station. Alus was almost correct in that they had already cancelled all buses that day. Hence, I am packed into the back of a taxi with a family (husband, wife, and their 7 year-old son)! Off I head now to my point of destination on my journey. After about two hours in this taxi, we end up in a city where I am dropped off. Granted I have never been to any of these places, thus I am trusting Father that He will get me from A to B correctly and safely.
While heading to the second point of my journey, my student who is supposed to meet me, Huhwendus, informs me that he won't be meeting. His parents are away and he will pass me off to another student. Luckily, in this town, I have many students who could serve as points of contact and assistance. Well, I am handed into the care of Hurwa. Hurwa warmly greets me and informs me that his parents are almost giddy at the notion of hosting a foreigner in their home. Note: I am going places where no foreigner has mostly liked never dared travel. Anyways, I run around with Hurwa for the next few days in his hometown seeing his previous schools, meeting his friends & family, and running into my own students. Again, this is an adventure in terms of travel, accomodations, language, etc. During this stop and the next in my journey, they don't have indoor restroom facilities a.k.a. toilets. Hence, using outdoor facilities in -20F weather which requires well-charged and functioning flashlights at times.
Then, on Tuesday, I head out to Huhwendus' home which is about 60km (36 miles) outside of town. Hurwa and his parents take me to the bus station and get me on the right bus an hour early. Therefore, when I arrive at Huhwendus' home, I have been sitting on the non-heated bus for 3 hours. Now, I was the talk of the bus as people got on and off at various, and sometimes random points. Anyways, I was cold and somewhat annoyed by all of the constant starting and stopping. We are heading down this country road and I see someone standing on the side of the road. In my mind, I was really hoping that we did not have to stop again for another person, and surely we stopped about ten seconds later. But, through the frigid air, my mind perceives these words "wai guo ren, wai guo ren, ni chu kou!" It is repeated again, and by now everyone on the bus was looking at me. Roughly translated, it means "Foreigner, you exit!" So, off the bus I get assuming the bus driver knows many more things than I do at this point in time and our journey. Sure enough, there is Huhwendus standing there welcoming me to his home!
I stayed at Huhwendus' home for two days during which time I helped feed their animals, played with his cat, interacted with his family, and enjoyed a very peaceful time out in the countryside. Several times, I headed outside and was just inspired by the quietness and undisturbed beauty of the snow and the rolling hills all around me. Each trip out would bring me to praising Father's name and His breath-taking creation. After two days with Huhwendus and his family, I headed back to the country road at 8am to catch the bus as it passed by taking me back into town. Now, once back under the guidance of Hurwa, I was pondering how to get back to my actual home. Hurwa has a huge family. His mom and dad have 11 total siblings which has afforded Hurwa with numerous aunts and uncles. Well, it just happened that today two of his uncles were heading back to my home with their own vehicles. So, this afternoon, I headed home in the back seat of a 2007 Audi which I will honestly admit was a blessing and a very fitting end to my first adventure in the Grassland of 2008.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journeys during the winter holiday! I would ask though that as you reflect on this story and the pictures, that you would ask Father to bring about bountiful fruit in these areas! For now, I sign off with more adventures surely to arise from my own personal vacation and from my anticipated second adventure out in the Grassland!
This story begins in my home city waiting to coordinate when buses will actually run to the little cities that dot the province in which I live. Finally, after several days of talking with one of my students, Alus says that Saturday morning there will be a bus to his hometown at 8am. So, I pack up and head out of my apartment at 7am for the bus station which is not one of my most favorite places ever. So, I am at the bus station about 7:15am only to find out that the bus is going to run now at 11:30am. I am not going to wait at the bus station for almost 4 hours, so I trek home where I basically lay around trying to stay warm being it is cold outside and would only get colder.
Now, I am on the bus headed to a small town out, out in the middle of nowhere. I am constantly told that it would only be a little longer! Now, here they don't heat the buses during the winter months, so everyone has coats, hats, scarves, gloves, etc. in great abundance attached to their body. While I am on the bus for my what ends up being a 5 hour journey, Alus calls me and tells me that he is not home. I am thinking he is gone to the market or something, but will be around to greet me in his home city. No, he is on the only other bus out of his town to another town. So, he informs me that some other students will greet me and show me around his home city. Thus, I meet them at the station and we eat dinner (hot pot) which is very, very enjoyable being it is around -20F outside. Plus, I have sat in this barren temps for 5 hours on a non-heated bus. Well, I stay for one night in this city and I am awakened the next morning by Alus. Alus proceeds to tell me that is snowing around his home town and that buses won't run after the morning hours. So, my students and I go and eat breakfast and then head to the bus station. Alus was almost correct in that they had already cancelled all buses that day. Hence, I am packed into the back of a taxi with a family (husband, wife, and their 7 year-old son)! Off I head now to my point of destination on my journey. After about two hours in this taxi, we end up in a city where I am dropped off. Granted I have never been to any of these places, thus I am trusting Father that He will get me from A to B correctly and safely.
While heading to the second point of my journey, my student who is supposed to meet me, Huhwendus, informs me that he won't be meeting. His parents are away and he will pass me off to another student. Luckily, in this town, I have many students who could serve as points of contact and assistance. Well, I am handed into the care of Hurwa. Hurwa warmly greets me and informs me that his parents are almost giddy at the notion of hosting a foreigner in their home. Note: I am going places where no foreigner has mostly liked never dared travel. Anyways, I run around with Hurwa for the next few days in his hometown seeing his previous schools, meeting his friends & family, and running into my own students. Again, this is an adventure in terms of travel, accomodations, language, etc. During this stop and the next in my journey, they don't have indoor restroom facilities a.k.a. toilets. Hence, using outdoor facilities in -20F weather which requires well-charged and functioning flashlights at times.
Then, on Tuesday, I head out to Huhwendus' home which is about 60km (36 miles) outside of town. Hurwa and his parents take me to the bus station and get me on the right bus an hour early. Therefore, when I arrive at Huhwendus' home, I have been sitting on the non-heated bus for 3 hours. Now, I was the talk of the bus as people got on and off at various, and sometimes random points. Anyways, I was cold and somewhat annoyed by all of the constant starting and stopping. We are heading down this country road and I see someone standing on the side of the road. In my mind, I was really hoping that we did not have to stop again for another person, and surely we stopped about ten seconds later. But, through the frigid air, my mind perceives these words "wai guo ren, wai guo ren, ni chu kou!" It is repeated again, and by now everyone on the bus was looking at me. Roughly translated, it means "Foreigner, you exit!" So, off the bus I get assuming the bus driver knows many more things than I do at this point in time and our journey. Sure enough, there is Huhwendus standing there welcoming me to his home!
I stayed at Huhwendus' home for two days during which time I helped feed their animals, played with his cat, interacted with his family, and enjoyed a very peaceful time out in the countryside. Several times, I headed outside and was just inspired by the quietness and undisturbed beauty of the snow and the rolling hills all around me. Each trip out would bring me to praising Father's name and His breath-taking creation. After two days with Huhwendus and his family, I headed back to the country road at 8am to catch the bus as it passed by taking me back into town. Now, once back under the guidance of Hurwa, I was pondering how to get back to my actual home. Hurwa has a huge family. His mom and dad have 11 total siblings which has afforded Hurwa with numerous aunts and uncles. Well, it just happened that today two of his uncles were heading back to my home with their own vehicles. So, this afternoon, I headed home in the back seat of a 2007 Audi which I will honestly admit was a blessing and a very fitting end to my first adventure in the Grassland of 2008.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journeys during the winter holiday! I would ask though that as you reflect on this story and the pictures, that you would ask Father to bring about bountiful fruit in these areas! For now, I sign off with more adventures surely to arise from my own personal vacation and from my anticipated second adventure out in the Grassland!
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Sunday, January 13, 2008
New Year in a Still Somewhat New Home
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!
Yes, I realize that it may be a bit late to be posting my opening greeting, but I am still! Well, I have been apart of some interesting happenings lately that pertain to the local culture and their respective customs during holidays and birthdays!
First, on Christmas Eve, it is customary to give an apple to family and good friends. Well, I have 850 students who I consider friends and who seem to consider me a friend in return. They all did not follow tradition, but I did recieve around 40 apples on Christmas Eve! As evidenced in the two pictures below in which the apples are packaged in shiny, colorful plastic wrapping:
Further, they also tend to give friends drinks for their birthday. Being it was mine this past Thursday, Jan. 10th, I received quite a few drinks from my students. I was given about 50 bottles of Pepsi and Coke. Granted some of the bottles are bigger than others, so I gained about 60 Liters of carbonated beverages. Further, two of the classes surprised me with Birthday Cakes which really made my day special. Again as evidenced in the pictures below:
Furthermore, I continue to learn more about my city as I live here and explore alone and with my students. I am learning about more places to get things accomplished, places to eat away from school, etc. It has been very worthwhile and enjoyable. Further, I attended a kick off celebration for the upcoming Beijing 2008 Olympics Torch Relay which is scheduled to come through my city in about 6 months! It was a good time to spend with my students. More and more this is home to me which is a blessing! In two weeks, we start our winter holiday which will be a relaxing time of vacationing with friends at the beach and visiting students in the Grassland. Pictures will come with these events!
Yes, I realize that it may be a bit late to be posting my opening greeting, but I am still! Well, I have been apart of some interesting happenings lately that pertain to the local culture and their respective customs during holidays and birthdays!
First, on Christmas Eve, it is customary to give an apple to family and good friends. Well, I have 850 students who I consider friends and who seem to consider me a friend in return. They all did not follow tradition, but I did recieve around 40 apples on Christmas Eve! As evidenced in the two pictures below in which the apples are packaged in shiny, colorful plastic wrapping:
Further, they also tend to give friends drinks for their birthday. Being it was mine this past Thursday, Jan. 10th, I received quite a few drinks from my students. I was given about 50 bottles of Pepsi and Coke. Granted some of the bottles are bigger than others, so I gained about 60 Liters of carbonated beverages. Further, two of the classes surprised me with Birthday Cakes which really made my day special. Again as evidenced in the pictures below:
Furthermore, I continue to learn more about my city as I live here and explore alone and with my students. I am learning about more places to get things accomplished, places to eat away from school, etc. It has been very worthwhile and enjoyable. Further, I attended a kick off celebration for the upcoming Beijing 2008 Olympics Torch Relay which is scheduled to come through my city in about 6 months! It was a good time to spend with my students. More and more this is home to me which is a blessing! In two weeks, we start our winter holiday which will be a relaxing time of vacationing with friends at the beach and visiting students in the Grassland. Pictures will come with these events!
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