Picture 3 Americans in a sea of Chinese students. That is English Corner. We use this time to help students practice English but also to build relationships and deeper conversations with them. The past few weeks have been somewhat over-whelming because of the large group of people that are coming to "see the foreigners" but tonight was so much fun!
About 6 of my students, one of Jeremy's students and 2 like-minded girls were in my group tonight. We had great conversations about their families, beliefs, and what they wanted to do after graduation. Then at the end they offered to show me their dorm rooms. After telling them I would love to....they literally jumped to grab my hands and arms and all 9 giggling girls walked me across campus!
I love Chinese culture when it comes to friendship. They all held my hands and wrapped their arms around me....so excited that I would come to their room. It was humbling to see their small closets, mosquito nets covering their beds, and the fact that their were 6 girls to one room. At the same time it made me miss college life :)
Tonight was the first night I felt like some great connections were made! The joy it brings me to know that I have been called to be here to give hope to these girls is so amazing...I am going to have a hard time going to bed tonight!
I have been contemplating what to write on my blog lately. I am going through a time in the culture shock/stress phase that is hard to put into words. However, just the other day as I sat on the floor starring out the window the words came. Heart Broken. That kind of heart- ache that consumes your body, leaves you somewhat depressed and the pain is so real it feels physical. I feel like I just had a bad break-up. I was told Nov/Dec are going to be hard months, but I got through November and then …heart break. I am not sure why. But I have my guesses. The adventure of moving here and starting life here is over. I am officially here. I am living life in China. With that being said; now I am realizing that life in China isn’t easy all the time, I miss home and life there, and that living life here is going to be more of a sacrifice than I originally thought. Its not temporary. This is a hard realization. I think for the past 5 months I have been in survival mode. Knowing if I just pushe...
Such a sweet story. Isn't this fun? :) Love hearing about it all!
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