bittersweet November

The session has flown by in a whirl of getting to know a new class, recording English dialogues, squeezing in volunteer opportunities here and there and finalizing plans for Krista to spend the holidays in the states.

Class G has been a true blessing of fun, energetic students from Yunnan, Qinghai, Shanxi and Beijing. As Krista’s plane ticket to California was November 24, she had to leave just before the session ended. So we were able to team up to teach a class together for the first time. We taught 27 lesser-confident students who had a lot of enthusiasm – even if they were terrified, or even unable, to speak for the first few days. ☺

Krista led the class for the most part and Preston took the opportunity to practice his Chinese, ride his bike and relax a bit before he took the reigns this third week. It was the first lesser-confident class that Krista had led, yet, Class G became known as "the" confident, excited ones – even if they weren’t able to volunteer to answer questions during large group time. We spent a lot of time practicing answers to “How are you?” – responses other than, “I’m fine, thank you.” It was rewarding to hear, “I’m excited,” “I’m happy today” or “I miss my family” – even within the first few days.

We had unique opportunities outside of our normal training schedule to connect with friends and help record English dialogues for a company. It was monotonous work (and long hours), but interesting none-the-less. Krista’s experience in TV and radio in the states made her a sought after candidate even when she only intended to “help out a friend” by going the first time. She’s since been able to pass along the business relationship to another teammate. PTL

We also enjoyed having lunch with friends at church, checking out books from the library, practicing English with neighborhood children and celebrating Laura and Peter’s engagement at a fabulous Thai restaurant.

Then we said “see you soon” to each other amidst a torrent of Krista’s tears, as she departed for California to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with her family. Tears are contagious and Class G – good, grateful and great – was quite emotionally depressed Tuesday morning as they raised their voices in unison “we miss you and love you forever” and waved goodbye. Yet they are in good hands with Pres who is encouraging them to complete their teaching practicums for the week and deliver their speech on Friday.

So for the next month, Preston is in China and Krista is in America. We’ll let you know how it goes. Happy Thanksgiving!

New photos and video are now online: 1) our trip to Gansu; 2) fall and snow in Beijing; and 3) fun with Class G

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40596876@N06/sets/