out 'n about...training and growing

We wrapped up the month of December with a few train and plane rides that took us across the country and back again, and then across the globe. We don’t know what time or day it is, but it seems to be good for our bodies as we can take a nap just about anytime, anywhere.

Lily's class

Megan just got married

In Qinghai, Huang Zhong, we visited four schools and evaluated another 25 teachers. On this trip, we had the pleasure of watching some teachers for the second and third time and seeing how much they have improved! It was very rewarding to see that they were proud of their hard work and accomplishments and that their students were also confident and interested learners. And we were able to travel together for this trip. It was the first time Pres was in Qinghai in more than 1 year.

Lily, a primary school teacher, could barely speak English the first time we watched her class. This trip was her third time to show a lesson and her students were able to lead themselves in groups the entire time. Lily gave good models using body language and English and let her students do the rest of the work. Her English abilities have improved substantially and she is now a much more confident and able speaker. Go Lily!

Megan is a senior school teacher and had been married two weeks when we visited. She is planning to have her wedding ceremony during the
Spring Festival holiday which happens in late January this year. Megan is a young teacher who studied science in university. She said, “I am grateful to you two for your hard work. I have not only learned some useful teaching strategies, but also your spirit of patience, devotion, kindness and hard work. Thank you very much.” Thanks, Megan, for the encouragement!

hot pot with Rex

We also enjoyed our week with Huang Zhong head trainer, Rex, as we all navigated roadways and school schedules to complete our assignments. We got to catch up with his family and enjoyed two special meals that included his 15-year-old daughter, Amy. We shared the Christmas story with them and also spent some time talking about the opportunities and challenges of being a teenager and raising one. :)

We spent Christmas weekend traveling back to our home in the Northeast. Upon arrival Christmas morning, we enjoyed a long winter’s nap. Our English study friends Paul, Grace and Mr. Lin joined us for study and dinner on Tuesday, when we studied the stories in
Matthew and Luke. We sang “What Child is This?” and had a remarkable afternoon and evening together. It was a perfect way to end the season.

We packed up on the 28th and headed out the 29th for the U.S. We are thankful to be in warm and rainy Northern California and celebrating the New Year with the Lemos family. Our Father is good!