Though the alarm was set for 6:30am, LuRue was awake at 4:45 and finally gave up trying to sleep about 5:30. Still things to do to prepare for our first day of classes.
Though still groggy through breakfast, we were in the lobby at 7:30am and of course everyone else was already there. Here in China, being on time really means being 10 minutes early. But a 7:30 departure for a couple of night owls seems like the middle of the night.
At the school, we were led into the library where 35 to 40 students were seated around a long large table. They were ready for us, but I’m not sure we were ready for them. There were two classes, each one about 1.5 hours long. We went through all our planned activities and, as predicted, most of the students were very shy and quiet. We did get them to laugh now and then, and all were willing to stand and speak (or attempt to speak) if we stood behind them and put our hands on their shoulders. But almost all were averting their eyes as if to become invisible.
During the breaks, several of the braver students came forward to speak to us, very excited to interact with us. Lots & lots of pictures were taken with their iPhones (and other smartphones), but we still can't take photos for another day or two. Montana was in great demand as one after another student wanted private pictures taken with her. The teachers finally had to say "Time to go!"
Earlier, after arriving in China, Montana had noticed that she didn't have enough of her medication to last until the end of her trip. Following some emails with Montana's parents, it was decided to try to let Baoli find a doctor and a place to buy the medicine.
After lunch at the hotel, Baoli began her final stages of getting Montana's medication. Emails from parents supplied the necessary documentation, which were printed out in the hotel Business Center. Then we took off by taxi to the hospital. As Baoli commented later, everything went almost too smoothly...it seemed too easy. We were directed twice to different desks until we got to the doctor who verified everything and wrote a prescription. Back down to the lobby where we went through the cashier, then on to the pharmacy counter. There were no available taxis, but a city bus came by and we were back at the hotel within an hour or so.
Montana went on to the Fitness Center where she walked a few miles on the treadmill, but LuRue was wiped out & lay down for awhile, though didn't sleep.
We went to the Chinese language lesson at 5:00pm, given by Baoli. What made it most interesting to LuRue was the history of how the language developed and the major changes that were made as recently as 1949 in order to facilitate literacy in China. LuRue already knew that it is a complicated language, but discovered tonight that she had only been considering the tip of the iceberg...the layers of complexity go much, much deeper. Don, the other team member, has been studying for several years and continues to work on it. Very admirable!
At dinner Baoli told us about several upcoming events that the teachers are planning for the coming weeks, as well as possible places we might want to visit. LuRue is "activities manager", so needs to get going on making group plans if necessary. Don is a return visitor, however, and may not want to go with Montana and LuRue as they explore the many interesting things.
Baoli also described several games that have been successfully used by previous volunteers. Montana took notes and hopefully we will continue to settle in as we learn how to become "teachers" to a few dozen eager students at one time.
Though still groggy through breakfast, we were in the lobby at 7:30am and of course everyone else was already there. Here in China, being on time really means being 10 minutes early. But a 7:30 departure for a couple of night owls seems like the middle of the night.
At the school, we were led into the library where 35 to 40 students were seated around a long large table. They were ready for us, but I’m not sure we were ready for them. There were two classes, each one about 1.5 hours long. We went through all our planned activities and, as predicted, most of the students were very shy and quiet. We did get them to laugh now and then, and all were willing to stand and speak (or attempt to speak) if we stood behind them and put our hands on their shoulders. But almost all were averting their eyes as if to become invisible.
During the breaks, several of the braver students came forward to speak to us, very excited to interact with us. Lots & lots of pictures were taken with their iPhones (and other smartphones), but we still can't take photos for another day or two. Montana was in great demand as one after another student wanted private pictures taken with her. The teachers finally had to say "Time to go!"
Earlier, after arriving in China, Montana had noticed that she didn't have enough of her medication to last until the end of her trip. Following some emails with Montana's parents, it was decided to try to let Baoli find a doctor and a place to buy the medicine.
After lunch at the hotel, Baoli began her final stages of getting Montana's medication. Emails from parents supplied the necessary documentation, which were printed out in the hotel Business Center. Then we took off by taxi to the hospital. As Baoli commented later, everything went almost too smoothly...it seemed too easy. We were directed twice to different desks until we got to the doctor who verified everything and wrote a prescription. Back down to the lobby where we went through the cashier, then on to the pharmacy counter. There were no available taxis, but a city bus came by and we were back at the hotel within an hour or so.
Montana went on to the Fitness Center where she walked a few miles on the treadmill, but LuRue was wiped out & lay down for awhile, though didn't sleep.
We went to the Chinese language lesson at 5:00pm, given by Baoli. What made it most interesting to LuRue was the history of how the language developed and the major changes that were made as recently as 1949 in order to facilitate literacy in China. LuRue already knew that it is a complicated language, but discovered tonight that she had only been considering the tip of the iceberg...the layers of complexity go much, much deeper. Don, the other team member, has been studying for several years and continues to work on it. Very admirable!
At dinner Baoli told us about several upcoming events that the teachers are planning for the coming weeks, as well as possible places we might want to visit. LuRue is "activities manager", so needs to get going on making group plans if necessary. Don is a return visitor, however, and may not want to go with Montana and LuRue as they explore the many interesting things.
Baoli also described several games that have been successfully used by previous volunteers. Montana took notes and hopefully we will continue to settle in as we learn how to become "teachers" to a few dozen eager students at one time.
with such large classes (35-40 students—wow!) sounds like you will be spending a lot of time planning---—so glad you have some games to fall back on and , and as I have observed on the blog for the past11 weeks, you each are so very resourceful yourselves.
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