The adventure begins!

Trying to relegate my thoughts on China to a brief blog leaves me feeling convoluted!  Unfortuantely, It is hard for me to explain to someone who has never explored China before some of the things that I have experienced thus far.  For starters, many ethnic Han Chinese stare at you in stark fascination.  This is due to the fact that I may be the first tall, blonde hair, blue eyed American that they have ever seen before.  I have discovered that most people do not do this out of anger.  Even though we live in a world interconnected through the power of modern technology nothing compares with real, personal experiences.  At least that is what I feel is the rationale behind thier looks of curiosity.  I have also found many childern excited to walk near me while in Rongchang.  They eagerly take amongst their friends as one strikes up the courage to speak to the foreigner! 

 China is a massive country.  The affects of any giant population are at many levels very basic and seems quite clear cut.  However, the experience of seeing how efficient the Chinese have become with maximizing space truly is mesmerizing to me.  Everyone understands what they must do to maximize their own personal utilities in this setting.  May it be living above a shop, having a sink, bathroom, and shower all in a 4’, 4’, 7” foot room, or conserving resources the Chinese have learned to do it well.  I have found embracing these concepts worthwhile and effective.  I could not have much to complain about since my apartment, teacher’s salary, and working conditions are all better than most in Rongchang. 

Rongchang is a city or in China “town” of probably 600,000 people.  It is too small to even be on most maps in China; however, it is growing quickly.  A whole new city is being built out of across the river which is modern and western in many ways.  The architects have added a lot of great Chinese styles to their work as well.  It comes together as a wonderful synthesis of traditional and modern China.  I will be starting my first teaching experience at Rongchang Campus this evening.  I am very excited and lucky to be working with other great professionals as well.  My closet colleague being my good friend: Cory Quirk-Becker.  Cory and I have explored the city the last few days and really enjoyed sharing curriculum ideas together.  Cory has illuminated me to many pieces of Chinese culture, language, and norms which have made my experience that much better.  For instance, it is respectful for the least experienced in (age, profession, career, etc) to always place their glass lower than that of a person who is more experienced in their field. 

I have had to use this technique often since my supervisor; Mr. Tian, has already taken me out for two different meals where he made sure that the toasts were flying left and right.   Mr. Tian has showed me the meaning of hospitality during our few experiences together.  He paid in full two meals which incorporated many courses.  In each of these meals Mr. Tian started the ghan bei’s (cheers in Chinese) flowing often.  As my supervisor he has made it his mission to help me reach my full potential and achieve success by supplying me with technical support and general problem solving. 

I have also enjoyed my first week of running adventures.  I call them adventures because as a pedestrian each time you cross the street you are taking your life into your own hands!  This is because there are not unilateral traffic laws in China.  Besides the lack of pedestrian utilitarianism, I really have enjoyed discovering the countryside and newer area of Rongchang.  It is strange to see a whole new ghost city coming up from the earth without many people yet inhabiting it.  This phenomenon is exacerbated by the fact that most of the people have grown to like the older areas of Rongchang and are not eager to move around yet.  This will change soon when construction of the area is finished and new inhabitants move in.  Therefore, it makes it nice for me now to run along these somewhat empty streets. 

Running up the hills of the pagodas is also very beautiful.  The views from the top of these landmarks provide a giant panorama of the city below and countryside behind.  Upon changing directions you see the beauty of the rural China.  This view allows one to see China in a whole different light.  The urban populations will continue to grow as the Chinese government buys up these areas of rural land and subsidizes the farmer’s housing in cities.  In reality, it is kind of sad to see this fast and inevitable urban movement.  I look forward to continued teaching, running, adventuring, writing, journaling, eating, living, and experiencing China in Rongchang.  I hope the best for all of you back in the states!

Day of departure!

  The days, moments, and thoughts leading up to embarkation have left me with more questions than answers.  Even though I have completely packed everything, finalized my trip itinerary multiple times, and tripled checked that all is in order I still feel as if I have forgotten something!  It is also interesting to see how the mind struggles with not being able to predict the future when a novel environment is contemplated which is so foreign, uncertain, and full of hope to the mind.  I have done my best to deviate from this line of thinking since it usually leads one to create a sense of false security, or even worse expectations about the new environment which will often not be meet.  I have gained strength from friends, family, faith, and a resolute desire to prepare myself for this life changing experience.  As my departure draws near, I am deeply moved by the people who have made such a profound impact on my life.  To those special people I owe my gratitude.  Your positive impact has made it possible for a suburban kid from Eden Prairie, Minnesota to dream that he could actually make a great impact on the lives of others across the world!  I know that I will miss many great people back home.  I pray for your safety and good health as I move forward with this next chapter in my life.  I look forward to getting to teach and learn a great many things from my Chinese students over the next year and a half.  The Chinese culture is very distinct and proud.  China also has a long and epic history.  For someone very interested in sociology, psychology, and history China is a real dream place to visit and journey through!  In closing, I am so very thankful for all of your support friends and family!  I truly enjoyed both of my going away parties!  The future is bright and ripe for the seizing!  It is time to seize the day!    

Preparing for a new life experience!

The time prior to my new experience in China has been a very interesting one for me.  Preparing the last couple of weeks to live, learn, and teach in a new culture has been a very worth while opportunity to look into the uniqueness of my next chapter in life.  All the same, getting my teaching curriculum in order, logistics of international travel, packing and purchasing items for 18 months in China, trying to learn a new language, and learn as much as I can about Chinese culture has been a daunting task.  However, it has also been a very rewarding one.  Looking back on the past few months I feel that I need to thank those who have helped me in my decision making process.  Of course, my parents played a tremendous role.  Their support, guidance, and ideas have all greatly contributed in my preparation.  My professors at CSBSJU have also played a pivotal role. Without their help in writing letters of recommendation, guidance, and support none of this would have been possible.  Cory Quirk-Becker deserves a lot of recognition.  Without his steady guidance in answering many of my questions it would have been much more difficult to prepare myself to teach and live in China.  With about two weeks to go things are certainly heating up!  I look forward to spending time with friends and family as I finalize my packing and preparation.  May God bless everyone of you!