A Favorite Moment

 

I experienced a favorite moment in China:  Visiting a Chinese home in rural China.  I just cherish walking through that door.  I have studied history books, read multiple novels, watched documentaries, been to Chinese history class, but I learned and felt so much as I walked through the front door of the Feng family.  

Our University dean, Dr. Feng, took us to his hometown and introduced us to his parents and extended family members.  This was the house where Dr. Feng grew up.  His family lived in a cave until he was 8 years old and then they built this house in a small village west of Xi'an.    

What an experience to walk into a Chinese home and see a picture of Mao on the wall.   Dr. Feng's mom is 81 and his dad is 85.  His mom is this tiny little woman.  She grabbed me and pulled me down to sit with her, held my hand, and just wanted to be close to me.   

After a while, through Dr. Feng, she asked how many children I had.  We showed her a picture.  I asked how many she had.  I then told her my name and asked her what her name was.  Her children were gathered around, and grandchildren and a great-grandchild. They didn’t know her name.  They asked her and she told them, and they told me.  I later asked Dr. Feng about it, and he said they don’t ever use her name and really don’t even know it. I felt like I stepped back into time in China.  

Cindy from Arizona and Tsou (this is what it sounded like) from China sitting on a bed in rural China holding hands.

 

Doug's Posting

This is Doug’s contribution to our blog. I should have contributed earlier so this entry wouldn’t be so long but here it is.

We love living here traveling and exploring but our favorite activity is teaching. We teach classes for 8 weeks and then we get new students and teach them for 8 weeks. We had 180 students spread out in 8 classes for the last 8 weeks. We leave the apartment at 6:00 and get home about 8:00 at night on Tuesday and Wednesday and we are off the rest of the week.

We teach oral English and my favorite activity with them is an activity called Lifeboat. We hand them a paper with 15 people on it and they must choose by themselves 5 people who can’t get on the lifeboat and who will die. Then they must discuss in groups of four students who their group of 4 will not allow on the boat.

We have changed the list of persons, so it is really interesting and hard for them to make decisions. We have among others a black Christian minister who won the Nobel Peace Prize, a Chinese grandmother, a Chinese orphaned baby, Taylor Swift, a Japanese teenager, the American president, and an American English professor at a Chinese university. The activity really has them speaking English and being involved. Most of the students do not like making decisions.

Most of them choose the Chinese grandmother and the USA president to not make it on the boat. We really make them think when we ask, what if it is your grandmother? About half of them say they wouldn’t change their mind. When asked why the American president, the top two reasons are, age and they say America can easily replace him.

Some include the black minister to not get on the boat. Some say he has accomplished enough in his life but a few of them agreed with one student who said “he is an easy choice because he would not get on the boat anyway. He has shown through his accomplishments that he would sacrifice his life for others.”

Most of them would leave Taylor Swift on the boat. One male student asked, who is Taylor Swift? and the rest of the class were shocked he didn’t know her!

A few picked the American English teacher in China, but they did not realize that it was Cindy or me! I would ask, so you are kicking me off the boat? They would get so embarrassed. I asked why and they said, “not important” and then laugh and laugh. One girl that chose us ran to a store after class and ran back with chocolates for us because she felt bad!

Each class chose different people, so it was interesting to see the choices. The most interesting choice was the Japanese teenager. In our first class there were 5 groups, and all the groups chose her to be off the lifeboat. I would ask why, and they would say because “we hate her” or “we don’t like Japanese people.”

We finished each of the class Lifeboat activity with a list of reasons why they left the people off. When we discussed the Japanese girl, I told them that their answers had made me feel sad because I have lived in Japan for two years and I love the Japanese people. I got a little emotional and asked them if they thought it would be ok if I left the black American minister off the boat because he was black. They all said absolutely that that would be wrong. We then discussed America’s history with racism and bias, and I told them in my own life, I can see how I was raised and how I had racism and bias rooted in me even though it was not explicit or even recognizable by me until I got older. We had just finished a friendship project where each student had two weeks to interview a foreign student and do an oral report. All of them had a good experience. I told them if they had interviewed a Japanese student, they would like that student. I also asked them if any of them had met a Japanese student and none of them had. I said that hating them because of their race was racism and world peace cannot be obtained if we have racism. Each class clapped when I finished. One girl came up afterward and said she felt bad, and she tried to get her group not to choose the Japanese girl for that reason and she apologized for making me feel bad.

Overall it is my favorite activity because it helps them so much with their English but it really makes them think about what is important to them.

We finished our 8 weeks of classes this week and we had an activity called “Ask the Teacher.” They write down anonymously questions and we answer a few of them to end the class. Some of them write notes instead of questions. All the students love Cindy. She encourages them every activity and praises them constantly. We decided that their biggest need is confidence. Some of the comments are “I hope you are happy every day. Love you.”

“This is the most interesting class I have ever had in Xi’an Jiaotong University. Thank you!!! Wish you have a nice life in China!” “You are the best teachers. Thank you!”

It was hard to say goodbye to them. We would end with answering the question, “why did you come to China and do you miss your children and grandchildren?”

Cindy would go first and would tell them that we came because of them and she would get emotional (even though she hates when she does!) and in one of the classes she had most of the class in tears. I would then tell them that we really miss our children and grandchildren but we felt like we needed to be here teaching them. We develop such a love and admiration for them so quickly. We have them shake our hands as we leave. Many of the girls want a hug from Cindy. Many of them tell us they love us.

Teachers have a very honored place in China. When people find out we are teachers, they look at us differently. Especially when we tell them we teach at Jiaotong University. They always tell us that it is one of the top universities in China. Flying to China was hard and they messed up my seat and were not cooperating with Cindy who was trying to get me a better seat. I walked up and said that we are teachers going to Xi’an Jiaotong University to teach. His whole attitude instantly changed, and I got the better seat.

 Highlights of October

School:

Classes this week were encouraging for my confidence as a teacher, in that the students were more spontaneous and poised, but also a little discouraging to me when I realized that I have overlooked some students.  We have 180 students.  We were doing an activity called deserted island.  We put them in groups of 3 and they had to decide on 8 of the 15 items listed to keep with them on the island.  As I walked around listening to their discussions, I sat with a group of 3 girls.  I looked at their names and their faces and I honestly couldn’t remember even seeing them before.  I focused on one student named Mia.  When she wasn’t watching, I just looked in her eyes and felt so bad that I had overlooked her.  She is pretty, quiet, soft-spoken, and thoughtful when she talks.   Somehow, I connected with her and felt great admiration.  I want to do better and try to connect with each student. 

Dining:

Local noodle dishes in Xi'an.

We have met such interesting students.  We met 3 students from Turkmenistan.  They invited us to dinner where they cooked us an authentic Turkmenistan meal of Turkmen dumplings filled with beef and sweet potatoes named Manti.   We talked for a couple of hours and they answered our questions and it was just so fascinating.  They were so friendly and kind. 

One of the sweetest girls in one of our classes kicked the American Teachers Teaching English in China off the lifeboat during an activity.  When we teased her that she was kicking us off the boat, we all laughed.  But, at the end of class she sprinted out of class and came back with a bag full of Dove Chocolates!  She was so sorry.  We ended up going to lunch with her.  So funny!

We went to lunch with a girl from Iran.  Her name is Gina and we went to a Turkish restaurant near campus.  She called herself a modern Muslim.  She is here studying medicine.   

Chicken stew dinner at a kiwi farmer's house/restaurant in the mountains.

Travel:

We went to the production, "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow," rated as one of the best shows in China.  It is at the foot of Mount Li. During the production the entire mountainside lit up with star-like lights.  Lighting and shadows create a river that appears to be flowing down the mountainside. There are hundreds of dancers.  It is just stunning and spectacular.  The setting is around Huaqing Palace, with a history of thousands of years.  We went early in the day and visited the Palace and took the cable car up the mountain. 

Research Center for the Qinling Giant Panda – Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue Base.  

This area is also famous for the beginning place of Taoism.  Taoism was created by philosopher Lao Zi, during the Zhou Dynasty (1111 – 249 BC). Taoists believe that a universal force guides all living things and the natural order is more important than the social order.  

There are tablets at the temple.  Dr. Feng explained one tablet and how the emperor had a ring or halo around his head.  People rub his face when they walk by.  He said the name of the ring is Circle of Light.

Kiwis grow wild in the mountains.  We stopped at a guy’s stand and he had Chinese medicine on his truck bed lined up.  He also had boxes of wild kiwis.  We bought a big sack full for 10 yuan.  ($1.40)  The kiwis are sweet and tangy.  Really delicious. 

We stopped at one last place and saw the Ginko tree that is 1700 years old.  I just can’t believe the age of something still living. 

We took a high speed train to Emei Mountain.  It is an area of exceptional cultural significance as it is the place where Buddhism first became established on Chinese territory and from where it spread widely through the East. The first Buddhist temple in China was built on the summit of Mount Emei in the 1st century.   It is a long day to get to the top of the mountain – a 2-hour bus ride up the mountain.  30 minutes of hiking up to a cable car.  15-minute cable car ride up the mountain.   We had foggy weather, but at one point when we made it to the top and we were looking at the golden buddha, the sun came out and we got a perfect view.  All the people cheered.  

We took the train to LeShan, where we visited the most remarkable Giant Buddha.  It was carved out of a hillside in the 8th century and looks down on the confluence of three rivers. At 71 m high, it is the largest Buddha in the world. We hiked up the mountain to get to the top of the Buddha looking down.  It is quite impressive. 

 Celebrate!

We celebrated the National Day holiday in China from October 1 – October 7.  This year is the 75^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. 

Xi’an City Wall:

The Xi’an City Wall is the largest-scaled, best-preserved, and most complete ancient city wall in China.  It was built in 1370.  We love spending time at the wall – inside, outside, and on top.

Wild Goose Pagoda – Xi’an:

It is one of the landmarks in Xi’an as well as the oldest and largest square brick tower in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The Pagoda was  built in 652 AD to house Buddhist scriptures.  We walked to the top and marveled at the historical significance. 

The Red Wave Valley Danxia Landform:

There is a sign at the site comparing this site to the “American Antelope Valley,” and the Arizona “Wave” natural landform.  The trail started with a glass bridge spanning a huge canyon. Terrifying!  The formations were unique and stunning, with slot canyons and deep gorges.

Yulin City Great Wall of China:

We drove to a city north of Xi’an called Yulin.  We went to a section of The Great Wall. Most of the parts of the Great Wall in this area were built between 475 BC and 221 BC. There is a famous tower that we climbed that was built during the Ming Dynasty.  A lot of The Great Wall is just natural rammed earth.  It is fascinating to see how it runs right through farms and is still intact.

Hong Shi Xia

A place where caves (grottos) are built into the cliffside. The caves are temples and shrines.  Some still have colored paintings inside the caves. Also along the outside of the cliffs are many famous calligraphy works carved into the walls.  The 44 caves are intriguing. 

Red Cow Village – North China along the Yellow River

We visited a small village that is known for jujube farming and living in caves.  The mayor took us to the village museum in the caves.  It was an amazing museum in that it was just the local people’s lives on display.  They had a cave full of valuable treasures.  Some of our favorites: ancient wooden containers, wooden desks used in a school room, a collection (hundreds) of rare abacuses, a family genealogy cave with family histories painted onto the cave walls.   A production started at 1:00.  Hundreds of old villagers marched in carrying farm implements.  A big cow was the leader.  The mountainside was the backdrop and stage.  The old people presented songs and dances with their implements and had action going on all over the mountain.  Such an unforgettable experience.  We ate a buffet lunch consisting of local vegetables, fruits and grains. (millet porridge, jujube cake, sweet potatoes, corn bread)

Visiting this village was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. 

 Walking in Other's Shoes.

China requires a residence visa permit within 30 days of arriving in China.  Mr. Chen, our university liaison, prepared all the paperwork for us and told us to take it to the police station.  This was last Friday.  We got to the police station and found hundreds of students there waiting in lines.  We didn’t know what to do so we stood in the lines which quickly turned into a mob situation.  People were pushing and shoving to get to the front window where they were giving out numbers.  About 30 minutes of standing in the mob, the police announced that no more numbers would be given out and to come back on Monday.  The students standing around us were so interesting to talk to.  The majority were from middle eastern countries.  We talked to students from Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh.  Many students from Turkmenistan. They were shocked that we were from America.  They were friendly and warm and wanted to visit.  One student from Jordan said, “We all have a common bond of being in China.  We all have unity and get along.”  I have thought a lot about his comments this week.  So many difficulties and tragedies are happening in the world between countries represented in that police station.  Here we all were being kind and helping each other.  If only people in the world could walk in each other’s shoes. I hope I can represent America well, even if it is just one person at a time.

We went back to the police station on Monday, and it was worse.  At that point we reached out to our university’s foreign affairs department, and they helped us.  Teachers are treated with great respect. Having this experience was a highlight.

Highlight number two was we were invited to a reception celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.  It was a reception for dignitaries from the Shaanxi province.  We were seated behind the governor and other secretaries of the party which held important positions.  As we stood for China’s national anthem, I just couldn’t believe I was experiencing this.  First there were speeches, with English translation on the large monitors. The speeches talked about the rising influence and modernization of China.  There were 8 cultural numbers that were performed ranging from acrobatics to an ensemble of ancient instruments.  It was a fabulous show.  I have no idea how we got invited to this elite reception, but it was an enlightening experience.

Our classes were engaging this week.  We love to see the students laugh and work together on projects.  One of our activities was planning a meal from a Lin’s grocery store ad (from Hurricane).  The students are so fascinated.  They work with a partner and plan to the penny how much they would spend for the meal.  One partnership spent $71.83.  Another $17.50.  The students did 4 different presentations during the class so they got a lot of practice.   

We had an assignment called, "I Am."  The students write answers from prompts and then give a presentation.  One student's paper was especially good.  His English name is Vi and he gave us permission to put his words on our blog.  

I am the son of Chaos

I wonder if life is worth the fight

I need solitude but crave connection

I see beauty in the birth and death

I am fire and ice

 

I feel joy in the embrace of my friends

I hate the chains, yet fear freedom

I worry that dream is beyond reach

I am the harmony of chasing and waiting

 

I say never to give up on searching for the light

I understand the contradictions within me

I fear the stillness after the storm

I try to reconcile the opposites inside

I hope to find peace in the chaos

I am both lost and found.

 Teaching - What a Joy!

The highlight of our week is teaching.  We have about 180 students.  We have 4 classes of medical students and 4 classes of  graduate students ranging from public administration majors to mechanical engineering majors. We are teaching the same subject to each of our 8 classes - oral presentation.  Last week we were working on the pair pronunciation of mouth – mouse.   When the students recited, the two words sounded exactly the same.  We spent some time on teaching them how to stick out their tongue to say the th sound.  When they finally got it, I got excited and said, “We did it.”  They cheered and smiled and clapped.  It was at that moment that I realized how much I love teaching them.  By the 8^th class our dog and pony show got old.  When we showed the picture of Ashley and Adam, and said, “See Adam’s cowboy hat, he is a cowboy,” I really laughed out loud.  The students ooh and aah.  We had our family picture on the PowerPoint and had the tallest student come up and the shortest student come up and see where they fit in our family.  The picture is a few years old, so most of the tall students were Morgan’s size, the shortest Trey’s size.  They would all laugh when we told them Trey was 10 years old.   To end our lesson we played 20 questions.  Doug was thinking of President Xi.  It took them awhile to figure out how to ask broad questions.  One of the first five questions was, "Do they wear glasses?"  In one of the classes the students guessed President Xi on question 19.  Now that was a fun way to end a class, with the students clapping for the lesson!

Lunch with a few of our students

It was the Mid-Autumn Festival this week.  We traveled with Dr. Feng and his family.  We visited an ancient town named Chenlu, which is famous for their use of porcelain.  Ceramics have been continuously produced since the Tang Dynasty (618 -907) and the fire in the kilns has been on for over one-thousand years.  It was fascinating waking through the town.  They use discarded pots to make houses, walls, and roads.  The highlight was getting a tour of the ceramic workshop.

We visited Zhaojin Danxia National Park.  We hiked up the mountain and rode a cable car down.  It is the setting for a famous painting.  We enjoyed traveling with new friends.  Their 7-year old daughter was too shy to hold Doug's hand so she kept a water bottle between them.  

Our last stop was Da Xiangshan Si Temple, a famous small Buddhist temple.  It is at the top of a mountain.  We really enjoyed seeing this sacred place for so many people.