On Sunday, Sara and I participated in an interview with a gathering of friends in the States. I thought some of the questions were very interesting and thought you might enjoy reading my thoughts on these questions. If anyone has any further questions, feel free to ask and maybe I'll make another blog on questions.
1. What kind of culture shock did you go through when you arrived in China?
I was very angry when we arrived in XinXing because we spent a week in nice hotels in very beautiful cities and then we were dropped off in the middle of nowhere. I knew it would be dirty and small, but I didn't expect it to be as bad as it is. Also it was hard for me to get used to not being able to go anywhere on my own for a while. I didn't speak Chinese and I didn't know where to go, so I felt confined to my apartment. We also get stared at a lot because we look so different, which doesn't bother me on most days, but some days it gets annoying.
2. What do you miss the most?
Family and friends, obviously. Food - especially having choices. Even if we have choices we don't know what they are because we can't read the menus, or what is in the menus isn't necessarily available. I also miss having heat. Even though the temp didn't get close to freezing outside, it's still just as cold inside. Finally, I miss being able to drive myself places. Here I walk everywhere or depend on someone else's schedule. Taxis have to be called, they aren't just driving around looking for a passenger. There are men on motorcycles that are more readily available and quite cheap, but also somewhat more dangerous.
3. What's enjoyable about where you live now?
The people are so amazing and interesting. I love talking to them because I always learn something new. I love the school events - performances and sports meets, etc. It is fun to see our students doing something creative because they aren't usually encouraged to do that. I also like shopping here because things are incredibly inexpensive and yet stylish... although there is still a lot I look at and think "really?".
4. Assuming you did some touring, what's your favorite place in China?
This is so hard to choose. Every place we have been to is so different and interesting in it's own way. Sara and I narrowed it down to three cities, but I could keep going.
Hangzhou - most photogenic. It's not called the most beautiful city in China for nothing!
Hong Kong - most things to do. HK is so easy to get around and many people speak English. Also, there are so many things to do and see there.
Zhao Qing - close to home, but more to do. This city is only an hour away and there is so much shopping. Also, western food! Pizza Hut, McDonalds and KFC! They're even getting a Walmart soon.
5. Since neither of you were teachers before, how do you feel about teaching now?
I love teaching! I missed my students so much when we were on vacation for five weeks. I don't know how much they will remember of what we teach them, but I'm hoping they will learn something from me that will stick with them. At the end of the year I plan to make them write a letter to me telling me what they learned from me, so stay tuned!
6. In what ways are your lives changed for the better by your experience?
I feel like I've found my calling. I'm planning to go back to school to get a teaching degree to teach English as a Second Language in America. I've learned so much about the Chinese people, and I'm also enjoying learning Mandarin. But the thing that has changed me the most is that I have a greater appreciation of my many blessings. I have so much less here than I ever have in America and yet I'm richer than all of the Chinese people at our school and many of them in our town. It's very humbling.
That's all! I hope you enjoyed my interview questions. Keep the questions coming! It's interesting for me to think about the answers to these questions, too.
