Another Year Another Halloween
There are tons more foreign teachers at Shengda this year, and for Halloween that means tons more fun! Check out the Red Devil, the Red Barren and the US Soldier in Red China killed by the Arabian Knight… and OH! The infamous David Bowie. Can you guess what Alemayehu and I were dressed as? I’m not telling. You’ll just have to figure it out yourself!
For more Halloween Madness, check out the Gallery.
New York to Guyana Then Back Home to China
It was so wonderful seeing everyone over the summer. Our trip to New York was a triumph as we looked back, and took a moment to reminisce on the way we used to live not so long ago. Strutting around the streets of New York without Lester, but with an active toddler, made me stronger physically and mentally. Summer in the city is always an adventure and seeing the city through the prism of motherhood was surprising so. Can you honestly say that you know where all the elevators are on your frequent subway stops? Or have you ever spent time wondering which of the people sitting in front of you and smiling at your baby, may offer you a hand up the stairs when you get off the train?
Most times it seemed that motherhood brought only changes. But then there were all my friends. Mostly unchanged. Living simple, happy, fulfilling lives. And all brimming over with such enthusiasm, love and admiration for our new family and home.You made out trip back to the Big Apple and Brooklyn special indeed.
Guyana was a triumphant look ahead. Even as we visited all Lester’s old friends and family there was constant talk of his return. Yet still my first time on that soil was like a homecoming, because there is so much in common with Barbados. The old made new and the new just like the old.
China is our home now, and our return home after almost one year brings a unique kind of fulfillment. As we struggle to learn a new language and to make the most of our time here, we invite your comments, suggestions and encouragement. Thank you for waiting so patiently and thank you for your participation.
FOR MORE PHOTOS VISIT : Interconnex Gallery
Chances are if you are reading my blog you came to see the baby. I know he is the star of the show. I’m not jealous. Really I’m not. Besides you are in luck. We just celebrated his first birthday. His party was a great success. We have made friends with some of the teachers on campus and they brought their babies, so he had lots of friends to play with, lots of attention from many of our students and lots and lots of gifts. Thanks to everyone who came out. We were happy to have you all there. Thanks to all the people that helped out.We love you!
Lester spent the entire morning cooking. Check out the amazing spread! You really outdid yourself this time my love. And the food was DELICIOUS!
At the end of the day Mayehu was surrounded by gifts. Haha. TOO MANY! Happy Birthday!
Broken Foot but Soaring Spirit
On March 21st 2009 most of the Shengda foreign teachers went on a historic trip to see the Yellow River, including my husband Lester Paul, who had broken his foot during the inter-department basketball tournament at Shengda only two days earlier.
For three consecutive years the teachers have enjoyed the hospitality of the 22 Municipal People’s Government, who has invited all foreign teachers to participate in an annual tree planting event at Friendship Forest near Zhengzhou. The yearly event celebrates the growing relationship between the East and the West, and the teachers were all happy to take part. About 80 teachers took a bus to the forest and after the awards and speeches, we all planted at least one tree, and added an entire section to the forest. My husband was among the gathering, happy to be out in the fresh air, even if it meant using his crutches to hobble across a narrow wooden bridge which was an elegant part of the landscaping of the forest. Afterwards we signed our names for engraved plaques to be added to the forest later.
Next, we were treated to a sumptuous lunch, followed by a trip to the Yellow River Museum. The highlight of the trip was the Yellow River itself. It was the first time on a hover craft for most of the teachers, and the ride, though short, did not disappoint. The river is wondrous and mystic. We could easily imagine the epic battles fought on the very same land thousands of years ago.
Our spirits remained high throughout the day. We returned home rejuvenated by the crisp spring air and friendly faces of all whom we met. Our outing rekindled old friendships and sparked new relationships we hope will last a long time to come.
Posted on the Shengda Website 03.31.2009
