Crunch time

The end is in sight, but that means that we are in “crunch time.” Each year we produce a slide show and burn DVDs for all the participants that gives them lots of pictures from the program. We have to wait till the very end of the program so that we include all the important events that happen in the third week. That DVD needs to be done in the next 24 hours so it can be duplicated, and of course, computers are not acting as they should. We need to print certificates for both student and teacher participants so that the administration can put in the names in Chinese characters, and then the team leaders can sign them and “chop” them. (A chop is an official stamp that goes on any official document). The computer used to produce the slide show is also the computer used to print the certificates.

Teachers are all putting together small gift bags for their learners, and though some bring things from home, most like to include photos of their class, and other mementos that are local. This afternoon there will be a trip to the “Purple Market” with some of the team to get picture frames. And on the side, the team leaders are consulting with the teaching assistants on gifts from the administration to the team members.

In the midst of all this classes are in full swing, and today was Christmas. For many, this is the first time to actually separate out the historical details from the commercial glitz, and understand the meaning of Christmas. At the same time, each class is practicing some sort of song or skit for the final program on Friday. It must be 3-5 minutes long, must include the whole class, must be in English, and can’t be just a sing-a-long lip sync with a popular song.

Conversations are going well. In fact, this morning, one of our teachers had a great time of discussion with one of the teachers in his class who stayed after to ask some very specific questions about Christmas, and all it means. This particular Chinese teacher doesn’t need the English course, but is taking it because she wants to see how we teach, and apply the methods to the teaching of Chinese to foreigners, her job. She’s a special friend, and we’re delighted that she’s talking to her teacher in depth.

Fortunately the entire team is well and healthy. There have been fewer illnesses this time than any year we can remember. Perhaps the lovely new mall up the street with better restaurants has been nicer to our stomachs. And perhaps asking the U to order less lunch – which translated to getting smaller, but much better lunches – has also been good for us.

Above all we know that there is an army around the world that is lifting up the team as a whole, and each individual who is a friend or family member. That’s the power that makes it all happen.