I'm fine thanks, and you?

“I’m fine thanks, and you?” has apparently become the only answer to the age old question “How are you?” or at least that’s what you’d think after you’re 14^th class in a row responded in unison those 5 words.

These first weeks have really brought a new term into my vocab, “Organized chaos” there is no other term to describe the streets and markets of the city that I am ever so slowly growing to love. The people scurry like ants to and from the varied destinations, I use the ants purposefully because that’s how I am obliged to feel. Surrounded by millions of dark haired, almond eyed, light brown ants. After two weeks the culture shock that was inhibiting my adventurous side finally wore off, that was about two days ago and now I feel like I am now able to see things in a much different light.

Class are going great, we’ve had some rough patches. I love teaching and I love getting to the point where you see it click in their eyes and they turn to their classmate to excitedly explain to their neighbor their new found treasure of knowledge. Most often this knowledge is gained not by flipping a switch and turning on the lights but in a series of short sunrises each gradually rising until the light reaches the obscurity. The Chinese people are so loving, they are always ready to help either by telling you to drink more boiled water, or give you directions or sometimes even just take you and show you what you seek since they finally realize there’s no way you’ll understand them. Good thing I left my personal bubble in America, otherwise it would have been destroyed since being here I’ve had kids: hold my hand, hug me, grab my cheeks, and been generally surrounded with at least ten kids touching me on every side….figure that one out! I hate to see what they’re like with someone they’re comfortable around!