Updates

I am sorry that it has taken me so long to update, but getting internet set up has been a difficult, multiple step process. With that being said, I will try to let you know what has been going on lately on this side of the globe.

I started teaching on Monday. As of right now, I have at least four different classes that meet from 1-3 times a week. All of the classes that am teaching are oral English. The whole purpose of the class is to allow the students to speak as much as possible to develop their spoken English. I was not given any lesson plans or books. I don't really know what I'm doing. However, everyone here seems very eager to help and give suggestions, so I'm sure that I will have this all figured out soon.

The classes that I have taught so far have consisted of about 31 girls and 3 boys in each. After talking to several students I found out that most of these students aren't even in my class, but simply came to my class out of curiosity. There are literally four westerners on this campus of 10,000 students, so I guess I am a bit of a novelty.

So far all of my students seem to be very intelligent and very eager to succeed. I hope that I can maintain their attitudes and their interests. If anyone has any suggestions for activities or lessons, please send me an email.

Currently, I have taken only a few photos and a couple of videos. I was able to upload one of my videos last night--http://vimeo.com/33652-- and I am working on uploading at least one more today. Sadly, my picture uploading website is blocked from China, so I am in the process of finding one that will work from here.

In the good news department, Max is finally moving over to my campus later this morning, and will actually living next door to me. My washing machine still does not want to cooperate, so I sincerely hope that his does. Also, I met one of the other Western English teachers yesterday. She is an Australian woman in her 50s or 60s named Janice. It's always nice to see another Western face.

I will update again soon, but it is time for me to prepare for class and generally figure what is going on today in Nanchang. I'm missing everyone, and I hope I can talk to you all soon!