Please enjoy the following slideshow:
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Mad About English...
About an hour ago I finished watching what is perhaps the most touching documentary I have ever seen: Mad About English by Singaporean filmmaker Lian Pek. I saw the trailer on Youtube several months ago. The film chronicles Beijing's mad dash to learn English in the year leading up to the Olympic Games.
Throughout the film, several Beijing residents are followed: a taxi driver, a doctor of Chinese medicine, a 74 year old man, a foreign English teacher, and a little girl attending an intensive English camp sponsored by Crazy English founder Li Yang.
The taxi driver was perhaps the one that hit home most to me. If you have been in Beijing for any length of time, you notice very quickly that English speaking taxi drivers are hard to find. I am usually able to get home with just telling them my street name: Haidian Nanlu (Haidian South Road). But sometimes (like today), you get a cab driver who wants more information so I say one of the most useful things I have learned in Chinese: Wo jiu zai Haidian Nanlu san shi si hao. Fu jin. Li, Suzhoujie dietie zhan, bu yuan. (I live at Haidian South Road, building 34, the Suzhou Street subway is nearby.) If they can understand my garbled pronunciation, that usually gets me there, usually convincing them I am fluent so all the way home they tell me stories (in Chinese), to which I nod and smile. The cab driver in the film wants to learn English to serve his country during the games and be able to speak to the foreigeners who ride with him so he can present a good image of China.
The elderly gentleman was the most emotional to watch. He began teaching himself English at age 68 and now at age 74 his dream is to be a volunteer tour guide in the Forbidden City. Thousands applied to do this and only 200 were selected. Did he make the cut? You'll have to watch to find out. I will just say that his English is light years ahead of my Chinese (as is the English of most Chinese people.)
Watching Li Yang lead his military style English camp was interesting as well. Li is a very unorthodox teacher. His primary method is shouting English phrases as loud as you can until you learn them perfectly. It is kind of like the Chinese educational system on steroids. The film follows one girl of about 11 years old who has dedicated herself to learning English to get a better job and be able to take care of her parents in their retirement years. If only most of the American teenagers I taught were half as dedicated to their future plans as this young girl, America would have an extremely bright future ahead.
At its heart, this film is a look into the life of a people desperate to show the world the strength of their country. You get the sense that learning English is a patriotic duty. As an American living here, it makes me appreciate the people that much more. They go out of their way to accomodate us here, which is why it makes me so mad to see a foreigner complaining that this is "not like America." No its not, and why should it be? This is China. If you want to live in America, go back home. If you plan to stay here, learn some Chinese or stay a mute. I wish more laowai (foreigners) would see this film.
Click on the video below to watch the trailer:
Throughout the film, several Beijing residents are followed: a taxi driver, a doctor of Chinese medicine, a 74 year old man, a foreign English teacher, and a little girl attending an intensive English camp sponsored by Crazy English founder Li Yang.
The taxi driver was perhaps the one that hit home most to me. If you have been in Beijing for any length of time, you notice very quickly that English speaking taxi drivers are hard to find. I am usually able to get home with just telling them my street name: Haidian Nanlu (Haidian South Road). But sometimes (like today), you get a cab driver who wants more information so I say one of the most useful things I have learned in Chinese: Wo jiu zai Haidian Nanlu san shi si hao. Fu jin. Li, Suzhoujie dietie zhan, bu yuan. (I live at Haidian South Road, building 34, the Suzhou Street subway is nearby.) If they can understand my garbled pronunciation, that usually gets me there, usually convincing them I am fluent so all the way home they tell me stories (in Chinese), to which I nod and smile. The cab driver in the film wants to learn English to serve his country during the games and be able to speak to the foreigeners who ride with him so he can present a good image of China.
The elderly gentleman was the most emotional to watch. He began teaching himself English at age 68 and now at age 74 his dream is to be a volunteer tour guide in the Forbidden City. Thousands applied to do this and only 200 were selected. Did he make the cut? You'll have to watch to find out. I will just say that his English is light years ahead of my Chinese (as is the English of most Chinese people.)
Watching Li Yang lead his military style English camp was interesting as well. Li is a very unorthodox teacher. His primary method is shouting English phrases as loud as you can until you learn them perfectly. It is kind of like the Chinese educational system on steroids. The film follows one girl of about 11 years old who has dedicated herself to learning English to get a better job and be able to take care of her parents in their retirement years. If only most of the American teenagers I taught were half as dedicated to their future plans as this young girl, America would have an extremely bright future ahead.
At its heart, this film is a look into the life of a people desperate to show the world the strength of their country. You get the sense that learning English is a patriotic duty. As an American living here, it makes me appreciate the people that much more. They go out of their way to accomodate us here, which is why it makes me so mad to see a foreigner complaining that this is "not like America." No its not, and why should it be? This is China. If you want to live in America, go back home. If you plan to stay here, learn some Chinese or stay a mute. I wish more laowai (foreigners) would see this film.
Click on the video below to watch the trailer:
Thursday, December 25, 2008
A (Chinese) Christmas Story...
Christmas came to China! It all started with the office party yesterday at school. Along with a light lunch of pizza and soft drinks, the Chinese sales staff serenaded the teachers with some Christmas carols. Click on the following link to access a video of this:
After the party, I headed home for a short rest and found Santa in the apartment lobby handing out small presents to all residents. He was a lot skinner and a lot more Asian than I ever remember him being. Next, I was off to church at Congregation of the Good Shepherd. Due to traffic, it took me almost two hours by cab and I missed my scripture reading. At least I was there for Christmas communion and the candle lighting ceremony in which I also had a part. Traditional Christmas snacks of mince pies and hot cider were served after the service.
On to Wudakou, I met up with several teachers and some of our students to celebrate Christmas together over an Indian meal. Indian food is quickly becoming one of my favorites; it actually reminds me much of cajun food as it is all very spicy. During dinner, the other teachers and I commented to each other how strange it was that it actually felt like Christmas. We would never have expected that in China especially being so far away from family and friends. The streets were very festive with street vendors selling everything from santa hats, cotton candy, devil horns(?), warm socks and gloves, as well as traditional Beijing street foods. From news reports I read today, all of Beijing's churches were filled to the brim lastnight, some even requiring traffic control.
Today started much like any normal off day. I had lunch at a local dim sum restaurant and later went to have Christmas dinner with Pastor Dan Sanidfer-Stech and his family from my church, COGS. We had a delicious meal of shrimp stir fry noodles cooked up by their ayi and a dessert of Christmas cookies made by their three girls. The girls were quite busy playing with their Santa toys and we ended the evening gazing at the few stars in the sky through the new telescopes that Santa Claus brought.
Christmas with the Sandifer-Stech Family
I will go back to work tomorrow but not before a viewing of A Christmas Story and a cup of hot cocoa. To quote the final line of that movie:
"All is right with the world."
After the party, I headed home for a short rest and found Santa in the apartment lobby handing out small presents to all residents. He was a lot skinner and a lot more Asian than I ever remember him being. Next, I was off to church at Congregation of the Good Shepherd. Due to traffic, it took me almost two hours by cab and I missed my scripture reading. At least I was there for Christmas communion and the candle lighting ceremony in which I also had a part. Traditional Christmas snacks of mince pies and hot cider were served after the service.
On to Wudakou, I met up with several teachers and some of our students to celebrate Christmas together over an Indian meal. Indian food is quickly becoming one of my favorites; it actually reminds me much of cajun food as it is all very spicy. During dinner, the other teachers and I commented to each other how strange it was that it actually felt like Christmas. We would never have expected that in China especially being so far away from family and friends. The streets were very festive with street vendors selling everything from santa hats, cotton candy, devil horns(?), warm socks and gloves, as well as traditional Beijing street foods. From news reports I read today, all of Beijing's churches were filled to the brim lastnight, some even requiring traffic control.
EF Staff/Student Christmas Dinner
Today started much like any normal off day. I had lunch at a local dim sum restaurant and later went to have Christmas dinner with Pastor Dan Sanidfer-Stech and his family from my church, COGS. We had a delicious meal of shrimp stir fry noodles cooked up by their ayi and a dessert of Christmas cookies made by their three girls. The girls were quite busy playing with their Santa toys and we ended the evening gazing at the few stars in the sky through the new telescopes that Santa Claus brought.
Christmas with the Sandifer-Stech Family
I will go back to work tomorrow but not before a viewing of A Christmas Story and a cup of hot cocoa. To quote the final line of that movie:
"All is right with the world."
Saturday, December 20, 2008
EF Christmas Cabaret...
Saturday night December 20th was EF's Christmas Cabaret, a Christmas party and show designed to both celebrate the holiday and give the students an opportunity to use their English in a social setting. Approximately 200 people attended including students and staff. The party was held at Club Obiwan, a college oriented night club in Beijing's beautiful HouHai area.
The evening began with a buffet consisting of chicken wings and other finger foods along with salads, popcorn, and soft drinks. The show began with one of our students Michelle Chen, an opera singer singing Silent Night along with student life coordinator Tony. There was a snafu with the music and instead of the track she had intended she had to sing along with the Elvis Presley version. Despite the fact that Elvis was never an opera singer, it was still a beautiful reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.
After that, I read Twas the Night before Christmas and performed a mini show of mentalism tricks, including free choice and Hen Fetsch's classic Mental Epic. The audience seemed astounded at these tricks. I was really worried because I haven't done a proper performance in months.
After the magic show with Ming, one of my students. As always my 3 predictions were correct 
The 12 Days of Christmas EF Style with Alana, Nadine, and Ed.
Bringing a bit of culture to the evening, Gloria performs a traditional Chinese dance.
The evening began with a buffet consisting of chicken wings and other finger foods along with salads, popcorn, and soft drinks. The show began with one of our students Michelle Chen, an opera singer singing Silent Night along with student life coordinator Tony. There was a snafu with the music and instead of the track she had intended she had to sing along with the Elvis Presley version. Despite the fact that Elvis was never an opera singer, it was still a beautiful reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.
After that, I read Twas the Night before Christmas and performed a mini show of mentalism tricks, including free choice and Hen Fetsch's classic Mental Epic. The audience seemed astounded at these tricks. I was really worried because I haven't done a proper performance in months.
After the magic show with Ming, one of my students. As always my 3 predictions were correct
After a short break, the staff performed the 12 days of Christmas, an idea I had from seeing it done in high school at a Centrifuge camp. We made complete fools of ourselves but the students seemed to really enjoy it as we got a thunderous round of applause.
The 12 Days of Christmas EF Style with Alana, Nadine, and Ed.
Bringing a bit of culture to the evening, Gloria performs a traditional Chinese dance.
Later, Helen, one of our teachers led the crowd in some crazy games and the night ended with more music performed by the EF choir. All in all it was a fun event with plenty time for socializing among students and staff.
Helen giving EF teacher Caleen instructions on how to be her next victim, er game contestant.
Just in case you had bad things in mind, this sign makes it abundantly clear that there will be no drug taking, gambling, or soliciting and whoring of women in this club.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Mealtime on Monday...
I am starting a new series of articles. On most Mondays (one of my off days), I will visit a different Beijing restaurant and post a review of the experience here. I will rate them on ambience, service, food, and price. A final rating of 1-5 sweet potatos (my favorite Beijing street food) will be given with 5 being near perfection.
The restaurant- The Tree; the tree is located down a dark side alley just off Sanlitun bar street in downtown Beijing. It is one of the oldest western owned places in Beijing. Originally it was called The Hidden Tree. Now it is just called The Tree but it is definitely hidden. I finally found it after wandering into an aparment complex and being pointed in the right direction by the security guards.
Ambience- It has its charms,but really is just a run down looking bar with red candles on all of the tables. A wood burning oven stands in the middle of the restaurant where you can watch the pizzas being made.
Service- Like most Beijing restaurants, service is adequate. As is the custom in China, no one comes to take your order until you get the server's attention. Apparently here the custom is to yell fuwuyuan (waiter) at the top of your lungs. That is what people were doing. The servers seemed more interested in showing off their new purses to each other than waiting tables. Once I had their attention, service was quick and efficient. Food was brought quickly and used dishes were cleared as needed.
Food- I can get over less than stellar service if the food is good. The Tree is supposedly the best pizza in Beijing. It is also known for its wide selection of imported Belgium beers. Being a pizza lover, I had to know if it would live up to the hype. I started with the cream of mushroom soup, a popular Beijing soup. It was very creamy and hot with just enough pieces of mushrooms. Much better than all the canned mushroom soups that so many other places serve, this was obviously homemade. After that I went for a pepporoni pizza. This comes with thick sliced pepperoni, green pepper and onion. The pizza arrived just minutes after ordering. They are cooked for just a few minutes in the wood burning oven. It reminded me of homemade pizza, the thin crust was not soggy, but just crispy enough, although a little hard to pick up. The sauce reminded me of Ragu, not necessarily a bad thing for me as I like Ragu; it is what I use when I make homemade pizza. This was all washed down with a cold glass of Hoegaarden. Is it the best in Beijng- certainly one of the best I have had.
The Tree Pizza, plenty left for lunch tomorrow!
The Price- My total bill came out to 130 yuan- about 17 dollars. This is a bit lower than most pizza places in town, albeit the pizza is a bit smaller too. I hear they have a great low priced lunch special- I will have to try it out next.
Total Sweet Potatos- 3 (The service does leave something to be desired.)
The restaurant- The Tree; the tree is located down a dark side alley just off Sanlitun bar street in downtown Beijing. It is one of the oldest western owned places in Beijing. Originally it was called The Hidden Tree. Now it is just called The Tree but it is definitely hidden. I finally found it after wandering into an aparment complex and being pointed in the right direction by the security guards.
Ambience- It has its charms,but really is just a run down looking bar with red candles on all of the tables. A wood burning oven stands in the middle of the restaurant where you can watch the pizzas being made.
Service- Like most Beijing restaurants, service is adequate. As is the custom in China, no one comes to take your order until you get the server's attention. Apparently here the custom is to yell fuwuyuan (waiter) at the top of your lungs. That is what people were doing. The servers seemed more interested in showing off their new purses to each other than waiting tables. Once I had their attention, service was quick and efficient. Food was brought quickly and used dishes were cleared as needed.
Food- I can get over less than stellar service if the food is good. The Tree is supposedly the best pizza in Beijing. It is also known for its wide selection of imported Belgium beers. Being a pizza lover, I had to know if it would live up to the hype. I started with the cream of mushroom soup, a popular Beijing soup. It was very creamy and hot with just enough pieces of mushrooms. Much better than all the canned mushroom soups that so many other places serve, this was obviously homemade. After that I went for a pepporoni pizza. This comes with thick sliced pepperoni, green pepper and onion. The pizza arrived just minutes after ordering. They are cooked for just a few minutes in the wood burning oven. It reminded me of homemade pizza, the thin crust was not soggy, but just crispy enough, although a little hard to pick up. The sauce reminded me of Ragu, not necessarily a bad thing for me as I like Ragu; it is what I use when I make homemade pizza. This was all washed down with a cold glass of Hoegaarden. Is it the best in Beijng- certainly one of the best I have had.
The Tree Pizza, plenty left for lunch tomorrow!
The Price- My total bill came out to 130 yuan- about 17 dollars. This is a bit lower than most pizza places in town, albeit the pizza is a bit smaller too. I hear they have a great low priced lunch special- I will have to try it out next.
Total Sweet Potatos- 3 (The service does leave something to be desired.)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas (trees)...
One question I was asked repeatedly while back in the states was, "Do they celebrate Christmas in China?" The answer is yes... sort of. Christmas decorations are going up all over town: trees, Santas, tinsel, lights. It is hard to tell if this is just pure marketing, a desire to be more "Western", a true celebration or a mix of all three.
Christmas is not an official holiday recognized by the government. I have asked many of my students if they celebrate Christmas. Most say no, but a few say yes, meaning they give presents on Christmas. It is clear that many don't realize what they are celebrating. When they have asked me why we celebrate it, most have been surprised to learn that there is a meaning beyond presents and trees. At the same time, there are quite a few Christians in China who celebrate the holiday for its religious significance. Just walk into any registered Chinese church on Sunday and see if you can get a seat; you probably won't unless you get there an hour early. The one thing I haven't seen: a nativity. I guess I will have to wait until this Sunday at Congregation of the Good Shepherd where the children are reenacting a nativity as part of this week's liturgy.
Seeing all the decorations of Christmas here without their meaning attached reminds me of the speech the Grinch gives after he steals all the superficial symbols of Christmas but the people still celebrate. It is kind of opposite of here where we have all the superficial symbols but not the "little bit more" that the Grinch reminds us of:
And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?"
"It came with out ribbons! It came without tags!"
"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
Here are some pictures to liven your Christmas spirit:
A sort of sad and puny tree at my favorite pizza joint: Pyro Pizza in Wudaukou
From my apartment lobby
A smaller tree from my apartment lobby
A small tree at an ice cream stand- Charlie Brown would be so proud!
A Rockefeller Center style tree outisde my office building
Christmas is not an official holiday recognized by the government. I have asked many of my students if they celebrate Christmas. Most say no, but a few say yes, meaning they give presents on Christmas. It is clear that many don't realize what they are celebrating. When they have asked me why we celebrate it, most have been surprised to learn that there is a meaning beyond presents and trees. At the same time, there are quite a few Christians in China who celebrate the holiday for its religious significance. Just walk into any registered Chinese church on Sunday and see if you can get a seat; you probably won't unless you get there an hour early. The one thing I haven't seen: a nativity. I guess I will have to wait until this Sunday at Congregation of the Good Shepherd where the children are reenacting a nativity as part of this week's liturgy.
Seeing all the decorations of Christmas here without their meaning attached reminds me of the speech the Grinch gives after he steals all the superficial symbols of Christmas but the people still celebrate. It is kind of opposite of here where we have all the superficial symbols but not the "little bit more" that the Grinch reminds us of:
And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?"
"It came with out ribbons! It came without tags!"
"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
Here are some pictures to liven your Christmas spirit:
A sort of sad and puny tree at my favorite pizza joint: Pyro Pizza in Wudaukou
From my apartment lobby
A smaller tree from my apartment lobby
A small tree at an ice cream stand- Charlie Brown would be so proud!
A Rockefeller Center style tree outisde my office building
Friday, December 5, 2008
Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's Turning 3030...
On my first day back at EF, the monthly birthday party was planned. Celebrating birthdays this month was myself, Laurie (my boss), fellow teacher Serena, and several ladies who work as study advisors and front desk. 
The Birthday People
My present- An EF mug
The Birthday People
My present- An EF mug
"Is this available to the general public?"
"No"
"Then I will cherish it"
(Peggy Hill from King of the Hill)
Laurie and I ceremonially cutting the cakes. They weren't exactly Paula Deen quality but still good. Chinese cakes have lots of fruit in them and on top of them. There were three cakes: vanilla, chocolate, and green tea!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Back in America...
On Monday the 24th of November, I landed back in Memphis, TN at around 5:00 PM. At this point I had lived through Monday twice in a row due to time changes. After arrival in Memphis, me and my parents headed back to Bruce for dinner at Pizza Palace, Bruce's longest running restaurant, owned by longtime Bruce resident and Greek immigrant Bill Kakales. I had the spaghetti and meatsauce with a side of corn nuggets. It was then time to head back home to meet the dogs for the first time in six months. Chloe took a little time to warm up to me; Clark knew me immediately.
Tuesday, me and mom headed out to Oxford, MS for some Wal-Mart shopping and then decided to drive up to Panola County for a drive through the Mississippi Delta. We saw Marks, Lambert, (site of my first college summer job), Sledge (home of Charley Pride), as well as some no name places. We ended up at celebrity chef Paula Deen's new restaurant at the Harrah's resort in Tunica for dinner. This place has forever set the standard for what beef brisket should be!
Wednesday was a lazy day, visiting with extended family and taking them souveneirs from China. My little cousin Jonathan got me hooked on Guitar Hero and I am proud to say I am returning to China with the Nintendo DS version.
Thanskgiving started the usual way: waking up to the smells of good food while the sounds of Broadway played in the background from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. After loading up the dishes in the car it was off to Nelda and Lala's (Lonnie's) house (That is my aunt and uncle.) We ate too much, me and Jonathan played more guitar hero, and then we ate more. Afterwards I visited with my Aunt Till and Uncle Ken and cousin Pat at their home in Calhoun City, MS and then returned home to find my Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Annie over for a visit. It was a great day getting caught up with family.
On Friday, after lunch at Pizza Palace, Priscilla Melton and her son Christopher came by for a visit. Priscilla has been fighting a battle with cancer over the past months and it appears she has won! Growing up, Christopher was my Nintendo playing buddy. No telling how many hours we logged on that old 8 bit system saving Princesses from dragons. Christopher is now a college student at Ole Miss and doing quite well. Later that evening I got to open my Christmas presents, lots of good new clothes and some DVDS to take back to Beijing and even a little money!
On Saturday, I headed to Corinth to spend some time with friends there. Myself, Allen Millican, Cody Butler, and Chase Claburn went to see the new Twilight movie: this is NOT a vampire movie, at least one guy got his head ripped off though.
Sunday morning, I attended church at St. Paul's Church in Corinth and since hardly anyone showed up for Sunday School I ended up just answering questions about China and getting caught up with friends at the church. Sunday night was the reuninion with my Crosswind family. Crosswind is a Christian social needs ministry, similar to the Salvation Army. I attended the evening service and got to see a lot of friends that I have worked alongside in ministry in Corinth. Afterwards, Cody and Allen went with me for a meal at Mi Toro mexican restaurant.
Monday was a whirlwind of a day. I headed to Oxford to meet up with my friend Sebastian Clark. Sebastian and I have been to 4 Cornerstone Festivals in Bushnell, IL together. Gabriel Stanley also joined us, Gabe has been at 3 of those 4 festivals. We spent most of the time at a coffee house sipping coffee and cider. One highlight of the afternoon was when the young blond lady stopped by our table to talk to us and it turned out she was Joey Lauren Adams who most people will know from the Adam Sandler movie Big Daddy, very down to earth nice girl. She apparently hangs out in this coffee house quite a bit. She has also been in many other films, such as Kevin Smith's, Chasing Amy. Later me and Sebastian went over to Faulkner's home and walked the grounds. It was cool to imagine the man himself spending time among those trees plotting his next novel. After a quick run by Oxford T Shirt Co. to meet Sebastian's girlfriend, I headed up to Memphis for the International Brotherhood of Magicians Memphis chapter's annual holiday banquet. I performed one trick as an outgoing officer and then walked away with a good book from the gift swap: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Street Magic. This will give me some extra resources to pull from for my EF magic club.
Tuesday morning I spoke at Calhoun Academy to the third-sixth grade classes and showed them pictures from China. They were all very curious.
I landed in Beijing lastnight around 6 pm and stepped out of the plane into 21 degree farenheit air and wind. It was strange how normal it seemed to be landing in China. 6 months ago that didn't seem so normal. After clearing customs and an hourlong cab ride to my apartment, I was ready for sleep. Now I am back at work. I hear there is a birthday party planned later in the day for me and Laurie, my boss. We were born in the same year just 2 days apart. I will update later with pictures from that party.
Tuesday, me and mom headed out to Oxford, MS for some Wal-Mart shopping and then decided to drive up to Panola County for a drive through the Mississippi Delta. We saw Marks, Lambert, (site of my first college summer job), Sledge (home of Charley Pride), as well as some no name places. We ended up at celebrity chef Paula Deen's new restaurant at the Harrah's resort in Tunica for dinner. This place has forever set the standard for what beef brisket should be!
Wednesday was a lazy day, visiting with extended family and taking them souveneirs from China. My little cousin Jonathan got me hooked on Guitar Hero and I am proud to say I am returning to China with the Nintendo DS version.
Thanskgiving started the usual way: waking up to the smells of good food while the sounds of Broadway played in the background from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. After loading up the dishes in the car it was off to Nelda and Lala's (Lonnie's) house (That is my aunt and uncle.) We ate too much, me and Jonathan played more guitar hero, and then we ate more. Afterwards I visited with my Aunt Till and Uncle Ken and cousin Pat at their home in Calhoun City, MS and then returned home to find my Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Annie over for a visit. It was a great day getting caught up with family.
On Friday, after lunch at Pizza Palace, Priscilla Melton and her son Christopher came by for a visit. Priscilla has been fighting a battle with cancer over the past months and it appears she has won! Growing up, Christopher was my Nintendo playing buddy. No telling how many hours we logged on that old 8 bit system saving Princesses from dragons. Christopher is now a college student at Ole Miss and doing quite well. Later that evening I got to open my Christmas presents, lots of good new clothes and some DVDS to take back to Beijing and even a little money!
On Saturday, I headed to Corinth to spend some time with friends there. Myself, Allen Millican, Cody Butler, and Chase Claburn went to see the new Twilight movie: this is NOT a vampire movie, at least one guy got his head ripped off though.
Sunday morning, I attended church at St. Paul's Church in Corinth and since hardly anyone showed up for Sunday School I ended up just answering questions about China and getting caught up with friends at the church. Sunday night was the reuninion with my Crosswind family. Crosswind is a Christian social needs ministry, similar to the Salvation Army. I attended the evening service and got to see a lot of friends that I have worked alongside in ministry in Corinth. Afterwards, Cody and Allen went with me for a meal at Mi Toro mexican restaurant.
Monday was a whirlwind of a day. I headed to Oxford to meet up with my friend Sebastian Clark. Sebastian and I have been to 4 Cornerstone Festivals in Bushnell, IL together. Gabriel Stanley also joined us, Gabe has been at 3 of those 4 festivals. We spent most of the time at a coffee house sipping coffee and cider. One highlight of the afternoon was when the young blond lady stopped by our table to talk to us and it turned out she was Joey Lauren Adams who most people will know from the Adam Sandler movie Big Daddy, very down to earth nice girl. She apparently hangs out in this coffee house quite a bit. She has also been in many other films, such as Kevin Smith's, Chasing Amy. Later me and Sebastian went over to Faulkner's home and walked the grounds. It was cool to imagine the man himself spending time among those trees plotting his next novel. After a quick run by Oxford T Shirt Co. to meet Sebastian's girlfriend, I headed up to Memphis for the International Brotherhood of Magicians Memphis chapter's annual holiday banquet. I performed one trick as an outgoing officer and then walked away with a good book from the gift swap: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Street Magic. This will give me some extra resources to pull from for my EF magic club.
Coffee With Sebastian and Gabe
Tuesday morning I spoke at Calhoun Academy to the third-sixth grade classes and showed them pictures from China. They were all very curious.
I landed in Beijing lastnight around 6 pm and stepped out of the plane into 21 degree farenheit air and wind. It was strange how normal it seemed to be landing in China. 6 months ago that didn't seem so normal. After clearing customs and an hourlong cab ride to my apartment, I was ready for sleep. Now I am back at work. I hear there is a birthday party planned later in the day for me and Laurie, my boss. We were born in the same year just 2 days apart. I will update later with pictures from that party.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
You Know You've Been In China Too Long When...
With my U.S. trip just 8 days away, I thought it good to reflect on the craziness of this place. Here are excerpts from a Jeff Foxworthy style list I found as well as some of my own observations. Mine are marked with TP.
You know you've been in China too long when...
You buy a round trip air ticket in China.
You start calling other foreigners Lao Wai.
You think singing Karaoke on Friday nights is fun.
You consider McDonalds a treat.
Chinese fashion starts looking hip.
Your idea of a larger home is an extra 10 square meters.
You ask fellow foreigners the all-important question “How long have you been here?” in order to be able to properly categorize them.
Pollution, what pollution?
You stop enjoying telling newcomers to China ‘all about China’.
You think that you can impress foreigners by drinking Budweiser.(Dr. Pepper)
You have run out of snappy comebacks to compliments about your chopstick skills.
Someone doesn’t stare at you and you wonder why.
Forks feel funny.
Other foreigners give you a funny look when you tell them how long you’ve been here.
The Lunar Calendar ALWAYS takes precedence.
You can make elevators go faster by boarding first and taking over the controls.
Drilling on the walls in the wee small hours in the morning is considered acceptable behaviour.
You get offended when people admire your chopsticks skills.
You speak enough Chinese to make your colleagues laugh their heads off (attempts with anyone else still only draw blank stares).
TP:
Bootleg DVDs are no longer fun.
Sleeping in a hooded sweatshirt because the heat hasn't been turned on yet is normal behavior.
You think Colonel Sanders looks like a communist with all that red surrounding his picture that you see everywhere.
You call yourself an expat.
Buying a baked sweet potato on the side of the road off of some lady's bicycle does sound like a good idea.
The lady selling baked sweet potatos looks for you to come out of your office every night because she knows you will buy one.
You've eaten at the local Western style restaurant so many times that they bring the Dr. Pepper to your table before you even sit down.
You know you've been in China too long when...
You buy a round trip air ticket in China.
You start calling other foreigners Lao Wai.
You think singing Karaoke on Friday nights is fun.
You consider McDonalds a treat.
Chinese fashion starts looking hip.
Your idea of a larger home is an extra 10 square meters.
You ask fellow foreigners the all-important question “How long have you been here?” in order to be able to properly categorize them.
Pollution, what pollution?
You stop enjoying telling newcomers to China ‘all about China’.
You think that you can impress foreigners by drinking Budweiser.(Dr. Pepper)
You have run out of snappy comebacks to compliments about your chopstick skills.
Someone doesn’t stare at you and you wonder why.
Forks feel funny.
Other foreigners give you a funny look when you tell them how long you’ve been here.
The Lunar Calendar ALWAYS takes precedence.
You can make elevators go faster by boarding first and taking over the controls.
Drilling on the walls in the wee small hours in the morning is considered acceptable behaviour.
You get offended when people admire your chopsticks skills.
You speak enough Chinese to make your colleagues laugh their heads off (attempts with anyone else still only draw blank stares).
TP:
Bootleg DVDs are no longer fun.
Sleeping in a hooded sweatshirt because the heat hasn't been turned on yet is normal behavior.
You think Colonel Sanders looks like a communist with all that red surrounding his picture that you see everywhere.
You call yourself an expat.
Buying a baked sweet potato on the side of the road off of some lady's bicycle does sound like a good idea.
The lady selling baked sweet potatos looks for you to come out of your office every night because she knows you will buy one.
You've eaten at the local Western style restaurant so many times that they bring the Dr. Pepper to your table before you even sit down.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
So good you wanna....
With my upcoming US trip arriving in 2 weeks, I needed to finish up some Christmas shopping. I headed over to the Silk Market, one of the larger marketplaces in Beijing.
Along with some gifts and a new winter coat for myself, which according to the saleslady I look handsome in, I purchased a simple magic trick from a magic shop in the market. I won't say the name of the prop I bought on here so I don't reveal the secret but for my magic buddies it was a product commonly sold in U.S. magic shops that comes in a variety of textures, colors, and sizes and is made by Vernet. These weren't Vernet quality(try dollar tree quality), but since I didn't have one, I decided to haggle for it. He started his price at 85 (discount since I said I was a magician ). This is about 13 dollars. I offered him much lower and in his shock, he made a crucial mistake. He said "Sir you are magician, you know quality of this product." To which I responded, "Yes I do, and I know this one is not worth what you are asking." I got it for 40, still a little high but it came with a silk so I can't complain.
Now on to the real reason for my visit: FOOD. With this being a touristy area, I figured there would be some good western restaurants around. I walked around a bit in search of a place and amidst calls from street vendors to buy socks and dvds and one offer from a Chinese pimp to find sex for me, I found the restaurants. Mexican, no. Steak, no (even though according to the sign this place had "The best steak in town, probably." And then there it was: Tim's Texas Barbecue. I stepped in the place feeling like I had stepped into a King of the Hill episode. There were a couple of tables occupied, all foreigners (including one loud table of annoying Texan tourists debating Obama and Bush, why are tourists such dweebs?) I immediately sat down and ordered the brisket (the true measure of any place claiming to sell Texas bbq.) It didnt' dissappoint. The onion rings were the best I have ever had, the pinto beans and cornbread divine, and the meat tender and smokey tasting, and the spanish rice a unique side item for a bbq place. Now only if my mama had been there for me to slap her...
Along with some gifts and a new winter coat for myself, which according to the saleslady I look handsome in, I purchased a simple magic trick from a magic shop in the market. I won't say the name of the prop I bought on here so I don't reveal the secret but for my magic buddies it was a product commonly sold in U.S. magic shops that comes in a variety of textures, colors, and sizes and is made by Vernet. These weren't Vernet quality(try dollar tree quality), but since I didn't have one, I decided to haggle for it. He started his price at 85 (discount since I said I was a magician ). This is about 13 dollars. I offered him much lower and in his shock, he made a crucial mistake. He said "Sir you are magician, you know quality of this product." To which I responded, "Yes I do, and I know this one is not worth what you are asking." I got it for 40, still a little high but it came with a silk so I can't complain.
Now on to the real reason for my visit: FOOD. With this being a touristy area, I figured there would be some good western restaurants around. I walked around a bit in search of a place and amidst calls from street vendors to buy socks and dvds and one offer from a Chinese pimp to find sex for me, I found the restaurants. Mexican, no. Steak, no (even though according to the sign this place had "The best steak in town, probably." And then there it was: Tim's Texas Barbecue. I stepped in the place feeling like I had stepped into a King of the Hill episode. There were a couple of tables occupied, all foreigners (including one loud table of annoying Texan tourists debating Obama and Bush, why are tourists such dweebs?) I immediately sat down and ordered the brisket (the true measure of any place claiming to sell Texas bbq.) It didnt' dissappoint. The onion rings were the best I have ever had, the pinto beans and cornbread divine, and the meat tender and smokey tasting, and the spanish rice a unique side item for a bbq place. Now only if my mama had been there for me to slap her...
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Political Post...
Americans spoke yesterday; Barack Obama will become the 44th President of the United States. What does this mean for America? I don't know, but here are some things I do know:
We should pray for the president, whether we consider him to be worthy of the job or not.
The George Bush years are over! This can only be a good thing for the country and the world.
Barack Obama holds some ideals that I don't agree with (abortion and gay marriage).
Barack Obama holds some ideals that I do agree with (helping others and stronger healthcare)
How will those ideals play out? I hope they play out in a good way that truly unites our country. But in the end, its not about Barack, or me or you; It is about one man: Jesus Christ.
What I am sure of is that true change will only come when and only when people unite behind God:
2 Chronicles 7:14- my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
We should pray for the president, whether we consider him to be worthy of the job or not.
The George Bush years are over! This can only be a good thing for the country and the world.
Barack Obama holds some ideals that I don't agree with (abortion and gay marriage).
Barack Obama holds some ideals that I do agree with (helping others and stronger healthcare)
How will those ideals play out? I hope they play out in a good way that truly unites our country. But in the end, its not about Barack, or me or you; It is about one man: Jesus Christ.
What I am sure of is that true change will only come when and only when people unite behind God:
2 Chronicles 7:14- my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Friday, October 31, 2008
This Is Halloween...
Halloween in China? Yes, at least at EF schools. Originally I was assisting with the party, but due to the organizer's back injury, at the last minute I was put in charge. I wouldn't say the party was a huge success, but the students appeared to have fun and that is what really matters. We had games, food(including some of Ruth Chrestman's VBS kool aid punch), a costume contest, scary stories (told by me, inspired by similar stories told by Ann King at the library in Bruce), fog machines (Arise Chicken, Chicken Arise!) and some music from a couple of different singers.
Here are some pictures:
Here are some pictures:
EF Student Jeffrey, with some guy in a vampire costume.
EF Teacher Alana As Flava Flav- Without Her Last Minute Creativity The Party Would Have Been A Total Failure. Thanks A Million, Alana!
Winners of the costume contest- The Chinese Grim Reaper
We Ain't Got No Place To Go, Let's Go To The Punk Rawk Show
EF Teacher Alana As Flava Flav- Without Her Last Minute Creativity The Party Would Have Been A Total Failure. Thanks A Million, Alana!
Winners of the costume contest- The Chinese Grim Reaper
A Couple Of Friendly Witches
Ghost Rider
We Ain't Got No Place To Go, Let's Go To The Punk Rawk Show
Entertainment Was Provided By The 2008 EF Idol Winner, A Citywide EF Sponsored American Idol Style Singing Competition.
Will this party ever end? This vampire needs to sleep.
Monday, October 27, 2008
A Trip To The Great Wall...
After meeting Gray Line's tour bus at the Crowne Plaza Hotel this morning, me and 5 other Americans who had booked the tour were off for a day of sightseeing in the mountains outside of Beijing.
The first stop was the Ming Tombs, burial places of the Ming era emperors and empresses. There are 13 tombs; we toured the largest one: Changling Tomb. After passing through the tomb's gate, you enter the largest wooden building in Beijing. This is a memorial to the emperor buried there, an emperor who seized power illegally by killing his nephew who was in power. Most tend to agree that after that act, he was a good emperor anyway. This hall contains his statue as well as artifacts that have been unearthed from the 13 tombs. Beyond this point is a tower just in front of the tomb itself (you don't actually enter the tomb). In the tomb are also buried 13 of his concubines who were ritually sacrificed (a high honor) to join him in the afterlife.
Largest wooden building
Statue of the Emperor
View from the tower in front of the burial chamber
A short stop at a Jade carving factory gave us an interesting look at how jewelery and other Jade pieces are fashioned. We also got to shop in the massive Jade store.
Now it was time for the real reason we came on the trip, the Great Wall. Instead of taking us to the more popular Badaling section, we went to Jingyonguan, a circular section with better views and less tourists.
The hike was steep and I admit I didn't make it very far. They say in China you aren't a real man until you have climbed the Great Wall; I guess I am just a piece of a man because that is how far I made it. I felt really bad when the old lady with the cane passed me.
I decided the view from the observation deck near the concession stand was just as good; how many more chances will I have to drink a coke and eat oreos on the Great Wall? Besides, that allowed me to have a souveneir picture made in Ming warrior getup:
It's a picture of a picture, sorry about the bad quality.
The Great Wall
Me on the wall
After an hour at the wall, we travelled to the local Friendship Store for lunch and some final shopping. Friendship Stores were opened many years ago when China first opened up to foreigners. At this time China had two money systems: one for locals and one for foreigners. Foreigners could only exchange their money for the foreigner money and it could only be spent in designated tourist stores like the Friendship Stores. Also, only foreigners could shop there. Lunch was a heavily westernized Chinese meal consisting of fish, beef with onions, kung pao chicken, vegetables, and rice.
I do want to go back to the Great Wall and actually make it to the top, maybe the one with the cable car though!
The first stop was the Ming Tombs, burial places of the Ming era emperors and empresses. There are 13 tombs; we toured the largest one: Changling Tomb. After passing through the tomb's gate, you enter the largest wooden building in Beijing. This is a memorial to the emperor buried there, an emperor who seized power illegally by killing his nephew who was in power. Most tend to agree that after that act, he was a good emperor anyway. This hall contains his statue as well as artifacts that have been unearthed from the 13 tombs. Beyond this point is a tower just in front of the tomb itself (you don't actually enter the tomb). In the tomb are also buried 13 of his concubines who were ritually sacrificed (a high honor) to join him in the afterlife.
Largest wooden building
Statue of the Emperor
View from the tower in front of the burial chamber
A short stop at a Jade carving factory gave us an interesting look at how jewelery and other Jade pieces are fashioned. We also got to shop in the massive Jade store.
Now it was time for the real reason we came on the trip, the Great Wall. Instead of taking us to the more popular Badaling section, we went to Jingyonguan, a circular section with better views and less tourists.
The hike was steep and I admit I didn't make it very far. They say in China you aren't a real man until you have climbed the Great Wall; I guess I am just a piece of a man because that is how far I made it. I felt really bad when the old lady with the cane passed me.
I decided the view from the observation deck near the concession stand was just as good; how many more chances will I have to drink a coke and eat oreos on the Great Wall? Besides, that allowed me to have a souveneir picture made in Ming warrior getup:
It's a picture of a picture, sorry about the bad quality.
The Great Wall
Me on the wall
After an hour at the wall, we travelled to the local Friendship Store for lunch and some final shopping. Friendship Stores were opened many years ago when China first opened up to foreigners. At this time China had two money systems: one for locals and one for foreigners. Foreigners could only exchange their money for the foreigner money and it could only be spent in designated tourist stores like the Friendship Stores. Also, only foreigners could shop there. Lunch was a heavily westernized Chinese meal consisting of fish, beef with onions, kung pao chicken, vegetables, and rice.
I do want to go back to the Great Wall and actually make it to the top, maybe the one with the cable car though!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A Day In The Life...
Inspired by a similar article in Donald Trump's book, How to Get Rich, the following is a day in my life here in Beijing.
Wednesday, 10-15-2008
9:00 AM- Wake Up and check email- At about 9:15, Mom calls in on Skype. I am still a little groggy so I really don't remember what we talked about at all. Afterwards I get a shower and have breakfast, today it's a couple boiled eggs and some crackers.
Wednesday, 10-15-2008
9:00 AM- Wake Up and check email- At about 9:15, Mom calls in on Skype. I am still a little groggy so I really don't remember what we talked about at all. Afterwards I get a shower and have breakfast, today it's a couple boiled eggs and some crackers.
11:00 AM- Leave for work- I walk out of my building and grab bus 307. The trip from the apartment to my work takes about 10 minutes this morning.
Atherton International Apartments
11:10 AM- Arrive in Zhongguancun- I stop off at a newsstand to buy a China Daily, the national English newspaper. It is full of good news only as it is government run. Now its time to head into the building. I work in The Gate: City Mall. This looks like any shopping mall in America. The first five floors are the mall; above the mall are offices, we are on the 12th floor.
Zhongguancun Street
11:20 AM- Say hello to the front desk ladies and all the smiling teachers. After this I sit down at a computer, check my work email, and begin planning my lessons for the day. Today I am teaching a class on learning styles. I am going to have four activities, one for each of the learning styles. Throughout the class the students will try out an activity in each learning style and at the end of class write feedback about which they liked best. If there is time we will go to the computer lab and take a learning styles inventory.
The Front Desk Ladies Keep The School Running
Melissa, Nadine, Summer, and Lloyd Hard At Work
12:40 PM- My first class of the day- This is the learning styles class. After some opening discussion of the concept of learning styles, the students rotate through four stations and experience the three learning styles in the discussion as well as a traditional classroom pen and paper vocabulary activity.
Tactile Learners Build A Model Of A Famous Chinese Landmark
Aural Learners Tell Stories To Each Other And Summarize
Before class ends, I give the students some instructions and tips for incorporating their learning style into personal study habits.
1:40 PM- Office Hour- Basically I use this time to prep for classes, visit with students, and take care of business. If there is not much to do, I will work on this blog or check out some stuff on the internet.
2:40 PM- CPD, Center Professional Development- This is our weekly staff meeting. Sometimes we have a guest speaker, other times it is more of a business type meeting. Today three teachers: Ed, Jean, and Nancy, are presenting short presentations on topics they have been researching. My time to do this will come soon.
2:40 PM- CPD, Center Professional Development- This is our weekly staff meeting. Sometimes we have a guest speaker, other times it is more of a business type meeting. Today three teachers: Ed, Jean, and Nancy, are presenting short presentations on topics they have been researching. My time to do this will come soon.
3:40 PM- LUNCH- I head downstairs to Mr. G's Kitchen, a Yunnan style Chinese fast food place.
Today it will be beef with mushrooms and peppers over rice.
4:40 PM- Placement Testing Duty- During this hour, I have to make myself available to the sales and admission staff should a new student come in desiring placement in an English program. It requires me to interview them and gauge their English level based on EF's placement scale. After this I communicate with the sales staff so they can give feedback. I am on the party planning committee and we meet briefly to discuss plans for a Halloween event. It must be slow day in sales because no new students come by.
5:40 PM- The Evening Rush- After offices close, the bulk of our students arrive. I have three classes tonight. I will teach the learning styles lesson again; I am looking forward to it as it went well this morning. I think it is one of the best lessons I have EVER taught. Its amazing how far a little creativity can go. After that I have two face to face classes; these are small classes of 2-4 students. Our topic today is Dimensions and Specifications, ugh, I have to teach a geometry lesson! We will primarily be discussing whatever the students want to talk about though. Face To Face is sometimes a lesson, mostly a discussion and conversation practice, and sometimes a counseling session.
4:40 PM- Placement Testing Duty- During this hour, I have to make myself available to the sales and admission staff should a new student come in desiring placement in an English program. It requires me to interview them and gauge their English level based on EF's placement scale. After this I communicate with the sales staff so they can give feedback. I am on the party planning committee and we meet briefly to discuss plans for a Halloween event. It must be slow day in sales because no new students come by.
5:40 PM- The Evening Rush- After offices close, the bulk of our students arrive. I have three classes tonight. I will teach the learning styles lesson again; I am looking forward to it as it went well this morning. I think it is one of the best lessons I have EVER taught. Its amazing how far a little creativity can go. After that I have two face to face classes; these are small classes of 2-4 students. Our topic today is Dimensions and Specifications, ugh, I have to teach a geometry lesson! We will primarily be discussing whatever the students want to talk about though. Face To Face is sometimes a lesson, mostly a discussion and conversation practice, and sometimes a counseling session.
The first face to face was really good. These were high level students that I usually meet with every Wednesday night so we have a good rapport going.
My second face to face was good, although the students were not very talkative. This can be very difficult in a class where conversation is the main goal.
As I walk to the subway I frequently pass by this guy performing his songs for spare change. I try to toss him a yuan or two because I really do enjoy hearing him even if I can't understand a word.
After work, I will take the subway home, stop off to pick up my laundry at the dry cleaners (it is so nice having someone do that for me for so little money!), and then retire at home for the night. After a bowl of Chef Boyardee and the latest episode of The Daily Show with John Stewart from Itunes, it is time to go to bed so I can get up and do it all over again!
Good Night!
Good Night!
Youtube Link For Slideshow...
For those having trouble getting the video slideshow to play in my blog, click on the following link to watch it on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnf2mi8FstU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnf2mi8FstU
Monday, October 6, 2008
A Four Month Slideshow...
Some you've seen, some you haven't, enjoy!
Note: If you have a dial up or slow connection, it may take awhile to load. It is about 6 minutes long and has music. Why did I pick those songs? Because.
Note: If you have a dial up or slow connection, it may take awhile to load. It is about 6 minutes long and has music. Why did I pick those songs? Because.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Beijing International Christian Fellowship, 21st Century Campus...
This morning I took a break from COGS, my regular church, and visited one that my work schedule doesn't normally allow, Beijing International Christian Fellowship's main campus at the 21st Century Theater.
In the style of The Mystery Worshipper from http://www.ship-of-fools.com/:
The Church: Beijing International Christian Fellowship (BICF) is the larges tof the expat(someone living outside his country of citizenship) churches in Beijing. This is its main campus. I previously visited the Zhonguancun location, a much smaller BICF campus. At this campus, besides hosting a multitude of small groups and children/youth ministries throughout the week, services are held each Sunday in the following languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Filipino, an English service for people from Africa, French, Indonesian, Japanese, and Russian. Foreign passport holders only are allowed per Chinese law and they do check at the door. However, quite a few Chinese people hold dual citizenship in either the US or Canada and China or are living in Beijing temporarily from Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau, portions of China that are politically independent of the Chinese government, so a lot of Chinese people do get to attend the services. The church meets in the 21st Century Theater, a large performing arts center. Across the street at the 21st Century Hotel, the church rents space for offices, Sunday School, and a chapel. This church could be called Beijing's Saddleback or Willow Creek. The church also hosts Christian celebrities when in town for performances or sermons having hosted Steven Curtis Chapman, Max Lucado, and Andy Stanley, one of my favorite young preachers.
Denomination: Interdenominational, most anyone from the evangelical tradition would be at home here.
The Cast: A husband and wife team (who reminded me a lot of Rick and Dina Pike) led worship with a backup band, pastor Jon Davis conducted the service. The preacher was Jerry Parsley, a career missionary who has served all over the world.
Date And Time: Sunday October 5, 2008, 11:30 AM
Name of Service: Celebration Service
How many in attendance: Several thousand
Did anyone welcome you? An usher at the door handed me a bulletin, checked my passport, and told me where to find the auditorium.
What about the pew? Theater style seating, very close together, but since attendance was down I had an empty chair on both sides of me which made it more comfortable.
Pre Service Atmosphere- The worship band rehearsed as people filed in and tried to find seats.
Exact opening words: Good Morning BICF!
Books? Everything was projected. The bulletin contained space for sermon notes.
Musical Instruments? Acoustic guitar, piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums
Any distractions? Not really
Worship Style? This was very well done blended/contemporary worship with hymns and choruses. In the middle of the two song sets, we observed the Lord's Supper. Here is a link to a youtube video showing this church in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QILlv1D1eWM
Sermon Length: 38 minutes
Sermon Topic: The church at mission. Pastor Parsley (no relation to Pastor Parsley from TBN, at least I don't think so!) used text from Acts chapter 2 to explain what the church should be about: sound doctrine, fellowship, prayer. This was a simple exposition of the text, nothing new or groundbreaking here, but a message all Christians should be reminded of.
Anything you didn't like? Not really
Anyone speak afterwards? They had a visitor's welcome corner where first timers could get a free cup of coffee and refreshments and Jeroen, a college student from Holland welcomed me and we talked for about 10 minutes.
Would you make this your church home? Provided my work schedule permitted, probably. The service starts too late for me to regularly attend.
Did this service make you glad to be a Christian? Yes, I am not normally a megachurch person, but this one serves a great purpose (and serves it very well.)
What will you remember most? The Lord's Supper with 2000 other Christians from all over the world.
In the style of The Mystery Worshipper from http://www.ship-of-fools.com/:
The Church: Beijing International Christian Fellowship (BICF) is the larges tof the expat(someone living outside his country of citizenship) churches in Beijing. This is its main campus. I previously visited the Zhonguancun location, a much smaller BICF campus. At this campus, besides hosting a multitude of small groups and children/youth ministries throughout the week, services are held each Sunday in the following languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Filipino, an English service for people from Africa, French, Indonesian, Japanese, and Russian. Foreign passport holders only are allowed per Chinese law and they do check at the door. However, quite a few Chinese people hold dual citizenship in either the US or Canada and China or are living in Beijing temporarily from Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau, portions of China that are politically independent of the Chinese government, so a lot of Chinese people do get to attend the services. The church meets in the 21st Century Theater, a large performing arts center. Across the street at the 21st Century Hotel, the church rents space for offices, Sunday School, and a chapel. This church could be called Beijing's Saddleback or Willow Creek. The church also hosts Christian celebrities when in town for performances or sermons having hosted Steven Curtis Chapman, Max Lucado, and Andy Stanley, one of my favorite young preachers.
Denomination: Interdenominational, most anyone from the evangelical tradition would be at home here.
The Cast: A husband and wife team (who reminded me a lot of Rick and Dina Pike) led worship with a backup band, pastor Jon Davis conducted the service. The preacher was Jerry Parsley, a career missionary who has served all over the world.
Date And Time: Sunday October 5, 2008, 11:30 AM
Name of Service: Celebration Service
How many in attendance: Several thousand
Did anyone welcome you? An usher at the door handed me a bulletin, checked my passport, and told me where to find the auditorium.
What about the pew? Theater style seating, very close together, but since attendance was down I had an empty chair on both sides of me which made it more comfortable.
Pre Service Atmosphere- The worship band rehearsed as people filed in and tried to find seats.
Exact opening words: Good Morning BICF!
Books? Everything was projected. The bulletin contained space for sermon notes.
Musical Instruments? Acoustic guitar, piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums
Any distractions? Not really
Worship Style? This was very well done blended/contemporary worship with hymns and choruses. In the middle of the two song sets, we observed the Lord's Supper. Here is a link to a youtube video showing this church in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QILlv1D1eWM
Sermon Length: 38 minutes
Sermon Topic: The church at mission. Pastor Parsley (no relation to Pastor Parsley from TBN, at least I don't think so!) used text from Acts chapter 2 to explain what the church should be about: sound doctrine, fellowship, prayer. This was a simple exposition of the text, nothing new or groundbreaking here, but a message all Christians should be reminded of.
Anything you didn't like? Not really
Anyone speak afterwards? They had a visitor's welcome corner where first timers could get a free cup of coffee and refreshments and Jeroen, a college student from Holland welcomed me and we talked for about 10 minutes.
Would you make this your church home? Provided my work schedule permitted, probably. The service starts too late for me to regularly attend.
Did this service make you glad to be a Christian? Yes, I am not normally a megachurch person, but this one serves a great purpose (and serves it very well.)
What will you remember most? The Lord's Supper with 2000 other Christians from all over the world.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Beijing South Cathedral...
Tonight I headed over to a Chinese language mass at Beijing South Cathedral, the oldest Catholic church in Beijing and the seat of the Beijing Diocese. The following is a church visit report in the style of The Mystery Worshipper from http://www.ship-of-fools.com/
The Church: Beijing South Cathedral, properly known as The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or more commonly as The South Church and Nantang Cathedral. This church is most familiar to foreigners as it is the only one to have an English language mass on Sunday mornings.
Denomination: Patriotic Catholic Church of China (So named as per law they are not allowed any outside religious leadership, so the Catholic churches in China are officially independent of Rome)
Building: This is a massive cathedral in a bustling city area of Beijing. Just minutes from Tianenman Square and is Beijing's oldest church. I wish I had pictures to show you of the beauty of this church. The above picture is from the internet but you really should see it lit up at night.
The Cast: A priest, some acolytes, a choir
Date And Time: Saturday October 4, 2008, 6:30 PM
Name of Service: Saturday Night Mass
How many in attendance: Several thousand, every seat was taken.
Did anyone welcome you? An usher at the door handed me a bulletin and said Nei Hao.
What about the pew? Wooden pew with attached kneeler, very uncomfortable, but most of the service was done standing.
Pre Service Atmosphere- Reverent but busy with people praying, parishoners awaiting confession outside confession booths, and the choir and band rehearsing
Exact opening words: A man said something in Chinese. Then I think he welcomed visitors, some people stood and were clapped for, so I stood too. Each person standing was handed a postcard with an icon of the Virgin Mary on it.
Books? None, however a very thorough service booklet was provided (all in Chinese)
Musical Instruments? Acoustic guitar, piano, and drums
Any distractions? The beauty of the cathedral and a little girl wearing Satan horns. Why Satan horns in church?
Worship Style? Fairly high/formal novus ordo mass in Chinese with contemporary music. There were some low elements as well such as the congregation joining hands on a fellowship song and swaying back and forth to the music. One word to describe the service though: joy. I have NEVER seen Christians worship with such joy.
Sermon Length: 15 minutes
Sermon Topic: No Idea, I think it had something to do with Jesus. I think I heard the word ditie in the sermon, but I don't know why he was preaching about the subway. You could tell he was quite a capitvating speaker and quite a funny guy from the crowd's reaction.
What was like being in heaven? JOY
Anything you didn't like? The plasma screens placed throughout the cathedral really don't enhance the decor although they do make the service easier to see when you are far back.
Anyone speak afterwards? No, but during the peace people were very cordial.
After service coffee? None, so I headed over to Wangfujing and tucked in to a New York Steak at Outback Steakhouse
Would you make this your church home? I am not Catholic, so no. I would like to visit their English service one day just for the experience of worshipping in this beautiful church in my own language.
Did this service make you glad to be a Christian? Yes, knowing I can worship God even though I can't understand a word of Chinese was a great feeling.
What will you remember most? The joy of this church at worship, and the devil horns.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
In A Market Dimly Lit...
I made my first trip to a Chinese marketplace today, the Yashow Market. This is a building filled with stalls of people selling clothing, toys, electronics, shoes, belts, watches, jewlery, etc. It is like a big flea market of sorts. The number one rule is to haggle! They know that it is going to be visited my mostly foreigners with lots of money to spend so they set the price really high, but with bargaining and a little persistence, you can get a great deal. Also, keep in mind that most of the goods are fake, as in knock offs. That may look like a Ralph Lauren suit, but it's not! The vendors for the most part speak English and they know how to deal with foreigners.
Here is a rundown of the day and my purchases:
The Entrance To Yashow Market
My First Purchase: A Polo (More Like Fauxlo) Sweater
My First Purchase: A Polo (More Like Fauxlo) Sweater
The Conversation With The Saleslady Went Something Like This:
Please Sir, Come To Look At Sweater. (I walk over.)
Sir do you like this sweater.
Yes, how much is it.
I give you price after we see if it fit for you. You need 2xl, that good for person with belly.
(She holds it up to me) Sir, you will look great in this.
How much is it?
Here is what I pay for it (She shows me 1298 yuan on a calculator, about 200 dollars), but since you make friend with me today I give you special price, just for you. (She shows me 650 yuan)
I didn't bring that much with me, how about 200.
Sir, you try to rip me off. I don't believe you not bring much money with you. I give to you for 600.
How about 250?
Ohh sir, you rip me off. Okay, final price, 550.
I think I will look around somemore.
Oh sir, we make friend today and I want to make deal with you, how about 500.
How about 300?
I can give you 350, final price.
Okay, I will take it.
A little persistence and haggling got me the price of 350, about 50 dollars. I probably could have even gotten it for less but it was my first time and I wasn't sure exactly how to do it. She still made a good profit (she wouldn't have sold it if she wasn't and I got a nice sweater to wear at a fair price.)
Next up, the first 2 seasons of Kyle XY on DVD. Starting price 140, final price 110. (About 20 dollars.) Are they bootlegs? Probably but you really can't tell.
Next, a pair of comfortable "Vans" shoes. Perfect for a night out in Wudaokou or Sanlitun. I think I paid 220 (About 28 dollars) for these, down from a price of about 600.
I did a little Christmas shopping for family members and got some great gifts at great prices. By this time I was an old pro at haggling and the shop owners were in awe at my ability to get such good prices!
I also couldn't help thinking how much my Mamaw Margaret Parker would have enjoyed this experience. She had been known to haggle in Wal Mart!
After shopping, it was time to go upstairs to the food court for a little lunch. They have various stalls selling all kinds of Chinese food, very westernized Chinese food for the multitude of foreign tourists that shop here. My lunch was 75 yuan, about 10 bucks:
Pepper Steak, Broccoli, Fried Rice
Some things I learned at the market:
1. Take plenty of money with you. Things are relatively cheap by Western standards, but expensive by Chinese standards.
2. Have fun. I saw one guy get all mad and storm away when he didn't get the price he wanted. You have to remember at the end of the day, these people have to make a profit. You have to be willing to meet them halfway. Most of them are from small towns and communities and are away from their families trying to make a living.
3. Everyone there will claim to be your friend.
4. If you can't get the price you want, try walking away. One of two things will happen: the stall owner will call you back and offer you a better price or you will find the same thing 2 stalls down and can try again.
5. You may think you have gotten the best of the seller when you get the price you want, but be warned, they got the best of you. They will always profit no matter what the final agreed upon price. Start your price really low. Once you've named a price, you can't go down, you can only go up!
Here are a couple pics I shot on the cab ride home:
Hooters in Beijing? Not to be crass, but I haven't met many Chinese women who seem to fit their hiring standard. I wonder if there is a funky little Baptist church next to it? Nah, probably only in Jackson.
Definitely an only in China moment: A man riding his bike across town with his dog in the back basket!
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