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.
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