October 25, 2006
Nanchang, China

Greetings Friends,

I arrived on campus in September and am settling into life at Jiangxi Normal University in Jiangxi Province, in southeast China. The Amity new-teacher training began in late July in Huzhou (three weeks) and wrapped up with a conference in Nanjiang, with all Amity teachers and many staff members. It was a chance to put names with faces and to share stories.

In addition to the training lessons in culture, language, various aspects of teaching, Amity guidelines, and life in China, mini-courses were available in Chinese cooking, calligraphy, music, Sino-Japanese relations, etc. Each of us had an hour tutoring daily to build a “survival Chinese” foundation. In spite of the brutally hot weather, the training was most beneficial, and the Chinese locals were patient as we struggled to say “Good morning,” “Hello,” “How much is that?” “What is that?” and “I need a.” My tutor, Christine, was an English major at Huzhou University and a very sweet, patient, young woman. We enjoyed our time together, even singing “Country Roads” together at the farewell party.

Our first Sunday was spent in worship with the believers in the Huzhou church—about 800 people spread out over three floors of the building. As guests, we were seated in the front. To get an idea of the number of people at worship, I tried to count the Communion cups and multiply that by the number of trays. The three-hour service (all in Chinese) begins with hymn practice. We were told that many can’t read, so this 30-minute drill/rehearsal helps them learn the hymns. The sermon was delivered by the female pastor, loudly, clearly and passionately, for about 50 minutes, with no notes.

We were all sweltering and using hand fans (occasionally having the benefit of the breeze, when the large fans oscillated) and sipping water if you had brought it. Some of the congregation brought us bottled water at the end of the service. It was quite a sensory overload—with foreign sounds, worship, service order, being aware that hundreds of people watched your every move, and it was hot, to boot. The hymns, Communion, smiles, and hand pats as we left reminded me that we share this Christian faith, though we may not be able to speak the words.

The sermon the following week was delivered by a guest preacher, who also spoke passionately and with no notes. These are committed Christians. The congregation seemed to be a mix of ages and genders. There was a choir of about 15. In the talk after the service, we were told that the congregation had received approval from the local government to begin building a new church, out of the city center. When asked if the older parishioners would be able to get there, the reply was yes, by bus. It was pleasant to be greeted by so many smiling faces as we left. Someone handed me a postcard picture of the church and a bottle of water.

My 30-day tourist visa had to be changed to a working permit visa, so I had to “leave the country,” which meant I had to fly to Hong Kong. After an unexpected delay, I arrived back in-country, eager to meet my luggage and see my apartment, campus, etc. and “start the rest of my life.”

I work with rural middle-school teachers from the province of Jiangxi who have been chosen to come to the university for a semester to work on their oral English skills. I also teach American culture. My Amity teaching partner and I share a group of around 45 teachers, and the program seems very effective. Their speaking and listening skills are increasing and they continue to gain confidence in themselves. Some are brave enough offer to take me shopping or show me places in town that they have discovered. Several of the students have taken me to buy a DVD player, advised me on the use of phone cards, told me what the settings are on the iron and washing machine, decoded the TV buttons, etc. I can’t imagine struggling along without their help. One student took me shopping recently, and as we walked arm in arm, she said “This is my dream.” I asked “What is?” She said “To be walking in my town with my foreign teacher, showing her things, where everyone can see me. I am so happy.” I assured her that I was happy, too, to have such a kind student who would take me places and show me things. She was really a dear.

It’s been a very humbling experience to work with eager students who want to improve their skills and also show kindness to me, as their teacher. It’s also humbling to be a child who can’t do much for herself and must rely on help in dozens of simple tasks daily. Many times strangers have come up to me and asked in English, if they could help. Several of the shopkeepers where I go regularly have learned “hello” and “thank you,” beaming as they speak. My Chinese is limited, but I do use what I have, struggling and laughing. I have learned to read a few of the important characters for menus, restrooms, entrance, etc. When I find stores that have some English signs, I appreciate it.

Nanchang is a city of three or four million and has the problems that accompany a large population: traffic, pollution, population density, and noise. The university is moving to a “new” campus on the edge of town, as are many colleges in China. The process takes years, as they build and move various groups, departments, etc. At this point I am on the “old” campus, but I expect changes to occur at some point. There are shuttle busses that take students and teachers back and forth throughout the day. Walking the seven minutes to my classes each morning is a gamble: dodging the cars, buses, bicycles, motor scooters. I’m always pleased when I am on the other side of the street.

The pedestrian is a non-entity in China. That really takes some getting used to. If you are in the middle of a street, cars may swerve around you into the other lanes, to pass. You have to look in front, behind, to the sides and then again - for every step. If your thoughts drift, you may find yourself in big trouble. The entrance to the underground passage at one busy intersection in town is in the middle of two lanes of traffic. I can’t figure that one out (and it may not need figuring out).

The wide spectrum of work that Amity does in China is well respected. I am glad to be part of it and continue to look forward to my work here. We continue to need your love and prayers.

In His Service,

Lucretia