Tiny People

11 OCTOBER 2016

Today during opening, Midge and I got out the calendar and asked, "What day is it today? Who's being good that wants to come show us?"

That's when we realized our calendar was still on "September", and of course, parents were watching.

It dawned on me very recently that I will actually miss all these kids when this is over. I'd read countless times about how that happens, and I guess it's happening once more. I already have their abilities and levels in my head, their likes and things to avoid with them, and most importantly: their names. I really hope that some years down the road I will be able to see them again, even just for one conversation.

For the seniors, it's Hannah, Lucy, Sarah, Rako, Andre, Kingsley, Ivan, and Jay. For the juniors, it's Clara, Donut, Sera, Joanna, UT, Vivian, and Allen. Allen is a little stinker, and Donut is going down that path as well. (I thought she would've been my star student, now Clara is taking her place.)

I didn't realize how much I know about them until Midge asked, "Who's that one?" and I said, "Nelson. He's pretty smart." "And her?" "That's Hannah. She's precious. She does my hair and gives me back rubs during lessons." And then Kingsley with his little anklet runs up to me and buries his face in my belly.

He comes up to me during snack regularly to hop into my lap and give me big slobbery kisses on my cheek!

Hannah and me

Sera with Vivian and UT in the background. Vivian is looking down. (She is very good in English!)

Here in China there doesn't seem to be a distinction between "breakfast food" and other food. For breakfast we eat corn, greens, noodles, chicken, dumplings.. basically anything Americans would usually eat for 'Chinese night"

Little Lucas, who always whispers Chinese nonsense in my ear

Kingsley and I

Peter knows how to take pictures!

Andre and Michelle

Michelle is a sweetheart who is eager to learn and very observant. She is so sweet and sometimes gets left out. 
That's the tough part about teaching, helping everyone feel included, especially the quiet ones. I was the quiet one growing up too, and I know exactly how it feels to be on the outside looking in. I hope none of my kids feel that way.

And then for a moment, everything is still.

Photo Dump: La Grande Muraille de Chine

中國的長城

We met some friends!

Waving to our friends...

It was a foggy, perfect day. Some rain at the beginning and lots at the end. The hike was nice even though it was a bit crowded; that's what I get for going on a National Holiday!

 At some points, I wonder how it is that people long ago walked this area every day. Then I think of how muscular their legs must have been.

This is one of those places that you have to see in all it's forms, at all seasons, in all hours of the day. I wish I could spend time on each section.. but that would be a long long time to walk.

Advices that get me through hard days

Get thicker skin and be wise.

--Brush those things that bother you off of your shoulder.

Success comes to those who find opportunity in hardship.

--It can if you let it. Learn something from everyone.

Choose to be a completer or a whiner.

--In everything you take on yourself, you can push through the tough parts or you can sit in the corner and complain. Hate complainers and don't become what you hate.

Seek to understand before being understood.

--I think this is important in all types of relationships. Unfortunatley it's easy only in theory

Nothing has stopped you up until now; why would this?

--What I tell myself on a daily basis.

While it won't always be clear, the path will always be clear.

--Sometimes if you're lucky, you'll know the general direction of the path. Other than that, it's all one step at a time.

Repeat small efforts day in and day out and you will be successful.

--Enough is said.

Confidence is silent, insecurities are loud.

--Oh yes they are, and they never shut up.

Don't raise your voice, improve your argument.

--I'm usually spending so much time improving the argument that I forget to speak up.

And lastly,
Comfort begins where progress ends. Get busy living or get busy dying!