Greetings from China.  My first report was written last week and then we found out it did not go through so I will try again (Google noticed unusual traffic from my account and sent a security check). The trip over was long but not as difficult as I had expected; no restless legs or sore backs.  The traffic was not bad at first and then when we came close to our city it really got congested with cars, buses, scooter, bicycles and pedestrians all mingled together, some going the wrong way.

I just relaxed since I was not in charge or responsible for everybody’s health. It was quite a hoot. It is amazing how it all works out. They don’t go fast and they don’t get angry they just flow around each other. Yes, they use their horn constantly but it is not out of anger or frustration. Mostly it is just a signal to let others know of their presence and intentions.

When the men moved our containers from the hotel to the apartment they secured two containers at a time in a large strong cloth knotted at the top. Then they slid a round 5” wooden pole under the knot, lifted the pole onto their shoulders with the containers in between them and carried it down the 3 flights of stairs at the hotel and up the 4 flights of stairs to our apartment. Those were really strong men and I really appreciate their work and told them so.

When they pulled out into the street with their cart full of our things they went left right into the oncoming traffic. Cars, scooters, bikes were coming right towards us (we were walking behind them and got right up on the sidewalk immediately) they slowly kept right on going and all the traffic just flowed around them as they all honked.

By His grace my unstable ankle is doing fine. It seems everything we go to is on the 2^nd, 3^rd or 4^th floor. I’m taking it one step at a time and doing fine.

We are both soooo thankful to find many delicious dishes to eat when we eat out. We have a written list that we take with us now.

I have really enjoyed the students in my classes. They have arrived on time, curious and with their paper and pens. There is only one couple who remind me of the movie “To Sir, With Love”. They sit on the last row and are not very interested. He has part of his hair died bright red. They will be my challenge. I “yarp” for them daily, that they will learn their worth and potential and let me “come along side”.

One of the girl students gave me a gift of “good food”. I took it home to try because in China you wait till later to open a gift you receive from someone. It was a package of dried squid. I tried a piece. It was salty and fishy tasting and had the texture kind of like a thin beef jerky.

We were told in training to train ourselves to think “fascinating” instead of “frustrating”. Well, today was very “fascinating”.  Because of contradicting instructions I missed the teacher’s bus that would take me to the other campus for my classes. So I took a taxi. I arrived in plenty of time to get my things in order and put my information on the board.  Class time–not a single student was present.

I called my contact. He called me back and apologized. The University had changed my schedule without telling me or my contact. So—I caught a city bus and went back to the Central campus. First times are always the hardest. It will get easier. During the whole thing I did not ever get scared or nervous. I never felt unsafe or in danger; just going along for the adventure. It is like living in a movie. What will tomorrow bring? I’m sure it will not be boring.

We are so thankful for skype. It is great to see our loved ones. You are all dear to us. Take care, stay faithful and keep “yarping”.

Love, Terry

Terry and I have both had freshman classes on the West campus (about 10 minutes away by bus from us) and most of them are female. We have found them energetic to learn and so delightful! Of course, some present normal challenges, but they are adjusting to us as we adjust to them.

Terry was apprehensive about taking a bus to the West campus, but within two minutes met two nice young students and another English teacher who will also be riding on Mondays. Her smile was matched only by mine as I kissed her goodbye.

We have met several who are Family and enjoyed times where Good News is shared, which is the highlight of our week.

We have felt like we’re back in South Florida several times. Not for the warm weather, by no means, but because there are so many cars honking their horns. China bought more cars last year than the USA and many of them are here….and the good folks know how to drive…they just do not know about staying in certain areas of the street and bicycles and small motorcycles and walkers are everywhere.

Everyone wants to meet the foreign English teachers. Many say hello as they walk past us – that is the only English some are comfortable using right now. Lots of smiles and stares, which takes getting used to….I find comfort remembering that Terry is ‘watched’ on many fronts when we are on separate campuses two of our three teaching days. Something that is popular here are ‘English corner,’ where the students gather around English teachers and ask all kinds of questions….an opportunity to use their English and also find about many American things. The Good News comes up often in these events and leads to small group discussions, so we are gladly a part of it. 🙂

We believe we are here for a reason: to reach out to the 18-20 year old university students in Jingzhou…to sow seeds of knowledge and understanding wherever possible. We know it will not return to us void. We have the opportunity to reach the future leaders of China, and to be ‘stretched’ ourselves in the process. Gary and Terry Davenport