.......and then there was fall camp..........

So one of the school activities at school is fall camp. This year, it was decided that we would take our 25 high school students tent camping for two and a half days. During the planning process, I wasn't exactly sure how this was all going to work out since camping is not a prevalent pastime here. Deciding on a menu that didn't require the use of a refrigerator was also intriguing. Camping in China with this many people had never been attempted for fall camp before and we were heavily relying on Him to work out all of the small details. So, with a "I'm not entirely certain how this will all work out, but we're going to give a shot" attitude, we completed our schedule of activities, purchased the needed items, and set off for the woods.

It was quite refreshing to see nature in China, which is a rare sight in the middle of the city. The campsite was located in a valley between a few mountains. Nothing could beat waking up to the sun peeking over the mountain tops while the fog snaked its way between the peaks. The campsite didn't contain running water or electricity, and the "bathroom" facilities were a bit frightening. However, the experience was great and the students really enjoyed the few days we were there. I was extremely impressed with the fact that the students did not complain even though this was out of their comfort zone for many. However, they all approached the activities and the entire camping experience with excitement. The activities included various team building games and a hike through one of the mountains. After playing in the refreshing mountain stream, the lack of showers didn't seem to be a big deal anymore.

I believe one of the most amusing moments happened during the challenge hike on the second day. The hike itself took about 45 minutes, but there teachers placed at different spots along the trail and as the students got to each station they had to complete a team building challenge. For my station, I tied a rope between two trees and they had to get their entire team over the rope without touching it, and I was not supposed to assist them. This was a bit hazardous since it was a slightly narrow trail with a steep drop-off on one side. A few of the groups decided that the best option open to them was to simply vault over the rope and hope for the best landing on the uneven rock stops on the other side. I informed them that that wasn't an option and then told them that they could use me for assistance.

After assisting almost an entire group over the rope, I went to the other side and waited while the remaining two team members discussed how they would both get themselves over the rope. Again, vaulting surfaced as the only option they actually wanted to try. I then told them that they could use me for assistance. One student looked at me and replied, "you're kind of useless." This was a reasonable response since teachers clearly do nothing but teach, and I'm a woman on top of it so that really added points to my useless score. Thankfully, the female team members quickly reminded him that I had, in fact, helped every one of them over the rope so far. Thus, I was vindicated.

All in all, fall camp was a huge success with the students and it was fun to interact with students outside of the classroom. The whole process was also a huge testament to His provision and what can happen when He is in control. The weather was perfect, the students were enthusiastic, and most didn't want to leave when it came to the end.

......and yes........I could have set the computer on fire...............

So my roommate and I returned to China this school year with shiny, new Mac laptops that instantly made us cool. Apartment thievery is not extremely common around here, but it has been known to happen. Due to the fact that we now had something worth thieving, we discussed hiding places that were more obscure. We decided that the oven would be acceptable since it is highly unlikely that a seedy character would bother looking for anything of value in the kitchen.

This plan worked quite well until I came home and decided to make muffins. After a few minutes of pre-heating, I noticed a rather acrid smell pouring from the oven. Realizing that yes, indeed, my roommate's computer was in the oven, I quickly rescued it from peril. Thankfully, the computer was in a super-protective case which was only slightly melted on the outside, and the computer itself was fine. I have contemplated sending this story into the people that sell the protective laptop sleeves as a testimonial to their well made product. I'm certain that the popularity of their product would then spread like wildfire:)

........and so it begins........

I have officially finished my 4th day as a "real" adult with real job. It is kind of nice to be able to say I'm a teacher rather than always saying my major and the fact that I'm studying to be a teacher one day. The first few days of school have gone really well. Of course, I'm currently only teaching half of my classes so that might have something to do with it. The high school ESL department here is very small and currently I only have 2 ESL students. Neither of them have arrived at school yet, and I have them for two classes. So, I have only been teaching my other two classes so far. It's nice to have some extra planning time, but I'm definitely ready for them to come so I can teach a full day.

I have also signed up to be an assistant coach for high school girls volleyball. For some reason, everyone I know seems to chuckle at that when I tell them. Considering my stellar athletic skills and love of sports in general, I continue to be surprised by this. Thankfully, you do not have to be a sports expert to help coach here, and I thought it would be a great way to get involved and get to know the students outside of the classroom.

....popcorn......on the stove???............

I am continually surprised by the many things that are accomplished here without all of the gadgets and conveniences in the States. Even though there are some things here that aren't readily available, the amount of things that are available surprises me. For some reason, I always believed that since I'm living in another country I must immediately give up everything I liked from the States because I couldn't possibly find them here. However, I'm beginning to realize that is definitely not true-I simply have to go about things different here.

For instance, I have never made popcorn with anything but an air popper. I have seen some type of foil contraption that you place on the stove, but I've never actually used one. This afternoon my roommate showed me that you can actually make popcorn in a pot on the stove. Now, this may seem like a ridiculously silly revelation (especially for those of you who are more trained in the culinary art of popcorn than I), but I found it thoroughly enjoyable to sit and watch all of the kernels pop into a small cloud of tastiness.

This particular store may be slightly silly, but I generally come across things like that a few times a week. It gives me a small sense of confidence to realize that I can still do things here that I loved to do back in the States. And of course, it's always exciting to have experiences here that are totally unique to China. It may be small, but these things help to make this place feel less overwhelming and a little more like a new home.

......the rumors are true.....the humidity is stifling.............

And so, other than the life sucking heat, my first couple of weeks here have been pretty good. I spent the first week getting over jet lag and settling into my apartment. Compared to settling in during student teaching, this experience has been quite different. It has made a huge difference to be able to actually settle into an apartment and start to make it feel like home.

Work days at the school officially started this week so I have spent most of the time lesson planning. The 8th grade class curriculum was already in place so I feel good about that class. I have to create a curriculum for one of my ESL classes so it's been interesting figuring that out. School starts in a week and I'm surprisingly not terrified........yet. I'm expecting the nerves to start next week.

I think the thing that I was most excited to come back to is the food.......and it has not disappointed me. So, my transition back has gone very well and I'm enjoying some more relaxed time before all of the insanity begins next week.

......in an airport.......

I have successfully made the 12 hour trip across the water and am now sitting in an airport in Korea awaiting my final flight to China. The trip consisted of sleeping and movie watching-so nothing too exciting going on there. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the uneventful travel. My plan for this blog is to update weekly, or more as Kara makes entertaining cultural blunders that provide interesting stories. I'm not certain how long it will take me to get all of the internet details set up at my apartment, so it might be awhile before I'm able to post again.