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It's been an interesting Wednesday. This afternoon we divided 180 kids into three groups and took them to three different supermarkets. We had 60 first graders at our supermarket. We divided them into ten groups of six kids. Each group had a shopping cart and 100 yuan (about $15) - but no direct supervision for an hour and ten minutes. Imagine 30 groups of six six-year olds let loose with carts and cash in Wal-Mart. They were told to choose snacks for their upcoming field trip. What a blast!
It really rained this afternoon and evening - causing tomorrow's outing to be cancelled. So things are getting switched around a bit. Basically, the North American teachers at Yung Wing will teach the next two afternoons. I came up to Jumbo's this evening in the pouring rain. We sat in a traffic jam for a long time. When I got out of the car at the restaurant where folks were waiting for me, I waded through water above my knees to cross the street. We enjoyed a Mongolian dinner with Jumbo's family. Life's good!
Luke
Above, middle school students work on the Doumen Camp Annual.
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT!
I gave some of the middle school students a special assignment yesterday. Each of the three groups had to imagine that they were starting a new society on a deserted island, and they had to develop ten laws to govern the island. I want you to hear some of their ideas for governing. (I’ve edited their ideas slightly, just for readability. The items in parentheses are my comments.)
“Harmonious” Island
1. The more you work, the more you get.
2. Men should live outside; women live inside (if there is not enough room inside for everyone)
3. When somebody is in danger, try your best to save them.
4. Keep yourself safe.
5. Never steal and rob.
6. When it’s very hot, take the trap out and pour some sea water on it to make salt (self sufficiency)
7. Try to make a wooden house or find a cave to live in everyday.
8. Don’t go swimming alone. At least two persons should go – or the other is at least working near the lake.
9. After using the boat, you must push the boat up on shore. If it is going to rain, move the boat to a safe place.
10. Everyone must get on well with others. Just get along as with relatives. Don’t fight or quarrel.
“Second China” Island
1. If you don’t obey the rules, you will be punished.
2. Don’t hurt each other.
3. Don’t steal and rob.
4. Be honest and friendly.
5. Respect and help each other.
6. Work hard.
7. Listen to the leader.
8. Stick together.
9. Take care of yourself and the environment.
10. Children must be educated.
Third Island (I don’t remember the name they chose for their island)
1. All people should obey the rules.
2. All the people have the right to talk freely.
3. Give prizes to the people who plant more. (incentive)
4. No stealing and robbing.
5. No hitting others.
6. Protect the rights of women and children.
7. Help each other.
8. Don’t cut too much. (Avoid hurting the environment.)
9. If you don’t obey the rules you will be punished.
10. All people are the same.
This is a pretty impressive group of students!
Jeff
We've traveled many places around Zhuhai in this van....affectionately known as the "jalopy". On this particular night, the jalopy refused to start when we went to leave a restaurant. Although the girls' efforts failed to solve the problem, a restaurant worker gave us some oil and we were soon on our way!
Joanne Brenneman
This is one of the primary groups we teach. There are four primary groups in the camp. We teach each group once in the morning and once in the afternoon for a total of 10 classes. The students are full of energy and eager to learn.
Greg.
Things are starting to wind down at Yung Wing. We had a dinner with our Teaching Assistants last evening at a Hunan Restaurant near the school. It was a nice time. My TA, Ryan, shared with me that he heard yesterday afternoon that his 48-year-old aunt died in her sleep overnight on Monday. Please think about Ryan and his family.
We teach half a day today and then tomorrow is a field trip. So, if the weather holds out, we'll only be teaching this morning and Friday afternoon.
Piers and Bridger will spend Wednesday and Thursday in Doumen. The kids there are excited to see them. Bridger and Piers will have a blast.
I am going to Doumen on Thursday to have dinner with folks to discuss the possibility of a multi-year contract. This would be a wonderful open door and would help with planning from year to year. That meeting will begin at something like 6:00 AM your time Thursday morning.
Luke
The second and final week of camp started in Doumen this morning. The day went well - as it has Every day so far. Our team is in good spirits with only minor health issues, but the long days and intense heat are wearing on some. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts.
As mentioned before, each of us has a Chinese university student teaching assistant. They are a great help in the classroom. We also find that they are open to new ideas, so we appreciate the opportunity to get to know them better.
Free talk is really going great. About 15 there each day and some are bringing their friends. This week, two participants are sharing their own essays. One has asked if we can give him a book. Great.
Hard to believe we have less than a week left.
Jeff
