Benefit Dinner & (More) English Corner

So my time is winding down in China...only 16 days left until I am back home in Washington State! Time feels like it's flying by! I just finished my politics final paper on Mao Zedong which was the last major hurdle in my studies while abroad. I have already taken my Taichi final and passed with flying colors. All I have left is a calligraphy final (and I'm the Chosen One, so I'm not worried haha :] ), a Chinese language, and culture final. I feel relatively confindent in all of these subjects so hopefully its all smooth-sailing from here on out! This last week and a half have been pretty busy! Lots to do! And, as always, some unexpected things happen along the way.

I would now consider myself a regular at English Corner. Many Chinese students come to see me every Friday night and some have come expecting Crystal and I to perform a new Chinese song that we've learned...or didn't learn as the case had most recently been. But I have downloaded a few Chinese songs with the intention of compiling a Zhongwen Yinyue Mix (Chinese music mix). So anyways, its been a lot of fun. And it's cool to help students your own age learn English while I get to practice my Chinese! :D Here are some of the other "regulars":


The Saturday before last we had a benefit dinner with a variety show and auction to raise money for the victims of the Sichuan Earthquake. Crystal and I sang "Prayer of the Children." I feel like it went well. We had some quite interesting acts from raps about pandas (Xiong Mao- that means panda in Chinese) to a group of the boys doing a coreographed Nsync routine. I got a chance to see many of my Chinese friends and help a good cause. Here are some pictures:




I also brought my host father to church last Sunday. That was a pretty cool thing. I didn't understand much of the sermon, but I think he took something away from it. I think he wants to pursue Christ it further. Keep praying!

And just this last Saturday I went to go get a Qipao (chee-pow) made for me and Crystal. A Qipao 旗袍 is a traditional Chinese dress. Since Crystal was out of town, and we are the same size (relatively speaking) I just ordered two of the same designs, just different colors ;-) I'm really excited for them! I will post pictures as soon as I have a chance to wear it!

Apart from hanging out with my Chinese friends and practicing my language I have also been keeping myself busy with seasons 1-4 of The Office! I just finished season 2...maybe I have too much time on my hands. But hey...its getting cold outside, what else am I supposed to do while staying indoors??

Bible Verse of the Day
Romans 1:16 "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..."

Chinese Word of the Day

Han Jia 寒假 Winter Vacation