Hey everyone!

Another week is now winding to a close. We have now been teaching for almost a month, and are still having fun getting through the growing pains invovlved in learning to adapt to a completely different culture. I don't know why, but I can never seem to remember that whenever anybody hands me change at a store, it is customary to accept it with both hands. 23 years of grabbing my change with one hand has led to countless dirty looks from store owners and checkout atendants. Haha I say they should just be happy for our business! A custom that Leslie always forgets about is that here in China, the personal bubble concept doesn't exist. If you are waiting in for line for something, you literally need to be shoved right up against the person in front of you. If you leave even half a foot of space in between, someone is sure to cut right in front of you in line, which never makes for a happy wife.

Oh speaking of stores, we had quiet the adventure at the grocery store this past week. While we were shopping, Leslie suddenly got hit with the need to go pee really badly. After looking around and not seeing a bathroom, Leslie informed me that her emergency was on the verge of reaching epic proportions. So, she sprinted up to a group of grocery store workers and tried to ask where the nearest public restroom was. Of course they had no idea what she was saying. After trying for a couple of minutes to say "BAAAATTTTHHHHHRRRRRRROOOOOOOMMMMMMM" as slowly, loudly and clearly as she could, she began to grab her crotch and act out needing to use the restroom (at least I thought she was acting, she infromed me later no acting had occurred that day haha). The group of workers which started out as 3 or 4 girls quickly esclated into 15 to 20 people circled around Leslie. They were all fruiously scratching their heads and shouting out guesses as to what the crazy American girl was trying to say. An impromtu game of Sharades has never been so much fun! Evenutally, someone did realize what she was trying to say and pointed her in the direction of the nearest bathroom. I felt bad for Leslie, although having a wife with the worlds tiniest bladder does lead to some funny situations every once in a while :)

Leslie here!
So yes that was so embarrassing to have to tell 20 people you have to pee, and be the mokey at the zoo. I should have got paid for my performance.
Other strange things have happened here. When a student comes up and asks, "Teacher, can I touch you?" They get offended when you give them a shocked expression. I've learned that actually translates into "Can I hug you?" Ha ha my bad OF COURSE it means that why would I even think differently? Talking about students. I sure have some silly ones.

This seven year old boy's name changes every week. They all have English names, but unless they really like their names they change them everytime you ask them. Also younger kids change them more often then older kids, so I don't know his name but he loves to blance things on his head. I teach him every Thursday and he is so cute!

At the Junior High on the first day of school I asked all the students what their name was and what is one thing they like to do. This cutie said so proudly, "My name is Bob and I like to eat candy!" I pinched his fat cheeks and said "yes you do!" We've been best friends ever scince!

 

The video you can watch is of some of my junior high students doing Eye Excrsises. It's more enjoyable if you know the kids I'm sure, but I still hope you get a few giggles out of it. Jared and I like to watch the boy with a hand over his face and the other one doing the peace sign. These kids are quite the entertainment! I never get board here!

 

We'll I have more to upload but I better do that tomorrow. We have to go to bed. School comes way to early in the morning! We love you all and hope everything is going well! If you have any exciting news please email us! I still don't know why it won't let people comment:( Thanks for all the support and the sweet messages I've gotten from people. It really means the world to us!