Once again, I'm at a loss for words at the start of this blog. I have never loved China like I do now. It took almost 11 months, but I do LOVE China these days!
I don't know if I've mentioned it in previous blogs, but about 3 weeks ago, before the earthquake or destruction of my laptop, I got a phone call (while I was having an "I hate China" day and applying for jobs online) inviting me to come into the city and meet with a woman who had a good opportunity for me. I went to the city not knowing much of what to expect, as this woman was introduced to me through a series of pseudo-acquaintances. When I met Eileen, a Chinese woman volunteer preparing to go back to school for her doctorate (Chinese + volunteer and Chinese woman + doctorate is a series of oxymorons), she told me that she is from an eastern province in China and came to Guizhou 3 years ago to volunteer teach in the countryside. She works with profoundly impoverished schools all over the province, as well as many other projects working with kids, but this Sept/Oct she's moving to the UK to get her doctorate. As a result, she's looking for foreigners to help set up teacher training, as well as find people (it would have to be Chinese for legality purposes) to take over her projects. I fell in love with Eileen. Chinese people do not look kindly on volunteering, and certainly do not understand it. When a foreigner comes to volunteer, that's one thing and is definitely appreciated because it's a "cultural difference," but when a Chinese person (especially a young, beautiful, single woman who "should be getting married") dedicates their life to volunteer work, it's really frowned upon and she's taken a lot of grief. After chatting with her for a while, she invited me and two of my friends to go to a nearby country village and spend the day working with primary school children. Of course, I eagerly accepted, and China is looking more and more beautiful ever since that moment.
Just Friday, immediately after class, Miah, Danny and I met Eileen and the four of us ventured off on a long journey into one of Guizhou's many villages. I was told this is one of the "richest" villages (they have electricity and some homes have running water), but nothing about it seemed rich other than the welcome and love shared by its people.
In the course of the day, we visited two schools in this little village. The first was fairly decent, although there was no place for the kids to play and the classrooms didn't have lights, it at least was a stable enough building, and it had teachers and a headmaster. The second school we went to was chaotic. When we neared the gate, we saw kids all over the roads instead of in classes. As we got nearer, about 100 primary school students ran to the gate and jumped on us, yelled out "hello" (the only reason they even knew this word was because Eileen taught it to them a while ago). It was glorious, but chaotic is an understatement. I've not been touched or kissed as much as I was in the 30 minute visit to that school, nor have I ever felt my heart swell as big as it did in that moment, either. The kick? The school didn't have any teachers. Or books. Or any resources whatsoever. One of the richest villages in Guizhou. Eileen is getting us permission to work at villages in poorer districts, and I've already agreed to continue commuting to this school in my spare time (THIS is what I came to China to do!).
After visiting the schools, the four of us, along with a parade of about 25 primary students holding our hands and carrying our bags for us, went to visit a 6th graders home that Eileen was very close with. The little girl lived with her 2 sisters (in the countryside, it's sometimes overlooked if parents have more than 1 child, especially if it's a girl and they want to try for a boy). They barely ever get to see their parents, because their father works in a factory in another province and can't afford to come home, and their mom works in the mountains all day. The girls, therefore, raise themselves (the oldest is 13, the youngest is 6). We gave them money to buy vegetables, and before we knew it they had made us a delicious meal. A boy who followed us sang us songs, and so many beautiful moments took place that I don't really know where to begin or to end. It was, and even the word "favorite" is an understatement, my best, favorite day in China, and maybe one of the best days of my life.
To add glory to a glorious day, in the midst of all the excitement with the kids my dean called. I was a bit hesitant to answer, but did so just the same. I can't believe I'm typing this right now, but her reason for calling was to tell me that Kari Hatfield (my Peace Corps friend from Gansu who ends her service this summer) took the job at our school (yeeaaahh!!) and that my school is not going to hire the drunken perverted foreign man she was leaning towards who I've been praying she wouldn't hire (long story). On top of this outstanding news (Kari is coming!!!!), my dean then went on to say thank you (!!!!!) to me for helping with the hiring process, and then furthered my surprise at her expressed gratitude by telling me she went to the head of our university and got permission for them to give me (I can't believe I'm writing this) a computer to use in my apartment!!! It comes tomorrow (Monday)!!! So I shall again be connected to the outside world within a short period of time and don't need to worry about how to afford a new computer. :)
After the most amazing day in existence, Saturday was also a great day, as all the women from our fellowship went to a hot springs resort in Guiyang's mountains (because many of them are leaving their homes this summer over the visa ordeal so we wanted a good, relaxing farewell). It was the most spectacular tourist place I've ever been to in China and there was hardly anyone there! It had about 20 different pools, all with different features (varied temperatures, different scents, various flower pedals or tea leaves, and one even had tiny fish that eat the dead skin off of you…felt crazy but makes your skin so soft!), lots of flowers, a beautiful view and, most exciting, clean, fresh air!
Today, Sunday, after fellowship, I went to the tailor and picked up the dresses I had made last month. They were a bit big and need to be adjusted, but the patterns turned out really cute so I'm excited to wear them. Lots of greatness is taking place in China these days, and I'm happy. :)
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