What I learned in China

Well I'm back in the good ole US of A now and I've had some time to reflect on my trip a bit. Mostly in the mornings because I couldn't shake the jetlag so I woke up at 6:30 for the first 4 or 5 mornings I was home. The trip was so good. It was definitely an experience I wouldn't trade for anything and would do again in a heartbeat if the opportunity presented itself. That being said, if you would have told me back in January when I first started going through the application process that I would be going to Asia and that I would have been teaching and preparing English classes on my own I don't think I would have signed up for the trip. I think I am actually a little thankful for the uncertainty that I had going into the trip because if I would have known all the details of what I would be doing, there is a very good chance that I would have backed out.
I feel like I grew in so many different aspects of my life. It was my first experience being fully emerged in a different culture so obviously that was a huge adjustment, but there is so much more. I have compiled a top 10 list to convey all that I got from the experience.

Top 10 Things I Learned in Hong Kong/China
10. Middle schoolers are the same regardless of culture
We all remember middle school. What an awful time. Middle schoolers are angsty and insecure. This is the same everywhere. They are shy and embarrass easily, but once they are comfortable with you, they are sweet and genuinely want to learn.

9. How to navigate mass transit systems
When I first got to Hong Kong, I thought their mass transit system was the most complicated thing ever and that I would never understand it. However, after 6 weeks, it makes perfect sense. The subway, although incredibly crowded, is the easiest way to get from point A to point B, and if you can find a subway station you are never truly "lost". I now feel like any other city will be a cake walk.

8. Sarcasm doesn't transfer
I learned this very quickly when spending time with my high school students. They took everything I said so seriously. It makes sense though, sarcasm is mainly picked up by the tone of your voice, and in a language that is entirely tonal, it would be difficult to change the tone of your voice to create sarcasm. Don't be sarcastic around Chinese people. Except Albert of course.

7. Language is not a barrier
There is always a way to communicate. Facial expressions, body language, and especially just flailing your arms to make a point always works. If all else fails just play pictionary.

6. Avoiding conflict only creates conflict
I feel like this is so obvious but it's just not something that we as people are not good at. If there's a problem the sooner you address it the better. Otherwise it will get worse. Common sense, but so difficult to follow.

5. I do not want to be a teacher
I have such a new respect for teachers. Lesson planning is hard! And getting kids to listen to you? I never figured that out. I do not have a "teacher voice" and I do not know how to discipline children. Especially when they don't speak my language. Teaching is definitely not my calling, but I learned so much from it this summer.

4. Communication
Living in such close quarters with 9 of my closest friends, it was essential to be able to communicate with them. This goes along with not avoiding conflict, but also to just be able to speak openly with each other about what was on our minds was incredible. I think that will be one of the things I miss most, the team chemistry and comradery and the open lines of communication.

3. Chopsticks
I miss chopsticks! I feel like I want to use them in America too! At first I dropped food all over the place at every meal, but by the end of the trip I felt like a pro. Ok, I still dropped food, but I do that with forks too so no big deal.

2. How to talk to anyone
When you are a foreigner in Hong Kong, it seems like everyone wants to talk to you to practice their English. We encountered so many different people and were forced to talk with so many students/teachers/parents/random strangers on the subway that I don't think I will ever be afraid to talk to a stranger again. At least here they will understand everything I'm trying to say, that should make it about 100 times easier.

1. God is doing things in Asia
Christianity is spreading in Asia, even though it is not very welcome. Churches are growing and it is becoming more and more accepted as a religion. This is so encouraging to see. I am so thankful that I got to be a part of the Christian movement in Asia and I will continue to keep it in my prayers. I would definitely encourage everyone out there to do the same because prayer moves things.

I feel like there is so much more that I could say about this trip, but it is just so difficult to type it all out. I would love to talk to you about it though so drop me a line or send me an email or something. Thank you all so much for all your support during this time in my life. Thank you for your prayers, they have meant so much to me. I have loved being able to share this with you through this blog!