Updated on August 4, 2011
A different kind of landscape
The current photography “assignment” on the Pioneer Woman is landscapes. Yesterday, I went hunting through my photo archives to see if there were any landscape shots I wanted to share. And I soon made the discovery that I don’t really take many landscape shots. In fact, a startling large majority of my shots are of details. Now what does that tell you about my personality? Ok, maybe I don’t want you to answer that question.
I ended up going quite far back in my archives, landing on pictures I took just about a month after getting my DSLR camera. I was just beginning to learn about composition and how to use my camera to its full potential. I am still learning about composition and how to use my camera to its full potential, but I had even more to learn then. I was visiting one of the most stunningly beautiful places I’ve ever been to–and believe me, I’ve been blessed with visiting some extraordinary places. Sapa is set up in the mountains of Northern Vietnam, and is a remote haven of terraced rice paddies and uncultivated beauty. Knowing what I know now about photography, I would love to return someday.
As I looked through my pictures for “that shot”, I had to laugh at some of my experimentation in composition. Like I said, I had a lot to learn. I was particularly drawn to a series of pictures I took of a lone standing castle-like structure. Here are the SOOC (straight out of camera) shots:
Here, I’ve diminished some of the drama of the building by zooming in too close to the structure.
Here I was likely trying to frame the shot, but the tree ended up being more of a distraction than an appropriate frame. I also don’t like that the building is centered in the picture.
Attempt number two at framing is also an utter failure. Once again, the bamboo pole is only a distraction, not an enhancement.
My favorite of the shots was actually the first one I took, and employed the rule of thirds well before I knew what the rule of thirds was.
The “empty” space to the left enhances the drama of the building. The intrigue of the “castle” is increased by cutting off the access bridge to it on the right. The fogginess of the mountains in the backdrop lends a mysterious and moody air to the photo. However, as a SOOC shot, it’s not packing a lot of punch. That’s where photo editing comes in. I decided to play up the mysteriousness, moody-ness and drama and ended up with this:
This may not be exactly what comes to mind when you think “beautiful landscape.” However, I love the mood of the shot now. The light and shadow plays up the mystique of what appears to be an abandoned mountain retreat, creating a memorable, if not traditionally beautiful, scene.
Updated on August 4, 2011
So this is how my students feel
This morning, I received a text message from my Chinese teacher informing me that she was sick and consequently that our Chinese class was canceled today. I was not in the least bit happy to hear that my teacher was ill; however, I must confess I experienced a thrill of joy when I read the message. That message not only meant I unexpectedly had those two hours of classroom time added to my day, but also that I had the time I was planning on spending cramming characters into my brain before class. So while I wish my teacher a speedy recovery, the news was more than welcome. I’m certain, though, that when I’ve had to cancel class due to illness my students never shared this sentiment. I’m certain they were greatly grieved to miss out on a learning opportunity. Umm, yeah, don’t worry, I’m not that misguided. Being a language student this semester has given me a wonderful glimpse into my own students’ experiences. Below are some sentiments I’ve discovered that I quite likely share with my students.
- Even though I’m well aware that quizzes force me to learn the material, and even though my goal in taking the class is to truly learn the material, I still dread and hate quizzes. I hold my breath at the end of class just hoping that the teacher won’t say, “Next class we have a quiz.” When class ends without that fateful announcement, I walk out with relief and a bounce in my step. When it does end with that announcement, I leave with a groan on my lips.
- Students talking to each other during class is often less a sign of disrespect and more a sign of confusion. If you don’t have a clue what the teacher just asked you to do, you’re going to turn to the person next to you for explanation. You’re not going to ask the teacher for explanation because chances are since you didn’t understand her the first time, you’re not going to understand her the second time. Unfortunately, being the lone American and English speaker in the class means I have no one to turn to for clarification. However, when the classroom breaks out into frantic whispers of Korean, I at least know that I’m not the only one confused.
- I can repeat a word ten times, but that doesn’t mean that when the teacher calls on me I’m going to correctly pronounce it. This doesn’t mean I’m not listening or that I’m not paying attention. It simply means my brain cannot register that sound.
- When I’m trying to write something down that’s on the board, I cease listening to what the teacher is saying. I just haven’t developed the ability to both write unfamiliar characters and listen to unfamiliar words at the same time. Silently pausing to wait for students to write the material before launching into a verbal explanation is extraordinarily helpful.
- If I’m unfamiliar with the content on the power point screen, I will not know how to select what is important to copy down. Consequently, I will try to write every single character down. I used to get frustrated with my students who insisted on writing every word that was on the screen. I now see how doing this allows you to go back later and try to decipher what on earth the teacher was talking about.
- Sitting in freezing cold classrooms is miserable. Frozen limbs result in a decreased ability to attend to the lesson. Come on spring, it’s about time you show up around here!
- Repetition is key. If I only hear a word or phrase once, I’m never going to remember it. Repeat, repeat, repeat is the key in the language classroom.
On the subject of the classroom, and predictable patterns of student behavior, I have one note on the coming holiday. May 1st is China’s labor day. In the past, we used to have a week long break from classes. However, a few years ago the government decided that the Chinese people needed to celebrate some of the more traditional holidays (like tomb sweeping day). They had to get these holiday days from somewhere, so they decreased the length of the labor day holiday from eight days to three days. This year we have Saturday, Sunday, and Monday off. Woohoo, we have the weekend off! Sorry for the sarcastic enthusiasm. Anyways, the school has also decided to give Tuesday morning off. That’s right; Tuesday morning classes are canceled but Tuesday afternoon classes will proceed as scheduled. Now I would like you to leave a comment answering the following question: How many of my 25 students do you think will actually show up to class Tuesday afternoon? An important tidbit of information in making your wager is that the previous class was the midterm exam (consequently, students know there will be no quiz). I will let you know the results next Tuesday!
Updated on August 4, 2011
Sunday snapshot: Alex
About 11 months ago, Alex was brought to the orphanage. I was busy giving finals and making preparations to head to the States for the summer, but this little pint sized miracle snatched my heart.
Alex was teeny tiny–just barely three pounds to be exact. 
The orphanage had an incubator to keep him in, but that was the extent of the medical equipment.
I, having seen the fate of other preemies, feared for his life. I took the few precious moments I was able to have him out of the incubator to pray for him and his future. And with that, I left for the summer.
I returned two months later shocked and overwhelmed with thankfulness that this tiny one was not only surviving, but thriving. The only way I was able to recognize him was by his perfectly crafted little hand. 
Once again, I treasured the opportunity to snuggle this little boy and sing him to sleep.
Since then, Alex has wormed his way deep into my heart. I am quite undeniably smitten. I find him simply irresistible.
Really, who could blame me? Just look at those eyes! Those eyes turn me to mush.
Alex is not one of the babies (and believe me, we have them at the orphanage) who demands constant attention. He has a quiet and gentle spirit that allows him to quite contentedly sit and observe.
But give him a little attention, and his grins and giggles begin to appear. And I become putty in those little tiny hands.
I greatly look forward to and hope for the day when he gets swept up into the love of a family. Until that day, though, I’m going to smother those sweet cheeks with kisses. 
Updated on August 4, 2011
Recipe for a good day
I just finished my last senior thesis paper edit.
The house is full of the aroma of a celebratory carrot cake baking in the oven.
There is cream cheese softening on the counter for frosting.
Stella is coming over tonight to celebrate with me, eat cake and watch a movie.
It’s 60 degrees and sunny outside.
Life is good.
The end.
Updated on August 4, 2011
Tunnel vision
There is a light, slight though it may be, beginning to appear at the end of my current grading tunnel. So far I’ve completed:
- Editing and grading 52 sophomore writing students’ argumentative essays
- Editing and revising five 20 page senior thesis first drafts
- Editing and revising two of five 20 page senior thesis second drafts
I have a feeling that in my sleep I’m mumbling phrases like “incorrect subject verb agreement” and “missing conjunction.” If I had any desire to be a professional editor before, that desire has now been completely wiped out.
We’re also beginning to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel known as winter. Temperatures are now climbing to the upper 50’s and bits of green grass are beginning to poke out of the ground. However, the buildings are still quite chilly. Today is April 21, and I wore long underwear, a tank top, a long sleeved shirt, a t-shirt, a light sweatshirt, a fleece, and a scarf to my Chinese class. And I was still a bit cold. The Chinese were onto something when they set May 1st as the day to remove long underwear–a date that I formerly thought was ridiculous.
Once I crawl out of the restrictive grading tunnel, I’ll hopefully be back to enjoyable activities like photography, writing, and cooking. In the meantime, check out this story about one of the kids at our orphanage and his family. The Father is so good!
Updated on August 4, 2011
Sunday Snapshot: Stella
Stella is one of my best friends in China. I’ve known her for about three years now, and other than the team, she’s probably the person who knows me the best around here.
She’s an English major, but I’ve never actually been her teacher. Stella is relieved and thrilled that she’s in her last semester of foreign teacher classes and she’s never had me as a teacher. I have the reputation for being a strict teacher, so she’s afraid I would make her work too hard. She’s happier just being my friend.
There are many things to love about Stella. First of all, she’s spent enough time around us foreign teachers to not only understand but employ lovingly used sarcasm. She’s also spent enough time in my house to feel comfortable helping herself to drinks in my fridge. I don’t have a single other Chinese friend who will do that. It’s quite a relief; I know if she’s thirsty I don’t have to ask her ten times if she wants a drink. She’ll just get it herself.
Stella also shares my love of food and cooking. Her dream is to attend culinary school in the States to become a chef. She in particular wants to study French cooking. I encourage this endeavor as long as she returns and opens her restaurant close to wherever I’m living in China.
Stella is from the nearby big city, and returns home frequently on the weekends. While there, she’ll run to the import store to pick up things like butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar for me. It’s yet another reason to love her.
But one of the things I love most about Stella is one of the ways in which we’re the most different. She has an amazing gift with talking to people she doesn’t know and making them feel comfortable. She can strike up a conversation with just about anyone, and the joy and bubbly-ness that oozes from her puts the other at ease. It’s a rare gift, especially in this culture of in-groups.
Consequently, when I knew I would have two hundred freshmen, none of whom I teach, tramping through my house this past Thursday evening, I invited Stella over. Meeting new people is near the top of my greatest fears list. Hordes of new people make my palms sweat and my mouth go dry. Stella is like my security blanket. I know she’ll make not only those entering my door comfortable, but she’ll also make me comfortable.
She eagerly and excitedly explained the game of twister to group after group of freshmen students as they came through my house, demonstrating the rules to each group. She was the official “spinner” and “caller of commands,” which allowed me to participate in the game. You see, I thought the best way to meet freshmen students the first time was with my behind stuck high in the air and with my body contorted in all sorts of positions. The freshmen open house is also known as “photo op with the foreign teachers.” Pictures of us show up within hours on the Chinese version of facebook. Which means, there are now likely pictures of me with my booty high in the air on this website. You can tell I thoroughly thought through my choice of activities. But I digress, this is supposed to be about Stella, not about the many ways in which I daily embarrass myself.
Stella, who made the night go off without a hitch.
One other thing I love about Stella? She has a huge heart for the orphans in this city. Remember these guys that we were able to send south for treatment? Stella is the one who spent hours talking through all the arrangements with the orphanage leaders while I sat there smiling prettily. Like I said, she can talk to anyone.
About the only thing not to love about Stella is the fact that she hates me taking her picture. It took all my persuasive powers to get the shots in this post.
Fourth year students tend to spend more time away from campus than on campus (they don’t have to attend classes), so I’m trying to treasure every moment I have together with Stella before she heads her own way. Her ready smile and contagious laugh will leave a gaping hole around here.
Updated on August 4, 2011
New recipes!
I have one more senior thesis first draft to edit. My goal was to finish it today. I’ve spent the last hour at my computer procrastinating the task. I just don’t want to do it, and simply cannot find the motivation. Consequently, I thought all of you might like to benefit from my procrastination. I recently added two of my absolute favorite recipes: Italian herb bread and a yummy spring salad. Try them out–I promise you won’t regret it!
Updated on August 4, 2011
In my spare time
My Chinese is not very good. In fact, considering I’ve lived here for five years, you might even be justified in labeling it as pitiful. There are some things that I’m quite fluent in. Bargaining phrases and vocabulary? Got those down. Food? Got it. Normal everyday conversation? Ummm…not quite. I could heap up a whole load of excuses such as I’m a full time teacher, I’m working on a master’s degree, and various other responsibilities that eat up my time. However, the simple fact is that with a little more effort my Chinese could be a lot better than it is now. My first couple years in China, I was certain I would be headed back to the States the next year, and consequently I didn’t set language learning as a high priority. In addition, I’m going to be honest, I don’t particularly enjoy studying Chinese. I love the end result of studying it, but I have found the process quite painful. This feeling likely arises from the fact that the process is one of the most humbling tasks I’ve ever attempted.
All that being said, this semester I decided to join a real Chinese class at the university. I figured I would have a great deal more motivation to study and learn if I was in a legitimate classroom setting, as opposed to having Chinese students who are patient with me to a fault privately tutor me. I also figured it couldn’t hurt to be forced to listen to and attempt to understand non-stop Chinese speaking for six hours a week. While my oral and listening skills may be slightly beyond beginner level, I decided to start with the entry level because I haven’t really studied characters in the past. Foreigners looking for the quickest way to learn Chinese neglect the characters (myself included), but I’m convinced there is some secret key to understanding the language hidden in these complex conglomerations of lines and dashes. And so, I joined about twelve other Korean foreign exchange students in the entry level class meeting three times a week.
We learn around around 75 new words and phrases every week. Which means, when I find spare time, I write characters. Again and again and again and again. It’s the only way I can get them to stick in my head. And it’s the only way I can have a hope of passing the dictation quizzes our teacher loves to give. I’m not actually taking the course for credit, so I don’t need to pass or even really take the quizzes. However, the nerd, or over-achiever, or competitive streak (take your pick) within me pushes me on to want to succeed.
I’ve actually been quite surprised by how much I (usually) enjoy my class. There is nothing like the satisfaction of realizing I just read an entire one page dialogue only looking at characters. Or that I was able to read and answer questions only with characters. There are triumphant moments when everything seems to come together with surprising clarity. In these moments I think, “There actually is hope that one day I could really learn this language!”
However, there are also days when I leave class a hundred times more confused then when I came. In these classes, I frantically write down characters from the powerpoint in the hopes of finding a student who later can decipher what my teacher was so patiently attempting to teach our class. On these days, I often find myself thinking, “I will never be able to learn this language.” Today was one of those days. The blessing of these days is that I can better empathize with my own students, which gives me a great deal more patience in my classroom.
So yes, in my spare time, you will find me bent over a pad of paper trying to remember which direction to put the next dash. When I don’t have spare time, I’ve luckily found a very useful “crutch.” I discovered there is a free Chinese-English dictionary for the I*pod touch. This program allows me to draw a character with my finger, and then gives me the meaning. This crutch is immensely helpful in class, but I know will only perpetuate my “limping along” in Chinese. And so I will write. And write some more.
Updated on August 4, 2011
Food for thought
“The first thing the Father does with us is to get us based on the rugged Reality until we do not care what becomes of us individually as long as He gets His way for the purpose of His Redemption. Why shouldn’t we go through heartbreaks? Through those doorways the Father is opening up ways of fellowship with His Son. Most of us fall and collapse at the first grip of pain; we sit down on the threshold of the Father’s purpose and die away of self-pity, and all so-called Christian sympathy will aid us to our death bed. But the Father will not. He comes with the grip of the pierced hand of His son, and says, ‘Enter into fellowship with Me; arise and shine.’ If through a broken heart the Father can bring His purposes to pass in the world, then thank Him for breaking your heart.”
~Oswald Chambers
Updated on August 4, 2011
Just a few more things
First of all, I wanted to pass along an article that perfectly explains why the foreign teachers get so frustrated in our writing classes and in our positions as senior thesis paper advisors. There are many things I love about China. This issue is not one of them. And I quote:
‘My opinion is that writing papers for someone else is not wrong,’ he said. ‘There will always be a time when one needs help from others. Even our great leaders Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping needed help writing.’
The simple fact is, most of our students think actions we deem as plagiarism are not wrong. They do not commit such acts with malicious intent. As a teacher, it’s hard to fight against sixteen years of education that has taught you to “plagiarize” (based on a Western definition of plagiarism).
Another thing I do not love about China. The heat has permanently been turned off for the year (a decision that is based on the calendar, not the weather). It snowed tonight. It’s supposed to snow tomorrow. The high…let me repeat…the HIGH tomorrow is 30. Just thought all of you experiencing abnormally warm spring weather should know that. It’s time to pile more blankets on the bed.
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