The first week of classes are over. We've gotten our feet wet and it doesn't seem that we going to die because we are teaching. I have one more class to meet. It doesn't start until next week. It is probably the biggest class I'll have. My class of 32 only has 12 students with English names so there are 20 Chinese names I have to learn. I am determined to do so. Most of the teachers don't take roll and maybe I'll quit after a few weeks but I want to use the opportunity to learn their names. Teaching speaking and listening English skills still seems like a challenge to me and is not something that will come naturally. I'll be struggling with this all semester. What will really help them. This is where ESL knowledge would really help.
The Fast starts tomorrow. Sunrise about 6:45 and sunset at 6:05 in Tianjin. This is a period of time I have come to find useful in my life the last few years. I can't really say I look forward to it, but I find it useful. It is a time where I don't have a lot of energy for physical activities so I often find myself reading and praying instead of doing other, more active things. Linda is very good about staying active so I'm sure we'll take some walks to stay fit and get exercise. I also really look forward to the end of the Fast because, at least in Missouri, that means spring will be in full swing and there will be good weather and it will be time to spend a lot of time outdoors. I'm hoping that's the way it is in Tianjin as well.