We went to our first English Corner on Sunday. Spent 2 hours there when we intended to spend one. There were only 3 English speakers there. Linda and I were surrounded by about 10 Chinese people each. The purpose of English corner is for Chinese people to practice their English. We are looking for receptivity. It was a wonderful experience, I mean wonderful. People want to talk about things, we don't have to chitchat if we don't want to, just go right in to topics that mean a lot to me. Yesterday I talked with people about building a harmonious society, justice, the unity of humankind, loyalty to government, elimination of prejudice, independent investigation of truth, the need for an educator. Several people wanted to talk politics, both American and Chinese politics, I did my best to stay away from those topics, while listening and allowing people to have their say. Linda and I look forward to many more English Corners. Their is one at a library on Saturday evenings, one Sunday morning and one here at our University on Sunday evening. I'm not sure how often we'll go to all three but while they are novel and while we are making friends I'm sure we'll go to at least 2 a week. I'm already looking forward to next week.

Tomorrow we begin teaching our classes here at the University. We're both excited, scared and nervous. Have I prepared enough material, will I appear unprepared (Linda won't but I might), will I appear to know what I am talking about (we think so). We're both pretty sure that once we get our feet wet we will stop worrying. I'll let you know tomorrow.