SCUT Mail Delivery-NOT

Mail delivery at South China University  of Technology is worth noting.  We were told when we arrived not to ever expect to receive mail. That seemed like an unusual statement. However we dutifully informed our children and any family members we thought might want to send mail to us that we were unable to receive mail, not really understanding but trusting the information we were given.

Outside our building and all other residence buildings on campus is a bank of 70-100 shiny new stainless steel very secure mailboxes.  We have lived here three months but never once observed anyone standing by, opening, delivering, or any semblance of use. There is no mailing address for our building and there was never a key or code given to us to use the shiny new stainless steel very secure 

mailbox.

It has all become clear recently as we watched mail delivery on campus.  There is a parking lot near the center of campus where a campus store is located along with the campus hotel, bakery and canteen.  Most students would pass by there during the course of a school day.  I am not at all sure what the scheduled day is for delivery or the time of day that delivery is made but I do know how it happens. All of that information is written in Chinese and we are unable to read that scheduled information.   The tubs of mail are dumped out in the parking lot and spread around for all to see the names on the packages or envelopes.  Today however was a rain day so they made piles of mail for students to pick up their mail and packages.  There doesn't seem to be anyone in charge or responsible to check the mail address with the person picking up the mail.  Everyone shuffles through the piles and stacks, takes what they like and continues on their way. Seems to work for the Chinese students.

Now at least I understand why we were told not to expect to receive mail.

Chinese Folk Music Concert

As the end of the fall semester approaches each department prepares for Final Exams or presentations.  The Foreign Teachers were invited to attend the Chinese Folk Music end of the semester concert. The only instrument we recognized as a regularly used instrument was the piano. The most interesting instrument was a round collection of what looked like recorders in a brass base with a brass mouthpiece.  The young man playing the instrument was both blowing and sucking air in and out of the mouthpiece and he played notes with his fingers on the different recorders.  Not sure what it was called, the program was written in Chinese.  It was a very impressive concert about an hour long with a variety of both vocal and instrumental music. 

In parallel with the Chinese way of doing things, these students have studied and played their instruments from the time they were very young.  They were identified early as musicians and trained by the best professional musicians and teachers. They will become professional musicians when they have completed their education.

We spend our time with master’s candidates who are engineers, chemists, architects and bridge builders.  This was as aspect of South China University of Technology we have not had a chance to experience.    I loved the concert!

Guangzhou Branch Christmas Party 2013

Our Branch President is from the UK with a great English accent.  He announced that there would be a Christmas Party for all the expats in the branch prior to the mass exodus for parts unknown during the Christmas holiday.  Saturday, December 7  from 4-7 at the FG Bistro we gathered to celebrate the Birth of our Savior, I must say it was the most international Christmas celebration I remember attending.  It is such a great experience to absorb the international perspective of people who live here including all the U.S. Consulate contingent who have lived all over the world. All adoptions for China are handled through the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou so that brings many western couples here to take up temporary residence while they wait for the paperwork and other requirements to be completed.   It is safe to say that six continents were represented, what a great blessing to actually participate in the global spread of the gospel and listen to the great stories of each individual.

It is a great blessing in our lives to participate with such great people, some who have taken long routes to the Gospel, some who were born in to the Gospel and others who have been the strength of the Gospel wherever they lived.  Each person is a "Child of God" with purposes undefined in Guangzhou.  The adventure continues to unfold every week as we attend our meetings at the Ramada Inn third floor by special permission from the Chinese government. The highest level of living life in the Gospel is when your example is the only spoken piece that can be uttered. People receive the message by your actions and behavior; a very humbling thought.

We enjoyed a very traditional dinner, turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, coleslaw, pumpkin pie and creme brûlée.  Indeed a treat for the taste buds.  Much to the surprise of all the children Santa Claus found our international gathering

West High School Skype- Round 2

My Chinese students enjoyed the opportunity to follow up their SKYPE experience with the AP Chinese 3 students at West High School.  This time they were much more comfortable; they volunteered themselves to ask and answer questions.  They were able to laugh with the West High School students. 

Our topic for discussion this week was “Prosperity vs. Poverty.” It provided a very interesting conversation between students and was reflective of how they each see their own country and city.  West High School students explained “homeless population,” volunteers and donations to those who live below the poverty level in SLC.  I was happy to hear from the West High students, their volunteer experiences along with their charitable giving campaigns at the school.  One WHS student related his experience of volunteering at the homeless shelter and providing food for those living there.  It was a discussion that begs to be extended in depth.  My Chinese students had difficulty relating to students participating in the area of community involvement or supporting the needy both financially and as volunteers.  That is a concept that was new and confusing to Chinese students.  They could not relate to students actually having time away from their studies to participate in community events. 

Most Chinese students think that Americans have unlimited amounts of money to purchase anything they want whenever they want it. They asked questions of the West High School students about “pocket money or disposable income” where do students get money to purchase an iPhone 5. Interestingly enough not one of the students from West High owned an iPhone 5 and indicated that if they wanted one they would need to save their money to purchase one.  Birthday money, gifts and part time jobs were the source of income from which that savings would be generated.

I am handicapped to report on the conversations my students answered in Chinese.  The West High Students asked questions in Chinese and my students answered in Chinese so the Utah students could practice their Chinese.  I was able to feel the ease and comfort students felt as they stood and volunteered information during their conversations.

The set up this time was simple for this round.  I must have acquired some creditability with the Chinese academic system.  I requested the day of December 5 for an international video conference.  The camera showed up, the Internet was opened and when I handed my department chair the questions, one quick glance and they were back to me.   I have made some headway!  It really can be all about the students.