Christmas on the other side of the world...

I mentioned earlier that it didn't feel like Christmas here and partly it doesn't...but now that it's getting closer to Christmas there is lots of Christmas cheer going around - especially in my classes.

Today I was totally caught off guard. I walked into one of my classrooms and the second I opened the door the students stood up and started singing 'Jingle Bells' and they were clapping and all excited and they followed that with a Chinese New Year's song. I just stood there at the door somewhat speechless. They had decorated the classroom and there was a big gift (stuffed animal) sitting on the teacher's podium. Aaah, what to say...it was so sweet - my eyes got a little watery. It was very thoughtful! When class was over they stood up again and said 'Merry Christmas' in unison and handed me a card with the names of all the students on it. I was very touched. Then, some students from another class came running in and also handed me a card and a gift (Chinese craft) it was all very unexpected and thoughtful and I am still sort of at a loss for words. It's great when it is from individuals but it's really special when I read a card that says:

"First, we want to thank you for teaching us. All of us love you so much. You bring us not only interesting lessons but also your love. Above all, you let us know the true love: life is about giving, not gaining. Finally, we want to say: thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks, thank you very much!"

and is signed by everyone in the class!

Especially these last few days I have been getting many Christmas cards and I think it is so thoughtful of the students...it's not even a holiday they celebrate but they still remember 'the foreigner'.

Overall I have really enjoyed teaching this Christmas season. Classes are somewhat more meaningful and students seem eager to learn about North American 'culture'.

But, a break is already in sight again. On January 7th my Spring Festival break will start and will last till February 28th! Yeah...definitely crazy long! The plan is to go to Thailand from the 16th till about the 1st of February and by that time all my university friends will be home for the rest of the month of February so it will be a great month of reuniting with friends. The break will be long but I am not too worried about getting bored at all - those friends, especially Karen and Brianna, are very dear to me and it's already been proven that we can hang out from 6am-12am and not get sick of each other for weeks. They, as well as I, are counting down the days until we meet again.

I can't say I haven't missed home for a second - it'd definitely be nice to stop by sometimes, but still...I am thankful to be here (despite the cold weather) and am thankful for the internet so that I can keep in touch with you all!

I wish you all a meaningful Christmas!!