Ahhh! It is so great to be out of quarantine!

(Pictures coming soon)

Life in China is chaotic and constantly changing, and is beginning to redefine my idea of “flexibility.” These first few weeks have been a rollercoaster of ups and downs as the program is continually evolving even as I write. There is currently a 20 day TIP session that is going on now with 350 students, and is being led by a short-term summer team. While this session is going on, the seven other new year-long facilitators and I have been undergoing extensive, intensive training that will last almost 3 weeks. It encompasses everything from how to teach in a small group or large group setting, to how to cope with culture shock and homesickness. We have also learned about the history of China and the history of “our religion” in China.

Furthermore, we have been able to participate in multiple 20-minute practicums where I have co-taught with another facilitator, and we were in charge of game time a few nights ago where we played a game called “Find the candy” and “Move if.” “Find the candy” is where one student is blindfolded and his teammates hide a piece of candy and then give the blindfolded student directions for finding the candy. The students’ practice giving directions and listening to directions and have a lot of fun doing it. “Move if” is a game that most people have probably played in school or at camp where there is a large circle of chairs which everyone sits in except for the person in the middle. This person’s job is to say “Move if you like ____” or “Move if you are wearing ____,” etc., and if the people sitting in the circle like or are wearing what was stated then they must make a mad dash across the room to find a new seat. Then, the person who can’t find a seat is stuck in the middle and says “Move if____.” While this game is very simple, the students have a blast and fight and push (similar to getting on a bus sometimes) for the last seat! It is hysterical to watch and play.

Of all the training we have done, practicum and the prep work that goes into it has been the most fun. While there has been great advice given from alumni facilitators who taught last year, nothing teaches better than hands-on experience. It is great to be slowly eased into the teaching process though, and so I am grateful for the long training.

There are a plethora of things that I have learned during my time here so far. Here are four:
1) When you think you are speaking English slow enough, you should probably s l o w d o w n to half that speed and then you may be close.
2) While this program is now in its 4th year, each 20-day session can be vastly different and therefore not only will every month or every week be an adventure, but every day! This, of course, forces me to trust and rely on God. It’s like He planned it this way or something!
3) The Chinese teachers we are teaching tend to be very respectful and easily loveable, and those who are in the lowest classes who know the least amount of English are childlike even if they are 50 years old. You could roll a crayon back and forth across the desk and they would love it.
4) God is faithful in providing other Christians for accountability and fellowship. I have been meeting with Dan, a fellow facilitator from Texas who is 43 years old, and is a genuine man of God and he has agreed to mentor me this year.

There are also a few very specific things I need prayer for. First of all, my friend Tracey, who
came to faith last year, is considering working here as an Administrative Assistant for one month. If she likes the environment and the Chinese staff likes her, she would be able to come on staff full-time. How providential would it for me to be able to work with a friend who I was able to help (in part) come to faith! Secondly, the administration is planning on starting a traveling TIP in about a month and a half, and they are asking for some facilitators to come with them. As of now, I have very few details regarding this because they simply don’t know where it will be except that it will probably be in the province of Yunnan (which is beautiful by the way). Please pray for God’s discernment as Dan and I consider this opportunity (if the program is better organized), and pray for Tracey and her decision for whether or not she will work here for a month and then potentially join the Chinese staff.

Thanks!
Kyle