Page 14 - Clearwater Christian College 2005

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(continued from p. 8)

“The Chinese crave westernization,'1 Mr. Hess said.

“They want to know what Americans do." It was this curiosity

about American traditions and culture that afforded numerous

opportunities for group members to share stories about Christmas

and Easter, as well as New Years Day and Independence Day.

“We were able to connect Christianity to culture," Hess said.

One group member described her lesson plans lor teach­

ing about the Christian celebration of Jesus’ birth. “Our Christ­

mas party foods will be Chinese chips, Oreo cookies, and good

old American peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.... hopefully the

real reason for Christmas will stay in their minds and eventually in

their hearts forever," said Heather Hall.

In one class, Dr. Ralph Hayes answered numerous ques­

tions about American funeral traditions after sharing with his class

the recent death of his wife. “Do you think you will ever see her

again?" one student asked. “I was [then] able to share with them

10 the faith Mary and I shared and the assurance that we will spend

eternity together with our Creator," he said.

While faculty members spent most of their time with

Chinese teachers, other members of the team

“/ have grown worked with some ol the younger Chinese

participants. In preparation for their classes,

to love my students members had prepared scrapbooks to be

China
shared with their students. Many had brought

as friends. Never postcards, which they used to show life in

Trip

Florida, including pictures of the college.
before have I been

They told stories illustrating American culture

so sad at the thought and directed the students in art projects to

illustrate vocabulary words such as grace and

o f returning [home]. ” redemption.

Beginning at 9 o’clock, Monday through

-Jeremy Dillard Friday, classes lasted until mid-afternoon with

an hour for lunch. At 3:30, following the re­

quest of the Chinese college administration, team members led

their groups in games and other activities for approximately an

hour. Sometimes the activities included shopping or parties, visits

to tea houses or just walking in the city parks, “opportunities to

build relationships,’’ said Mrs. Lynn Smith. While some brave American food but

Curious about their American visitors, a local television the authentic Chi­ delicious. After mas­

nese food (i.e. tering chop sticks
reporter interviewed group member Katie Wahlberg one evening,

hotpot), others settle and braving a hotpot
following a quick lesson in Tai Chi at Jing Hua Square, a park for good old-fash­ meal, American Chi-

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near the school. Her lack of skill in the Chinese martial art had ioned American nese food is a piece

pizza. Elizabeth of cake! Every time
become apparent as she struggled to learn in front of a group of

Brown said, "The we went to eat, it was

Chinese onlookers, some of whom had begun to laugh. What was food was definitely an experience to re­

her purpose in coming to China, the reporter asked. “To teach more spicy than member."

English, make friends, and learn about (continued on p. 13)

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