The first days

28 July 2008, Monday
Well, I didn’t mention anything about the Olympics but it is a big deal on the television. There are no sporting events (Olympic venues) in our area, thank God. Today Jack (the housing manager from the school) came over to answer some questions about apartment living. He got his English name from his previous employer and we explained to him why we think he was given this name. We told him what a “jack of all trades” meant and the light bulb went on in his head. He really appreciates his name now. Well, after explaining how to use the washing machine, stove, ordering bottle water, etc. Jack took us around town to show us some shopping stores for future reference. By the way, this was during one of the hottest and smoggest days of summer, whoa! Now I know the locations of the: hardware store, barber shop, drug store, two local department stores, etc. The two department stores are just a 10 to 15 minute walk. I found out that Wo Er Ma is for the upper middle class. The prices are a little less at the local stores but selection is less. Also, since we’re cash strapped at present we have to use the Wal Mart because they take the credit card. At the end of this excursion we were beat.

Many of you have been so encouraging stating that once we become more familiar with our surrounding one feels more comfortable. I also emailed Britt (school director) regarding my curriculum which is on the web. I found out that I was looking in the wrong section. So later today or tonight I will finally figure out what it is I’m teaching; again, becoming familiar with my surrounding, in this case my job.

Tomorrow some of us early birds (Lee, Eileen, me, and I think another couple) will begin the process of obtaining the one your work visas. It is a six step process that we started in the U.S. Well, in keeping with change, we have to start all over again!

29 July 2008, Tuesday
I’m getting use to a schedule now, somewhat. After checking email we can watch ABC news on the Hong Kong TV station. They also broadcast on some religious shows which is really interesting. However, I was told this is due to our location. I went for a jog today. My smog gage is if I can see the mountains across the bay from our window. You have to get an early start before the buses and cars get going or the fumes will get to you. We’re meeting more of the new teachers. They are all very interesting, adventurous, and well traveled. The theme of the conversation that I’m getting is that we got it made compared to other locations (Kuwait, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, etc.). It makes me thankful, very thankful.

30 July 2008, Wednesday
We had our health inspections at the big Shenzhen Port Hospital. It is set up for mass general health check ups. Nothing new to report as for as our health. They were mildly surprised about my belly scar from the cancer surgery. I thought the process was just like in the military but Eileen had a hard time with the ceramic bowl toilets. Later in the day I got a call from Bryan our new curriculum director. He set up a trip to IKEA for those of us already here and off we went. It was a real example of team work and initiative. Good people to hang with. By 9pm we were bushed. One family of four and 2 couples went. The family was a little shocked at the fees we all incurred to start up a home (kitchen stuff, furniture, etc). And to think, we can’t take it with us when we leave said one person. Oh, well…that has some deep meaning doesn’t it! We will go again tomorrow with one guy who could make it. That was arranged by Eileen’s friend Ming Lau. ML is from Shanghai and is married to an American. They are highly involved with the church and he works for a computer company. This is their last year here before return state side.