Natalie Brock, Parent

I had the honor of teaching another beautiful class of children today. We worked on word choice, fluency, ideas and organization in writing by doing activities related to families and colors. I continue to be amazed at the willingness of the students to reach out and try new things. Their teachers, too, are hungry to learn how we do things in our classrooms.

After school, Carson and I went to the athletic facility where he kicked the soccer ball around with a man who must have realized that I was no match for a young boy with a ball. I watched in amazement as two people who could not talk to each other bonded instantly. After the game, Carson jogged around the campus, and I enjoyed some time by the beautiful coy pond. If you can imagine one of the loveliest places in the world, you can see the koi pond. Surrounded by willow trees and beautiful gardens, it is fabulous. Hundreds of coy in all sizes and colors swim right up and open their mouths as if to say hello to all who come near. 

Our day ended with an elegant dinner at the Nanjing Hotel’s International Club.  Our hosts, the Big Potato and all of the other principals, were beyond generous and kind. Our meal consisted of about 15 different dishes, all presented beautifully. I kept my eyes on Zhou Li, one of our translators, to make sure I was not going to embarrass myself.  There are a lot of things to remember! We are all getting pretty good with chopsticks, small bowls and different plates and glasses.

I have to pinch myself every once in a while to make sure all of this is real.