A Thanksgiving Message from China

Hello to all my friends back home. It is the morning of Thursday, November 26 here in China, and according to my calendar, that means it is Thanksgiving (although it will not be Thanksgiving for several hours back home). If I were home, I would be busy getting everything ready for dinner.

We usually cook two turkeys (one in the oven, and one on the grill), and all the trimmings that go with it. We have family over, enjoy the food, and then spend the next day trimming the tree for Christmas. Since I am not busy doing all that this year, I thought I’d take the time to reflect on all the things I am thankful for:

1. A loving wife, who allowed me to come and teach in China (and who has already said it’s okay for me to come back next year if my school will send me).

2. My school, all the support that I have received from the staff, and particularly President Pat Johns, who worked hard to make this exchange program with Zhaoqing Institute of Education possible.

3. A loving wife, who has been cheerfully running the household back home by herself.

4. Friends and family back home who have not forgotten me, and who keep me updated on events in their lives back home, and inquire into my life in China.

5. A loving wife, who sends me e-mail everyday, even when there is nothing to say.

6. The exchange students who came with me for putting forth their best efforts both in and out of the classroom, and being such good ambassadors to China.

7. A loving wife, who is eagerly awaiting my return home.

8. The staff at Zhaoqing Institute of Education, who have made us feel so welcome and comfortable here that it is a second home.

9. The students of Zhaoqing Institute of Education, who are so polite, kind, and eager to learn, that it has made teaching here such a wonderful experience.

10. And finally, a loving wife, just because of who she is!

Have a happy Thanksgiving one and all!

Gordy