The Mountain Report

Here at SMBS (the name of our school), we have what we call “mountain” and “no mountain” days. See, there is a series of little mountains on the north side of the city that are very close (about an hour by private van or car). So, in reality, they should be visible, all the time. However, we did not know they existed for about 2 ½ weeks until there was a “mountain” day. Thus, we created a tally system. I believe we’ve had 5 clear mountain days where they are visible from our windows. There’s a number of reasons for the non-existent visibility – namely, the coal factories. However, last weekend we went to visit some other people in our organization who teach at the University at the base of those mountains. What was a “no mountain” day at SMBS was a BEAUTIFUL day at Zhong Bei! So we hiked up those mountains and looked out onto Taiyuan. AMAZING. We took some great pictures… Enjoy!

(Susie, MaryBeth, Kristina, me, Elizabeth, Jenni! *Tanya was at a mtg in Beijing*)

In other news…Monday was Kristina’s birthday (LOTS of cake and sugar and FAJITAS)! It was lots and lots of fun. She got a paper crown, a cake and a bouquet of flowers from our Foreign Affairs Official and the Pres of the school! It was great. We walked out of the cafeteria with all of that after lunch, and a kindergarten class saw her and started singing Happy Birthday in English! So adorable!

The teachers have been incredibly busy this week – the kids took midterms yesterday (even my 2^nd graders!) and then the parents are coming this weekend so the school must be very clean and all the students need to perform. We’re also having our Halloween party tomorrow night (I think I’ll be a tree again – I’m a tree in my classes to explain the word ‘costume’. It’s pretty sweet and simple – brown pants, green sweater, and scarf and hat with construction paper leaves pinned all over) then going to Xi’an on Friday night to visit a long-term university team in our organization to observe, learn more about that program, and sightsee! Pictures will definitely follow. Xi’an not only has the Terracotta Warriors, our friends, an awesome street market, rich local history, but also TWO Starbucks (xing bah kuh)!!!!!!

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. CONGRATS Erin!! So proud of you!!!! =)