In Sickness and in Hugs

       Well this morning I woke up with a lousy sinus cold. I really didn't sleep last night so I felt awful this morning, I just got done teaching my last class and I still have English Corner, but some of the most amazing things happened today. I had one class cancelled which was great I got to save my voice and in the class before that I was welcomed with a roaring ovation and they sang he a Christmas song. In the class I just had I was feeling very icky just before having to go teach, my head feels like a Macy's parade balloon, so I wasn't really looking forward to teaching at all. I always ask the Friend (HS) to help me with my classes and as I walked in the door I got 10 hugs from my kiddos and one of the twins Angel made me a heart that says 'I Love You' on it.

  
        If a child gives you their heart even if its a homemade one that it a very big deal. I have to always remember that they are watching the example that I set. But this just made me want to cry on the spot. Although I have felt far below par today I am glad I got up today and pushed on. Sometimes I see my kids around Wuhan and they wave at me and excitedly tell their their parent or grandparent 'That is my teacher!' it makes all the trouble you go through worth it...can't really explain it. Being here in China I have learned not only a lot about myself but what is really important. I don't have all of the stuff and distractions that I have back home it changes a person teaching in another country. I didn't really realize how much it would change me until now and I have almost been here for 4 months...I still have 6 to go. In this case change is a great and needed thing, I think it will really set in when I get home this summer.  For now I will just be grateful and very much in awe that a few little girls in China have given their love to me so freely. If that doesn't warm your heart this Christmas season then you are worse off then the Grinch (which my kids are watching and they love it!)