The Griggs Gazette

Thats right, you are related to us, and don't try to deny it, we now know how to blog and we will not hesitate to create a blog all about our family that would prove the fact that yes, indeed, we are part of your family.

Life's lessons learned in China
Things just take longer in China (with the exception of erecting tall buildings which appear after an incredibly short time of construction). For example, traveling to our church member friends Brock and Ginnie Fox's house for Friday night dinner and games takes about two hours during rush hour (we had brownies, ice cream and great company which made the entire crazy trip worth it). Even Michael, a fairly large man by Chinese standards, suffered casualties after experiencing way too many people being squished into a bus. It was a miracle we could even get off at our stop. Oh, memories of public transportation. Gotta love it!

Party Hopping
Once again we experience the joys of going out to eat with our students who are always extremely surprised that we don't drink. Both classes we teach planned their dinner party on the same evening. Luckily they were both in the same restaurant so we could rush back and forth from one group to the other. We have concluded the the word "delicacy" indicates the need to closely inspect what shows up on the serving platter to identify what it may be (usually we have no idea and someone has to look it up in the dictionary to tell us. Example: tendons and cartilage). Simple common food is preferred and usually more edible to us.




We don't remember the name of this game, but the table is huge!

Sichuan Earthquake
Everyone has greatly felt the loss of the earthquake in the South. This week has been a week of morning for the country and we feel that it has brought the country together as a whole. Every week we show a film. This week we chose "World Trade Center" about 9-11. It was very sobering and thought provoking for the police officers. We had a good discussion about preparedness. Now everyone in our classes knows about 72 hour kits and food storage.

One-on-one Interviews
Each week we have personal interviews with each student. Feedback indicates that they have an appreciation for our teaching style. Our game plan pretty much is just to have fun in order to create an environment where they can open their mouths to speak English and to get them thinking for themselves (FYI, this is NOT the traditional way English is taught at schools in China). Class favorites include: debates or discussion groups on hot topics, CNN video clips, reading articles, English talent show, arm wrestling, leg wrestling, trust falls, musical chairs, wet face, do you love your neighbor?, Two truths and a lie, Mafia, hang man, signs, and even Simon says. It is a rewarding feeling to see how much more confidence our friends leave with than when they arrive and the group unity that is formed after only a few short days.

Ultimate Frisbee introduced into China!
Reports show that a new following has begun of Ultimate Frisbee fans at the Beijing Police Academy of China. After class, a group of our students caught on rather quickly to playing Ultimate.


Here are some pictures from the Great Wall Marathon!
Some of the church members who came to run.


Thats right, after 26 years of preparation and puberty, I can now grow somewhat of a beard. This only took three days to grow and yes I know it's a little scraggly.