#hegang
When some of my students in my year 2 classes found out they didn’t have class in my birthday they told me that since the next day was Labor Day and we wouldn’t have school, that they would throw me a party.
Because of the Chinese culture, non of the girls students’ parents allowed them to come so it was all boys. Before going to dinner we had complete “bro-time” and of course they loved Jon. We were at one of the students apartments. His mom welcomed us at the door and then my student basically pushed his mom out the door so we could all hang out, like any high school boy would do. We talked about all of the necessary topics…. First they talked about video games for what seemed like 80% of the time and LOVED that Jon knew of the games that they played. Then they filled me in on how one of their friends wasn’t their because he had a date with his first girlfriend today. And then of course the most important topic… They taught us Chinese curse words.
After our “bro-time” the boys took us to this amazing Chinese restaurant. They were so sweet and got me a HUGE birthday cake (about 4 times the size of the cake the teachers got me). Jon is still getting used to chopsticks. So, when the boys told him to try the food he struggled to pick up the food and put it on his plate, but when he finally got it, all of the boys cheered! They were so great! One of my students ( the English name he chose was soup) sat next to Jon and helped him out and put food on his plate because he knew Jon was struggling.
When it was time for us to get rice a boy yelled to me “BIRTHDAY NOODLES”… Umm what? So I got a bowl of one Looonnnggg noodle. For this Chinese tradition I had to eat as much of the noodle as I could without it breaking and they count. I think it was whatever number they count to was how many more years I live. I got to 34… I thought that was bad but they told me I did good but hopefully I’ll live longer than 34 years…
My students were amazing and made me and Jon feel so loved! Nothing like a birthday to remind you how blessed you are!
My boyfriend took his first trip across the big pond to visit me and be the best birthday present ever! Even though he missed his connection and had to sleep in the Beijing airport, when he arrived to Harbin both of us could not keep a smile off our face!
Once I was finally reunited with Jon, we took a 7 hour bus from Harbin back to Hegang. After the long trip and about 48 hours of straight travel for Jon, we got off the bus and went straight to my little birthday dinner which was given to me by the school. The head master of year one insisted he give me a little a party ( even though another teacher already had another party planned). We stuffed ourselves with dumplings and I watched as everyone marveled over Jon. Everyone was so sweet and giving me all kinds of birthday wishes and complements but I have to say my favorite quote of the night was when the head master told Jon: “ Jon, you are so strong, and tall.. And.. And… Everything” . I can’t wait to watch Jon learn about China and watch all of Hegang stop and stare at him. I know I will have some great stories.
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Finally got the guts to get my grove and exercise on and join the big mamma square dancing here in Hegang!
