We greet you after three full days of training in sunny (and weirdly humid) La Quinta, California.
Our days have been full of meeting new people, learning about how other teachers have been called to China, as well as classes on Asian Culture and Communication (Chinese history and culture information from a 20-year Beijing resident and China traveler) and teaching.
Yesterday, teachers had the afternoon off to either rest or recharge in whatever way desired. Knowing Mike and me, you won’t be surprised to know that we signed up first for the tram ride and hike in Mount San Jacinto State Park.
The aerial tram ride featured a 360-degree revolving floor (like the Holiday Inn restaurant in Duluth, for those that know) so we could see far in every direction!
Up... and...
Down...
We hiked about 3 miles to Round Meadow, a real mountain meadow just miles from downtown Palm Springs. Along the way, we saw huge trees, massive boulders (of course Mike climbed most), and wonderful outdoor terrain that reminded us slightly of MN along the North Shore.Sadly, no bighorn sheep or mountain lions (okay, so I was glad about the last missed sighting).
Yes, we are having a great time. Yes, we miss you. Our first session on our first full day was about culture shock, which we know starts as soon as we boarded the plane.Our presenter, the Director of our teaching program Amy, was quite the cry-er, and many of us joined in a little in our personal “missing” of you. Know that we think of you often!
We will be here in La Quinta until September 23, when we will fly to China. Think of me especially as this will be my first cross-ocean flight (and first over 5 hours)!
We are so encouraged by the way the Father has brought all these teachers (about 60 of us here now – and joining the 500 total who will be in China this year) together and called them and us in such unique, personal ways. I love knowing that He calls each of us personally and with love.
I hope you are encouraged today and know that you are missed by us so much. We love you! Ah boo…
