Chengdu, Sichuan

Abbie and I first arrived in Chengdu, China in the Sichuan Province on July 20th. Chengdu is home to two current Knox students, Lin Shi and Yi Rao (both class of 2011). Our two weeks in Chengdu were quite an adventure, but, thanks to Lin Shi, the adventures weren't as frustrating as I imagined. Lin Shi is known for her multi-tasking abilities since she is the co-president for Chinese Club, program president for Friends Across Borders (FAB), is in two committees for Student Senate, plays rugby, works in the CTL as a Chinese tutor, is a T.A. for one of the Chinese classes, and is involved in Union Board. During our time with her, she has put her multi-tasking abilities to good use and has played hostess, translator, and tour guide, and, with the help of her family and high school friend Janet, has done a terrific job! Lin hasn't decided on her majors, but is leaning towards Biology and Environmental Studies. After she goes to graduate school in the United States, Lin wants to take what she has learned and use it to improve China. Her parents, both electrical engineers, were extremely welcoming to us. For the four days before we arrived in Chengdu, they played host to another one of Lin's Knox friends, Wandi Yang. Wandi, also class of 2011, stayed with Lin while she took care of her visa to return to the U.S. Reed, another Knox student, will also stay with her when Lin returns from traveling with us. As you can see, the current Chinese Knox students are extremely connected and have already begun to recreate the Knox community here in China.

We left Chengdu August 1^st, accompanied by Lin Shi. She found an extremely good deal for airfare to Shanghai. From there we took a bus to Suzhou and then a taxi to the school where we will be working. The lady in charge of taking care of foreign teachers did speak English well, but with Lin translating we were able to speed up the communication. Lin's English far succeeds that of many so called “experts” we have encountered here. She also helped us set up bank accounts and get cell phone plans. I'm not sure where we would be without her help. Lin's help demonstrates the importance of maintaining a Knox community abroad-- so that the Knox alumni here can help each other and provide the support needed by those far from their families.