I have such great memories from China and wish I could visit you all anytime I wished!
I also miss the food, the restaurants, the massages, and using chopsticks everyday.
Maybe most of all, I miss teaching English to you all! I really, really, really loved my job. Why? Because I met you! Because I got to know you, and share stories, ideas, dreams and opinions with you. And I loved you all! I think that I was really blessed to know you. All of you are unique and special. One thing that I believe, is that God loves me and he teaches me to love others. It’s not always easy to love, but it’s the best way to live. I think that I am the happiest when I am loving, serving and helping others, and not just thinking about myself. I believe that love comes from God, and that God is love. The more I know God, the more I learn how to love. It sounds simple, but it’s true for me. Anyway, I’m sure you also can teach me about what makes you happy in life.
I also know that you also taught me many things. Even though I was your teacher, in some ways you were also my teachers! I learnt a lot about Chinese culture and traditions, Chinese ways of thinking, Chinese history and the wonderful Chinese people! Thank you for all you shared with me. I hope I never forget you all.
I have been back in Australia for 6 weeks already! Time flies! My wife, Michelle, is 25 weeks pregnant!!!! And it's a BOY! Our baby boy will be born about December the 15th. How exciting! I still can’t believe I’m going to be a DAD! I’m sure it will be fun.
The weather here in Adelaide is cold and wet. It is raining a lot, almost everyday. So at home we have a fire going to keep us warm.
I know that many Chinese people use umbrellas in the summer to protect themselves from the sun, but here in Australia, we only use umbrellas to keep out of the rain!
Michelle and I really enjoyed watching the Olympics on TV! Beijing and China can be proud – it was a very successful Olympics! But poor Liu Xiang! I felt so sad for China. But there is always next time, right?
China did so well in the Olympics – so many medals! No. 1 in the world! But I think Australia also did very well. We have such a small population (21 million people), and yet we are No. 5 in the world. So I’m proud of Australians too!
Soon Beijing can return to normal. The city and its people can enjoy life without worrying about all the security and safety issues, and so many of the rules that were enforced. I hope that the pollution and environment will continue to improve, and that the people won’t forget to keep the city and air clean, because I want to come back to China one day!
So…what are Michelle and I doing?
Michelle is working full-time at the moment for the Australian Government. She is looking forward to a long holiday once our baby is born!
Also, I have a new job now. I work for a Christian organisation that does community work for young people, families, elderly people and refugees. At the moment, I am helping look after 6 siblings, aged 2-8 years old, who have been rescued from a very bad situation. They have had a very sad history - including neglect and abuse from parents. When they were rescued by the state government, they were sick, malnourished, uneducated, and emotionally unstable. It is hard to describe here. But now, with the help of government agencies and the Christian organisation I work for, these children are getting better and learning how to live a healthy and normal lifestyle. Their mum is in prison, and they can only see their father occasionally. It’s sad, but l can see their lives improving gradually. I like children, so playing with them, and eating meals with them, and helping them, is fun and rewarding.
I am also studying at Adelaide University part-time. This is just to help me get more qualifications for working in the future.
At the moment Michelle and I are living at her parent’s home in Adelaide. Her parents are in Thailand for 6 weeks, so we are looking after their house. In October we will go back to our house. Our house is being rented until then.
Now for a quick English lesson:
Shang Ke:
Remember these sentences to help you pronounce English well…
Sean usually pursues visually unusual Asian jewels.
Wayne waves farewell to Wally Wong on Wednesdays.
The thief thought there were three gold teeth in the mouse’s mouth.
Jai You!
I’m sure all of you will continue to improve your English and have chances to use it. All the best with your future - your work and study and everything else.
If you ever want to ask me anything or talk about something with me, please write an email or chat with me on MSN or Skype.
My Skype name is ‘Peejing’.
Please keep me updated with your stories and photos so that I won’t be able to forget you!
God loves you and so do I!
P-J
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