CTP Get Acquainted Barbecue

On June 25, Lugene and I attended a China Teacher's Program "get acquainted" barbecue in Provo. All of the new teachers for 2009-2010 who could attend were there. There was one couple, the Thelins, who are going back for a second year and will also be teaching in Ji'nan, although at a different university than the one where we will teach. The Sorensons, who will be teaching with us at Shandong Normal University, were not there because they live in the state of Washington. They are also going back for a second year. We met many nice people. Most of them had concerns like we have. Mostly it is concern about the unknown. Brother and Sister Evans, the couple missionaries in charge of the program, reassured everyone that it would be a great experience. We are sure it will be.

Jeffrey Ringer, Director of the China Teachers Program and also Director of the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies, spoke also spoke to us. He talked about how important our assignment is to Brigham Young University, the Church and to the people we will be teaching in China. He talked about how important it is that we set a good example for everyone we meet.