LIFE IN "NON"

NON is in the center of China, located in an area surrounded by wheat fields, now sporting a short cover of green, growing again in the warmer weather, and numerous vegetable plots, large and small. Flat spaces are interrupted by ranges of hills (I wouldn’t call them mountains). Except for the green of the wheat, much of the area shows no color; drabness is the predominant feature.

 

Several million people live in NON – I don’t know the exact number. Industrial complexes and apartment high-rises dot the skyline – lots of new construction. In between are small shops and businesses located on the recently built wide and easily traversed streets. We did travel on some of the smaller streets where it is almost impossible to pass another car – lots of little family shops are located there.

Some kind of magpie? seen from the bus on our way to the teaching center

It is dry. Cars are dusty and streets are covered with a layer of dirt – probably not the healthiest time of the year. Pedestrians, bicycles, motorized bikes, motor scooters and cycles, bicycles with carts, buses, automobiles, large trucks and smaller pickups all share the streets. I am struck that much of the traffic is human powered.

 

After a nice breakfast at the hotel, we waited to catch a #25 bus. Lots of 6, 22, and 26 buses, but more than 25 minutes for a #25 bus, and it was a clunker. The front window had a huge smash that affected much of the viewing area. The bus stalled frequently. Doors rattled and windows no longer had the openers connected to them. But we safely arrived at our destination.

Attentive listeners

We are at a school that teaches the B. Presently 200 students of all ages and backgrounds study here. We sit in “writing benches” – the kind they had in schools many years ago except these are benches for 5 people. It is interesting to watch the students take notes using Chinese characters.

 

M is such a good speaker that participants listen intently. And the students are all eager learners. There’s a ratio of 2/3 women to 1/3 men. Young and old are represented. If any English is spoken, it is only extremely minimal.

Students avidly study the plan

Lunch: students had noodles with vegetables (yakisoba – no soup) while the teachers had a bit more. Fish, pork, and vegetables – rice and noodles.

fresh fruit awaited us for the break

Yakisoba style noodles for lunch (enough to feed half an army)

Oh baby, those noodles are good!

After lunch, students wash clothes or hair, sit and relax, gather in groups for conversation, or simply take a rest. Kind of like the afternoon siesta.

 

Class begins at 2:30. The story of the two disciples on the road to E after the rising was shared followed by additional talking about the divine plan. Such great conversation. The joy on the faces and the excitement to tell the story.

 

A group gathers around their mentor

 

We finished up at six, seven hours of classroom time. Identical pattern for the morrow.

After supper we were sent home by taxi.

 

Washing clothes during the after lunch break

Vegetables set out for another meal