I have finished my classes; I have turned in my grades.  I received affirmation from the majority of my students, and a few comments such as “sometimes you were boring,” just to keep me humble.

We were so excited about serving in the volunteer summer program.  It does seem that there is one glitch after another.  It also seems that China is not really interested in volunteers, since it is so difficult to get the proper paperwork.  The newest thing is that the required document lists “first entry” as July 1, when we have to fly out of Hong Kong June 28 in order to have the training for the program.  It becomes more clear why Chinese people seldom plan anything in advance.  We have already paid for the hotel in Hong Kong.  We have paid for the ticket to Beijing.  We have paid for the ticket home on August 5.  This adds up to a lot of money to lose.  It’s all so wearing.  I do think that my own country is probably equally frustrating when it comes to “red tape” as my folks used to call it.  We just don’t normally have to deal with it.

The weather is hot, what a surprise for summer time.  In the USA, we’re accustomed to going anywhere we have to go in an air conditioned car.  Here we walk.  So, the weather is more important.  I have a small problem in my left ear.  I may need to go the clinic for help.  For this, I will need an interpreter.  My voice recital rehearsal has been changed, as has my lesson, so the net effect is, I’ve had my last lesson, unless we could meet Saturday. The recital is Monday.  I’m singing a Chinese folk song, which I have not completely memorized yet–that’s this afternoon. And,I’m singing an English song, for which the tune is Lyra Davida, and the words were written by C. Wesley.

Getting ready to go seems overwhelming at this time.  So, although I am known here as “positive, upbeat, and always smiling” I confess I am in a snit.  Let us hope for resolution of all the problems, one way or another.