On March 27th, 2010, the Foreign Teaching Staff at Shengda College of Zhengzhou University were invited to join all the other foreign teachers in Zhengzhou city to complete the Friendship Forest Project. There were many new teachers on the trip with us that day as the total number at Shengda College more than doubled to 34 foreign teachers this school year. The Zhengzhou Municipal People’s Government welcomed us all, and we were happy to participate. For me, the trip marked one more fun filled year for my family in China.
When we arrived at our destination on that warm spring morning, I was happy to reunite with so many other teachers whom we only see on such occasions. We arrived unceremoniously, and got to work, planting as many trees as we could manage. I remembered my husband hobbling about on those very grounds a year ago, as he had broken his foot, but insisted on going on the trip because he did not want to miss out on the fun. Just one year earlier we were new teachers, and more uncertain of our surrounding, but on this trip we were part of the experienced group, helping the other teachers and making suggestions!
My husband and I have a 2 year old son, who happily ran and played with the other toddler and children there. Only one year before, he was barely able to walk! We all caught up with old friends both foreign and Chinese, and this year I was happy to introduce my cousin to everyone. In fact, my family is expanding in China. My cousin who lived in my neighborhood in New York before decided to join us. She has been teaching English for 3 months now, and is adjusting wonderfully to her new life here.
The Friendship Forest is now complete, and as we stood at the closing ceremony, I reflected on the significant trip we made to the other side of the world, and the strides toward cultural understanding that we continue to make. It was fitting that we ended the trip with a delicious meal, sitting around the large circular tables at the Chateau Legion Hotel and continuing to talk about our varied experiences in China. All the forest trees have been planted, and just as the trees will continue grow and flourish our relationships here in China are just beginning to blossom and bloom. ( By Glenis Paul, one foreign teacher in Shengda College )
