I know its been awhile since my last blog but things have gotten
busy. China is still the same chaotic place in which I do my service
to teach these wonderful kids some English and also learn some Chinese
along the way. These kids are so funny and can always bring a smile
to my face. Even when they have to do so much and study so hard they
still have time to laugh and play which is a very good thing. But its
not always that way for them. In fact every Monday morning bright
and early at 6:45 is a flag rising ceremony. Yeah super early in the
morning.
Back home I used to get up around or before that time everyday for
work. Yes there were days that I had a hard time getting up for work...just
ask my boss (Dad). Well here my schedule has really changed and I
have only been up a few times that early in the morning.
Well I have always wanted to be part of or witness the flag ceremony.
So I set my alarm clock and made sure I wasnt going to miss it. I woke at 6:30
and knew this would be the Monday to go see the ceremony. I got to
the open plaza in front of the school before the kids had gotten there
and couldnt believe how peaceful and quiet it was. This picture is
to try and show that it was a very beautiful morning.
Then all of a sudden a the Chinese anthem came over the speaker
blaring super loud and the students still half asleep wandered to
their places in this plaza. When I say "place" each class has its
place and in the place the students line up in 2 girl lines. Shortest
in the front and taller ones in the back. Then the boys had 2 lines
smallest to tallest. Now they stood in perfect line both vertical and
horizontal. There are 48 classes in the school and every class
and teacher was in this plaza. A lot of chinese!
I stood out like a polar bear in the jungle.
It was incredible how orderly it was.
Each student knew exactly where to go and stood there not making a peep.
So 48 classes about 55 to 60 students per class that is 2,600 kids and it
was crazy how quiet it was.A little girl stood up by the flag pole and I'm guessing gave the commands for the flag carriers. Music started playing and in center
of all the kids, 4 guys dressed in army camo clothes walked like the
Hitler soldiers carrying the flag to the flag pole to be raised.
Behind the army guys a class followed. Now I think every week they
change the class that follows the soldier guys because every Saturday
before the kids go home to celebrate their day off from school they
are out in the dark practicing their formation and teaching how to
walk in correct rhythm.
As the flag was being raised the song was changed and I noticed that
none gave a salute or anything. I am very curious if the chinese do
anything to show respect to their flag??? Me? I had no idea what to do
so I just stood there taking pictures and video of the whole ceremony.
While I was standing there, I happened to see my class 19. Well I waved
at one of the girls and she waved back and then started talking to her
friend and the teacher heard her and yelled at her. He pointed to the
ground and she slowly walked to the teacher head down and everything.
I felt horrible because I felt like I had gotten her in trouble. It
was crazy how serious the teacher was because even I, a person that
doesnt speak chinese knew he was upset. Later that day I went to that
class and gave her a american sweet and she loved it. I told her I
was sorry.
Once the flag had been raised the principal got up and gave a few
words and then everyone clapped and it was over. Now this was cool.
It wasnt like a massive scattering of kids. It was very orderly.
Like the one class went and the next class followed that class right
after and they did this until every student had left the plaza. It was
so cool to see all these kids being professional.
I am very happy with myself that I set my alarm clock and got out of
bed to witness this ceremony. Yes it was different but in a way its
the same in america. I remember standing in school and saying the
pledge of allegiance. This is their way to of doing it and it was so
cool. So happy I woke up early for it! Please remember I really like
the little photo missions. So if you want photos and a story of my
experience getting the photos dont be afraid to ask. I love and miss
you all. Blog to all of you soon.
Love
Jordan
Beijing Time
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