Saturday, a group of twenty teachers (14 from Shiqui and 6 of us from Kaiyin) traveled alongside our ten all-star Kindergarteners to compete in China's Got Talent in Guangzhou. We were told that we were going to be performing a little dance for a commercial advertising people's dreams coming true, our dream being kids learning English all over china. However, upon our arrival, we realized that this "little dance" was a lot bigger deal than what we were told and we all got a little bit frightened for what lied ahead of us.
One thing that I've realized about the Chinese is that they really downplay big events, a lot. Our coordinators seem to tell us things like maybe a few people will be going to our performances, or that the commercial is not a big deal. But, it then turns out to be that we are competing in the first round of China's Got Talent, complete with a full TV set, talk show hosts, three judges, a full crowd if spectators, and twenty other contestants competing to get in the show. I was so taken back by this all that I really had no idea what to think.
We were eighth in line to compete, and I must admit that I was rather nervous. There were hundreds spectators watching the show live, and then of course there were the people filming us who plan to air the tryouts on national television next week. No pressure, right? After what seemed like an eternal wait for our turn to dance, we walked onstage, danced our little hearts out, and then waited anxiously to see what the judges had to say about our performance. Because none of us speak Chinese, our coordinator spoke for us and then just translated what was said afterwards. However, we didn't need much of a translation, because all we saw was that we got three of three yes's from the judges and cheers from everyone in the crowd, which meant that we get to move onto round two of the competition!
Because there were several people who passed in round one, they are going to choose the best ones (how many, we dint know. They seem to vague in details here as well) and let us know in the next few days whether or not we actually get to compete. If we do make it, however, we will be going to Shanghai this next weekend, paid in full by Bond, to compete in the next round. I can't even explain how exciting this is for me; it might just be p the most random and outrageous thing that's ever happened to me, I never could've guessed that one day I would be a Chinese superstar.
After a well spent Saturday, it was wonderful to have a good and restful Sunday. The weather was perfect, with cool, crisp air outside, the perfect amount of sunshine, a soft breeze, birds singing, etc. It felt just like the spring days I spend with my family back home in Colorado. Our group watched conference together (we had to wait a week to get it all on CD's) and cute little Amanda made peanut butter cookies with a kiss on top for us to snack on during the session. This whole situation made me feel as if I was back home, it made my heart so happy. She, along with her husband Preston, are so incredibly great to us. I am so very grateful for them.
After conference, I took a long, and well needed, nap. Sunday naps are always just so great, I dint know what it is about them but I absolutely love them. After I woke up, I got to FaceTime my friend Lacey, my parents, and my sister Lindsey, all separately of course. Seeing them all made me incredibly happy, yet at the same time super homesick. Thus far, I haven't been too homesick, but at first mention of my family, I begin to miss home and the people who mean so much to me. I can do without 'things' such as my computer, my clothes, my car, or different aspects of my life back home, etc. but the relationships I have with friends and family are what are truly important to me. I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life, they truly make my life so much happier.
Pictures:
1: IKEA, in China?! Booker would be so happy.
2: Mandy all ready to perform
3: Our little diva Lisa, ready to get her dance on
4: Our crew
5: Funny angle, looks like this kid has some long ole legs!
6: Lisssssssa:)
7: Our crazy hur, I think this is truly why we advanced ;)
8: My sweet treat after the performance, swan sorbet!
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