Dumplings in Suzhou!

 “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” — Martin Buber

By this time you've heard about my relocation to Suzhou!  I was only supposed to be here for two and a half weeks to cover classes while they waited for their new trainer to get here, but three days with this enthusiastic, hardworking staff and I didn't want to leave!
I requested a transfer but Disney English said no because they have a policy that you have to work for six months before you can change centers.  However, Suzhou has had a cycle of people in and out of this position and they're desperate to get someone in that can create some stability.  So the management fought for me to stay and the transfer request went all the way up to be approved by the CEO!  


The most wonderful thing about Suzhou is that they all want me here!  It's so great to be working at a place where they great me enthusiastically everyday and go out of their way to help me settle in. 
Yesterday, when I announced to the parents that I was staying permanently they actually applauded.  When I told the staff, the Foreign Trainers gave me gigantic hugs and the Chinese girls started making plans to take me for KTV and shopping.  I never thought I'd be living in Suzhou, but clearly it's the best place for me :)   

Just a few weeks ago I was thinking about leaving China, now I'm so happy I feel like I could stay forever!  I leave work everyday exhausted and deeply satisfied.  I'm so optimistic about my future here!

 Last week everyone came to the center early and our Center Manager, Wilson, hosted a dumpling party!  His mother prepared the meat and dumpling skins and then we folded them up and boiled them.

 I was the only foreign trainer that showed up and Wilson was disappointed, but I scored lots of bonus points with my coworkers. :) They were all excited to show me their different methods of folding dumplings according to the city or region that they're from.  We had some quality bonding time.  The foreign trainers at the center are all men, so they told me over and over again how excited they are to have a female foreigner to hang out with.

 This is Jesse, one of the classroom assistants, he is vivacious and hilarious! I adore her!  Her classroom is next to mine and she's always popping in to sing with me or to criticize my Christmas decorations.

 Helen!  The first time I did a demo class with her as my assistant she listened to me give my opening spiel with a big smile.  Then she said,"Ashlee I like your accent!"  Obviously, my accent is no different from the other American's at the center, so I said "You mean that you like that my voice is so high-pitched?"  Helen: "Yes, yes, you sound very happy! I like you." 

 Some of my dumplings!

Dumpling feast!  One of these dumplings has a coin in it, if you get that one you'll have good fortune all year.  They were so delicious!