A Few "Firsts"...

I am celebrating a few "firsts," and thought I'd share the joys :)

• Yesterday was my first solo bike ride on the streets of DaLat!  It saved a lot of time... but my heart was beating pretty fast at the rush of cruising along with motos and cars and people everywhere.  I kept reminding myself, you are only responsible for what's directly in front of you, and everyone coming from behind will fit in somewhere.  It worked!  It was funny to see students reactions as I biked by... "Miss Suzy!!"  From the looks on their faces, I'm sure it was a funny sight for them :)
• I picked up my first package at the Bui Den (Post Office).  My sweet friend from JBU- Allison Almstrom (who is also teaching in China), sent me such a fun package.  It only cost $1.00 for me to pick it up.  The reminders of home and the fall season were SO encouraging!  I think knowing you're remembered means more than ever expected once in a foreign land.  Thanks Allison- you made my week friend!
• Today (Thursday) I wore a skirt to class for the first time.  I had heard that another teacher here at DaLat University wore a skirt and received a standing ovation- so I was a bit nervous about it.  However, I then reasoned that it wouldn't be that odd to receive a standing ovation since I already receive one every day when I enter the classroom.  All 50 students become deathly silent, stand, and stare at me as I walk to the front of class.  Then they welcome me, "Good morning, Teacher!"  It's a tad overwhelming to say the least.  This morning, the students were waiting outside the classroom and as I walked into view, and a hush came over them as they all stared and whispered about my almost-ankle-length skirt.  Several of them commented how beautiful they thought it was (and I noticed many interesting stares during class).  For the most part, it wasn't as awkward as I pictured.  Hooray- I think I'll try it again.  I love wearing skirts!
• Next week (10-6 through 10-10) I will be teaching my first Journalism classes (two different sections of seniors).  I would appreciate your thoughts as this will be my fullest teaching week all semester (24 hrs. in the classroom)... and I am definitely learning as I teach.

I am sorry I don't have pictures of any of these things :(  My camera has actually died.  So any pictures from here on out are borrowed from teammates.  Hopefully I'll have some next time.  Oh, and by the way, I haven't been able to access Facebook, so e-mail is the best way to connect right now.  Love from Vietnam!