Problem-Solving as a Lao-Wai

Clearly, my Chinese skills are improving, or at least my ability to use what I have to solve problems.  The other day I turned the key in my lock farther than I was supposed to (with the door open, trying to test the security bolts), and found that I could not retract the bolts.  This meant that I could not close my front door.  It was almost 5 p.m., and, after some attempt to fix it myself, I decided I'd better call a locksmith before it got too late.

Now, I should have known better.  I had done the same thing before, while checking out the apartment prior to signing the contract, and the same thing happened.  That time, I insisted that the landlords fix it for me.  They did, and passed on the warning from the locksmith that I should not turn the key more than twice  while locking it.  So, this was really a boneheaded  move on my part.

Fortunately, however, they had also left the locksmith's business card.  That meant that I knew who to call; however, I was not confident of my ability to give my address and explain my need over the phone.  So, I went downstairs to find someone.  I managed, with my very limited Chinese skills, to communicate my need and my apartment number, and get the guy in the apartment office to call the locksmith.  Then, I went and waited in the elevator lobby.

To make a long story short, after about an hour, I called the guy directly, and understood that he was coming, "ma shan" which means something like "now" or "soon" or something like that.  Anyway, come he did, and he fixed the problem, and also the minor problem which had motivated me to mess with it at all.  It involved a missing spring that I had found on my floor (and fortunately kept).  So, that problem was solved.

Last night, I found I had another problem.  My China Construction Bank ATM card was missing.  Now I also have accounts at Bank of China and Bank of Jiangsu, so I could still get cash, but CCB is where my salary gets deposited by WKS.  And this morning I found that a drain pipe with an uncapped access hole was dripping onto my washing machine, and had soaked my instruction manuals.  (The water was clean, and it was raining for the first time since I moved in, so this pipe is clearly a rainspout.)  So, I had two more problems to solve.

I texted my apartment agent to learn where the maintenance office was, and went there.  Then I struggled with my Chinese skills, knowing how to say "Can you help me?", "rain", "water", and my address.  They sent someone up "ma shan" and he, after looking at the pipe, asked me something and gestured to indicate a screw-on cap that was missing.  I told him that I had none, and he said something about "ma shan" and left.  After a while he came back with a cap, which fit properly.  So, that problem seems to be solved.

Next, I had to go to CCB.  There are at least two branches in the New District that are convenient for me to go to, but, after having had to replace my Bank of China card, I was pretty sure I had to go to the particular branch where my account was opened.  Now, the CCB account was opened by the school finance guy, without my presence, but I had discussed the location with my supervisor Emma, and was pretty sure I knew where it was.  Going there by bus was easy, and when I got there, I found that it was open on Saturday.  I showed my passport to the first available teller, who spoke enough English to understand my problem.  It took a while, but they were able to replace my card that time.  (BOC, when I needed to replace a lost card, took a week.)  I just need to make sure the school finance department has my new card number.

Now, I'm in Lotus Café, having written two out of three midterms, relaxing and waiting for my girlfriend.  My VPN seems to be working better here than it was in my apartment, so I decided to use the access to write an update to all my loyal fans.

Prayer Requests

Firstly, praise God for helping me deal with these problems!  The lock problem was especially urgent, and especially stretched my communication skills.  I did learn a new phrase, even though I'm not exactly sure how to use it myself.

Also, please pray for my students.  I have a class of 5-year old kids, and three classes of middle-school students; 7b, 8b, and 9a.  The 9th graders especially need to learn respect and self-control.  We had a "school picnic" (actually an outing to a cheesy dinosaur theme park) yesterday (Friday).  Next week we'll be preparing for midterms, and taking them the following week.  My 9th grade class is smart, but their preference for chatting in Korean over attending to the lesson makes it hard do any meaningful teaching in that class.  I really need to learn patience, and to adjust my expectations to a reasonable level.

That's all for now.  I need to post this before Sophie arrives.  Thanks for reading, and thanks for praying!