Time is running out!

Hello friends! So last week I went to ILP training and it got me so excited!! So training consisted of nine hours of sitting there for two days. The first day was miserable! We were learning about the teaching techniques we are going to be using, and it was fine for the first few hours. But after a while all I wanted to do was punch something! The second day was a lot more fun! We all split up into our different countries and learned about cultures. I am probably going to accidentally offend so many people! I hope I get a hang of the culture fast so that I can feel comfortable there. We also talked a ton about culture shock. There are basically four stages-
1. Honeymoon- Everything will be so exciting and new and we will be running around snapping pictures, and be so happy to be there!
2. Horror- This will probably happen once I have no choice but to use a public restroom. There are no stalls so you are just doing your business in front of strangers, and even worse, your friends!
3. Humor- After a while, all the things that horrified you will become comical. I am particularly excited for this stage! Nothing will help more than laughing at how ridiculous everything is.
4. Home- I am really excited for China to become my new home. It scares me too, because I know it is going to be so tough for me to leave. It will be especially hard to leave my kids. There will be some days were I want to strangle them, but I know I am going to love them more than I can even imagine!
So if anyone is interested, it isn't too late to make a donation! I sent this letter out, but I don't have everyone's addresses, so I will post it so everyone can read it! Thanks so much for all of your support, and thanks so much for anyone that has already donated. I appreciate it more than you know!
-ky

Dear Friend,

I am writing to tell you about an exciting opportunity I am about to embark on and to ask for your help. In February, I am going to Changzhou, China to teach kids English through the International Language Programs (ILP). The ability to speak English will greatly benefit these children and their families. Because many of the children who participate in the program come from lower-class families, ILP teachers must pay their own expenses, which includes a $2520 program fee. This fee covers airfare, room and board. I am also responsible for providing my own teaching materials.  

If you can, please send a donation to ILP on my behalf by January 10, 2011. The address is: 363 N. University Ave., Provo, UT 84601.  You call also call ILP at 801-374-8854 with questions or to provide a donation by credit card. Be sure to have them apply your donation to my account.  I have set up a blog to keep you informed of my adventures. You can follow it at www.kythurman.blogspot.com

Because ILP is an IRS qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization, any funds you donate are tax-deductible. If you have any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to call me at (801) 735-3491. You can also view the ILP website at: www.ilp.org.

I greatly appreciate any amount that you can give to this cause. Thank you for your support!!!

Kindest Regards, 

Kylee Thurman  


p.s. I almost forgot! I am REALLY excited for the funny Chinese to English signs... Talk about lost in translation! Gotta love it :)