My Diary    (I'll try to update this each week, usually on a Tuesday)
 Email: jdwomi@hotmail.com  or john@china8.org 
 Phone: (00...)- 86-758-2903261  - best time to phone: 8am -9am (Zhaoqing time, same as HK)
Mail address: Canadian-American School, Zhaoqing, Guandong. 526040. China
 School Website: www.cas.net.cn       Map/location of Zhaoqing in China
FAQ  for people interested in teaching at CAS     Poverty Map       Bird Flu update 

Tuesday, April 27, 2004: Dear Friends

Good morning from hot and sunny Zhaoqing. Overnight storm rain has left a lovely clear sky. Back with the hot weather are the....cicadas...our alarm clock at dawn (5.40)...just checked the dictionary to spell cicada: "an  insect with transparent wings, the male of which chirps shrilly in hot, dry weather".  Should have known....it's the boys who are the problem, just as in class!

Also in the air this past week: mid-semester exams for secondary students.  Gerard now has a few extra gray hairs ...trying to coax his Go Abroad senior students to chirp more in English

Last Friday: we farewelled Hazel and Jock ....bon boyage & hope you can come again

Last Saturday: CAS promotion at Xihui

Last Sunday: CAS promotion at Ming Zhu Gardens, across river in Gao Yao.  Anzac Day not forgotten...."Gallipoli" being shown this week in one special secondary class

All through the week: HK Rosa has been ministering to the sick....e.g. one baby boy for whom doctors had given up hope (brain tumour + hepatitis), now recovering at home DG

Mon-Friday, 9-12 and 2.30-5pm: Local Rosa has been running classes at our village cafe for 10  school-less children

Latest photos on Gerard's website

Today: another sad day....farewell lunch for Rosemary who returns to Australia tomorrow because her husband is very ill...

(Friday April 30 update: Francis' visa ok DG! - see diary next week)

Calendar: 

Francis and I are due to go to HK this Saturday, May 1, for OMI retreat starting Sunday night May 2. 
I'm due to return to Zhaoqing on Friday night May 7 (..school resumes on May 8 after week of holidays for Labor Day break). On Saturday night I'm due to stay at Notre Dame College in Kowloon (852-27157263), then from Sunday night to Friday I'm due to be at Xavier Retreat Centre on Cheung Chau Island.  Will try to check email each day.  

Thank you for a prayer

God bless!

John W omi

Tuesday, April 20, 2004: Dear Friends

Hello from the departure lounge of CAS ....or so it seems (see below)....on a very warm day....Winter also has departed... and shorts are becoming increasingly popular.  Very practical idea: students are allowed to wear shorts and sandals (without sox) at this time of the year

* Last Tuesday & Wednesday the HK teachers continued their programs at three centres in our poor areas...then returned to HK on Thursday. Thank you Josephine for arranging the visit, and thank you 20 other HK friends for giving up your Easter holidays once again to help others (...last year the group visited a leprosarium in China)

* Last Wed Hazel and Jock made an overnight visit to a town near Luoding....staying at Kim's home. Hazel and Jock also enjoyed re-visiting our English Corner in village on Friday night.

* Last Thursday the whole of Primary School (including Anne, Francis, Marilyn and Melbourne Steve) went on a day trip to Dong Fang Amusement Park in Guangzhou.  Photos on school website

* On Saturday morning I went with a Friday night English Corner student to visit her 16 year old classmate in hospital, to find that the classmate went home to Heaven at 2.00am (brain tumor). Prayers please for the girl and her family....also for a baby girl with similar problem....doctors can't do any more and baby is at home in Area C, HK Rosa offering support each day

* Saturday afternoon: first mountain hike for a long time

* Sunday: a.m. CAS promotion.... midday Easter farewell dinner for Hazel & Jock + Melbourne Steve + Rosemary

* Yesterday, Monday April 19: a.m. English classes at Xinqiao Primary School, afternoon English classes at nearby Ng Chuen Primary School (first ever visit by a foreigner in the school's 50 year history)

* Today, Tuesday April 20: large group of friends went to local railway station this morning to farewell Brisbane Steve & Angel....due to go to Australia tomorrow, Steve having to return for family health reasons. Thank you, Steve 1, for your second stint at CAS. We wish you and Angel good health and every happiness.
And ......at midday we said goodbye to Melbourne Steve whose been here for a few weeks as a volunteer and is now continuing his travels in China. Thank you and Bon Voyage Steve 2 .....Two Stevens in one day....with Hazel and Jock due to leave on Friday....and Rosemary next Wednesday (...her husband in Australia is very ill). 

+ Anne is due to take Rosemary's place in kindergarten, while Marilyn and Francis hold the fort in primary

+ Latest photos on Gerard's website

+ Some points from office Doris: be extra careful crossing  Zhaoqing streets....a Korean tourist died after he was struck by a vehichle last week........and........because of increased student numbers there are now extra local teachers at CAS needing a room, so from next semester only the "TV room" will be available for visitors' accommodation

+ Former CAS teacher Matt now has a website to assist Japanese students in Australia

+ Latest newsletter from AITECE has this interesting piece:
(at a recent meeting)The State Leaders mentioned on a few occasions  their thanks to and appreciation for the teachers who remained in China during the SARS crisis. They emphasised the continued need for foreign experts and intellectual talent to assist in the modernisation of China. Among the statistics that emerged: There are now 333,000 foreign experts in China: 100,000 of them come from the Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan regions; Experts in the Culture and Education sector come to 15.4% of the total; 40,000 local experts have been sent abroad in the past year for further studies; There are 332 agencies from abroad operating in China. It was also stated that new laws are being formulated for receiving foreign experts in line with the policy of administration by law

Calendar: 

Must depart now.....thank you for a prayer. 

God bless

John W omi

Tuesday, April 13, 2004: Dear Friends

Easter Week hello from Zhaoqing. Hope you've had a Happy Easter. Many rolling stones here:

* Tuesday night April 6:  Ricky (see last week's diary) didn't shape up at Joe's so in the evening after English class at cafe I made enquiries from local police about getting him a berth at city orphanage. Police said best to take him to a government city centre that helps young people return to their own province. Police immediately took me to Joe's to collect Ricky....police really kind and caring....but when Ricky got to the centre he declined the hospitality.  In such a case in Australia he'd have no choice....would be a ward of the state....but here in China he can't be forced to accept government help.....so police had no option but to turn him lose (at local railway station where he used to hang out). On trip to station, police and I reflected on how children in China have too many  human rights!!  No sign of Ricky the past few days....hope he's all-right

* Thursday April 8: HK Rosa had 7 school-less children at cafe this morning.....while at Joe's Zhaoqing TV paid a visit for a news story shown the next night (to help raise funds for Joe's artificial limbs). Evening Last Supper service held in 2111

* Good Friday April 9: A full day of classes at CAS (normal working day...same Holy Sat & Easter Monday).
And after evening service, a photo of this semester's team + CAS visitors
The same afternoon, a group of HK teachers arrived, after marathon 6 and a half hour bus trip....for several days of educational programs in our areas of poor people

* Holy Saturday April 10: HK teachers travelled to Yunfu for activities with seniors at Fr Ma's old people's home....noting that 90 year old Fr Ma is as sprightly as ever (...after nearly leaving this world a week or so ago!).  HK group joined CAS overseas staff for Easter Vigil service at CAS.  Same night: Tony & Lenny arrived from HK....friends of Gerard & Marilyn  (photos of their visit on Gerard's website)

* Easter Sunday April 11: 10 of the 21 HK teachers returned to HK (...thank you CAS for most economical hire of buses the past 3 days....and for donation today of about 100 pairs of not-very-old shoes for use of poor people...and for use of room 201 on Sat nighte!).  Afternoon...remaining 11 HK teachers + Hazel & Jock at Joe's for English class (Hazel & Jock having many happy re-unions + helping with classes at CAS and outside). Sunday evening Easter Dinner with poor people in Area B

* Easter Monday April 12: HK teachers continued their classes at three centres in the poor areas....and at lunchtime the HK ferry brought two groups of visitors: HK OMI's ..... and Sydney Sefton OMI parish friends Kath, Stephen & Helen (..Steve a teacher in HK...) who helped at afternoon CAS oral English class  (with Kath renewing aqaintance with several CAS students whom she met during 2003 Australia Tour ...Kath being the kind organizer of a Sefton group who joined the students for a day trip from Sydney to Canberra

* Today, Easter Tuesday April 13: updates for  school-less file, Area C file, Area D file

Calendar: 

+ Middle East File has updates: April 7 "The war on terrorism misfired" (Guardian) and April 8 "War Crimes trial for Bush, Blair and Howard?" (ABC)

+ Church file has update: April 8 - most interesting ideas for change from Cardinal Martini

Thank you for a prayer. Again wishing everyone a Happy Easter!

God bless

John W omi

Tuesday, April 6, 2004: Dear Friends

Holy Week good morning from Zhaoqing. The past seven days have been far from dull:

Tuesday March 30: TV's connected in Anne & Francis' rooms....all teachers' TV's, computers (+ internet) and phones  now working DG.   And....after a month of pollution, fog and drizzle, Francis on Tuesday morning said a prayer for a "bright day"....at lunchtime the sky did brighten (even causing shadows) but then....three days of storms and downpour...the first heavy rain for several months.  As we walked through 6 inches of water on way to English class at cafe on Wednesday night, I suggested to Francis he think twice before praying for rain...
And the same day: a lovely baby girl was born at home in one of the buildings  we rent for poor people (Area B1)

* Wednesday March 31: On  way home from English cafe....accompanied by lightning, thunder and heavy rain...we came across a 12 year old homeless boy who "had been sleeping at the railway station for several weeks".. We helped him spend a few nights in the emergency shelter at Paddy's (area A) and now he's at Joe's for a trial period.  Same day....a new group of arrivals from Guizhou....wearing the only clothes they possess....HK Rosa has found a home for them (Area B2). Rosa has also discovered a whole new colony of Guizhou people in an area we now call Area B3...hoping to have meal with them and with HK visitors on Easter Sunday night

Some of the poor people (women as well as men) have part-time jobs on construction sites...for Y30 per day. But when there's rain, work stops....and no work, no pay.  Some have also discovered that there's no pay for the first month's work - it's kept by the boss as security (against theft/damage etc).."but will be refunded when you leave the job".  Many poor people also battling with leaking roof  + mud everywhere....

* Friday April 2: TV camera at evening English corner  and later in the evening: welcome back Jock & Hazel!

* Saturday April 3: English class at Xinqiao Primary School

* Sunday April 4: The first day of sunshine for a month!   Gerard and Marilyn to Zhuhai (near Macau) for overnight trip. Photos on Gerard's website.  Afternoon English class at Joe's: primary 1-4 upstairs, primary 5-6 & secondary in two groups downstairs with Francis and Stephen

* Monday April 5: Ching Ming Festival time visit to cemetery across river....for burial of Anna's ashes....(see this link for the story of Anna..). Many, many thanks to so many kind people involved in this story, which began 10 years ago today, on April 5, 1994 in Guangzhou

+ CAS looking for 5 more teachers for September 2004. Gerard has posted an advertisement

+ Ben Hur now showing in several  classrooms near here for Easter

+ Yunfu dear old Fr Ma (90) due out of hospital today after receiving Last Rites last week!

+ Smile: put "weapons"+"mass"+ "destruction" in Google search engine, and press "feeling lucky"

Calendar: 

Thank you for a prayer. Wishing everyone a Happy Easter!

God bless

John W omi

Tuesday, March 30, 2004: Dear Friends

Good afternoon from Zhaoqing. Just back from Joe's  after lunch at his home with himself, his Dad, HK Rosa and HK special visitor Luc omi who stayed at local village hotel over night...and is now on boat back to HK.
Luc visited CAS, welcomed Francis, attended village evening class, and visited several poor areas. Photos.
Luc and omi group hoping to return after Easter

Also on boat from HK yesterday: Steven from Melbourne....staying at CAS for a few weeks as a volunteer before traveling to Northern China. Welcome!

HK$30,000 has now been raised for Joe to receive artificial limbs. Need another HK$28,000 to meet target

Seems like a month ago now....but it was only last Wed-Thurs-Frid -  HK good friends Joanna and Louise visited Xinqiao, English cafe and the poor areas +  Open class for 4B in CAS primary (& visit to CAS secondary and kindergarten)

Also on Saturday: another CAS primary open class - 5A

Yesterday: Trip to Shenzhen theme park for Senior students.....with Doris, Gerard and Marilyn. Gerard's photos are  on his website 

AITECE has now had 264 teachers in China since it began in 1988, coming from Australia (73), Ireland (70), USA (48), Candada (26), Philippines (20), UK (14), New Zealand (2), Netherlands (2) ... and one from each of Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain

FAQ at top of this page was updated a few days ago 

Nearly all female teachers at CAS use skin whitening......the most common advertisements on TV in China are for skin whitening....but how safe is skin whitening?  Thank you, Steve, for this link 

Interesting article from Guardian: "Who Runs Britain?"  

Calendar: 

Off to class now....thank you for a prayer...

God bless!

John W omi

p.s. Missing person....has not been seen even once this month....The SUN!.....kidnapped by P. Ollution, F. Og, & R. Ain ..... Please come back soon....

Tuesday, March 23, 2004: Dear Friends

Cool good morning from Zhaoqing. Winter just won't stay away....keeps coming back....must like the place!

Main news in past few days has been Francis' arrival last Sunday. Flew from Colombo to Singapore, then Singapore to Guangzhou where HK Rosa, CAS driver and I met him and brought him to CAS.  Francis is a most highly-respected university and college professor in Sri Lanka, has spent 2-3 years studying and teaching in Canada ...and has courageously volunteered to join the team at CAS. For the rest of this semester he will be mainly in primary school, then next semester DV in secondary school. This morning he was introduced to all primary school students at their daily assembly.     Welcome!

Last Thursday HK Rosa returned from HK after attending several meetings there....and much of her return time has been spent on setting up her unit to take visiting helpers in the  work for the poor. The first two visitors...Louise and Joanna...are due tomorrow

Last Saturday morning....a happy visit to Xinqiao Primary School.   Afternoon ...happy English class at Joe's, with special Zhaqoing visitors Mary & Teresa.   Same day....visit to Guangzhou by overseas staff group, with usual reaction: "I'm never going to complain again about Zhaoqing's pollution"!

Last Sunday morning..... a CAS outdoor promotion at Fu Yung Gardens in Zhaoqing

Yesterday...Monday...Gerard & Marilyn had enjoyable walk through the Seven Star Lakes....not on the water but on the lovely paths between the lakes. Gerard's  photos

Evening classes at village cafe are going well DG....Francis a special visitor last night

Thank you Pam & Bruce for beautiful photo of Mum (93) at Nov 22 wedding of John & niece Louisa

Calendar: 

Thank you for a prayer please, not just for me but for all people on prayer list  
New site in Australia: www.pray.com.au

God bless!

John W omi

Tuesday, March 16, 2004: Dear Friends

Good morning on eve of Saint Patrick's Day.....must remember to wear a bit of green tomorrow....but not a green hat (...green hat in China means your wife is having an affair...)

Wish Northern Ireland would follow lead of India and Pakistan - happy report in Guardian re their "war"

HK Rosa now in HK for a few days for some meetings....has been a busy time for her in Zhaoqing....many cases to see doctor + three babies in four weeks, the third born last Thursday.  Because we have referred so many cases in the past month, local hospital is interested in some sort of partnership to continue helping the poor people of this area. DG!

And at our village One Minute English cafe, local Rosa is on duty each weekday morning to assist school-less students.....the past week especially helping our very own "Joy Luck Club" of Helen and her three sisters (aged 13-19) only one of whom has ever had a tiny bit of schooling. 

Local CAS staff continue to visit the poor areas....and donations of clothing/shoes have been made/promised...also the happy prospect of CAS factory-owner parents offering jobs to some of the poor people

Last Thursday David returned to HK after re-visiting CAS and helping with primary classes here. A farewell wake was held on Wednesday night at the "Red Lantern".   All the best, David!

Sunday morning I went on a CAS promotion to Zhaoqing University.  Glad to catch up with USA Larry there.
Sunday afternoon about 30 students attended class no. 2 at Joe's centre where Anne helped me with a word game based on the movie "Spirit, Stallion of the Cimarron"

Evening classes at cafe going really well  ....with usual Friday night meal for overseas staff prior to English Corner

From yesterday I'm no longer teaching in primary section of CAS.    Now in secondary, helping  Gerard with "Go Abroads" and sharing Junior classes with Doris (..she has girls - 25% of class, I have boys - 75% of class).  Boys need special TLC  to cope with their I.R.A.  (impossible rowdy activity).  Marilyn now in primary with Anne and Steve, due to be joined there by Francis next week DV

Northern Ireland not the only place with "troubles".  Our local version ...called "shifting the goal posts":
Episode 35: overseas staff now have to pay for any replacements involved in repair of units (taps, door locks, lights etc ). "This is what you have always done" ?!?
Episode 36: mistakes in last month's salary. 
Episode 37: no sign of TV's for final two staff rooms. 
Episode 38:  No refund for installation of internet in units
Episode 39: new phones still not able to make outgoing long distance calls.  
Episode 40: There's now a TV in secondary room 302 "but you'll have to provide your own DVD machine"

No wonder it's getting harder to find teachers to teach a crazy language called English (smiles...March 2004)

Marco Polo file - has interesting update from "Lonely Planet"

Calendar: 

Thank you for a prayer please, not just for me but for all people on prayer list  

God bless!

John W omi

Tuesday, March 9, 2004: Dear Friends

Good morning from a fine and sunny Zhaoqing....very cool overnight. Any guide book that says Winter in this part of the world is January-February  should be changed to December-March. 

* last Thursday, March 4: Welcome back David!  His photo in group at this semester's first Friday night English Corner.  Before the Corner, a visit by all in photo was paid to HK Rosa's new unit in estate next to CAS. After Corner, a visit was paid to 4-star Hotel in main street of local village....recommended for visitors....Y150 per night for a 3-person room....Western toilets...

* Saturday March 6: Several overseas staff joined many local staff for outing to Dragon Lake, a new tourist centre near Ding Hu, where main feature is the negotiating of several km (sic!) of rope bridge.
Same day: I had another enjoyable couple of classes at Xinqiao Primary School

* Sunday March 7: Very first English class at Joe's centre....group very reminiscent of lively Sunday afternoon gathering on Peng Chau Island in Hong Kong.   Same link has Gerard's photo of visit to Joe yesterday by Gerard, Marilyn, David and Anne.  Gerard's latest photos are on his own website

+ Two more overseas teachers (Doris & Steve) now have working TV's.....but the watchmen are still on duty at Anne & Francis' doors.  And....last week  ....a microwave landed on our common room beach!

+ A lobby has been launched to obtain a TV/DVD for the secondary oral English room (302)....hopefully secondary can follow primary system of "some out for chat" and "rest in for movie study". In the meantime several classes of secondary boys are now journeying to primary oral English room each week for movie study with myself....to make life easier for Doris and Marilyn in secondary.  If all students were girls, what an easy life teachers would have....?!

+ Outside CAS, HK and local Rosas continue to do marvellous work with village  poor people.  Both Rosas are now well-known and lovingly-respected figures in the village.  Big need is for one or two more helpers to join the team....especially to look after school-less children  & run basic health education programs for the people.

+ Also looking for more teachers: AITECE,  which now has a record 62 teachers in China.  Latest AITECE newsletter has update on Bird Flu, (((included in Bird Flu file))) at top of this page

+ JT Reflections has interesting 1976 article about famous English cricketer Colin Cowdrey...how he was looking for more meaning in life

Calendar: 

Thank you for a prayer please, not just for me but for all people on prayer list  

God bless!

John W omi

Tuesday, March 2, 2004: Dear Friends

Good morning from cool Zhaoqing....been very warm the past week but last night saw the arrival of a becoming rare species at this time of year: a cool change

Also very welcome yesterday were Marinei and Goretti, two teachers from HK who spent the afternoon visiting the poor areas near CAS and then helped at last night's English class in the village (...the first of this semester's evening classes for economically poorer students)

Oliver ...local teacher in charge of English at CAS... very happy that 4 students passed recent IELTS exam (3 scored 5, one scored 5.5). Oliver is grateful to overseas teachers of last semester, especially Kieran, for all the help given to students

Last Thursday saw the arrival of 3 new computers for use of overseas staff in their units....and on Friday several CAS computer staff kindly gave up most of their midday rest time to install internet on same 3 machines....which means that all overseas staff now have internet connection in their rooms

This week's continuing project: the obtaining and programming of TV's for same units.  "Getting there"....

Last Saturday night all overseas staff attended CAS English Corner for senior students....taking part in an enjoyable  game run by Gerard

HK Rosa and local Rosa continue to be swamped with requests for help by local poor people to see doctor, get admission to hospital etc.   No time to teach school-less children at this stage as the sick take priority. 
Needed: another volunteer to look after the school-less children

After living at CAS the past three weeks, HK Rosa is from tomorrow re-locating to a lovely 3rd floor three bedroom unit in block right next to CAS.  Very convenient, very safe ....and ideal for two more helpers from HK!

Migrant children file has been updated

China8 and JT's server down yesteray....ok now....

 + "A woman may propose to a man this year"....this and other interesting facts about Leap Years (Guardian)

+ Two new books about George Bush (Guardian)

Calendar: 

Thank you for a prayer please, not just for me but for all people on prayer list (...so many sick people lately...would need half a day to update prayer list...)

God bless!

John W omi

Tuesday, February 24, 2004: Dear Friends

Good morning from a mild Zhaoqing....remembering folk in Southern Queensland having 40+ temperatures.

* New motto for HK Rosa as she & local Rosa continue helping so many poor people in local area to see doctors / get admission to hospital (some of them needing very expensive care): "If you can't pay for them, pray for them".....Rosa is combining her Reflexology and prayer skills very successfully

* Thursday February 19: start of semester staff dinner at Dynasty Hotel (with link to Gerard's Zhaoqing photos)

* Friday Feb 20: Eight units linked up to new internet system....overseas teachers who already had their own computers now have 24 hour  internet connection...school graciously declining to pay for same....("If you can't pay for them, say  nay for them"?)......little sign of promised computers/TV's....usual start of semester shadow-boxing re promises/conditions etc 

* Saturday Feb 21: Farewell Garth and Amy....returning to Australia for Honours courses at Sydney University after happy sojourn in China practising their language skills.  Garth due back in November DV

* Same day: Several overseas teachers  had enjoyable day at Dinghu National Park...with Oliver and family

* Same day: visit to Joe by HK artificial limb consultants Ken and Martin....plan/hope is for Joe to attend a special clinic run by Martin in Zhongshan...and receive 2 legs + 1 arm....for Y58,000.  Joe's mobile number: (86) 13106909925 ...sorry for mistake last week, no area code for mobile....Joe loves to receive calls from HK/overseas friends.....likes to practise his English

* Sunday Feb 22: Anne & Rosemary attended opening ceremonies of new kindergarten in Sanshui (...kindergarten will have special link with CAS...)

* Yesterday, Monday Feb 23: English class at Xinqiao primary school

+ Thank you Kevin for joke re Pope as driver (2004-02-21)

+ New file re education of "migrant" children (20,000,000 of them in China)

Calendar: 

Ash Wednesday tomorrow.  Interesting article from Tablet re old law of "no meat on Friday"  Fasting – our lost rite   (...article should use "abstinence" instead of "fasting")

Thank you for a prayer please, not just for me but for all people on prayer list

God bless!

John W omi

p.s. Something to scare you before you go to sleep: Pentagon report on climate change (Guardian).  People in Brisbane experiencing first time ever 41 degree heat may not be amused. 
(one reservation about the article: when it says there are too many people in the world....problem is not number of people, but the way the earth's resources are shared + problem of corruption/exploitation  in so many countries)

pp.s. Mighty Brisbane Lions....great win over Hawthorn last Sunday!

Tuesday, February 17, 2004: Dear Friends

Good morning from Zhaoqing on an OMI special day.....on this day in 1826 our congregation (born January 25, 1816) was "baptized" by Pope Leo XII and became an international group to work for the poor of the whole world.

Has been a good first week back at school.....this semester has a good feel about it....kindergarten,  primary and secondary all going well.  Teachers' units/homes (all 100+ of them!) now have a new phone with an individual number that can be dialed from anywhere, and which, with a card, can be used for outgoing calls.
My unit/home number remains unchanged (as at top of diary)....like several other teachers I'm keeping my old phone ....to save putting in some 20 numbers every time I make a call!  Overseas staff hope that promised computers & internet connection will soon be installed in units (using new lines...)

Rosemary is showing her talents as an excellent interior decorator.....her unit is like a model home, being copied by others.  Many thanks to Rosemary & other staff for tackling the mammoth task of cleaning up our common tv room....almost done. Belated thanks also to Megan for all her cleaning efforts at end of last semester....like Hazel she too mopped her unit before leaving. 

Anne and I went on CAS promotion last Sunday February 15  to "Nga Tou" estate in Zhaoqing (..and Anne being from Wales I guess one should congratulate Wales on great Rugby win over Scotland last weekend)

HK Rosa has been busy helping poor people who live in the areas near CAS.  Has spent many long hours accompanying people to/in hospital...and had the happiness of knowing that  a lovely little girl (Bernadette) was  born safely to Mrs Lo on February 11 (c.f. prayer list Feb 10).   Doris, Marilyn and I visited mother and baby on Feb 11. 
HK Rosa and local Rosa  have spent a lot of time helping people who don't have a place to stay.....so many keep arriving from Guizhou, several families crowding into one small unit....

And Joe now has a mobile phone: (86) 1342 2309 147  (eleven digits  like all 200,000,000 mobile phone numbers in China).  Joe would love to receive a call from anyone anywhere.....remembering our time is same as HK (c.f. world phone times).  
(which reminds me: Steve and Gerard  have mobiles...and have pointed out that if you are coming this way you can bring your mobile and buy a local card for it)

Francis, an OMI from Sri Lanka, is due this weekend DV.  The school received his visa papers from two  Guangzhou government departments last Saturday morning...and we found a kind HK man at ferry who took them to HK Sat afternoon and delivered them to Notre Dame Daisy, who delivered them to Fr Luc on Sunday....and providentially Luc is due to go to Sri Lanka today for a meeting....which means Francis can apply for work visa tomorrow.   OMI courier service faster than DHL (which would have needed an extra day)!  Francis is an experienced secondary and university teacher...and will be a great gain for CAS.

Calendar: 

Thank you for a prayer please, not just for me but for all people on prayer list

God bless!

John W omi

p.s. Primary students have just finished a really great movie: "Spirit, Stallion of the Cimarron" - *****!

Tuesday, February 10, 2004: Dear Friends

Good morning from a sunny but very cold Zhaoqing.   Sunshine appeared yesterday (first time for a week) for the start of Semester Two.

*Some photos of the first week - including birthdays of Anne and Gerard.  

* Photos of Secondary (yesterday) and Primary (this morning) opening ceremonies - on CAS website

* This semester's jobs:
   Kindergarten: Rosemary
   Primary: Anne, Steve, JW (and Marilyn after Francis arrives)
   Secondary: Doris, Gerard, (and Marilyn until Francis arrives).  Francis due by end of month DV ...after long procedure of getting  work visa was held up by Lunar New Year holidays

* Units now being upgraded: free TV, free local phone, free computer, free internet - all provided by school

* Rosa from HK is doing a great job helping the many poor people who live near CAS. Yesterday she visited a home to check on school enrolment of two poor children, gave  winter clothing to an old man, visited Joe for English lesson, went to hospital with Mrs Lo from area C (.....two weeks overdue, baby diagnosed as having serious illnesses, baby in breach position, doctors suggest needle to cause death & expulsion....Mrs Lo now due this morning to have Caesarian, hoping for miracle).  Late in afternoon Rosa also visited second expectant mother ( due to have home birth in a few days)...before helping take 4 old computers and 2 sick DVD's to another "doctor"

* Poverty File updates:
February 4 No peace without hope - The Australian  - Roy Eccleston
February 9 - The 19 dead cockle-pickers .....and Wal-Mart- Guardian - Felicity Lawrence

* New website: The Catholic Church in Australia

Calendar: 

Thank you for a prayer please, not just for me but for all people on prayer list

God bless!

John W omi

Tuesday, February 3, 2004: Dear Friends

Good morning once again from Hong Kong....where a cool change is just arriving (in the last hour!) after several days of warm weather.

Many comings and goings over the past week (....no photos because my camera is in hospital...):

* Wednesday January 28: Two meeting-meals talking about help for the poor in China: lunch at Wanchai with Peter & Ling, Bernard, Irek & Tim.....then evening meal with Rosa and Mr Ng at Kowloon Bay

* Thursday Jan 29: OMI + HK teachers' group meeting in morning. Then to Kowloon Railway Station to meet Aron, Keiran, Michael & Megan .... after a year working at CAS.....evening meal with them + Annie & her Mum + Carlie & Winsome at Caritas Bianchi Restaurant, Yau Ma Tei (good food at really good price.....27102502) ....preceded by a quick re-union drink with Luc, Ed & Dick in Tsim Sha Tsui

* Friday Jan 30: Morning at bank   changing A-K-M-Megan's China Renminbi into HK dollars and then into Australian dollars.  Largest note in China is Y100....and each and every one of some 400 x Y100 notes had to be checked individually by the poor teller.  Usual practice in China is to issue wages in Y....
Later in day: meal with with Florence and her Mum.  Florence due to take English phonetic course soon.

* Saturday Jan 31: home jobs - washing, computer Bible quiz update......then to Guest House to go with with Aron, Kieran, Megan & Michael +  Tony & Vivian to Kowloon MTR Station for early check-in....then to airport for farewell McFluffy + visit to chapel ...before the four young people boarded their Qantas flight to Brisbane.
Thank you A-K-M-M for your time at CAS .... so many people sad to see you go....everyone hoping you will return again some day.  I wish you every success in your university studies and am sure your China experience will enrich the rest of your lives. God bless you always!

* Sunday February 1: Notre Dame Mass, home visit & Yum Cha.  Sincere sympathy to ND old friend Francis in loss of his dear Dad who went home to Heaven on January 31

* Monday Feb 2: Attended "Entry Ceremony" in Wanchai for Winsome who has now begun her training with the Sisters of St. Paul de Chatres.   As far as I know, Winsome is the first ever student from Notre Dame College (opened 1967) to enter a convent/seminary. God bless!

+ Here we go again: ((Bird Flu update)))  at top of this page

+ Looking for HK people to help with its work in HK- a great organization that assists poor people in many parts of the world: Crossroads

+ New HK Government site for learning English - excellent

+ BBC now under attack in UK.  BBC not faultless, but does a great job speaking the truth...which is why powerful forces  want to control/limit/destroy it....as they have done public broadcasting in USA.  c.f. October 28, 2003 report:  Interventioning update: First America, now England. Rupert Murdoch first attacked PBS, now he's going after the BBC - By Dame Anita Roddick

 + February 2004 CAS overseas staff : Anne (Wales), Doris (Sydney), Francis (Sri Lanka), Gerry & Marilyn (Australia), Rosemary (NZ), Steve (Brisbane), JW (Brisbane).  Also John & Linda (Melbourne) & Rosa (HK)....for work in poor areas outside CAS

Calendar: 

Thank you for a prayer please, not just for me but for all people on prayer list, especially JanJan

God bless!

John W omi     (in HK until this Friday, Feb 5, staying at Notre Dame: (852) 27157263

HK reflection....while travelling on MTR (Metro) many times in the past two weeks....blowed if I can see anyone in the carriage older than me!

Wednesday, January 28, 2004: Dear Friends

Good morning from Hong Kong....and....Happy Birthday everyone! (...today, 7th day of Lunar New Year, is everyone's birthday...). Year of the Monkey business in the past week:

* January 21: Baby JanJan came out of hospital in the afternoon, and in the evening her family joined a group of poor people at local canteen for New Year's Eve meal.  Thank you, Florence for all your time visiting JanJan & helping other people.......hope you can return to Zhaoqing soon

* Jan 22: New Year' Day: Lunch at Joe's home, then afternoon spent helping just arrived from Guizhou and expecting baby in next week young couple find accommodation (...shades of Bethlehem..., but no donkey...). Evening meal with Aron, Kieran, Megan, Michael - one of several farewell meals as they prepare to return to Australia for university studies

* Jan 23 - train to HK

* Jan 24: New Year visit to Stan & John at Primary School, then meal with Edmond & Daisy, Fanny & Mr Lee at latter couple's home, then 8pm Notre Dame Mass

* Jan 25: Morning Mass at Tung Chung, home visit/meal, afternoon meeting in Central with HK teachers' group + visit with Kevin & Pao.....then late evening drink to celebrate 80th birthday of Fr Peter King O.M.I.

* Jan 26,27: OMI meeting at Tung Chung (see Jan 25 link)

 + February 2004 CAS overseas staff : Anne (Wales), Doris (Sydney), Francis (Sri Lanka), Gerry & Marilyn (Australia), Rosemary (NZ), Steve (Brisbane), JW (Brisbane).  Also John & Linda (Melbourne) & Rosa (HK)....for work in poor areas outside CAS

Calendar: 

Thank you for a prayer please, not just for me but for all people on prayer list, especially JanJan

God bless everyone in the Lunar New Year!

John W omi

p.s.   I'm due to be in  Hong Kong until February 6, staying at Notre Dame (852) 27157263

pp.s. Eugene a tiger, born 1782  (?)

Tuesday, January 20, 2004: Dear Friends

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR OF THE MONKEY (January 22)!......from a very cold and wet Zhaoqing. 
CAS students and nearly all staff now on holidays for the most important time of the year for Chinese families. 

Our little overseas family at CAS has had an interesting Year of the Ram final  week:

* January 14: visit by dear Hong Kong friends Nancy, Melba and Esta ....who also went to Areas A, F & H near CAS.   

* Jan 17-18: Aron, Garth, Kieran, Megan & Micheal went on c o l d weekend promotions.... plus a number of farewell dinner dates in the past week...as they start packing for return to Australia

* Today, Jan 20: visit to Joe's home (Area D 2004-01-20) for lunch. Meal  with Joe at home each day this week....he's living by himself...father has gone to home town for Lunar New Year.
Also each day this week: visit to baby JanJan in Zhaoqing No. 1 Hospital  and to poor areas near CAS.

 + February 2004 Overseas Staff : Anne (Wales), Doris (Sydney), Francis (Sri Lanka), Gerry & Marilyn (Australia), Rosemary (NZ), Steve (Brisbane), JW (Brisbane).  Also John & Linda (Melbourne....for work outside CAS)

One cancellation + one new vacancy (for a French teacher) = 2 vacancies, now filled by Gerry & Marilyn from Australia (...taught last year in China...), and since Marilyn is a teacher of German, CAS has decided to launch German rather than French in primary school next semester! 

+ Not forgetting Oral English.....for which a new site is highly recommended: Thai Students' English Room
(thank you Paul!)

+ Check the "Three Sons Left Home"  story on Smile Folder update (2004-01-15)

+ And a  new Think Tank Folder: Housing

+ Middle East File has update (January 19) re hate mail for Jewish peace activists (Guardian)

Calendar: 

Thank you for a prayer please, not just for me but for all people on prayer list, especially JanJan

God bless everyone in the Lunar New Year!

John W omi

p.s.   I'm due to go to Hong Kong this Friday, January 23, staying at Notre Dame (852) 27157263, returning to Zhaoqing with some new teachers  February 6 

Tuesday, January 13, 2004: Dear Friends

Good afternoon from Zhaoqing....I'm just back from ferry terminal goodbye to HK teachers' group after their visit the past three days.  Thank you Anna Maria, Christina & Rosa for coming to Zhaoqing!

Last night was an eventful one for Aron, Kieran, Megan and Michael - their university allocations were available on the internet.  A long night of post and pre mortems. One thing for sure, as a certain Pat D in Brisbane said, the experience of being in China for a year will be a valuable experience as they start university. 

The past week:

* Tuesday January 6: evening dinner for overseas staff and CAS primary English staff

* Thursday Jan 8: welcome back Florence....thank you for helping find the correct shop to get an electric wheel chair for Joe! (photo of Joe & chair & Florence in teachers' group link above)

* Friday Jan 9: evening dinner at nearby Mongolian restaurant for office staff, overseas staff and CAS principal Mr Ma  (no photos yet....my camera's flash not working....but maybe photos coming...)

* Saturday Jan 10: welcome Gunther (Rosemary's visitor), who unfortunately had his travellers' cheques and other items stolen by a fellow passenger at Guangzhou airport.  Paul from Thailand (visitor Jan 1) had a valuable talking dictionary stolen in Shenzhen.  Extra care recommended: keep bags in front of body, have locks on zips etc....especially at this time of year (Lunar New Year holiday season) when so many people are travelling.

Sunday Jan 11: CAS end of semester ceremony in school gym....photos on above link.  Students (except Senior 3 who leave on Jan 15) now on holidays ....and many teachers are making a pilgrimage to their home towns (many in far away provinces).  Safe travelling for all DV

 + February 2004 Overseas Staff : Anne (Wales), Doris (Sydney), Erin (Canada) Francis (Sri Lanka), Rosemary (NZ), Steve (Brisbane), JW (Brisbane).  Also John & Linda (Melbourne....for work outside CAS)

Calendar: 

+ Have just finished re-reading "Chasing the Dragon", a true account by Jackie Pullinger of her work in HK's famous Walled City in Kowloon (now a lovely park).  A powerful book.....highest recommendation for older students and adults.
More info: put "jackie+pullinger" into www.google.com 
and.... Mrs Donnithorne of p.34 is the mother of dear friend Audrey, a founder of AITECE

Middle East File has update from Guardian:
Muddying the world's conscience  - how the 'war on terror' is being used as cover for a sustained assault on the independence and progressive agenda of NGOs

During the past week I've spent a lot of time in the poor areas near CAS. Hoping to do same in the coming week.  Thank you for a prayer, not just for me but for all people on prayer list please...

God bless!

John W omi

p.s.   I'm due to go to Hong Kong January 23, staying at Notre Dame (852) 27157263, returning to Zhaoqing with some new teachers  February 6 

pp.s. Happy Birthday little brother on 16th!

Tuesday, January 6, 2004: Dear Friends

Happy New Year from Zhaoqing on "the Twelfth Day of Christmas".  May 2004 be a year of peace. 

* Thursday, January 1: First visitor and first photo of the year - Paul omi from Thailand

* January 1,2,3,4: Aron & Kieran went to Luoding for Cantonese Opera & CAS promotion

* During the past week Rosemary has been busy in kindergarten...... while Aron, Garth, Kieran, Megan and Michael have been administering/applying/attending/amplifying/analysing oral English exams for some 90 senior students...a task made somewhat complicated by the students' well-established custom of changing English names.  Most of my own time has been spent  in the poor areas near CAS ...have now set up several centres, each housing  a poor family...each being a contact base for the future to help school-less children, hungry and jobless people etc. 

 + February 2004 Overseas Staff : Anne (Wales), Doris (Sydney), Erin (Canada) Francis (Sri Lanka), Rosemary (NZ), Steve (Brisbane), JW (Brisbane).  Also John & Linda (Melbourne....for work outside CAS)

Calendar: 

+ Guardian article re cancelled BA flights because of terrorist threat: Protect us from the protectors (...Michael Howard is leader of Conservative opposition party in UK)

+ New Year meditation by Fr Steckling....could I/we do a bit more for others?

+ Middle East File - first article for 2004:  "When God goes to war"   (The Guardian - Karen Armstrong )
Religions usually espouse peace and goodwill, so why have they sparked so many conflicts?

Thank you for a prayer, not just for me but for all people on prayer list please...

DG for all the blessings of 2003.  Peace/protection please Lord for the world in 2004

Wishing everyone - all students/friends/family/OMI confreres - in China, HK, Australia, other countries - 
a Happy New Year!

God bless!

John W omi

p.s.   I'm due to go to Hong Kong January 23, staying at Notre Dame (852) 27157263, returning to Zhaoqing with some new teachers  February 6 

Diary   2003 : December-November-October-September