We would love to answer any of your questions about the return to China and our work there. We will answer, or find the answer, to any questions you have. Post your questions as a comment here.
Why the name "Twelve Two Times"?
The name comes from the verse in Romans, "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (ESV) To read more about the history of this name and blog click here.
Where do you live?
We live and teach in the 'Dongbei' region of China (the northeast) at Harbin Engineering University in Harbin, Heilongjiang. To read more about Harbin, click here.
Our apartment is on the campus of Harbin Engineering University on the 20th floor of the Foreign Students & Teachers Building. We are a 20 minute walk to the teaching building (it takes a bit longer on the icy sidewalks walking slow). The apartment has 2 bedrooms, a living room, bathroom with a Western toilet, a kitchen, a sofa, beds, kitchen supplies, and others items left by previous foreign teachers.
What do you do?
We are English teachers in China who live intentionally to build relationships with students in the hope to testify truth.
Through the contract with the school, we can teach any number of English classes including Oral English, American Literature, British Literature, Video, Writing, Newspaper Reading, or other courses. We have previously taught Oral English, American Literature, and American Culture.
How can I help?
We would love to partner with you for this opportunity. You can lift up the preparations and tasks, classes, campuses, teachers, students, etc. You can also help with some of the finances involved. For more information about your donation, please contact us.
How long will you be in China?
We are excited to live and work in China for many years to come. Through careful uplifting we know we are meant to be in China as a career.
If I want to ship you something, what do you want?
Harbin is an amazing city with a great selection of "import foods." It is our hobby to go out searching for the rare find. While the city has plenty of things, it is China and some things are just not available. Here are some items we would love to receive while in China: Coffee (any coffee will do, the bolder the better, i.e., Starbucks Verona or HEB Taste of San Antonio), Chocolate Chips, Kraft Blue Box Mac and Cheese, Pumpkin pie filling in a can, Ranch Salad Dressing packet mix, Salsa or salsa mixes, Alfredo sauce mixes, Cream of Wheat, brown sugar, Hershey's cocoa powder, and Crisco. Also seasonal items are good including candy canes, Easter egg dye, valentine's day cards, etc.
What is your address?
We would love to get you our address in both English and Chinese. Please contact us and we will send the address your way.
What's the weather like in China?
To give you a taste of the weather in Harbin the temperatures in January range from an average high of 6 F to a low of -15 F. Summertime temperatures are moderate ranging from highs around 78 F and lows of 60 F in August.
Are you able to come home?
Yes, we are able to come home each summer to visit friends and family from about July-August of each year.
Do you speak Chinese? Do your students speak English?
We have minimal fluency in Mandarin Chinese limited to ordering food, giving directions to taxi drivers, bargaining in the market, and using a few other basic phrases. However, we are dedicated to becoming more fluent in the language each year through individual studies, tutors, and daily practice. Our students have studied English since middle school or earlier and have a very good grasp of English. As teachers, we are refining their English skills.
How do you get around the city?
We depend on a lot of walking. If we need to go a little farther from home, then buses are everywhere and cost only 1 RMB ($0.12 USD) per trip. Taxies are available at an increased cost when time is an issue. However, we walk to the vegetable market, grocery store, restaurants, and the classroom.
Are you the only foreign teachers at your school?
No. We will serve on a team of teachers at Harbin Engineering University. The team includes 3 other married couples, 2 single guys, and 4 other children living and working together. Additionally, there are many other foreign teachers not with our company also teaching at HEU.
