Request for Assistance
I understand. I have written Rian an email about it just now. I am not sure how much that will help. I think you will begin teaching soon now that the holiday is over so maybe some things will change. Carlos can always offer advice as well. If nothing else works out and you like China, as I told you in Datong there are other jobs in China. I will help you as I can. China can be a very difficult place, but you still need to take care of yourself and there are certain things that should happen for you no matter what. I have been very fortunate in that not so much bad has happened to me in my working situation besides when I first got here, but I have seen some others not get all the treatment they deserve. I know Rian is Fuzhou now for business or at least he was. When he gets back have a meeting with him if things haven’t changed for the better. Be calm and cool but direct. Let him know clearly what you expect. Talking to Maggie or Anna is nearly useless so wait for him. If he wants to, he can change most of the things that you wrote me about. Keep in contact and let me know what happens. Also let me know when you are coming down and we can maybe get lunch or something.
>Kevin
—– Original Message —–
From: olen@drunkenass.com
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 00:25:38 -0500
To: american_k@teacher.com
Subject: Please Assist
> Kevin -
>
>I need to hear that the current situation is not only temporary but will be resolved soon. I’m trying to
>roll with everything but find the living conditions more and more unsatisfactory.
>Specifically, the room sharing; Jed is sick and it is inevitable that I too likely will be. I believe
>we are on pace for a physical next week in Taiyuan and would much prefer to go in to it healthy. Further,
>and this is so much more personal but Dan is such a pessimist it really wears on morale. I won’t presume
>to speak for Jed but I find it exhausting. Recently at lunch with Maggie and Anna, Dan brought up Eric
>only to stop and say he would tell me more later. This is extremely inappropriate and I don’t wish to
>be drawn into situations like that. I’m not overly concerned with the horror stories of those that
>came before me.
>
> DLC is obviously a real company. I have met people that have been here for some time and it seems to
>me that those that make the best of it have the best attitude and as an extension the better
>experiences.
>
>I spoke to you briefly about how things weren’t as we had discussed. We have yet to see a morning meal
>and the meals we have gotten are made by Maggie at the apartment. We are in someone elses apartment
>with closets taped shut. It just feels like the least possible is being done to still be able to
>say the contract conditions are being met.
>
>Please understand that with all that said, (and some things I’ve left unsaid), I remain optimisstic.
>Every day the kids on the street or at the Children’s Palace are always so excited to see us. In fact,
>nearly everyone greets us with a smile. It really is nice and I look forward to moving past this with your
>help and support.
>
>Thanks for listening, Kevin and if you care to read any further adventures I am keeping a weblog at
>www.drunkenass.com/china
>
>Anything you can do to assist is greatly appreciated.
>
> Olen