Working Hard, Playing Hard, Eating Hard

                                                     Happy St. Paddy's Day!     photo credit: Nancy Nan

So now you know that we are staying and a little about why we are staying, we want to share a little bit more about how great Sias University and the foreign community is here. There are about 120 teachers and some administrators from all around American and the world who are working at Sias.

                                   Homemade Peppermint Patties! MMMM       by Nancy Nan

Even though we all have different backgrounds, beliefs, and accents, we manage to all rally together a few times a year to share our love of delicious baked treats! Years ago some genius/saint had the brilliant idea to host a bake sale filled with foods that we miss dearly to raise money for a wonderful orphanage outreach organization called Bring Me Hope.

The awesome servers (can you spot the cute, bearded leprechaun?)
by Nancy Nan

The family that makes it all happen each year
by Nancy Nan

Each year around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and St. Patrick's Day, a large group of dedicated, talented people get together to create a feast with the most scrumptious delights our homesick taste buds have tasted. They even festively decorate our conference room so we can enjoy our spicy pumpkin donuts, decadent mint chocolate fudge, or lime green lemon bars in a homey setting. Knowing all the proceeds are going to a good cause always helps set the frugally and/or calorically minded people at ease (heavens knows I don't suffer from either case...though maybe I should!).

The silent auction with my stout heart cake
by Nancy Nan

It is also an excellent opportunity to invite our Chinese students and friends for a literal taste of Western culture. They even seem to enjoy our very sweet (to them) cakes and cookies. Our latest bake sale, Ben and I attempted some pear and chocolate scones (which were an utter failure unfit for the general public) and a rich chocolate Guinness stout cake and shamrock leaves. Thankfully, the cake and leaves were a hit among the faculty, and good times were had by all. 

Some of our good friends experiencing Christmas
by Nancy Nan

Till next time! 

We love you and miss you all!
by Nancy Nan