Kunming (we moved here in 2005) has long enjoyed the nickname "Spring City" (the temperature ranges from 1.5C/35F to 24C/ 75F). It is cold in the winter (without indoor heating), cool and rainy in the late summer, and has a gorgeous spring. The population is around four million, and as a top city in terms of "personal cars per capita," it also has increasingly congested roads and a growing pollution problem. It is the capital of Yunnan Province--the proud home of 26 minorities--which borders Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. The area has been an important trade route for over 2400 years, first as part of the "tea-horse road" (or southern Silk Road) from Tibet, then as a supplier of salt, and most recently as the start of the Burma Road (a key World War 2 lifeline). Residents have a lot to enjoy, including blue skies, the nearby Stone Forest, locally produced Pu-er tea and "Across the Bridge Rice Noodles."

      Where is China heading and how will that affect the rest of the world? China has a rapidly expanding economy. Her factories are modernizing, as are her transportation and communications systems. China is a major exporter, and in 20-30 years—maybe less—China will have the largest economy in the world, as well as the world’s largest population.

       The kinds of relationships which are now being formed between China and the West will help determine whether they exist as mutual threats or valued friends.  We believe that sowing friendship and seeking to help meet China's needs through service will help make the world a better place.  That's why we moved here to teach English!  People all over China are begging  for English teachers in recognition of the role English plays in trade, travel, and technology.  By touching key people on their way up the ladder, we believe we can play an important part in shaping the future. We feel that friendship, cooperation, and the Light of Love are our best hope for transpacific tranquility at the dawn of the new millennium.

Michael Krigline (2002, revised 2007)