You really learn to text a lot over here. Generally people of our generation are not addicted to texting as some of the younger generation are. But here you live by the text. They are free (or just about free when comparing to talking on the cell) and it eliminates any problems with vocal communication between the Chinese speaker and the Native English speaker. Another plus is that you can do it on the bus - where hearing is near to impossible. Jim 'encouraged' Kris to handle all their cell phone duty so now Kris is a master of the quick text.
Side Note: - I had to finally turn off their phone (they left it here for one of the next foreign teachers) because their devoted students kept wanting to get in one more farewell wish hours and days after they had left.
