"Do you know that you have something people all over the world want-your language?" began a radio announcement that would be a life-changing experience for Maralie Akers, a middle-aged high school teacher with empty nest syndrome. Two summers teaching English to Chinese English teachers gave opportunity to see Chinese life in both a rural and urban setting, along with a unique teaching curriculum and dialogue with young adult students. Akers felt a call of God to go to the country she had dreamed off for years and live in a cultural setting unlike her American South home. Rice, Noodles, and Watermelon recounts the differences in the rice belt, wheat belt, and the favorite summer food of all Chinese.