Yesterday and today we celebrated the different nationalities represented at our school. Friday students were allowed to come to school dressed in either traditional dress or patriotic clothing to represent their country. I did not come to China prepared for this, so I wore my Pittsburgh Steelers t-shirt. What could possibly be more American than football? (Well, I always have to call it American football here as most of my students call soccer football.) It was sooo much fun seeing all the students dressed up and having pride in their countries as well as an appreciation for other nationalities. We had a parade around the Hotel grounds and ended on the Basketball court to take pictures.
This morning we went to the high school campus for the International family day. I did not know what to expect, but it turned out to be so much fun. Each country represented by our school staff and students was represented. I ate food from at least 10 different countries. I was a little disappointed in the American room for as many people we have at the school. We had a little craft the kids could make, a jeopardy game, a voting booth, and a bake sale. The Canada room was awesome. They every conceivable activity related to Canada. I definitely have ideas for improving the American room for next year. My friend Diane and I were brainstorming all day about what we can do next year. But for this year, I really enjoyed learning about the cultures of so many countries. It struck me that all of us from so many countries have a single bond in HIM! It is so cool that He can link so many people together in such an amazing way. I continue to be incredibly grateful that I have the opportunity to be in this place, teaching at this school.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Busy Weekend
This weekend was full of fun and adventure for this traveling girl. I finally feel settled in my apartment and into the swing of things at school. Miracle of miracle's I am even at this point caught up on my grading. So, last Friday I was looking forward to a long weekend of fun. Saturday I had an opportunity to visit two well known tourist attractions in Beijing. The Temple of Heaven and The Pearl Market.
I can't help comparing this culture to my own way of life. About half the time, I am left scratching my head at what seems to me so very strange, and half the time, I am left wishing that things in the US wer a little more like they are here. As we entered the park around the Temple of Heaven, there were Chinese people all over the place enjoying the outdoors. There were people playing games, exercising (the Chinese way) and lots of performers everwhere. My natural reaction was to assume that these performers (singers, dancers, and musicians) were trying to make a little money for their labors (August Rush is fresh in my mind.) However, these people were jsut singing, dancing, and playing for the sheer joy of performing and entertaining those around them. The Temple of Heaven was beautiful. The detail to the buildings was amazing. Most of it was built before the Western Hemisphere had been discovered by Columbus, so the history of it was amazing.
After visiting the Temple, we went to eat at famous Beijing restaurant. Can't remember the name, but it very much put me in mind of the Beacon in Spartanburg, SC. There was not as much grease in the food, but the yelling between staff members and noise level were about the same. I moved up to a new level in the world of chopsticks by attempting noodles. It was messy to say the least.
Next came the Pearl Market. Girls, you can't imagine this place without actually seeing it. The piles of pearls were indescribable. Thankfully Sri was with us and pointed us in the direction of a reliable salesperson, otherwise I would not have had a clue what I was doing. But with his guidance, I was able to purchase several things to send home in Christmas packages:) The Pearl Market is definitely going to be on my list of favorite things!
Monday, today, was a Chinese holiday, so I was able to enjoy some Paraolympic games. I am sad that the games are not getting more coverage around the world than they are. I was amazed by the strenght and determination of the athletes I watched today. It seems to me that they should be even more recognized than our amazing Olympic athletes. I watched blind men long jump, People without legs race in wheelchairs, and men and women with all types of disabilities overcome tremendous difficulties to go for the gold. I was so impressed with their incredible perseverence through hardship. I felt honored to get to be a part of it.
Well, that's all for now. Back to work tomorrow, but I am definitely looking forward to more adventures in the near future.
I can't help comparing this culture to my own way of life. About half the time, I am left scratching my head at what seems to me so very strange, and half the time, I am left wishing that things in the US wer a little more like they are here. As we entered the park around the Temple of Heaven, there were Chinese people all over the place enjoying the outdoors. There were people playing games, exercising (the Chinese way) and lots of performers everwhere. My natural reaction was to assume that these performers (singers, dancers, and musicians) were trying to make a little money for their labors (August Rush is fresh in my mind.) However, these people were jsut singing, dancing, and playing for the sheer joy of performing and entertaining those around them. The Temple of Heaven was beautiful. The detail to the buildings was amazing. Most of it was built before the Western Hemisphere had been discovered by Columbus, so the history of it was amazing.
After visiting the Temple, we went to eat at famous Beijing restaurant. Can't remember the name, but it very much put me in mind of the Beacon in Spartanburg, SC. There was not as much grease in the food, but the yelling between staff members and noise level were about the same. I moved up to a new level in the world of chopsticks by attempting noodles. It was messy to say the least.
Next came the Pearl Market. Girls, you can't imagine this place without actually seeing it. The piles of pearls were indescribable. Thankfully Sri was with us and pointed us in the direction of a reliable salesperson, otherwise I would not have had a clue what I was doing. But with his guidance, I was able to purchase several things to send home in Christmas packages:) The Pearl Market is definitely going to be on my list of favorite things!
Monday, today, was a Chinese holiday, so I was able to enjoy some Paraolympic games. I am sad that the games are not getting more coverage around the world than they are. I was amazed by the strenght and determination of the athletes I watched today. It seems to me that they should be even more recognized than our amazing Olympic athletes. I watched blind men long jump, People without legs race in wheelchairs, and men and women with all types of disabilities overcome tremendous difficulties to go for the gold. I was so impressed with their incredible perseverence through hardship. I felt honored to get to be a part of it.
Well, that's all for now. Back to work tomorrow, but I am definitely looking forward to more adventures in the near future.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Contemplating a Peaceful Heart
I just love my life in China. I can't remember the last time that I felt this much joy, peace, and confident knowledge that I am where I am supposed to be. The pessimist in me is afraid to say say this. There is a little something in me that is terrified that if I say out loud how content I am, that all my present joy and peace will fly out the window. I have been whispering to myself how much fun I am having, how much I am loving my students, my coworkers, my new friends, the whole life. I love that there is always a group of friends ready to go here or there. Someone is always up for seeing a sight, visiting a different market, or just hanging out at another teacher's apartment. How much I love walking out to the bus station each morning, love being the one odd American in a sea of Asian faces, love trying new restaurants- foods from every place imaginable, love the intelligence and eager desire to learn that my Korean students bring to my classroom. Love joining hundreds of voices singing praises each Sunday in THIS PLACE! But I have been a bit afraid to say it out loud. Sure that to say it, would be to end it. That it would be the beginning of all the hard times I had imagined and prepared myself for.
I was reading my favorite Psalm this evening, when out fell a fortune cookie paper from College! Yes, years ago at Practical, I put a couple funny fortunes in my B of all places and one fell out in the middle of Ps 139. It said " An adventure awaits you that will change your life." At first I thought it was humorous that I had not read that in years, and it suddenly fell out. Then I thought about the irony of reading it on my first truly great adventure in quite sometime.
And then I was blown away by my own pitiful lack of faith. He brought me to this place! I was so nervous about coming, I asked everyone to remember me- especially the first few weeks after my arrival. I was so scared of trying to get settled with no knowledge of the city, the language, or the people. So terrified of coming alone. Not having a single person to call on for help.
For weeks I have been astonished at how easy it has been for me. I keep thinking, it should have been harder. Why am I not lonlier? Why have I made friends and formed relationships so quickly? Why have I had such an incredible support system of Chinese speaking friends to help me find the right places and spend the right amount....
So tonight, the blinders finally came off. What an amazing Father I have. How sweet to have been held in such loving arms throughout a potentially stressful and difficult time. I am on an adventure that is already transforming my life. But more importantly, I am confident that He is in the center of this adventure.
I am a realist enough to know that there will still be difficult and stressful times ahead, but what a beautiful marker to look back on and remember the incredible care I have recieved during this time. Thanks so much to all of you who have remembered me!
I was reading my favorite Psalm this evening, when out fell a fortune cookie paper from College! Yes, years ago at Practical, I put a couple funny fortunes in my B of all places and one fell out in the middle of Ps 139. It said " An adventure awaits you that will change your life." At first I thought it was humorous that I had not read that in years, and it suddenly fell out. Then I thought about the irony of reading it on my first truly great adventure in quite sometime.
And then I was blown away by my own pitiful lack of faith. He brought me to this place! I was so nervous about coming, I asked everyone to remember me- especially the first few weeks after my arrival. I was so scared of trying to get settled with no knowledge of the city, the language, or the people. So terrified of coming alone. Not having a single person to call on for help.
For weeks I have been astonished at how easy it has been for me. I keep thinking, it should have been harder. Why am I not lonlier? Why have I made friends and formed relationships so quickly? Why have I had such an incredible support system of Chinese speaking friends to help me find the right places and spend the right amount....
So tonight, the blinders finally came off. What an amazing Father I have. How sweet to have been held in such loving arms throughout a potentially stressful and difficult time. I am on an adventure that is already transforming my life. But more importantly, I am confident that He is in the center of this adventure.
I am a realist enough to know that there will still be difficult and stressful times ahead, but what a beautiful marker to look back on and remember the incredible care I have recieved during this time. Thanks so much to all of you who have remembered me!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Unexpected Blessings
One of the most overwhelming parts of moving to Beijing has been setting up my apartment. It had the basic furniture, but I have to get everything else. On the surface that does not sound so bad, but in reality it is much different from setting up house in the US. Always to be considered How much can I carry by myself? Am I taking a bus home or a taxi? Can I explain to a taxi driver how to get to my apartment?(Not if I don't have a Chinese speaking friend with me!) Do I have bags to carry stuff in, or do I need to buy bags? And most difficult, where do I find what I need?
Little by little I have been purchasing and moving in. But many of the big expensive things I have not bought, mostly due to the inconvenience of getting them to my apartment and because of the cost. One item I need is an air purifier, but they are very expensive. Several times recently I have looked at mattress pads for on top of the very hard Chinese bed I am sleeping on, but for some reason I kept waiting....
Today after school my 5th grade teammate and I decided to go to Peters TexMex for dinner. I think we were both longing for a little comfort food from the states. As we walked in the door, two of the teachers from the high school waved and invited us to join them. As we were chatting someone asked where I was from. As I said "South Carolina," I noticed the man at the table next to me sit up and take notice. He asked where in SC, and I said Greenville. "We are from Pickens he said" pointing at himself and his wife. We chatted a moment, then I went back to my burger and fries and the school folks I was talking to.
Later on in the meal the man began talking to me again, asking how long I had been here, what I was doing, etc. Well, it turns out that he and his wife are returning to the states after being here for three years. They have purchased an air purifier, a mattress cover, lots of kitchen materials, sheets, etc. that they would like to give me! I was a bit flabbergasted as they offered me all these items. What a humbling experience! What a sweet blessing! It feels so good to know and understand that I am being taken care of in such a special way. Near the end of the conversation, after exchanging phone numbers, he said, "I believe some meetings are Divine encounters." I have to wholeheartedly agree!
Little by little I have been purchasing and moving in. But many of the big expensive things I have not bought, mostly due to the inconvenience of getting them to my apartment and because of the cost. One item I need is an air purifier, but they are very expensive. Several times recently I have looked at mattress pads for on top of the very hard Chinese bed I am sleeping on, but for some reason I kept waiting....
Today after school my 5th grade teammate and I decided to go to Peters TexMex for dinner. I think we were both longing for a little comfort food from the states. As we walked in the door, two of the teachers from the high school waved and invited us to join them. As we were chatting someone asked where I was from. As I said "South Carolina," I noticed the man at the table next to me sit up and take notice. He asked where in SC, and I said Greenville. "We are from Pickens he said" pointing at himself and his wife. We chatted a moment, then I went back to my burger and fries and the school folks I was talking to.
Later on in the meal the man began talking to me again, asking how long I had been here, what I was doing, etc. Well, it turns out that he and his wife are returning to the states after being here for three years. They have purchased an air purifier, a mattress cover, lots of kitchen materials, sheets, etc. that they would like to give me! I was a bit flabbergasted as they offered me all these items. What a humbling experience! What a sweet blessing! It feels so good to know and understand that I am being taken care of in such a special way. Near the end of the conversation, after exchanging phone numbers, he said, "I believe some meetings are Divine encounters." I have to wholeheartedly agree!
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