Well, I survived my first holiday away from all family. The days leading up to it were pretty emotional. I kept thinking about my mom's stuffing, and playing rook with the brothers after dinner. But when it came down to it, I was able to find the root of what Thanksgiving is all about, even on the other side of the world. Sri (from Indonesia) and I talked about doing a small dinner with our close friends. Several of the teachers were away at a conference in Hong Kong, so we thought it would be a small group. We thought maybe we would also invite a couple of the Chinese girls that work at school. I got to thinking that I am currently in a similar place to the pilgrims so long ago. NO, I am not near starvation. But I am in a foreign land. And I would not have survived had it not been for the gracious help of the Chinese speaking staff at the school. Just like the Pilgrims wanted to thank God for and with the Natives who had helped them so much, this was an opportunity for us foreigners to do the same.
But, when we approached Diane about this small dinner idea, things were immediately taken out of our hands and made much bigger. Before I knew what was happening, Diane had invited 25 people, ordered a turkey from a grocery store, and was planning decorations. I got Mom's apple pie recipe and her green jello salad and set about to make the meal feel a bit like home. I even managed to make a pretty yummy cranberry jello salad.
We actually had school on Thursday, but had Friday off to celebrate. So Friday evening we all gathered at Diane's. The meal was wonderful. It was mostly American with a few international side dishes such as Korean Kim bop and Chinese dumplings (both of which are delicious!) The only thing I missed was Mom's stuffing. After the meal there followed a rousing game of Catch Phrase. This was very interesting considering the limited English of many guests, as well as the very American culture of many of the words. However, everyone had a really fun time. I did not even have time to miss the traditional Rook games that we would have played at my own family meal.
In other areas of life, things are good. I have joined a small group that meets once a week. I have been greatly encouraged spirtually by this group. We are currently studying Collosians and I am so enjoying being involved in Bible Study again. I am also getting to know other people both on staff at school and outside of school. I have been practicing with the BICF Christmas choir and will be participating in the cantata in a couple weeks. That has been another fun way to meet people. School is typical. Lots of papers to grade, and a to do list that never gets finished. But I love my students and love the atmosphere. More than anything I love that I get to teach from the Bible everyday!
The weather is cold, and I am told it will get much worse before it gets better. In light of this information, and due to the fact that I am not Chinese sized, I have ordered a down coat from a taylor at a nearby market. I got to choose the fabric, the length, the zipper/button style, and pattern for about 50 American dollars. I get to pick it up in a couple days an look forward to being warm when I go out. For now, I am getting by with a jacket that was warm enough for South Carolina, but here... not so much.
Well, I guess that's all for now. In honor of American Thanksgiving, I will close with a list of things I am thankful for:
1. God showing me where I am to be and allowing me to have this GRAND adventure!
2. My mom, loving me and my students from the other side of the world. Showing me what a generous life truly looks like.
3. My Dad! How much he loves me. By putting up with mom's extravagant giving, by worrying about my flat bike tires and trying to find a solution all the way from SC.
4. Technology! I don't think I would have survived this experience nearly as well if I did not have Skype and Facebook to keep in touch with everyone.
5. My new friends in China. My life is so full now with the lovely people I have met and continue to meet here. It is such a blessing to see the community of Him on such a global scale and especially in this place!
6. All the family and friends at home that love me, pray for me, read my blog, comment on my pictures, and are living this adventure with me.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!
