Hello to everyone. I guess this is my first official xanga post, I should have jumped on the band wagon sooner, but it takes me longer than most people. When thinking about what to write about in this first blog, I thought I could share about the things I absolutely love about china. (and maybe even include some pictures)
Here goes...
My students- Sometimes they are actually the reason I wake up in the morning. On most mornings they great me on my way to work with loud shouts of "Hello, Miss Freezy, or Miss Greezy or Miss Creazy" Sometimes they over do it a bit and all I want to do is run in the middle of the crowd and push them over, but then I realize that wouldn't be such a great idea. But they make me happy. There is not a day that goes by that I'm not thankful for my kids. Sometimes they make me laugh a lot, even in class, I try to keep my teacher-like composure but I'm not always successful. Some of my kids are really affectionate, and it doesn't bother me much. I have this one student Nathen who runs (and often slides) into me. He greets me with a great big bear hug and a warm smile. Nathen makes me happy. One day he came in my office and put his arm around me and proceeded to bump butts with me while shouting (whoo whoo whoo). Classic. I don't think I will EVER forget Nathen.(he is pictured above with me and Linda).
My Chinese Colleagues- At first it was really hard for me to build relationships with the teachers in my office but I feel like He has really done a work in that area. I look forward to our time in the office together and the many conversations that we have. Its been really neat to get to know them and to watch as the Father deepens our relationships. We joke around together, offer advice, laugh at one another as we practice songs or chants for our next lesson, and encourage one another. I'm excited to see what the Father has in store for us this next semester.
My Team- As all teams do, we too have our struggles. But when I think about life without my team, I can't see myself actually being able to do it. The thing is we need each other and the Father has really been teaching me and challenging me when it comes to my team. He is showing me what real LOVE is, what it means to really live life together, (through the good times and the bad), and how important it is to serve my teammates and really lift them up. One passage of encouragement to me has been Philippians 3: 12-14 'I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that The Son saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which The Father, through The Son, is calling us up to heaven.' I Hope that individually and as a team we would "...strain to reach the end of the race..." For His Glory!
On the funny side of life...
I LOVE
-fruit on a stick, chicken on a stick, pretty much anything on a stick its AMAZING!
-Zhongouren tag; it helps me deal with cultural stress at times
-Ting Bu Dong (I hear but I don't understand) It seems to be the 'money' phrase if you will, for everything...
-Seasons to various TV shows. I think I watch more TV here then I did when I was at home. To name a few, Alias, Friends, Lost, hopefully Arrested Development one of these days...I hear its really good.
-Snow. Ok maybe I don't love the snow per say, BUT I don't get it at home very often and so I am always as giddy as a school girl when it snows, well until I start to freeze...then I don't love it so much
-Motor taxis. they are just cool. enough said.
-Egg Wons, my favorite street food here (that's what I decided they were called, I don't actually know the Chinese name) BUT I love them, I wish I could eat more of them.
-Split pants. Ok so I don't really understand them BUT they DO make me smile every time I see them...(just in case you were wondering NO I wont make my own kids wear them)
Ok. I think that's enough for now. If you live in China you can probably relate with much of these things and for that I am grateful. For those of you at home, if you have questions, ask, I would love to share some of the "opportunities" we have to experience authentic Chinese culture... Love you!
Nessa | 
