Life in China: December 2014

Forgive me for how long it’s been since I've written. Life here in Harbin has seemed to pick up speed at a very rapid pace. Life here is far from easy, and each day is full of its own challenges but by His grace, He has been sustaining me.

Much to my surprise it is already holiday season. I feel like I just got here, yet it’s been 5 months since I stepped on the Chinese soil and 3 months since I've been teaching. I wish I could tell you all that the adjustment period is officially over but it’s simply not. I’m finally beginning to realize that living in China is a constant, non-stop adjustment. Yes there is somewhat of a routine, but it doesn't change the fact that I’m constantly adjusting to my new life here. This constant state of adjustment has come along with some highs as well as some very hard lows. As holiday season is approaching I will highlight a few of the highs of which I’m thankful as well as the lows of which I’m also thankful for because it makes the highs that much more special.

My highs:

I’m growing and developing as a teacher which is really exciting seeing as how that’s my current career. I was recently observed by the administrator in the English department (my boss) and she said this of my class, “You did a wonderful job on Tuesday afternoon & I really appreciate your class. The theme was [innovative] and the objectives were quite clear. You organized several activities such as pair discussion and group discussion; you control the class in a good timing, and finally you offer positive feedback. I can see that the students are motivated in attending your class. Well done!” If I’m being honest this was a really sweet encouragement and very timely in that I've become slightly insecure in my role as a teacher. Constantly wondering if I’m doing things well or if I’m completely failing at my job and should be fired. This message was really sweet confirmation that indeed I’m doing what I’m supposed to do and it’s positively impacting my students. Second high has been my team. Recently there has been some conflict among some of my teammates, but the high is that we hashed it out, forgave each other and are moving forward. There was a lot of built up emotions on my end and it’s been sweet how The Lord has worked in my heart and already allowed for the restoration of the relationship to be sweeter than it ever was before. Another highlight is that I finally have a language tutor. (For those wondering Chinese is not a language that you simply “pick up” and become fluent in-sorry to crush your expectations. However I do have a tutor who will help me with the basics and she’s already seeing improvement and it’s been fun to get to use what I’m learning from her and actually put it into practice when I’m out and about.

My not so highs aka lows:

Very significant things are happening in the lives of my very best friends and I’m unable to be there with them during these times (an engagement to be specific). Not only was I not there for the engagement but I just found out I won’t be back in the states for her wedding. I wish I could express the pain of how hurt my heart was. Biggest moment of my best friend’s life and I won’t get to be there. I guess I really underestimated what our Savior said when He told us that following Him wherever he leads would force us to count the cost. That’s been hard. Secondly, it’s holiday season, a time that I normally spend with my family. I’m usually ok with homesickness but this season my longing to be with them is increasing and only growing stronger. Looking to my Ultimate Comforter for comfort. Lastly, it’s getting colder and temperatures are dropping fast. Although it’s been warmer this time of year than it was last year in Harbin, the harsh Harbin winters are on their way. If you know me you know I’m not the biggest fan of cold weather so lift up that I wouldn't develop a bitter heart despite the bitter winter.

What else to lift up:

1)That my $1300 short of being funded would be provided

2)The Father would move in the hearts of the women in my study

3)Comfort in being so far away from my family during the holidays

Pictures of the Week (I posted more since it's been so long)