Where in the World is Alysse?

These days, the question in my title of this post is a fairly legitimate question. As I am currently writing this I am actually back in Harbin. However, for the last month or so I have been all over Southeast Asia.

Due to the Chinese New Year also referred to as Spring Festival, all universities end the first semester in early January and don’t resume until the beginning of March. That gives us almost 2 full months of break and most of us use that opportunity to travel; and I was no exception.

We are given a small travel stipend by our school (who actually encourage us to leave campus) and whatever money we save on our own to travel as we please. Before people get upset as to why I didn’t come home during my break, all first year teachers are highly advised NOT to go home. In reality this is probably good advice since this is around the time that we are missing home the most and if we were to go home there is a very likely possibility some of us would not return.

Therefore, I took advantage of the opportunity to travel (with my friends) and had the pleasure of visiting so many cool new cities and countries including Shanghai, China; Bangkok, Thailand; Chaing Mai, Thailand (for our organization conference), and the beautiful beaches of Quy Nhon, Vietnam.

It’s so funny too because I am the first person to tell you that I absolutely LOVE  traveling, there’s just something so adventurous about going and visiting a place you have never been before. That being said, traveling can also be draining- airport after airport, plane after plane, and luggage after luggage. Traveling period can take it’s toll, but added to traveling all around countries in which you don’t speak the language it becomes a whole new beast to conquer. Would I trade it for anything? Absolutely not. Nevertheless am I thankful to be back settled in Harbin? One hundred percent.

I loved all the places I got to visit, sites I got to see, and people that I met but what was the biggest highlight of my travels? Definitely our organization’s’ annual Thailand conference. I was reunited with people I hadn’t seen since training over 5+ months ago and it was such a joy to catch up with my friends and hear about their first semesters and share stories of what The Father is doing in our lives and on our campuses. It was such a privilege to be able to gather with my brothers and sisters that are teaching and serving all over Asia and to worship with them. And my favorite part was the updates of our countries of service! To be reminded of how BIG Dad is and how much He is moving all over the world was so incredibly worshipful! It’s easy to get caught up in my small little bubble of what’s happening in my city, on my campus; but man to get a macro shot of what’s happening in other parts of the world was incredible to say the very least. During conference I was challenged, I was sharpened,  and I was encouraged. I’m leaving that time refreshed, refueled, and ready and excited to teach with excellence and labor hard for His glory.

As I get ready to prepare for the upcoming semester I am reminded of what Paul writes to the Galatians in chapter 9, “ And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up”. Last semester was filled with it’s own challenges and personal battles and I’m sure that this upcoming semester will bring it’s own challenges as well. But I’m encouraged not to grow weary of doing good. It’s comforting to know that as challenges arise this upcoming semester, which they will, that the same big Dad who cares about every ongoing all over the world is the same intimate Dad that cares for me and goes before me. It is His Son in me that will enable me to not grow weary of doing good.

Be encouraged,

Alysse
                                               Lots of pictures for this post! 

The iconic Pearl Tower in Shanghai

Wat Pho: Beautiful architecture of temples in Bangkok

Colorful boats during our River boat tour in Bangkok

Got to check off eating Pad Thai IN Thailand off my bucket list :)

In a tuk tuk in Chiang Mai, Thailand with some of my friends from training

Riding elephants in Chaing Mai, Thailand with my sweet friend Caroline 

The beautiful resort my friends and I stayed at in Quy Nhon, Vietnam

Finished with Finals

I’M DONE! I’m finally done with preparing, giving, and grading final exams. Last Monday is when I officially turned in all the paper work for each of my classes. It was a wonderful feeling to say the least.

The beginning of January not only signified the ending of my first semester teaching in China but it also signified the 5 months that I have been living China. I can’t lie I’m exhausted, physically, emotionally, spiritually I am exhausted. Over 5 months ago I packed my bags and headed to a China where EVERYTHING was new-a new job, a new language, a new culture, a new life. As I look back at these last few months-I wouldn't trade it for absolutely anything. Amidst all the newness has been so much growth in all areas of my life. I've grown to appreciate the depth of Chinese culture in a way I never have before, I have grown to LOVE teaching as a profession, and I have grown in my dependency on The Father in more ways than I could even try to count. So, so far the past 5 months although they have been new and challenging in various ways, they really have been full of so many joys.

Of my sweetest joys has been my Sophomore English Majors Public Speaking Class. That was my most difficult class to prepare for since it was twice a week (most classes are only once a week, which would mean one lesson plan per week) which meant two lesson preps a week along with my other classes I had to prepare for. But getting to see those students twice a week was so fun for me. I developed what I would consider to be very good report with my students and seeing them twice a week only helped to deepen my relationship with them. They were seriously model students. They were motivated and eager learners which brought out an eagerness in me to teach them. I don’t take for granted that I teach at one of the top universities in China and that as a result my students’ English level is fairly high considering English is their 2^nd language. This allowed discussions we had in class to go a lot deeper than just surface level which seemed to create a fun learning environment for them and for me. Overall I could literally brag about my students all day long, they were absolutely incredible and I am not only proud of them and the growth they exemplified in the classroom but I am also honored and feel privileged to have gotten to teach them.

Unfortunately I won’t teach them next semester which makes me REALLY REALLY sad cuz I swear I have grown such a deep love for each one of those students. I literally bawled my eyes out on the last day of class when I told them I wasn't teaching them next semester, and the feelings seemed to be mutual because my students also seemed to be equally sad that I wasn't teaching them. Those students forever have my heart and I will ALWAYS remember them, especially because they were the first college students I ever taught in China.

I took the opportunity to give them a small demonstration of the love I have for them by bringing snacks and drinks for them to enjoy during the movie we watched on the last day of class (they had already taken their final exam). I bought food, drinks, plates, and cups with my own money. On this particular day it was snowing REALLY hard and the campus supermarket is far from the building I teach in. Not only was it snowing really hard but I had to carry everything I bought which was really heavy since I bought so many drinks. The crazy thing about it is that, I really wasn't all that concerned about the money I spent or the time and effort it took to bring it to my students, I was honestly just so excited to surprise them with a treat that I really didn't care about the hassle of bringing it to them.

This reminded me of how the Father must feel when He blesses us and lavishes us with blessings in our lives that we simply don’t deserve. He loves His children and He loves to give us good gifts. James 1:17 reminds us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” And ultimately it’s a bigger picture of the gift of our Savior, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross […]”. I’m thankful that even though I never did deserve it and never will, that I have a Father who loves me enough to send His only Son to take my place. And He doesn't stop there; He then takes me as His daughter and allows me to receive various other good and perfect gifts that He uses to draw me closer to Him.

Photo Of The Week:

The sweet Sophomore English Majors from my Public Speaking Class that stole my heart

It's Been a While

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)

My student had knitting supplies and it reminded me of my mom, who loves to knit  

A fun night of having students over for a fun game of Uno

First snow sighting in Harbin

My favorite girls came over to my apartment to introduce me to hot pot 

I love getting to watch my students take part in activities outside of the classroom 

Safe & Secure

I apologize that it has been so long. If I was being honest sometimes I'm not always exactly sure of what to say in my blog so I wait, until I feel like I have something of substance to actually post.

However it's been over two weeks so I will share what I've done and what I've been learning during that time.

As far as teaching is concerned I by no means am an expert and far from it, but I genuinely do enjoy it. I know I've expressed that already but there are just some moments that I get to step back and think wow my job really does have a lot of value and meaning. In addition, I've learned about myself that what brings me joy is seeing other people in improve. I especially love seeing people improve when I get to be a part of the process. Specifically, I love seeing this occur in the academic setting among students both in the classroom and outside of the classroom.
I've only been teaching for about 3 weeks or so but there have already been cool moments where I'm thankful and excited that I have the amazing privilege of being a teacher, in China nonetheless.
One instance especially stands out. So I teach two sections of Sophomore English Major Public Speaking Courses. Well last week ended our first unit and each student had to prepare and give a 3-5 minute speech.
One of my students is PAINFULLY shy, like literally when you talk to him you think you are hurting him. Well it was his turn to give the speech and guess what...? He NAILED it. He did an AMAZING job, so much so that even the entire class was impressed and EVERYONE clapped for him. He didn't speak perfectly or anything but everyone knew that giving speeches was the LAST thing this student ever wanted to do, but he did it and executed many of the speech giving skills we had covered during that unit. So I was already incredibly proud of him and excited right? Well then I had a couple of other students affirm me and tell me "wow Ms. Alysse you are a great teacher because (the shy student) is usually very bad at giving speeches and talks very quietly and is very shy, but in your class he did a great job and opened up more."
How is that for encouragement and affirmation?! As a new teacher it was pretty cool to get such positive feedback from your students. Needless to say I was excited and am feeling incredibly optimistic for the rest of the year.

What have I been learning about The Father? In essence I've been learning a lot about security, where I've been trying to find it, and where it is truly found. I have a major heart idol of control and living and serving in another country only exposes that. I've realized lately that I've been trying to find my security and strength within myself, or in others, or in circumstances; and you know what... they all fail me every time.
 I was journaling through Matthew 24:35 the other day and was reminded of where true security is found-which is in Him and His Word. I was then led to a cross reference in Isaiah 40:8 which says that "the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our [Father] will stand forever." Again, reminded that if there is anything that is guaranteed, sure, and constant in my life that I can always cling to it's The Father and His Word. The security that He offers is better than any situation or circumstance that I could try to manipulate by my own two hands. I'm thankful that He's a Father who is good in allowing me to fail and giving me grace to return to Him and wise in not allowing me to be the one who is ultimately in control.

Learning daily how to allow Him to be the master of my fate and captain of my soul.

Photos of the Week:

Was able to share in my sweet friends' first ever taco eating experience! I love these girls!

Was able to get out of the city and go on a retreat with whole city team and this was the amazing view!

First Day of School!

Hey guys,

So it's been a pretty exciting week. Why was it so exciting do you ask, well about 5 days ago was THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!! It's SO different being on the opposite end of things AKA me being the teacher instead of the student. My advantage is that I was recently a student so I know that oftentimes the first couple days of class always tend to set the tone for the rest of the year. As far as I can tell it seems like I set a tone of challenge and growth as well as liveliness and excitement. At least that's my opinion, Chinese people aren't known for showing large amount of expression, so from the little bit of feedback that I've gotten, I think my students would affirm my assumptions.
I'm only one week in, but I really do love it ya'll. I love being in a position where I get to help my students learn, grow, and develop not just as English speakers but as people. I also love what and who I am teaching. So I teach a Public Speaking class for Sophomore English majors and I also teach a basic Oral English course for Non-English major post graduate students (most of which are studying Engineering). Teaching is fun indeed it's very enjoyable, but it is also a lot of work. Rather, it's a lot of work if you want to do it well. As a part of my witness to my students I'm striving to pursue excellence in my teaching, which means putting in a significant amount of time and effort. I'm new to this whole teaching thing so I think it automatically takes longer for me simply because I'm getting the hang of it all. Most of the teachers in my organization teach similar classes related to English for instance: oral English, or a Basic Writing course, or some themed courses. This is helpful because teachers are able to share lesson plans and ideas with new teachers. In my case, for my Public Speaking course this isn't as popular of a class so there are fewer lesson plans that are already prepared, so I'm doing a lot of creative thinking in my lesson planning. It's tough because it's stretching me...A LOT. Creative thinking doesn't come natural to me so I'm being challenged and to be honest it's good for me. Not to mention no matter how long it takes me to write my lesson plans (sometimes up to 3 hrs) it's always a huge privilege to see it come to life in my classroom as my students engage in my lesson. As for my Master's students I LOVE teaching that class. I'm learning that I love things related to professional development and my grad students are soon to be professionals so I love helping them with things related to interview skills, and resume's and professional communication etc. All this to say, teaching is hard work, but it's oh so incredibly rewarding.
What is The Father teaching me as of late? In short He's been revealing a lot of built up pride that's been developing which to be honest has been leading me to unnecessary pressure to do everything right. Jeremiah 9: 23-24 exposed my heart but also was the truth that I needed to hear to restore my heart. It says "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord'"
I hadn't realized it but I was beginning to try to make much of myself in a lot of different areas particularly in teaching and building intentional relationships with my students. I found myself trying to be the best teacher so that everyone would look at me and think "WOW she's new to this teaching thing but she's such a good teacher", seeking this response both from my students and my teammates. As a result there was a lot of built up extra pressure I was putting on myself to be amazing at teaching and not make mistakes. Totally unrealistic right? Well that's what was going on in my sinful heart. Then with building intentional relationships I was experiencing similar feelings of pressure to try to build relationships with girls as soon as possible so that I'll look good in front of my teammates and even my supporters. Well this verse both convicted me and put me at ease. I was convicted that I was trying to be a "wise man boasting in my wisdom" when in reality the only thing I can truly boast in is knowing and being known by The Father. This verse settled my restless heart, significantly. It's so much more freeing to boast in The Son, rather than trying to attempt to boast in myself. Besides when it boils down to it He's the Wisest of the Wise, The Mightiest of the Mighty, and the Richest of the Rich anyway right? ;)

 Photo of the Week:

A class selfie with one of my Sophomore English Major Public Speaking Classes! :)

Home in Harbin

Hello Everyone,

*warning this is a long one, so read it when you actually have time to read it all*

First I want to start off by saying yes, I still will be attempting to do a blog every week, however this was the week me, and the other new Harbin teachers arrived to Harbin. As you can imagine there was a lot that needed to get done up front, not to mention I didn't have much access to WiFi in my new apartment building.

That said, I'm here! I made it to Harbin, the city in which I will live, teach, and call home for the next year of my life...so crazy! Myself and the newbies have been reunited with the rest of our teammates who are experienced ELIC teachers which is really exciting. Thus far me, Charles, & John (my teammates who are closest to mine in age and are also new) moved into our apartments. It was a big moment for me-it symbolized a lot of new life independence like as in I really am a big girl now: my own place to tend to, a real job to manage, and a new country to adjust to.(Oh and new bills to pay-yay) So it was somewhat of an emotional moment for me when I opened the door to my apartment. Also thus far, my teammates have done some teammate personality tests to better understand how we operate as individuals so that we can best love and serve each other as a team. We had a moment to take a campus tour which was very helpful, since it's where we will be spending the majority of our time. In addition, we have gone to the fabric store and a big, almost bargaining mall to buy necessities for our apartment (start up costs are never fun, but necessary nonetheless).
Oh yes, and I can't forget my experience at the church my team and I will attend. All I can say is WOW. It was simply amazing; hard to put into words-not because it was a grand church or anything of that sense but amazing because of the worship I was experiencing in another country (yes there are churches in China-it is not illegal to be a believer in China anymore. However, there are distinct types of churches in China and I attend a Three-Self Churches. For more info on the church in China I STRONGLY suggest doing some research it's quite interesting and simply put it allows you to be well-informed.) Seeing what I saw at church almost brought tears to my eyes because it was a small glimpse into what heaven will be like one day. I could go on but I'll let you use your imagination a little bit :) I'd say that's a brief summary with regards to what I've "done" thus far, since arriving in Harbin.

As far as what I've learned thus far and what The Father is teaching me, to be honest, quite a bit in a relatively short amount of time. But I will try to keep it simple ;) It's pretty basic ya'll: but I've learned how good, sovereign, and wise our Father truly is. I already knew it's true because His Word says He is, but it's a whole different story when you get to experience this. For those who know me at a deeper level you know I had a lot of anxiety about my new placement being moved from the city I thought I would be to the city I currently am now. I was less than thrilled about my new placement & the city itself, I wasn't excited about my new team dynamic, and I was (& still am) dreading the winter-I'm in the North(near Russia)-get's PRETTY cold up here. Well what I thought was simply terrible, The Lord has been SO gracious in using for my good. The city: I have to say I like it so far, this city has some character and compared to other cities in China-it actually has some appeal (lots of Russian influence style architecture). This was a plus because I didn't know much about the city before coming here, my team dynamic isn't what I expected it to be, but is turning out to be SO much better. (thought I would be on a team with all people my age, but now I'm on a team with a family of five, an elderly couple, and only two teachers my age, and a 30 yr old single woman who is our team leader) the team thing is kinda a long story, just know that I'm liking it a lot. And yes although it will get VERY cold here, there is an invisible line in China where the North of that line gets heat and the Southern part of the line doesn't. It still gets pretty cold in southern china and I would have been cold there with no heat. There is much more detail to each of these situations, but all that matters is that I'm reminded of just how perfectly our Father really does know and care for His children, and I forget that sometimes. He knows me better than I know myself, enough to know exactly what city I should be placed in, what team dynamic I should have, and what weather to deal with :)  I have to say I'm currently experiencing what The Lord promises those who trust him in Psalm 16:5. It says "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed I have a beautiful inheritance." Ya'll, me being in Harbin, at the school I'm at are my lines falling in pleasant places-and I had nothing to do with that. This verse is two fold though, things WILL get harder, doing overseas work is HARD. But the second part of the verse reminds me that my life on this earth isn't my home, but rather my eternity, that by His grace, I get to spend with Him, IS my home & quite a beautiful inheritance.

OH, and for those who are wondering I start teaching next Monday, nervous AND excited to finally meet my students! :)

If you read this WHOLE thing, thank you, I hope you are left encouraged.

Blessings,
Alysse

Photo of the week (doing two this week since I missed a week):

Top Pic: my teammates L-->R John DeBerry, Jon & Emily Wylie (married w/3 kids), Charles Gentry, Megan McKenney(our team leader), Daryle & Kim Parker (married)

Bottom Pic: a scenic picture of my campus (in the Fall, before winter hits) 

Made it Beijing!

Hello Family and Friends!!

I'm SO sorry that it's taken me this long to post again! With traveling, and trying to get internet, etc. it's been a whirlwind these last couple days. My goal is to post once every week, hoping to shoot for a consistent Sunday evening weekly post. (I'm telling ya'll so you can keep me accountable, although once I get settled into life in Harbin the day of the week that I post might change)
That being said, in case you didn't know, I made it safely to China!!! PTL For the most part things went smoothly, no missing bags or airport issues which is a huge blessing for the amount of us that traveled over here together!

Beijing has been great thus far! We are here for about 12 days or so to finish up our training. We are taking our Asian and Chinese Culture course here before we disperse into the cities in which we will be serving. The food has been as delicious as I've remembered it and the tea is even better! We've already trekked the Great Wall and have gotten to simply explore the city which has been SO fun!

As you can imagine I'm experiencing a myriad of emotions since I've been here. There is obviously quite a bit of excitement in being here, although I won't be living in the city of Beijing, China is now my new home for the next year of my life and there is a lot of excitement that comes with that. I'm slightly nostalgic due to the fact that I was in China last summer, under different circumstances (shorter amount of time, different people & responsibilities) I'm anxious to finally get to the actual city in which I will be living and teaching. I'm nervous to begin my job as a teacher. I'm feeling thankful that via partnership with supporters I'm able to embark on something much bigger than myself.
 But best of all, I feel affirmed in being here. The moment I stepped out of the airport and into the bus to take us to our hotel, the moment I knew-this is where I'm supposed to be. The country in it's entirety I had missed: the smells, the people, the food, the culture all of it I had missed and my heart for this place was reminded of the same love and compassion I had experienced the last time I was here. (Don't know if I missed the squattie potties but that's a story for a different day) The drive to the hotel was a heartfelt time for me, it was almost as if the Father personally spoke to me and said right now, for this time in your life, I want you here living among these people and serving them. I remember being at a conference one time and during the women's time we were talking about Esther, and contentment, and purpose (they all tied together I promise) I remember one big thing from her talk that "Purpose fuels contentment" I feel a total sense of purpose being here and it's fueling my heart towards a deep sense of contentment in resting in my Father and His great sovereignty. No I haven't "arrived" to this perfectly, school is starting for my friends who are still in college and I'm seeing all their posts and stuff and I would be lying if I said I missed them and all the fun they are having. But how gracious the Father is in drawing me back to the reality of where He has me and how good it is because He brought me here.

Blessings,
Alysse

Photo of the Week (I will be attempting to post a picture of the week with every post)

This is a simple picture which captures the beauty in the culture of the country I now call home: China.