First impressions

We are all told that first impressions mean everything. Typically when you meet someone for the first time your mind makes up who they are and how you feel about them. But we all know that there is so much more than first impressions. You can not truly know someone based off of your first meeting, relationships take time, love takes time. Some times you really do not like someone because of the way they appeared or the way you judged them at first.
I say all of this to share with you my first experiences in China. Lets just say first impressions have been a little rough around the edges. I left last Friday arriving in the Detroit airport at 4am and meeting my final destination, my home in Huangshi, at 2:30am Sunday Morning (2:30pm Saturday afternoon US time). In the process of getting here my luggage was sent to the wrong location. I found this out once I arrived in LA and had to go to the ticket desk to have the rest of my boarding passes printed out. You can imagine the emotion I was feeling, lack of sleep, by myself, not knowing where or when I would see my things again. It was slightly overwhelming but I sat down and got in the word, knowing Dad was going to take care of me and trusting He was in control. The first couple days in China were spent registering in the city so I could get my citizenship here, doing a medical exam, eating and walking around the city. Also, because I am still without my luggage I had to do some shopping. This was an adventure I was not ready for. Shopping is great in China, it is everywhere and it seems to be a common past time for the women here but I was jet lagged, not feeling well and overwhelmed by the people everywhere. My first go at shopping, I was with my Wiaban William, he is an older Chinese man who is an English teacher at my school who is in charge of taking care of me. He has kind of adopted me as his daughter and taken me in while I am in China. It was hard for him to understand how I was feeling and difficult for him to help me shop. Once his daughter Cherry (her english name, in China they are given English names similar to what we would have in our Spanish and French classes in High School) arrived she was able to understand that I was not feeling well so we headed to the restaurant to meet up with the rest of my team minus the two girl who will be here soon (YAY!) and their Wiabans for lunch. I started feeling much better once I was with familiar faces and took some medicine for my head ache. The rest of this week has been really just time for me to explore and try to get a better feel for the city and the culture. We were able to spend time as a group yesterday, eating lunch, grocery shopping and then making dinner together.
Being here you recognize the extreme importance of community. You can easily feel the intensity in the atmosphere. The battle that is here. It would be very easy to become dry and weary, falling into the idea that I can handle myself without the support of others. I am already learning and understanding that I will need to spend more time in truth and with Dad than ever before. He is why I am here and I refuse to lose sight of who He is in this. Please be prying for me as I continue to press in, for opportunity to serve, love and build relationships.
Now for the everyday questions,
The food is nothing like Chinese food in the States. Some I really like others I really do not. Right now it is a process of trial and error to find those things that I enjoy the most. For the most part I have found things that I really enjoy. I will be doing a blog specifically for my food lovers out there soon with pictures of all my favorite things.
The people are not used to seeing many foreigners in my city so it is funny to walk down the street and see their reactions to you. Many are very friendly and want to practice their English by starting a conversation saying "Hello." Something that is very different for me is there lack of outward affection. Those of you that know me know I am an extremely affectionate person so this is something that will take time to get used to. Though they are very loving in their own way.
My apartment is on the school campus. The schools here are really large compared to ours in the US and tend to have housing and dorms for faculty and students whos parents may live far from the school. I have a bedroom, living room, wash room (shower and sink), bathroom (toilet), kitchen and a common sort of dining area. I will update with pictures once I am settled later next week!
I will begin teaching on the 1st of September. I will be teaching the 7th and 8th grade students, about 17 classes a week of 50+ students.
I have already met many of the other teachers from the school. They are all really sweet and excited to have me. Today I met a Chinese English teacher who is in her first year here. We are the same age and her English is great. I am excited to get to know her and spend time building a friendship with her. Please be prying for opportunity with her specifically. When I met her I could feel Daddys love for her and His desire for her. It was incredible.
So needless to say despite my rough first impression, I believe I am here for a reason, I believe that He is moving, that He knows and that He will be faithful to fulfill in me a heart to love this place and to love these people, especially my students, who I can not wait to meet.
I promise to update with pictures very soon. I just wanted to touch base and update you all just a bit! If you have specific questions feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer. Please know that I am prying for you all and I have been filled through all of your emails with a love and gratefulness that has made this so much easier. To know that my brothers and sisters are lifting me up from around the world is a blessing that goes beyond the natural.
I want you to know that I never understood the power of freedom and the ability to speak without concern until now. Do not take for granted the voice you've been given and the freedom you have to rejoice in Him outwardly.
Though I am not in chains, I am free and I know that He is a Man of actions so I will press in to act and show what must carefully be spoken. :)

Taste and See

I am hidden in Him. He in me is my hope of glory. I am nothing without complete reliance on Him. He is the reason for my hope. His joy is my strength. He is light that pierces darkness. He is in control. He is love. He is alive. He is grace. I am dead so that I may live. His word is truth that does not return void. He is power. He is about the kingdom. He will be glorified. He cares. He is why I am who I am. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is consistent. He is faithful. He is forever. He will reign. He longs for His lost sheep. He equips. He sends. He speaks. We choose to follow what he lays in front of us and how we make our decisions. I will rejoice.
Truth pierces more than anything I can make up on my own. I am declaring this with all of my brothers and sisters. I am a princess who has an incredible King who loves His children. I am a child who is dancing into a new season of knowing Him. I am yet to know the people, I am yet to know the place, I am yet to know the language (very little:)) and I am about to be thrown into an unknown culture for me.
Oh my, so many mixed up emotions all at once are pouring out of me. This is it, the last blog I will be sending state side for awhile. Training has been excellent and my team is absolutely amazing. I am so excited to be apart of what Dad is going to do through each of them and to know who He is in them. I want to mention to everyone just with emails and messages and my wall to be sensitive to the climate of which I am about to enter. Always remember code. It actually kind of fun when you try it. I am so excited to be starting this adventure for real and seeking out the fullness from across the world. I am scared and excited all at the same time. Taking on 700+ students each week and learning how to teach in China. ( Yeah a lot, you're telling me) But I am walking in Him and knowing He will calm my nerves and give me peace. I want to thank you all for your constant encouragement and support. You have no clue what that means to me. I need you to be thinking specifically over fear, and anxiety over this next week and for boldness and wisdom. Also safe travels but more than that divine appointment while I travel. I love you all and I will keep you posted.