Middle School

Just a few things that will never change about middle school no matter where you are....

1. Learning curse words(English in my case) and using them in the foreign teachers classroom like she wont know what they are, is still really "cool"

2. Boys fist fight, even in the middle of class, over who knows what, then the next day the same two boys are buying each other snacks and being chummy. (apparently boys really do just need to fight it out then move on)

3. The boys are always more important than the teacher according to the young ladies who sit in the back of the room with their heads turned so nonchalantly giggling at the boys behind them.

4. Students find it funny to disagree with the teacher even when they have no clue what they're saying.

Last but not least

5. There is gossip that just cant wait, passing notes or even sometimes throwing them across the room in the form of a paper wad or airplane surely wont be seen by the teacher who has two good eyes standing in front of them.

With this being said, most days I really do love them... but they have their days, or weeks which remind me of why I hated middle school when I was in it! :)
2 days of exams for them, mean my weekend starts NOW!
Taking a break from Middle School never felt so good.
Wuhan bound for fellowship and fun with some great friends.
Promise to update again soon!

Once upon a time, in a far away land, there was a Princess who was sent out from her home to go into a distant part of her Fathers kingdom to remind His people that He has not forgotten them. Although jumping on an airplane was a little intimidating at first, she would soon realize that was not the hard part. Getting there was only the beginning. When she arrived, everything looked different, smelt different, tasted different, and she realized very quickly she had a lot to learn. This is the story of her journey.

For two months she has lived in this land, where she has been pushed to her limits in ways she never imagined. The dream of the mission seemed to become clouded by the reality of what was happening. She has found that not many, even understand Her Fathers kingdom that is at hand. And that the war that is waging is clearly much more than she has ever faced before, surrounded by a people who gage their lives by success and money, where happiness is a forced assumption and competition is high. Teaching students who at the least spend 2-3 hours on homework a night when they do not get out of class until 7.

Adjusting has taken time but seems to be progressing as she has been spending as much time as she can declare the promises her Father has given her and His people. Sitting and talking with Him, asking Him to guide her and fill her with His wisdom, to know what actions to take, when to speak and how to stay focused. He has shown her many things. Opening her eyes to who He is inside of her and proving to be ever so faithful in His Truth.

The princess’ secret assignment was to go in as a teacher, to be welcomed where many would not have opened their arms otherwise and to carry with her the Truth of who her Father and His son are. Teaching has proven to be interesting. Some days her students love her and understand her, others it is like there is a pack of wild animals in the room who have no clue she even exists. Despite their typical middle school ways, her heart for them is growing more and more. A passion to see and find their creativity and to give them a choice and a voice in what they like and want to do. She has found that they almost always wish to understand her, but are afraid to make mistakes and sometimes you just have to let it go and move on.

She has been approached with some great opportunities to tutor students one on one. This is where she has been able to really invest. Sitting and speaking with them. Training for an exam or just learning to learn. There has been something unique and different with each one.

Lately she has been in a darker place. Fighting just to keep her head up and push on. Feeling inadequate and insecure, giving the enemy too much credit. Then one day she called on her Father and begged him to send her home, she had enough of the culture the shock of living on her own, finding a mouse in the kitchen, being starred at constantly, never finding a quite moment and bumping into someone everywhere she went. Very sweetly her Father reminded her of His purpose. He spoke to her of His heart for this place and asked her to keep her faith in Him, to trust that He knew what He was doing when He sent her, that He is with her and also reminded her that He had sent her with a team, people to love her and understand her. The princess felt new again and soon realized the more she spoke to her Father the more she began to see things through His eyes. The days started to get better and the light that He had given her started to bring comfort in the darkness.

Then one day she received a gift. A young girl, a student who she tutored came to her home for a normal session. The princess had gotten close to this girl in particular because she reminded her of herself. She was repressed of all emotion, sad and feeling like she didn’t have a voice, that she was invisible. Through their sessions the princess learned of her students love for music and creativity. Her passion for reading articles that were inspirational and leading towards the Father. The day before their last time together as teacher and student the student said she did some research on C.S. Lewis and really loved his movies. The princess could feel her heart about to beat out of her chest with joy because she too loved C.S. Lewis and the Chronicles of Narnia, because these books had changed her life before she knew fully what they meant. The princess shared with her student the meanings of the books and how they changed her life. She shared how in Narnia there was a sense of adventure and hope that was worth fighting for. That there was a King who had been sacrificed for His people so that they could be victorious.

The next day the student returned for their last session together before the student would leave to go to training for her big exam. The student was feeling sick that day but came anyway to talk and say goodbye. They read a passage out of a C.S. Lewis’ meditations book about hope. Then they talked about a hope that is real and what that looks like and what she thought of it. She continued to share with the princess how when they read C.S. Lewis his words spoke to her heart and it was like she could feel the sun on her face warming her. The princess felt Dad so real in that moment. She shared with her student her Fathers heart for healing and asked if she could talk with Him for her. Her student agreed. After they spoke with her Father, the student wrapped her arms around the princess and told her she loved her and thanked Dad that she met her.

After her student left the princess sat in awe. Crying tears of joy and asking her Father, knowing His heart for her student, that she would come to know Him and that she someday too would be a princess in the Kingdom. That day the princess knew even if only for this one girl, it was and will be completely worth anything else that has come or will come her way. She understood her Fathers heart.

The best part is, this is a non-fiction story. :)

I wanted to share this story I wrote, with all of you, to remind you that even in the mundane, routine of everyday, you are making a difference when you live for Him. There is hope and there is someone watching. This single event changed my perspective. If only for the one, if only for a few, if you only see the seed being planted, it is something to rejoice over. I pry that the seeds that are being planted all over the world would raise up a new hope and a new passion for His kingdom. That Dad would send more to water and that He would harvest the work that has already been done and that is being done each day. Sometimes it just takes us sitting back and opening our eyes to see the opportunity around us, the light we carry within us. Reality is still real, everyday life is still real but it’s the small things within that that makes us who we are in Him.

Although my classes have been a mess and a half this week, I genuinely have moments where I would not trade my job for anything. My goal is to be a light to my students to allow them to express themselves and see their creativity and personality come into what they do. There are definitely days where I want to just walk out because I feel like if I yell any more my vocal chords will never work again but even on those days I know there is a reason.

For those of you who didn’t see on facebook, I was recruited to play volleyball for the school against school, teacher tournament, which happens to take place this weekend. We have been practicing for the past two weeks and we could totally be worse, but I guess that means we could also be better. Ha. It has been a great experience for me. I am learning more Chinese and they have really welcomed me as a part of their team. Apparently I am known as their “secret weapon” and am the first foreigner ever allowed to compete in the tournament. I am a little rusty but after practicing I’m holding my own. J I am seeing my competitive nature come out in full swing.

I will update you all with the news on how we do ( I’m not banking on W’s across the board but that doesn’t mean I’m not playing for them).

A few fun facts:

In China you have to buy your bags from the grocery store so if you do not bring any with you, you pay for them. Whats crazy is I always bring my own bags and I have to walk to and from the store. And in the States I never would have thought to bring any bags at all because I didn’t “have” to.

The Chinese words for America stand for “beautiful country”.

Everyone here dresses for the season not the actual weather.

That’s the update for now. Don’t forget my email is always open. Love you all!

( I was trying to upload pictures but it was taking way too long and I am limited on time tonight! )

Chelsie Leigh

“Why are you cast down O, my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in Him. Praise Him. Remember His works. Deep calls out to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; your breakers and waves have gone over me. By day he commands His steadfast love, and at night His song is within me. Why are you downcast. O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in Him. I shall again praise Him. My delieverer.

Culture shock- the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.

Disorient- make someone lose their sense of direction

Make someone feel confused

“Do not swerve to the left or the right..” Prov. 4:27

It has been six weeks already! Sometimes that feels unreal and other times I would swear its been longer. The newness is wearing and now I’m trying to figure out what my focus is and how I will spend my time. This past week was my most challenging week yet. Through a serious of random events it seemed my culture shock was heightened and I was feeling very weary. It was a one thing after another kind of week. I was feeling beat up and tossed around. The worst thing is my attitude was affected the most. I found myself not wanting to leave my house and if I did, not wanting to take time to speak with anyone. It was like anything that could drive me crazy about being here was multiplied by ten. Culture shock is a typical reaction when you’re living in a foreign place especially one that is so different to who you are personally. I started questioning everything, wondering what in the world I was doing and why I was doing it. Thinking, “Dad if you’ve really placed me here I could use some serious help right about now.” That’s when I realized how distracted I had become. I was so focused on the negative things I was allowing myself to lose my sense of direction. Thankfully this week we had off school to celebrate China’s National day. Some friends came in from Wuhan for a couple days, through them and my other teammates here I was able to open up and just be real about what was going on. Having an outside perspective and some time with a group of “outsiders” was exactly what I needed. Sunday night we all just hung out and went to a great little restaurant that has some of our favorite foods. Monday we got up and went to what we like to call our “flea market”, its this really cool part of town where there are just rows and rows of little shops where you can find pretty much anything and you can bargain your price. That afternoon the ladies from Wuhan went and got a massage and then we all got our nails done( one of my favorite adventures, I’m trying to embrace China and making it a point to do crazy patterns each time). Saturday night we ate at our favorite Tea house in town that serves “western style” food and went to KTV. KTV is the equivalent to Chinese Karaoke. It was a blast, literally, you walk into this room that’s all to yourself and the music is so loud you can hardly hear the person next to you but we sang and danced for three hours to their awesome selection of English music. This seemed to be an instant pick me up.

Also this week I had the chance to attend a Chinese wedding… in the words of my teammate Kevin it was the definition of a “gong show”. I felt like I was live at a television game show. There was a host who was loud and full of energy. Lots of Star Wars, Lord of the ring kind of music, giant party poppers, bubble machines, and sparklers. It was honestly unlike anything I have ever seen before. Leslie and Camille came with me (thankfully!!) and we were the star guests. It was probably one of the most laughable moments of my life thus far. We had to make an entrance for the camera woman and mysteriously she kept coming over and awkwardly shoving the camera in our faces throughout the evening and of coarse after we arrived English music started playing over the speakers. There were about 400 people there in this restaurant, they set up all the tables with the aisle down the middle. Throughout their service many important people in their lives give speeches, and they say a few words, the parents come forward and the couple presents them with tea and the parents present them with money. It was different than what I expected but I’m glad I had a chance to see it. After the service we ate and as we were eating the parents, different family members and the couple had to go to each table and toast to their guests( again, a huge part of Chinese culture, this time without the corn juice, I was safe with SpriteJ). After dinner we left and were on our way, grateful for the experience but making “mental notes” that if we ever feel up to going to another wedding again we need to bring ear plugs (and maybe a disguise). My ears rang from how loud the speakers were for the next hour after we left.

With being off this week I have had some time to myself, to lounge and journal and spend some QT with Dad. After feeing beat up this week I realized I cant spend the next 9 months of my life with the attitude I had developed. To focus on anything less than His kingdom. I learned that many times my focus is misdirected. I think if only I can get there or have this or do that then it’ll be okay. But I’m learning that everything outside of the Kingdom is simply a means to an end. A way to get to the finish line. There is nothing I have sought in my life that has ever given me resolve or a feeling of solution. I hold these huge expectations that cannot be met by anything less than Him. I place blame outside myself or question what I heard from the beginning when in reality the end I was focused on was simply meant to be seen as a means. I lost focus of my direction. When my focus is the Kingdom everything else is seen in light of that and I’m able to see with His perception, with His heart. I am grateful and rejoice in the means He has given me but I desire to act on obedience, to “be rewarded with an increasing power to desire the ultimate reward.” –C.S. Lewis

I have an incredible team around me and honestly, I would not make it without them. Their passion and love for the Kingdom is beautiful and their ability to love beyond boundaries brings life to what sometimes feels lifeless.

Thank you for all of your pryers and support throughout these last couple months. The body is something that will always amaze me with how beautiful it really is. No matter where you are or how long you’ve known each other it is a constant love that can only flow from Him. Please just continue to pry that I would find my focus and that I would humble myself to see with His eyes and His heart. That even when its hard I would continue to push on with my focus unwavering. I have no doubt I am right where Dad wants me and as hard and impossible as it feels sometimes I would not trade that for anything. I am still unsure of my purpose here specifically but I can see that He is moving and working in me in crazy ways(even if they are challenging). I am also prying for each of you that your focus would reside on His Kingdom that you would be filled with the comforter and awakened to His heart and His passion. Please keep me updated and let me know if there is anything specifically you need pryer for. My email is always open! :)

One Month Down!

Walk as a child of the light producing fruit that is good and true. Expose the unfruitful works of darkness, for that which is called to the light becomes visible. “Awake , O sleeper and arise from the dead..” Walk with wisdom making the best of your time. Do not be foolish. Understand His will. Be filled with the spirit. Sing and make melody with all your heart. –Ephe. 5

As I was reading this morning I was hit with these words. Overcome by the truth and power they carry. I have officially been in China for a month and honestly it feels like its been much longer. Not in a bad way by any means, just in a busy trying to find a routine and learn how to live in a new place kind of way. There are still days when I have to remind myself that I am actually here and give myself grace while adjusting to the culture.

Last week as many of you know I was pretty sick. I was a walking mess, with a temperature and some type of germ traveling all throughout my body. BUT now I am feeling much better. I spent most of last week in bed, reading, watching Grey’s Anatomy, sleeping, and pumping Vitamin C. I was able to get back to classes on Thursday and Friday then headed to Wuhan with the rest of my Huangshi team to meet up with everyone from Zong Relations. It was so good to spend time getting to know everyone. We were together all day Saturday sharing our personal journeys to China and how we got to where we are today. It was super powerful and encouraging to see who He is in each person individually. We ate some amazing snack food from America, enjoyed Papa Johns Pizza for dinner and I had a blizzard from DQ for dessert. It was awesome to eat some “normal” food. J Sunday we went to foreign fellowship, which was great. To worship and come together with a body of brothers and sisters felt unreal. (There are more foreigners in Wuhan that meet every Sunday) It is incredible how much you can take for granted the things you’ve always had. After fellowship we went to eat at Aloha Diner, which is a restaurant owned by foreigners and the food is amazing! Needless to say I left way full and completely filled.

Teaching is going well. It is a learning experience to say the least. Classroom management takes on a whole new meaning when you have 60 students who can hardly understand you, all talking at once. There are times when I literally will just laugh because there is nothing else I can do. I am learning how to speak to them and gesture so that they understand (not that I didn’t before, but its way over the top now). I am also learning how to have fun and enjoy what I’m doing, thinking of lessons and ways to get them to become more confident with the language. Some classes feel impossible and 40 minutes seems more like 2 hours and others go really well. Its always an adventure to see which classes will be in what category each day. But seeing their faces and being able to encourage them and love them has taken on a new meaning for me. They truly are precious, and they work so hard for their age. Most of them in school 6 days a week if not 7 sometimes until 8 o’clock at night. Yet for the most part they still are excited to see me and have a desire to learn. I of coarse have a soft spot for some of my more challenging (outgoing) students who like attention and have fun getting them on my side.

Being here I am learning that I sometimes can create a need to be constantly distracted. Finding something to do or somewhere to go or something to fix. Not to mention my sleeping has been off this week from being sick and am now trying to get back to normal. I finally sat down with Dad this morning and realized how little I take time just to listen. I am living by myself for the first time ever, throw that in with the combination of it being in a new place where I don’t know anyone or speak the language and its bound to bring out weaknesses. I am learning so much about who He is in my shortcomings. I have always been a survivor, someone who makes up her mind to commit and fights to see it through. China became that for me last week. Mentally I clicked into survival mode. Between being sick, missing home and dealing with the pain that was surfacing inside I shut down my emotion and told myself I would survive. I would do what it took just to get through until I was okay again. Recently I was hit with the reality of how dangerous that can be. I am a fighter and easily China could become just another adventure to mark down, something that looks great on an application, so that I can say “been there done that”. I realized this when I opened the book I am reading called The Journey of Desire by John Eldredge. Its an incredible book which explains the importance of desire, and passion in our pursuit of the kingdom. I realized that if I continue to do what I’ve always done and “survive” I’m not really living. I am just doing what it takes to protect myself and get by. That’s when I recognized that I don’t want to just survive I want to live. If that means it hurts and its hard at times that’s not up to me but at least I’m living. Excepting that I am weak and not strong enough to really live on my own past trying to “survive”. I want to engage Him with an honest passion, actively pursuing who He is. To awaken the parts of my heart that are asleep, the areas of creativity and desires I have pushed away for so long too afraid to take ownership. I want a passion that’s owned not borrowed, one that drives toward a pursuit of divine beauty. I don’t believe this is just for me. So often many of us become apathetic in what we do and how we live because to be passionate means to take risk and to commit not only your time but your heart into something that could hurt. But as John wirtes “ Nothing is more important than the life of our deep heart. To lose heart is to lose everything.” I pry that this is something that would continue to stir in my heart and in my life. I pry that wherever you are, in whatever you are doing that you would be passionately chasing the dreams and desires He has set before you. That we as a body could be authentic, just the way He made us, to know and understand that He came to die, to set us free so that we may live and abide in His fullness, to understand the story of redemption and to awaken the dead places in our hearts. To choose to live and really be alive.

Please be prying for “William” my wiaban and his family. His wife’s cousin died last Friday and it has been really hard for them. They were very close and his wife is struggling the most. I had a chance to speak with him today and I am amazed at how even though he is “crazy” William and can sometimes be a little much, my heart is softening towards him. He truly has seen me as a daughter and even through what he’s experiencing now he still takes the time to care and check up on me.

It was super sunny today(so rare and SUPER exciting!) so I had a chance to take some great pics while I was walking the lake. I will post them soon!! :)

I am having my internet looked at this week and will update again when I can! I am prying that you would be overflowing with His love and His freedom. I know I say this every time but SERIOUS you have no clue how much your emails and messages mean! Miss you and love you all.

chelsieleighpriest@gmail.com

Hey everyone!! So some sad news, my internet has decided it wants to be difficult. :( For some reason my computer is having a hard time with the schools network so I have been and will be out of internet until who knows when. Luckily some of my teammates have internet and I am able to come by their place to check email and jump online! Things are always a little more complicated when you're in a foreign place I suppose. :)
I wanted to at least stop by and give a quick update and share some photos while I was around the net. EVERYTHING has arrived!! My guitar came in this week on Wednesday, along with our last two beautiful teammates to arrive in our city. It is great to have it back with me especially without having the internet I have been playing until my fingers are purple.
So much has happened but there is not enough time or enough blog space to share it all. I started teaching September 1st and have been going since then! It was rough at first I am not even going to lie but as time has passed through out this week things have been getting much smoother! I really do love it. Most of my classes are really sweet and try hard for me.
I went out exploring earlier this week and found behind my house that there is an awesome path around the lakes in the city, with an incredible view of all of the mountains, it leads to this really beautiful Chinese park. It has become my favorite part of my day. Reminds me just how close He really is.
Being here has really opened me up to feeling more vulnerable and exposed than ever before. Dad has been my best friend, my constant, and I am finding that there are many things in my heart that just keep surfacing. Sometimes its hard but I know it is a good pain. :) I have had a chance to share with some exactly why I am here, which was a gift from Him I know. As I was walking today I saw a little boy with his father on their lunch break ( here everyone takes a lunch break in the middle of the day for two or three hours), the father was teaching his son how to use his sling shot. The son looked determined and was totally focused as hard as he could and when he let go the rock went no where but in front of him and to the ground. The boy looked at his father as if to say " I tried!" and his father looked at him and started laughing, he picked the rock up and stood holding the boys hands in place and showing him again encouraging him to keep trying. I realized I am so much like that boy in Dads hands and how often He must just laugh at me pat me on the head and encourage me to keep on trying until I get it just right, never leaving but always pointing me in the right direction. So good to know that He is more than just something in the distance. He is living and with me.
I want to leave you all with a funny story I wrote down last week after I went to my first official Chinese meal. :) I hope you enjoy and find it just as funny as it was!!
I love you all so much and am grateful for your support and love through all of this. I would be nothing without the other members of the body out there lifting me up and supporting me. I miss you all and home often. Please email me with updates on yourselves and things I can be lifting up for you!! chelsieleighpriest@gmail.com
August 27th 2011

I just ate dinner for the first time with William, the school leaders and other teachers. The Chinese culture is all about food and company. At first I was nervous that it would feel weird to be there. But I agreed to go anyway not really knowing exactly what it was. Then when I arrived at the car I found Williams sister and his nephew. His nephew is quite possibly the cutest child ever. He is 11 years old, his English name is Peter and he did he best to speak with me. I kind of felt like he and I were on the same page walking into the dinner, he maybe a step ahead of me. He held my hand on the streets and walked with me into the restaurant. As silly as it seems I was grateful for his company. I have never seen or been apart of so many toasts in my life. Not to mention when I refused the alcohol I was poured corn juice. Yes, corn juice it is exactly what it sounds like. Needless to say my lesson has been learned. I was stuck toasting all night with the chunks of corn just hanging out. It was gross. I made up my mind I was just going to bare through sipping a little with each toast. On the upper hand the food was great. The food is placed on a round rotating table top and is spun through out the meal. You take what you want into your bowl as it goes. It is all about presentation so it looks beautiful. There were a lot of foreign foods to me and since it was my first time I kind of played it safe. Most of what I tried I liked. At one point I had something that was black and looked like a mushroom but was extremely squishy. I had no clue what I had placed in my mouth and just kept going. (only in hina) Through out the meal they drink and talk and toast. Toasting is their way of supporting, encouraging and boasting about others. They do it often. Everyone toasts everyone. It is a huge part of their culture. I was greeted warmly and everyone came to give me a welcome toast. Then at the very end we all stood for one last toast. I had managed to keep my glass pretty full just sipping a little. I thought I has beat the system. Then I heard the dreadful words, “bottoms up”, which I found out means exactly what it says. It is done for the last toast to end the night. Yep, you guessed it I had to down the almost ¾ glass full of corn juice. I am not going to lie I was prying to get it down. So lesson #1 if you don’t like what your drinking make sure you ask for something else because whether you like it or not you will drink it.

Some photo's of my home pre- decor. :) ( there are more to come I just didnt have enough time to add them all! )

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.