An Update on Life:
Language:
I have begun my language classes! Right now I am taking 4 hours a week with a wonderful tutor. I have been able to work one on one and am excited to continue with her.
Although mainly through pointing and grunting, I was able to get things printed at a local print shop! To some this might seem little, but I consider it quite the feat!
Here is a picture of a children's song I learned. The top is what is called Pinyin and the bottom has the Chinese characters. The Pinyin is used to help pronounce the characters. I think the hardest part is that all of the letters don't necessarily make the same sound in English. For example the letter e makes more of a sound like the 'oo' would in the word good.
Although it's been quite challenging, I have enjoyed learning this new language! It's been hard not being able to communicate, but I am slowly but surely getting there!
Work:
I have begun teaching English classes. Although some days it seems quite difficult, it has been a learning experience. I've been learning and creating new ways of teaching, which for me has been amazing! I teach English only on the weekends, and during the week I have been teaching an amazing family.
They have been learning their letters, learning to read, and learning American money! Although I like to think I'm the teacher, these three beautiful girls have been teaching me much in return. We spend each morning with Dad and they have shown me what it is like to have that childlike faith, something I long to have. They have shown me love and each day fill my heart with joy. I feel beyond thankful and blessed to be teaching these amazing girls!
Personal:
Although I've only been here 6 weeks, this place is feeling more and more like home. I'm continually thinking about and talking about what is next with Dad. The family I am teaching will be leaving for a while to go back to America. There are a few options, unfortunately I can't share here. While I would like to share everything with you, some things need to be journaled and saved for a coffee date back in the states. :)
I'm quite the celebrity out here. I've gotten my photos taken more often in the past 6 weeks, than I think I've taken in my whole life. Most of the time it's a person trying to do it secretly, then CLICK, their camera noise goes off. I just smile and look my normal beautiful self. :p
It's amazing how things that once seemed unnatural, are beginning to become normal. Things like going to ten places to get all your groceries, selling meet off of carts in the street, taking a bus everywhere, taxi drivers, crossing the street where taxi drivers lurk...my roommate is still learning to look both ways before crossing the street. :p I think the best part of this past week or so has been that I am learning how to ask for things or what to tell a cab driver instead of motioning like a crazy person. Although once I get back to the state everyone will want me on their charades team!
I have learned the busses! Although all stops are in Chinese, I have learned how to get to several places! I wish this was my own doing, but again it is from the friends and 'family' that have come into my life.
I have also found people who will work out with me every morning at 6 am! I know some of you think I'm crazy (Emily...) but it's been wonderful to have an avenue to help release some anxieties.
I'm learning to be thankful for the little things, like having people to work out with, finding good coffee, learning how to print things, etc. Although hard days are present, I am beyond thankful for Dads provision. As I spend intimate time with Him in the morning, he reminds me that I am his daughter and he is so proud of me. Ask Him that these times would not just be something to cross off my to-do list, but times spent to deepen my relationship with Him.
I am also learning that my strength is not my own. My strength comes from Him alone. I am thankful that His strength and power is so much bigger than the box that I seem, too often, to put it in.
REQUESTS:
Continue to ask that my relationship with Dad grows more intimately.
I am in the process of getting my visa through my work. Another family here has been having many problems with this process and I ask that you think about me during this time. I am going to have to travel to Hong Kong in the next month or so to apply. Please ask that all goes smoothly as I am quite anxious about this. I know that I am supposed to be here and with that all will get figured out. Sometimes believing that second part is where I struggle the most.
Ask that finances will continue to be provided for. I am still in need of a few thousand dollars, along with finances to get to Hong Kong and back for my visa. If you would like more information about how you can support me financially, you can contact my parents at [email protected] as they will be handling all my finances.
I have begun my language classes! Right now I am taking 4 hours a week with a wonderful tutor. I have been able to work one on one and am excited to continue with her.
Although mainly through pointing and grunting, I was able to get things printed at a local print shop! To some this might seem little, but I consider it quite the feat!
Here is a picture of a children's song I learned. The top is what is called Pinyin and the bottom has the Chinese characters. The Pinyin is used to help pronounce the characters. I think the hardest part is that all of the letters don't necessarily make the same sound in English. For example the letter e makes more of a sound like the 'oo' would in the word good.
Although it's been quite challenging, I have enjoyed learning this new language! It's been hard not being able to communicate, but I am slowly but surely getting there!
Work:
I have begun teaching English classes. Although some days it seems quite difficult, it has been a learning experience. I've been learning and creating new ways of teaching, which for me has been amazing! I teach English only on the weekends, and during the week I have been teaching an amazing family.
They have been learning their letters, learning to read, and learning American money! Although I like to think I'm the teacher, these three beautiful girls have been teaching me much in return. We spend each morning with Dad and they have shown me what it is like to have that childlike faith, something I long to have. They have shown me love and each day fill my heart with joy. I feel beyond thankful and blessed to be teaching these amazing girls!
Personal:
Although I've only been here 6 weeks, this place is feeling more and more like home. I'm continually thinking about and talking about what is next with Dad. The family I am teaching will be leaving for a while to go back to America. There are a few options, unfortunately I can't share here. While I would like to share everything with you, some things need to be journaled and saved for a coffee date back in the states. :)
I'm quite the celebrity out here. I've gotten my photos taken more often in the past 6 weeks, than I think I've taken in my whole life. Most of the time it's a person trying to do it secretly, then CLICK, their camera noise goes off. I just smile and look my normal beautiful self. :p
It's amazing how things that once seemed unnatural, are beginning to become normal. Things like going to ten places to get all your groceries, selling meet off of carts in the street, taking a bus everywhere, taxi drivers, crossing the street where taxi drivers lurk...my roommate is still learning to look both ways before crossing the street. :p I think the best part of this past week or so has been that I am learning how to ask for things or what to tell a cab driver instead of motioning like a crazy person. Although once I get back to the state everyone will want me on their charades team!
I have learned the busses! Although all stops are in Chinese, I have learned how to get to several places! I wish this was my own doing, but again it is from the friends and 'family' that have come into my life.
I have also found people who will work out with me every morning at 6 am! I know some of you think I'm crazy (Emily...) but it's been wonderful to have an avenue to help release some anxieties.
I'm learning to be thankful for the little things, like having people to work out with, finding good coffee, learning how to print things, etc. Although hard days are present, I am beyond thankful for Dads provision. As I spend intimate time with Him in the morning, he reminds me that I am his daughter and he is so proud of me. Ask Him that these times would not just be something to cross off my to-do list, but times spent to deepen my relationship with Him.
I am also learning that my strength is not my own. My strength comes from Him alone. I am thankful that His strength and power is so much bigger than the box that I seem, too often, to put it in.
REQUESTS:
Continue to ask that my relationship with Dad grows more intimately.
I am in the process of getting my visa through my work. Another family here has been having many problems with this process and I ask that you think about me during this time. I am going to have to travel to Hong Kong in the next month or so to apply. Please ask that all goes smoothly as I am quite anxious about this. I know that I am supposed to be here and with that all will get figured out. Sometimes believing that second part is where I struggle the most.
Ask that finances will continue to be provided for. I am still in need of a few thousand dollars, along with finances to get to Hong Kong and back for my visa. If you would like more information about how you can support me financially, you can contact my parents at [email protected] as they will be handling all my finances.
Friends:
I'm blessed. It truly bring tears to my eyes thinking about how thankful I am for the people that have come into my life. I often wish I could put into words the thankfulness I feel for them and the love, grace, and patience they have had with me these first 6 weeks. They have put time aside to meet with me, listened to me, played games with me (you all know how much I love games), and just been a phone call away when I need it. Although hard days are inevitable, my heart fills with joy when I am reminded of this blessing.
Contrary to what you might think, the chicken head and feet don't taste all that bad!
Thank you all for your constant love and support! It truly means the world to me to be able to follow His call. Please continue to thoughtfully consider supporting my financially.
I ask that the Father would continue to bless you as I have been through your support.
In Him,
J
I'm blessed. It truly bring tears to my eyes thinking about how thankful I am for the people that have come into my life. I often wish I could put into words the thankfulness I feel for them and the love, grace, and patience they have had with me these first 6 weeks. They have put time aside to meet with me, listened to me, played games with me (you all know how much I love games), and just been a phone call away when I need it. Although hard days are inevitable, my heart fills with joy when I am reminded of this blessing.
Contrary to what you might think, the chicken head and feet don't taste all that bad!
Thank you all for your constant love and support! It truly means the world to me to be able to follow His call. Please continue to thoughtfully consider supporting my financially.
I ask that the Father would continue to bless you as I have been through your support.
In Him,
J