Just an update...

I have not written in quite some time, but I just wanted to write about how wonderful my life is! I don't have all that I have ever wanted, and there is still something that I pray for regularly...well, a few things...but, I don't think I know anyone who is surrounded with the poeple I am surrounded by. My family is wonderful! If you don't know my mom and dad, you should! They make me want to be better at life, to know Jesus in a more intimate way, and to serve to my limits! They run a non-profit in South City that assists refugees with furniture, English lessons, and friendship. They are going non-stop to help people they don't know...amazing! My brother is one of my favorite people in all the world...we talk everyday...sometimes about absolutely nothing, or gross things that only brother and sister can be ok with! My sister-in-law, an amazing mother, and saint for putting up with my brother :) My nephew Jack..he is the light of my life...although he has begun to 'blink' me..not my favorite! I have a wonderful roommate...a ridiculous amount of friends who i can call and would be there at the drop of a hat...I am not sure why God loves me that much...but I sure do appreciate it! I have a job with people who are absolutely amazing, and another job I will be starting this week that is going to be amazing. I get the privelage of working with international students everyday , and if any of you know me well, that is my heart! There are a million things I could say right now...I am blessed...yes, I have had deep heartache, but I have always been loved, and people who I have hurt have forgiven me...it is an unbelievable grace to be forgiven. I pray I show that to the people who have loved me so well! I was watching a movie 'Julie and Julia' the other day with one of my besties (you know who you are) and we discussed afterward how well these women's husbands loved them. Although, I am not married yet, I believe and pray that God will send me a man who loves me well! Up til this day I feel as if I have been loved so well by God by ALL of you that he has put in my life! I may or may not talk to you all the time, but I just want to thank you all! Most of all, I want to always thank Jesus....cause He gave you to me! Soooo, that's me right now...Love you all!

more from the last post....

the internet sucks here! have i said that before....it does!

for my brother...

So, it has been along while since I have written on this blog....and my reasons are three fold. One, this blog was a requirement for the class I was in and the class is officially over. Two, I still think it is weird that people want to read about my daily life here. Three, my brother told me he checks it every morning. Ahh, so Adam, this one is for you! The last few weeks have been nothing short of insane. As many of you know of one my friends from St. Louis as well as her two sons were brutally murdered. Being away when you are grieving is not easy. You just want to be with your friends who shared the light and energy and craziness of all that she was. Was, it is too weird to even write in the past tense. Ugh! I cried, dropped to the floor when others tried to console me...surreal is the word that kept coming up. I have given it to the Father because I can't hold onto it. It's far too much for me, and I have to trust Him. Otherwise, it's just too much. I had recently finished reading and listening to the Shack. Read it....bizarre, but helpful. I won't go into detail, but it helps to trust  Him when the unthinkable happens. When I am in America, I will write more about how the Father has helped, but you know how it is :) Anyway, 

Finished!

Yes, I am officially finished with my LIVETEXT Portfolio! The heaven's are singing, I am rejoicing! It is a good day! Yesterday, we all submitted our final project that will allow us to graduate! Thank God! It is one of those, "let's combine EVERYTHING you have ever learned about education and wrap it into 33  little papers." So, pretty much the worst week ever...just joking...the rain made it the worst week ever! Honestly, it has been a pretty decent week. Daily I am blessed by the people I live with. We all have our issues, don't get me wrong....I have the most :)  But, we all try very hard to respect each other, listen, and share our cracked pepper and olive oil triscuits! Last night we had a little celebration to commemorate our crossing the finish line of school...Juliette made us all cheeseburgers, mashed potatoes, and spinach...and, I helped! I have never loved a more random group...we are all so very different, but I see all of them and love them all for very different reasons! Well, dry your tears, I know....it was very heartfelt, and all very true, but on to my lesson this week. I taught my students a song...while I wish I had the opportunity to teach them music I listen to and love, I chose a ballad that would be easy for them to learn, pronounce and understand. I chose Brian McKnight's 'Back at One.' (I apologize in advance for getting that song stuck in your head, because it will be for the next few days!)  They ask me constantly to teach them about American music, and culture...so, I chose a song that is easy to learn and explains a bit of our culture. You might ask, "How is a love song sooo American?" Well, I asked my students who they say 'I love you' to on a regular basis...they said no one. Some of them said they tell their parents that they love them, but you don't tell anyone you love them til you are married, and after that not much at all. Sad, huh? As we broke down the song and I explained the idioms and culturally relevant parts they were so amazed at this kind of love, and then because they are so awesome they sang along! Ahhhh! They are so sweet! Just another amazing group of kids that just want to learn a language. Music can make all the difference! Next lesson I would like to teach them something much cooler, maybe a little Zeppelin, or Ray La Montagne...unfortunately they are really into 'pop' music...ugh!

Evangeline

Do you think I'm pretty?

So, my friend Angela and I have been having this discussion about how she thinks she wouldn't be considered 'beautiful' in America. She says that 'beautiful' in China is white, pale skin and large eyes. I know right? Angela is that...and she seems to think that American's like Asian girls to look particularly Asian. Oh, sweet friend! I told her she would be just fine because she ways all of 90 lbs and American's are obsessed with weight. All this to say...people all over the world are insecure and wonder if someone will think they beautiful.  Ok, deep thoughts are over. 

School today was a trip. I had my students present their vacation pamphlets. It was adorable. The second half of my class was spent discussing occupations. It was so awesome to hear students tell me they want to be reporters, designers, cooks, surgeons, lawyers, etc. We had a blast, and I have completely fallen in love with them! Before class I regularly stand in the hall and greet my students. It is the best feeling to watch students of other classes walk by and wave and smile! I LOVE IT!  I will then walk into my classroom and give a Seinfeld, "Hellooooo!"  This always gives them a laugh, and then I ask them how they are, they reply like the sweet little soldier ants they are, "I'm fine thank you!"  The best is when they feel comfortable enough to say..."I'm tired!" It has been a great week...although the weight of a portfolio is stifling my creativity!  Back to work! Love you all!

Long Week...but the boredom is OVER!

This week!

This week was rough to say the least! I was in bed for days!! I had a sinus infection and it went into my lungs...well, that is what the chinese dr. man said :)  All is well though, and I am so  excited to leave for the weekend in Shenyang!  The week ended with a bang as I had a great lesson. It is getting so much easier and I feel like I am getting the hang of it. I never have had issues with language barriers in my previous travels, but jeez, running a classroom is insane! I realize how much I need to provide for them in writing. I need to give them each clear directions as well as objectives that they are meant to accomplish! I realize that Chinese students have a clear need to succeed, so if I outline exactly what is required of them then they will succeed! This week they are designing pamphlets on a vacation spot of their choice. The way they came up with a location was like pulling teeth though! When I had them imagine where they would like to go on vacation, all they could imagine for a holiday is sleeping and not going to school! It makes me so sad to realize that the idea of leaving their hometown is not even on the radar of imagination for them...their only hope of holiday is to take a nap! Well, in spite of it all, I did get them to choose vacation spots!  So, I made a sample pamphlet and they loved it sooo I will be posting samples of theirs next week...wish me luck!

finally!

so, many of you know that youtube was banned here for a while, and due to that i was not able to post video on my blog...but, video is back and so are pics...so i will try to catch you up on the latest!

I have given in...

I am now wearing two pairs of pants! I have been sick for the past two weeks with a sinus infection and have not been able to get over it!  BOO! Whenever someone asks they always tell me, "You have a cold because you only wear one pair of pants!" Well, I am desperate, so bring on the pants!!!  In spite of my sickness, I have been blessed with a wonderful Chinese friend. Today, I went to school and was sent home by one of the teachers to feel better!  I came home and got into bed and slept for hours. I woke up to the sound of my friends greeting someone outside. I put on extra clothes to leave my room and saw my sweet friend, Angela. She came over with supplies to make me feel better. The first remedy was boiled Coke with slices of ginger, and the second a rice soup, and medicine...sooo, sweet! She does not speak the best English, but she totally took care of me. She took me to the doctor for a sinus cleansing...it involves deep massage that works the 'cold' and the infection out of your body, it also involves cupping..lame! Cupping is rough! Thanks for all the posts...I have changed my comment settings so that I can preview them before I post them.  Hope you understand.  Love you all!

is it bad that i feel a little over it...

So, it's Saturday morning and I'm over it. I am not angry, I am not sad, I'm just over it! Last night was maybe the most boring night of my life. Really, I got home from school at four o'clock, went for a bike ride, in which my chain broke and I had to walk it home (seriously, what is up with my bike?).  I think it is rough to be in a new town and not really know what there is to do. We live in a dorm where we have to be in by 11pm.  It's not that I have any desire to go party til the wee hours of the night, I think I just want that freedom. So, my homework to you all is to think of awesome, creative ideas for 7 girls to do in a foreign country :)  The hilite of my week was when on of my students came up to me and said, "Jessica, I just want you to know that you have had an influence on my life. I feel so comfortable to speak English in your class. Usually, I am stressed out and do not have fun in school, but in your class it is much more calm and I have a very fun time!" Ah, success! Thank God! It's those experiences that make a boring Friday night bearable!  Another fun little story is that all the trees have been cut down in this town...maybe it is for pruning for next season...but it's so ugly to look at! Literally, all the trees are tall with nubs!  Sad! So, I was just thinking, "Where is the beauty in Fu Xin?" A still, small voice said, "It's in their faces." This is only too true! Their faces, all of them, happy, sad, angry, their faces are BEAUTIFUL! They hold stories, heartache, and joys that I will never know, but they are beautiful. Last weekend I went to the park with my friends to 'workout' (there is excercise equipment everywhere) and we met twins! It was probably the cutest thing I have ever seen! It reminded me of one of my good friends back home who just had twin boys...it was just a little reminder of home. One more thing, I see your faces all the time! All of you. It is the weirdest phenomenon, but all over the world there are people of all different ethnicities that have the same face as people you know back home. The other day, I realized that one of my students looks just like a friend from church! It's hilarious! On my last trip to China I went to Inner Mongolia and we were in the middle of no where, and there was the Asian David Duchovney!  (ps, no idea how to spell his name!) Anyway, I love you all and miss you, but maybe I will see you today in a beautiful Asian face!

no shame...anymore!

So, it used to drive me nuts when I was working at studio branca and women would come in and get 'the works' and then come up to pay and their credit cards would be declined, or they would not have any cash, etc. I mean, if you don't have money quit coming in, right?  Well, my pride was broken today as my friend, Diana and I arrived at an upscale Chinese salon today. Not only do I not know how to speak English, but how does one explain, "Please, color my roots the same color as the ends...cover the gray, just a trim...shorter bangs." Yada, yada, yada.  So, after a delightful game of charades, and the huge help of my friend Diana...we were able to communicate what needed to be done. Many hours passed, yes, four...and then it was time to pay...we were then 'delighted' to find out that our visa's did not work...we live in a very 'small' town (1 million people) so they are not up on the technology that would allow them to use our cards (i think is what they said). soooo, i had the pleasure of walking with one of the shampoo boys to the atm and had to get some cash...it was an awkward walk to say the least...i learned his name and age...that was all i could get out of him...AWKWARD!  all this to say...it's rough sometimes, and don't be so prideful it happens to everyone. i was also made aware (again) that no one cares about being cool....my students ask me every class period now to sing a song...word has gotten out that i did it in one class and now they all ask...ahhh! and they ask for me to sing the most lame songs! "My heart will go on!"  But, they are soooo cute, how could i refuse...and then I realized, they don't care if I am good, or bad...they just want to have something in common...they love Titanic, and now they think I do too!  It's hilarious...and now they sing for me....they are so brave and adorable...I just absolutely love them! I would sing 'Copacabana' if they asked me to. Which I did sing tonight at my first Karaoke in China. I have never laughed so hard in my life!  They take you to this private room...that is hot as a sauna... and it has a dance floor, strobe light, and disco ball..top notch!  The song list is ridiculous...Addicted to Love, Blackbird singing in the Dead of Night, Culture Club's 'Do you really want to hurt me'...and since it was all in Chinese we had no idea how to work ANYTHING! So, it just kept repeating the same songs over, and over, and over! I sang 'Blackbird' three times!!! The people were so nice to us! One girl came in and just sat with us and took pictures for 30 minutes...which, in karaoke time is forever!  It was a really fun night, and I am having a blast in Fuxin! There is nothing to do here, but when we find something...it is great!  Hope you all are doing well! Love you lots!

Be kind to the alien...

Right before I left I was having a conversation with my parents about this verse, "Do not oppress the foreigners living among you. You know what it is like to be a foreigner. Remember your own experience in the land of Egypt". We were discussing the use of the word 'alien' some of us liked it and some of us didn't. We thought 'foreigner' or 'refugee' seemed to be better, nicer. I would like to change my aformentioned nicety for the truth...the word is 'alien.' Last night I went to New Mart...it is the Chinese version of Walmart. I went there like any other person needing the necessities of life...bread, coffee, paper, pens, etc. Yet, I have never felt so alone. So foreign. So alien. Yes, I am different from the people around me here in China. I look very different (still shorter than everyone oddly enough :) I am a different color, my eyes are different, but I am the same on the inside. The culture here is much different and I understand that, but as I walked through the New Mart and saw people stare, some pointing, some giggling, some angry, most projecting disdain for me(or so i felt), I was reminded of this verse above. This is by no means a slam at the Chinese people. The people I have worked with at the Fuxin Experimental School are AMAZING!  So hospitable. I think this little glimpse was a 'gift' from the Father. It made me realize how much more sensitive I want to be to the 'aliens'  among us in our community. Sometimes while I am here, I love the fact that I can't read anything, I have no idea what people are saying, and I am just in my own little world. BUT, it's really scary when you can't communicate with your taxi driver except for the little piece of paper that has your dormitory name written on it in Chinese. It is very frustrating when you are at the grocery store and you have no idea where to find tea, and the people can't understand your language. All this to say, please be kind to the international people you see and meet everyday in your town! They are people, they are lost, they need help....they might just need to see a smile on your face, not a scowl thinking that they are here to harm you! They need the love of the Father too! And if it helps, just imagine it's your son or daughter, or best friend in a foreign country that would die to see someone smile, and even try to help them out! I left that supermarket feeling so sad...but, so aware of my own actions at home. The book talks a lot about this 

 "He gives justice to orphans and widows. He shows love to the foreigners/aliens among you and gives them food and clothing."

"True justice must be given to foreigners living among you and to orphans..."

You can dance if you want to...

I have come to the firm conclusion that American’s are by far the coolest people ever.  You may be saying, “Jessica that is pretty arrogant to say.” Well, I am not claiming this is a good thing. We are so cool that we miss out on so many random opportunities to have fun! Yesterday, we toured the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. It is one of those gorgeous architectural works that one has to see. It is a temple that honors heaven and it’s place on earth…I think. While I do not believe in the Taoist religion, it is amazing to see hundreds, and maybe thousands of people young and quite old on a pilgrimage to honor their god. Americans are too tired to even make it to church. Oops… I had a point to this rant. Well, as we are walking back to the entrance/or exit (we got lost quite a bit) we passed through a park and saw these beautiful Chinese people enjoying life. Nothing fancy was happening, just an old boombox plugged in playing traditional Chinese music with the occasional pop tune thrown in for kicks. As I looked around there were elderly men and women (yes, elderly) playing hacky sack and dancing for the fun and exercise. So…the American’s joined in. I have never had more fun! I laughed so hard. This adorable woman who looked like the Asian version of Blanche from Golden Girls came and taught me a dance. Watch out Dancing with the Stars! Anyway, I just love that the wisdom of the ages dancing in that park know the secret...THEY ARE NOT TOO COOL!

Let's Recap...

Hurry up and Wait…

 

So we arrived in Beijing on Friday, February 27^th, and we have not stopped until this 7-10 hour bus ride to Fuxin. That’s right, there is a 3 hour window of time there. Why you ask? Well, there is no telling just what could happen in a bus trip up north. Let’s recap the past few days shall we?

Day 1

After pleading with the man in customs that I am in actuality the woman in my passport photo from ten years ago, we all caravan to the bus. We then drive for 2 hours to our hotel. In spite of our numerous hints that we are exhausted and would like to rest for a bit, we are wisked off to ‘lunch.’ Lunch is comprised of a texture wonderland for the senses. Imagine jello that is probably a week or so old, so kind of dense. Then make that jello a nice cloudy gray, and throw some smoky, chili sauce, and you have our first course! Honestly, once you get over the texture it wasn’t so bad. Course two: apples, oranges, and Korean pears tossed in mayonnaise. Why not? Course Three: The same smoky, chili sauce with noodles. This would have been a delight if one were able to bite through the noodles. That’s right, as you take a chopstick full you put them in your mouth and begin to chew. As I realized that they were not actually going anywhere, I began to swallow and one long, connected noodle just slides down my throat. My gag reflex was in full affect, but I made it through with a smile anyone would believe. Course Four: Corn and Apples, with a drizzle of mayo. How did mayo even get here? This course was a huge hit after Course Three. Course Five: Molded sweet rice with bean paste, and candied fruit. A feast for the eyes! And with a large glass of Green Tea to wash it down!

So the food ends and we rush off to the Temple of Heaven to find it has closed.  So we walk to the hotel and then are told that it is time to eat dinner…yes, you are correct in thinking, ‘Didn’t they just eat lunch?’

We are served a HUGE meal of Peking Duck…sooo delicious, and a million other lovely treats, with a million toasts to our teaching experience. We have now been properly stuffed to rise in the morning to see Tianeman Square (which gov’t leaders still deny that the protests happened). During this visit I asked our sweet friend and guide from Fuxin if she like Chaiman Mao, and she emphatically said, ‘Yes, of course!’ I decided not to ask any further questions as I was surrounded by heavily armed men guarding Mao’s Tomb, and would rather not lose my life just yet J We then went to the Forbidden City and learned that all of the Emporer’s buildings symbolize, Harmony, Peace, Luck, and Longevity. Really, if you have to guess the importance of any piece  of Chinese history, guess any of those four and you are set! Jason, our guide, was very well informed and told us ALL of the Forbidden City’s history! Did I mention that it is like 4 degrees? So, then we hurry to the bus to grab lunch which we are told is about an hour away and very close to our next excursion…The Olympic Stadium, the Bird’s Nest! We then learn that (after 2 hours of driving) we are lost and all the roads have been re-routed since the Olympics.  I then proceed to eat my right arm off and lay back in exhaustion. Wake me when we are there. We finally arrive at the Bird’s Nest. It it amazing! The architecture is meticulous and awe inspiring. We all head in and see the enormity of this stadium. They are playing clips of the opening ceremony on the Jumbo Trons. It is hilarious! My friend Megan and I decide to sit and watch for a while, and as we do 7 different groups of people ask for pictures with us. Ah, it’s good to be a celebrity for a minute J

Dr. Tea

Skipped dinner

Why do showers not have a drain?

 

Day 2: The Great Wall and Ming’s Tombs

I am going to let the pictures tell this story! It was amazing!

Mcdonald’s

dumplings

Day 3: Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven and the Mall

noodles

I am in Korea right now after a 14 hour flight. I was exhausted when I landed in my window seat. I slept for about ten hours then woke to watch a few movies, and eat a tuna sandwich (random right?) It seems on these long flights that you sleep for hours on end, yet there is always an abundance of food! There is always a very nice flight attendant saying, "Excuse me, Korean style, or Western style food?"  Well, it seems that we are boarding for our flight to Beijing! Love you all! 

Into the Wild...sort of

Well, tomorrow I set off on my next adventure. I am so excited for this trip to china. I watched Into the Wild last night, and it made me so happy to be traveling with people. I absolutely love that movie, and I need to read the book! It's pretty sad, but inspirational. The main character sets out for Alaska with...nothing...alone. It's a ballzy move, I am not sure I would be able to do that. As I packed, and continue to pack more and more 'stuff' I realize how much I like to have my things with me and have a need to feel comfortable. My prayer for this trip is to step out and do things I have never done before, to be a bit uncomfortable.  I think that is essential for growth in life...to be uncomfortable. It's like they always say about the butterfly... he has to get uncomfortable enough to break free from the cocoon. Well, I am ready to fly (this is so cheezy...maybe I should reach for the stars too :)  I want to teach students with passion and creativity, without losing my mind (by the way, I have 40-50 students in each classroom...ahhh!). This is also a big prayer of mine :) Thank you all so very much for your prayers. I leave tomorrow evening and head..Into the Wild...sort of. Love you all...Jessica