Busy in Portland

I arrived in America four days ago, and I haven't had much time to rest. My sister has been amazing. She planned every moment of every day. We started out hiking at Mt. Hood, the next day we did some shopping and eating at fun places, Sunday was spent taste-testing wines from around Oregon, and today was an early day off to the beach! We didn't swim, it's a bit cold here :-) We went early to see the tide pools and walk around the quaint little town.

I also got a cell phone today! Once I got it, I text-ed everyone to give them my new number. Melissa then informed me that it's 11pm at my home... sorry guys, I forgot I'm a few ours later than you. Tomorrow I head out to Spokane for a day to visit my old Wuhan buddy- Kelsey!! Excited to see her new city!

Back in the States!

I made it back to the USA with some very smooth flights and connections. I had a few delays, which always gives me a little stress (I really don't like having to rush through airports), but I made everything on time. I had about 7 hours to kill in the Shanghai airport, but I know that airport so well, I felt very comfortable walking around. I even found a place to sit down and chat with others online as I waited. My flights were good and my sister was waiting for me as I walked down the stairs in Portland!!! It was about 11:45pm, about 30 hours after I left the apartment in Wuhan.

Here are some things that shocked me as I came back to America.

1. A man stood on his seat on the plane with his shoes on. I almost freaked. Shoes in China are filthy and you never step on a chair without taking your shoes off first.

2. People are bigger here, not only a bit heavier (a healthy lifestyle is VERY important in China), but also much much taller (high heals are also much more popular)!!!

3. I was walking downtown Portland and even though it's a big city, the buildings are soooo short!

4. People smile when you meet them on the hiking path.

5. Houses are huge and have carpeting... how how nice that feels!

6. Showering with a bathtub around you is nice. The floor stays much dryer.

7. You can't cross the street wherever you want... my sister had to yell at me once. :(

8. People understand you. I mumbled under my breath when someone cut me off in the airport, and then I remembered he probably knows English and I should be careful.

I think that's a good list for now. It's great being back. I'll be with my sister for about a week, then fly off to Milwaukee and on to Brownsville!!

My Apartment!

My roommate's room

Laundry room

No dryers here... we hang up our clothes from the ceiling. We use a long medal pole to reach it.

My only kitchen counter... bigger than my old one. :)

My gas stove top

Kitchen

Fridge- super cold!!

entry way- bathroom on the left... sorry, forgot to take a picture of that.

living room

kitchen table- in living room

Spare bedroom

My bedroom- it's cleaner now ;)

Bedroom

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No car for tomorrow, Sis...

Over the past three weeks I have been slowly packing and moving to my new apartment. I took a few car loads over by different friends. It was a long and tedious process, but it was nice to be able to take my time. Last Monday was the last day I could stay in my old apartment. I asked Jonathan Li (a leader in our Chinese group) if he could drive his car for my last small load. I didn't have much, but it was too much for me to take alone. He said he might be able to use his car, but his wife might need it.

Most families in China can only afford one car... a bit different than America. My family has about 7 cars with 5 people (more if you include my sister). He said that if his wife needed his car, he could still come and we could use a taxi.

The night before I needed to move, I got the message, "no car tomorrow, sis" Sis... that's right. Brothers and sisters. I have sooo many brothers and sisters here. In China, if you have a close friend you call them your sister or brother. When a Chinese person talks about visiting their sister, I often ask if it's a cousin, sister, or close friend. Usually it's not actually a sister as we think of it. Sister and brother is a term of endearment they use for someone who is special to you. It makes you feel closer, like your not just another friend, your family.

I need to take more pictures of my family here. I miss out on so many opportunities to get "family pictures" and remember the times I have here.

Renner... fun, fun guy...

Here is me with Chinese Nicole... not to confuse with American Nicole...

New Roommate!

It's amazing how Gd knows exactly what you want and how to help you through it...

Nicole went back to America a few weeks ago. She will not return to China in the fall. I'm very excited for her to start her life in America, but sad that she won't be here to experience life in China with me. Since she is leaving, I needed to find a roommate. I've lived with Leona for about one week now. It has been great. Actually, sometimes I feel lazy around her... She helps clean the apartment and is the sweetest girl I know! I know living with someone from a different country will be hard at first and maybe even the whole time, but the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. I'm so thankful that G-d has given me this chance.

Another new challenge... we had a "pet" in our home last week... a little rat or weasel or something like that. It climbed in through our window... which we will now keep close at all times. I sort of freaked out when I found out (this was just before I moved in), but we think it's gone for good. At least, that's what I'm telling myself. :)

The past few weeks have been filled with goodbyes... some for good, some just for the summer. I will include some pictures of fun goodbyes!

Kelsey, Steph, Ahao

Zhang, Nicole, Me

Group after a great meal at an Arabian place

I think this is the cutest picture! It's Nicole's last night in China

Lucky man... lots of girls. This is Ahao... he's super nice and lots of fun. Quite the gentleman...

Zhang is trying to be as lucky as Ahao. :)

Quick catch up...

I have so many things I want to blog about, but tonight isn't the time. I'm tired. But, I wanted to tell you that I'm safely moved into my new apartment. Which means, I finally have wifi again! Tonight I had the first women's study in my own home in two years. It was amazing! We talked about some tough stuff, but I was surrounded by friends whom I love. I missed having my partner, Nicole, next to me, but Gd has given me so many great Chinese friends, that I think I'll be ok :)

Sorry for the lack of posts, I have been super busy lately. Hopefully I'll be telling you more things soon! And I hope to include pictures!!! :)