Another post of thanks

I was rereading some of my past posts tonight and ran across a post where I explained a variety of friends that I was thankful for (click here to see the blog). I wanted to do it again with some of my other friends. I am thankful for...

Leona, who is an amazing roommate and example of complete excitement to know more about HIM. Being able to be with her in her walk with Him has been one of the best parts of China. She is never too busy to help me and makes me laugh. He knew what He was doing when He lead me to meet her at the train station so long ago (click here ) to read about our first meeting.

Linda, who teaches me Chinese and studies piano so that someday she can play on Sunday mornings. She also wants to be the best Chstian mom to her unborn baby and is one of the most supportive people I've met.

Sam, who has grown so much in his knowledge that he can now explain what he knows (and I hope believes) to friends that he personally brought to study.

Renner, who no matter how I am feeling can make me laugh both in person and over the phone (well, Wechat, which is a texting app).

Olli, who can cook ribs like a professional and is always honest about what he thinks and willing to let me correct his English mistakes anytime and anywhere! He also has one of the kindest hearts around.

Vivian, who wants nothing more than to spend her life in service to the One who has given her strength in this life.

Jonathan, who has devoted his life to studying more and more about the Book so he can humbly serve and teach others who know very little about the peace that he has.

Ivy, who will never let you go hungry when you leave her home! and will honestly tell you "you won't like that, so you don't have to eat it" so I don't have to pretend that I do.

Chenjing, who after a little bit of pushing, will lead a Study for future sisters in Him... and does a great job!

I could keep going, but I'll stop there for tonight... again, I'm not trying to brag about my friends, but share the blessings with you that I've been given. Just stop and think a while about all the amazing blessings in your life...

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...

Unexpected tears

What brings you to tears? A good movie? A wedding? A touching story on tv? A birth? A washing? How about a confrmation? Last week I witnessed the most touching confrmation I've ever seen. 

I don't know her story, but I do know she has been touched by HIS love. Victoria was standing in front of chch last week to tell us what she believes. She started saying the apstles creed and she lost it. She was lost in the love the Father has lavished on her. She couldn't speak, she was crying. Tears of joy overwhelmed her. The emotion she showed soon spread to the group. We were fighting back tears, tears of joy for this once lost girl. 

I've never cried at a confrmation before, but last week I was close. Thank HIM for loving us all so much, he gives us a reason for tears of joy. 

The support

An hour after writing the last blog about all the changes, received a call from one of our Chinese "leaders" he asked about when I plan to move. He told me that he and the "group" could help. He mentioned twice, "Jessica, don't hesitate to ask if you need anything."

That's the support I have here. I know you would hope to get that no matter what Chrch you are at, but it's extra special coming from people in a different country. People who outwardly have very little in common, but inwardly you are the same... sinners, sorry, and saved. :)

Don't be afraid...

I love it when G-d uses your fears and turns them into blessings. I love it when HE throws opportunities at you. I　love it more when you realize that it was an opportunity :) Here is an example...

All of my students know from day 1 of class that I am a Chrstian. Knowing that can create some interesting conversations at times. One of the more recent one went something like this.

student: Jessica, do you go to Chrch?
me: Yes
student: Where is it? I'm looking for one and I don't know where to go.
me: Well, it's actually a bunch of us foreigners that get together.
student: oh, I thought it was Chinese. Do you know of a Chinese one?
me: (being afraid of my students knowing what I do- I've been very careful not letting my school find out my second job) Some of my friends go to one, I'll ask them about it.
student: Great! I hope I can find one

a few days later- after talking with my Shepherd, we decided that if I felt safe, I could invite her, I mean, her soul is pretty important...

me: I know of a place you can go, want to meet and talk about it?
student: yes!!!!

After having lunch with her, I told her about our group, I told her about being careful, about how school can't find out. She was super excited and promised to keep it safe.

A month or so later...

text from our Ch-nese leader: your student will be washed next Sunday!

Thank you G0d. Thanks for throwing this opportunity at me and thanks for giving me the courage to take it. :)

Fear is an enemy. It can stop you from doing things you should or need to do. It's what the devil uses every day to stop us from spreading the Good News. Don't be afraid... I am the L0RD your G0D...

Welcome to the Family!

My recent facebook status: "welcomed two new people into the "family" this week... if you know what I mean. HE is good! Two good friends became my brother and sister! :)"

My "runaway" that I've blogged about and have talked about is now my sister. I fought the tears last night as she stood up with a huge smile on her face standing there ready to "take a shower".  The best shower she will ever have as 11 of us stood by in joy.

Check out my first story about her here: A Runaway

Nobody ever asked me...

Tonight I had study. It was so much fun. I sat around as 7 friends learned about the amazing gift of Gr-ce. It was touching and though provoking. We were reading a section of the Book. We asked if anyone had a question. One guy asked what Gr-ce was. We easily translated it into Chinese. Then he asked what Jes-s means. This one had me thinking... Ok, now I know where this guy's level is at (it was his first time). I asked if any friends could explain who Jes-s was in Chinese. The new guy has very low English level. Of course, no one wanted to volunteer, so I had to call on someone. It was great to hear these friends explaining who he is and what he did. It was also pretty cool to understand a lot of it.

I ride my bike home with one of the friends. It's fun to chat with him on our 20 minute ride back. Today, I asked him about when he first started coming to study. Since I didn't know his history, but I know he is quite knowledgeable, I also asked him if he was washed. He said no. I asked, if he was interested in being washed. He said, "yes, I am interested, but no one has ever asked me before, so I haven't been able to learn more about it."

What!??? All we had to do was ask???? Well... I have a few more friends I think I should be asking. How silly we are. We often wait for them to come to us, but there are times when we just need to create an opportunity and ask them... who knows what they will say :o) So... G-d willing, another name will be written on the B-ptsm book in the coming weeks or months. :)

Bread

I just finished my weekly Chinese lesson, when my teacher pulled out some bread, "Want some?" she asked. Sure, I like bread. Here was the conversation that followed...

Me: It's good! It reminds me of bread from back home in America.
Teacher: Really? Why do you eat so much bread there if it tastes like this?
Me: (Trying not to laugh) Well, in America we usually put something on our bread, like meat or peanut butter.

Chinese bread is usually a little sweeter and you don't usually add anything to it. So, if you get some good 'ol wheat bread, it might taste a little plain. But oh.. it was so good!

A "new" leader

Short post tonight. I just got back from study. This study was a special one. Although they are all special in their own way, this one was special because it was not held by Nicole or me. We have these intense studies on Saturday. They have to do homework and tests. One of the classes is about teaching the Book. So, for their final exam, they had to lead a study. That's what my good friend Chenjing did. She led the study. She was afraid, but the rest of us were excited (especially one of our friends).

She started out a little rocky. Not to any fault of her own. You see, her English is great, but her Chinese is better. When I saw her struggling to explain it in English I said, "Chinese is ok too" She sighed an amazing sigh of relief and then comfortably explained it in Chinese. That's our goal. Not to be the dominant leaders, but to train them to be comfortable.

I listened to the whole study. Mostly in Chinese, English here and there. I was so proud of my friend. She was able to lead a study by herself. Although Nicole and I were there, we seldom talked. Keep thinking about her as she continues to study and continues to tell others about her peace and her hope. :)

Qingdao

What do you get when you have a short holiday, 2000 rmb to spend that your school will reimburse you for, and 4 friends who want to have some fun? You get an unforgettable trip to *Qingdao*!

 Nicole, Julie, Aaron, and I jumped on an airplane and flew off into the distant land of mountains, sea, and beer for an extended weekend in Qingdao. The city was unique, the food was amazing, and the time with friends was priceless. Here are some things we did on this fun trip to a new world.

Day 1 was a bit rainy so we ended up going to an Aquarium. Not bad, but not the greatest. They didn't actually have many fish. Some of the rooms were fake animals or old, preserved fish. But it kept us warm and dry.

Julie and Nicole bought us these awesome shirts!

The rest of the time we were blessed with amazing weather. Everywhere we went it was adventure. The next day we decided to go find 石老人 (Shi lao ren) otherwise known as "Old Rock Man". We were told the bus stop and I was confident as we boarded the bus. As it so often happens, we didn't quite find it the first time. However, eventually we arrived at this "rock". Sadly, once we were there, we didn't see any such rock. I've been told that it's not there anymore. Hmm... too bad I wasn't told this before I went! Anyway, we laid on the beach and enjoyed the relaxing waves.

After the beach, we went to the red thing. It's some sort of monument. Yikes! Were we popular here. It was hard to hang out and enjoy the area. People kept approaching us to take their picture with us. Aaron and Nicole are tall, I have blond hair, and Julie is just cool- so who wouldn't want their pictures with us?! We decided to also have some fun taking our own pictures.

notice how I'm the only one looking? That was planned. We all have pictures like this.

 Other adventures included eating great food, exploring the German style streets of Qingdao, and walking through parks. We also drank some beer, sometimes that came from a bag. Since Qingdao is home to the famous Tsingtao beer,  you can find it just about anywhere, even on a street corner. You simply say you want a beer to go, they fill up a bag, hand you a straw, and your off! Have I ever told you that China is a bit different than America?

waiting for the beer in a bag

posing by a lake

trying some starfish- not very good

always a fun picture with the four of us!

one of the beaches in Qingdao

Beer street- a street with a lot of restaurants and a beer museum

on the pier- view of part of the city

having lunch at our FAVORITE BBQ restaurant! We went here almost every night.

 The saddest part of the trip was knowing that this would probably be the last time I would get to travel with my dear friend Julie. :( She will be going back to America next year. I'll miss her greatly. She can always put a smile on my face and is up for a good time all the time. :)

A trip to the Arcade

Sunday a big group of us went to Burtons. It's a western coffee shop, restaurant, and bar. We went during the restaurant time. Got a lot of great Western food, talked, and had a good time. Altogether there were 17 of us. 11 of so Chinese and the rest Americans. We payed and ate the good 'ol Chinese way (at least at my table) We all ordered the food we wanted, then we split the bill evenly, then we ate off of everyone's plates! Sort of defeated the point of ordering our own food, but it was delicious! Steak, pizza, salad, mac and cheese, french fries... Mmmmm....

Afterwards, some of our Chinese friends decided to do a little shopping. I happily joined along. Didn't need anything, but I enjoy hanging out with them. So glad I did! We ended up going to an Arcade (while one of the girl's shopped) It was me and 5 friends, 4 boys and a girl. I have never been to an arcade place in China and even in America, all I know is Shakey's. So... one of the guys "adopted" me and we went to play some games. We did drums, basketball, bowling, air hockey, throw balls at  bugs, and ended with me riding a horse. I was a jockey and had to ride the horse in the race. 1) it was very tiring! 2) I had quite the crowd of people watching me. :)

Overall, an amazing night! I had so much fun hanging out with my friends. Monday morning I woke up with a sore arm... guess I need to exercise a little more. :)

A Happy Day

Last Friday was a great day. Not because the weather was nice or my class behaved. Not because I found 100rmb ($15) in my pocket or because my favorite food was on sale. Although all of those things can make my day great, it's not the same as seeing the belief of a friend grow stronger. In this case, it was two friends.

We had a washing on Friday! We rejoiced here and others rejoiced up there. Linda and Adam were washed clean on Friday. They are my brother and sister in Him. After the washing, the both shared with us a little about their history of learning about Him. Here is a summary of one story from Linda. I copied it directly from Darin's blog, he wrote it so well, I thought it would be best to share it with all of you.

 When she was around the age of 1 she was sick. Her parents took her to the hospital to get the right help for her. They left the hospital thinking that everything was alright having just visited to get the proper treatment for her. When she got home Linda was crying, but there was no sound. Her great-grandmother insisted they go back to the hospital, even though they had just come from there. After some more urging they went back. The doctor treated her quickly and gave her the necessary medicine/treatment to save her life. If she had come 10 minutes later, Linda would not have made it. Her great-grandmother was a member of the Good Shepherd's flock. Linda's great-grandmother was the first member of His flock that she knew. The relationship between Linda and her great-grandmother was very special to her. The father knew that Linda would someday become part of His flock too. You may never know how He will use you for eternal purposes. Continue to be a light to those around you. Shine brightly in this world that needs to hear the good news.[if you want to read more of Darin's blog you can visit it at http://traveldarin.blogspot.com/]

Happy Halloween!

We had a costume party Saturday night to share with our friends what many people do on Halloween. It was also a great way to meet new friends because friends invited friends. What's the best way to intertwine Chinese and American culture? Costume party at KTV! KTV is karaoke. We reserved a big room for 20-30 people, dressed up, and went to show off. We had many different costumes; witches, a pumpkin, pirate, sailor, basketball player, goblins (I think that's what they were, they were scary), punk star, doctor, and others. When we first got there we had about 22 people, as the night went on more and more people joined. Altogether, we had over 40 people at the party! There was dancing, singing, and candy eating, as well as exchanging of phone numbers. Here are some pictures!

Creepy guy and a sailor

Doctor, pumpkin, sailor, creepy guy, witch

Nice witch, Hip-hopanda

Doctor and basketball player

Goblins? Not sure what Peter and Darin are, but they were strange.

Han Street and Halloween

The other day I went to a new area of town with some friends. We traveled to Han Street. This is a western style street with western stores and restaurants. It is located along a river and includes a little river walk. At night the lights make it look really cool. This is one place I'm planning to take my parents when they come to visit. :) Getting that itinerary ready! Nothing really too exciting happened while we were there, but enjoy the pictures.

Julian, Brian, and Elsie

Julian, Me, and Brian

This looks like the Tower Bridge in London.

 On Friday I taught my Oral English class about Halloween. I began the class asking them what they already know about Halloween (for all those Education people... I sort of did a KWL chart). I had them talk in their groups and I walked around to talk with them too. Most of them knew about ghosts and trick or treating, but that was about it. My favorite question came from on of my students, "Do Easter eggs have anything to do with Halloween?" Luckily, I was able to keep a straight face and say, "No, that's connected with the a Spring holiday, Easter." Not even close!

I had them design their own Halloween costume. Here is what they did...

Back Left: Alvin, Martin, Peter, Lance Front L-R: Jason & Kevin

Back Left: Ken, Ocean, Larry Front Left: Jim, Elspeth, Jerry

Back: Ellen, Karen, Cookie Front: Vicky, Annie, Linda

Back: Sybil, Olivia, Cindy, Angela Front: Nicole, Claire

Rural Wuhan

A friend asked me the other day if I wanted to visit her at her rural Wuhan home. It's one of her 3 homes in Wuhan. I said, "of course!" I'm always up for a new adventure. Nicole, Peter, Darin, and I went. They picked us up in a van at 10am and we were off!

Wow, this home was nice. The father loves to collect old Chinese pottery. It was like a museum. I made sure I kept my hands to myself. I didn't want to break something and never be asked to come back.

While we were there, the time came to play some Wii. We played we, then we ate lunch. It was full of meat! Of course, we as foreigners love meat. And it was tasty. Here's a little snapshot in eating in China. Let's say there is some food that looks strange. You might try it, but only a very small piece. After that small taste, you decide not to eat it anymore. Well, the host will notice that you haven't taken it in a while. They will assume that that means that you haven't been able to reach it. So... they will put some of it into your bowl. Oh... I've been working hard NOT to eat that. :( It's ok, you can leave in your bowl if you want to.

After lunch, we played a few more Wii games, then went for a walk. On our walk we were trying to find the lake. A small fence was in our way. So, we talked the dad into jumping it. Next, we saw a pamello tree. The dad said we could pick some. So, Peter climbed the tree. After the tree, we found a house. It was an empty house. We went to the back to see if we could get to the lake. Instead, we found a door, tried to open it and... boom! We were inside. It was a 3 story home! completely empty! We did eventually get to the lake. I feel that this was a very successful walk. I believe the dad was very happy with the walk too. :)

Today was a fun day!

I'm practicing on putting these pictures in, not sure how to do it all yet. But here are some!