Come on over!

Sunday nights I have off. Really the only night I have completely off every week. So, I like to have some friends over if possible. Last night I decided to invite Rachel and Chenjing. They are both "members" and have been going to studies for a long time. However, I have never had them over to do anything. Tonight would be the night to change that. I texted Rachel at about 12:30 to invite her.

I also wanted to make some western food. So, I got materials for Sloppy Joe's! I cleaned my home and prepared for their arrival. At approximately 4:00 another Chinese friend called and asked if two others can come over. Sure! Why not... but hm... I don't have enough Sloppy Joe's for all of them. He said he would buy some meat and veggies for supper if I need him to.

I planned my menu and texted him what I needed. Luckily, I've been learning how to cook Chinese food, so I can whip something up when needed.

At about 5:30, another friend called and asked if he could join too. The more the merrier, right? At this point i was getting a little nervous. I hope I have enough food for them all...

It was an amazing night. Only 4 ended up coming, but that was ok. They are close enough friends that it was very relaxed and natural. I even delegated some of the cooking and had them help prep and cook the foods. Our menu: Potatoes (not sure how to translate how they are cooked-maybe Fried Potatoes), Pork and Mushrooms, Egg and Tomato, Sloppy Joe's, and Rice. We ate the Sloppy Joe's Chinese style. We just put the meet on our rice.

I really enjoyed this fun time with friends. They all seemed to enjoy it too. I also had on Koine music all night. They are one of my favorite bands.

Rachel and Chenjing making egg and tomato.

Our meal! The sloppy joe's are under the pork and mushroom.

What's Happening?

I was friendly reminded that it's been a while since I've posted anything. I was thinking why that was. I've actually been busy every night for the past week.

Friday: Game night in Midtown! (New name for where I live in the city) Playing Pit with 8 people at 11pm, quite a riot. If you don't know the game, it involves yelling out numbers. It's like the stock market.

Saturday: Kids' study! Tonight I even made one of the dishes for supper. It was edible.

Sunday: Game night at my place. I had two friends over (plus Nicole) and we played some games. The night ended with a VERY intense talk about what they believe. It was sad. Sad to see how lost they are. Keep yarping (pr@ying) for them.

Monday: Woman's study. We are talking about Esther. A fascinating book!

Tuesday: Song study. This week I decided to visit the other Midtown study. I was sitting next to someone who loves to sing, but is tone deaf. It was still great to hear here sing praises to HIM even though she knew she didn't sound good.

Wednesday: My normal study. We are starting Holy Week. Let's just say, I look forward to Wednesdays all week.

Thursday: Work and Woman's Day! It's a national holiday here in China. Most women would get off of work at noon to celebrate. I started work after noon. After work Nicole and I had a movie night. Smurfs. Those little blue people are cute.

Friday: Chinese class. I have finally started up Chinese lessons after a long time with nothing. I hope that in the next few months my Chinese will grow quickly. It's so great talking with others in their native tongue.

So, yes, things have been happening. Now you know.

Older kids painting at study. Got them at Hobby Lobby last summer.

The little kids made "Wanted" posters and a self-portrait. Look at how good she is!

The whole group of big kids painting. They really seemed to enjoy it.

It's official

After some thought and pr@yers I have decided that I will return to China again next year. What does that mean? It means that this summer I will return home for a month or so and then return once again to Wuhan, China. I will fly home sometime at the end of June, chill out in America, then fly back to china somewhere around the middle or end of August. I plan to teach at the same university next year, which means... I don't have to move! This will be the first time I have not moved before a school year in 7 years. Looking forward to coming back to my same apartment for a second year. :)

Turning over a new leaf

I'm trying something new in China. Trying to be healthy. I'm biking to work and attempting to eat healthier. So far, the past 2 times I went grocery shopping, I did not buy junk food. It felt good walking past those isles and going to the checkout. Then, I continue on to the fruit and veggie market to buy my snacks! Here is a list as to how this change (although temporary so far) has affected my life:

1. I have to go shopping more often (fresh foods don't last as long)-this also means I get to go to the veggie market more often. I took my parents there, but it was completely dead that day. Now it is bustling every morning (I will take my camera next time).
2. I cook food!- doesn't always mean the most delicious meals, but, I'm learning.
3. I don't have to sit in crowded buses as often. I LOVE traveling by bike throughout the city.
4. Last, but not least... I have to wash dishes more often. I'm forced to, my kitchen is too small to hold many dirty dishes. 

Wish me luck on new healthy living!

From Around the World

For those who know me, your probably thinking this post will be about some trip I took around the world. Sorry to disappoint you, it's not. It's about the THOUGHTS that have been going up to Him from around the world. A few days ago we in Wuhan learned that Emily, a former Wuhaner like myself, was rushed to the hospital. She had a blood clot in her heart. She was also 4 months (I think) pregnant. We pr@yed for her in kids' study, ch-rch, and in other studies throughout the week. Although she hasn't been in Wuhan for over a year, people here still went to him in pr@yer. In English or Chinese, it doesn't matter.

I heard today that she has been woken up from her drugged induced coma. She is alert and should be ok. The baby still has a heart beat, but we won't know if there is any lasting effects for the child. Please continue to ask for His blessing as they continue to recover.

What did I learn??? I have made friends here that will be thinking of my and pr@ying for me long after I am gone. We all have brothers and sisters in Him far away. Thanks be to G0d. :)

China Changes You

This was one of my phrases when my parents were here, "China changes you..." Then I would do or say something that is a bit different from how I would do or say it before I lived in China. Here are some ways China has changed me. Some things are quite simple...

• I enjoy and actually prefer to eat with chopsticks. They are much easier to grab the food you are trying to eat.
• I am a bit more aggressive when it comes to waiting in line. 
• I randomly say Chinese phrases.
• My main cooking utensils are a wok and rice cooker.
• I buy my fruit and veggies from the local fruit market (similar to farmers market) not the grocery store.
• I talk slower and with simple words. I also enunciate some words much clearer.
• I mop my bathroom floor after every shower, since I don't actually have a shower stall, My drain is just on the floor. So, the whole bathroom floor gets wet.

Some things are a little more drastic...

• I can have a full conversation in Chinese. Short, but full.
• I have developed the skill of small talk. I meet new people all the time, so I try to make them feel comfortable.
• Most importantly, I can give a brief explanation of who I am as a sinner, what that has done to me, and how I can be happy despite of that. 
• I can give (and have given) a reason for the hope that I have. This here is how China has changed me and I am so thankful for it!

Tonight we had our first Wednesday study. I've been doing this study for 1 1/2 years now. I've seen people come and go, some have remained the same. I yarp (read it backwards) that the new and returning people who joined us tonight will continue to come and learn about HIS amazing love!

Sure, Why Not?

Last week: Nicole sent me a message, "Want to go to a show with Grace?" Grace is a Chinese friend who often invites us to things. She usually has some good connections and whatever we do with her is fun. I replied, "sure, why not? What is it?" "I don't know and she's offline now, I'll ask her later" Nicole replied.

Today 6:30pm: We are eating lunch with Grace before the show.
Me: So what is this show?
Grace: I don't know!!!
Me: (thinking) Hmm... who knows what we are getting ourselves into...

7:25: We entered the auditorium and realized it's a play. I'm hoping a musical so we can at least watch people dance. There is a 100% chance that this play is all in Chinese, which means, I probably won't get a whole lot out of it.

7:45: Nope, not a musical, it's just a play. Plus, there are no scene changes, and it's a serious play. Hmm... just stay awake!!!

8:15: Was doing really well paying attention. The actors did great at keeping my attention. However, I did give into the tiredness for just a moment.

8:30: As I was watching a scene with a drunk guy and his mother, I looked closely at the guy... hm... he looks like a mutual friend that Nicole, Grace, and I have. To Nicole, in a shocked voice, "Is that Logan???"
Nicole: Yup! :)
Grace: (laughing next to Nicole)

9:30: Play is over and a Chinese guy comes up to me and asks (in Chinese) "Did you understand it?" I replied, "No, I didn't" and we both laughed. I wonder what the people thought with there being two foreigners sitting near the front.

Soo... Grace did know what this show was about, she just didn't want me to know that our friend Logan was in the play. Well... it was an OK play, wish there were subtitles. I still believe that you never say "no" to Grace! :)