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. :)
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
A New Life
I know I have been really bad updating you recently. I've been busy teaching, "studying", and preparing for my new life. This year of Foc is almost done, that means some current teachers will be returning to America and not return to China in the fall. My life will be very very different next year. I'm excited about it, but also very nervous. Here are my changes
1. Biggest change- Nicole got an assignment to teach Math at the WELS High School in New Ulm. I'm so excited for her to start this part of her life, but sad that she won't be here with me in China next year. She has been such a huge part of my life here and it will be quite the adjustment to not have her around next year. I am so thankful for the past three years we had together. There are so many good memories.
2. Getting a new guy! Replacing Nicole next year will be a guy by the name of Dan. We are still looking for a job for him, but he will live near David, Andy, and me. This means, three boys and me! Fun times, I'm sure. However, no girl... interesting I'm sure!
3. Moving! My school is making me move. So, I had the choice of moving in the provided apartments, or find one on my own. I decided to find one on my own. I will live with Leona, a Chinese friend. We just signed a contract for a new apartment. It's located right next to a big bus stop and about a seven minute walk to the subway. So, it will be convenient to get around. However, it's very very old. Not nearly as nice as my current place. But, with a little love, we will make it a beautiful home.
I think three changes are enough for now :) I'm very thankful for all the blessing I have here in China. Please keep my in your "thoughts" as I adjust to the new life I will have here in Wuhan. Change can be good, but can also be very hard. I teach my students about the joys of change in one's life, how you can expand your comfort circle... I have to take my own advice now!
Here are a few pictures of my place, I'll get more soon as we move things in.
1. Biggest change- Nicole got an assignment to teach Math at the WELS High School in New Ulm. I'm so excited for her to start this part of her life, but sad that she won't be here with me in China next year. She has been such a huge part of my life here and it will be quite the adjustment to not have her around next year. I am so thankful for the past three years we had together. There are so many good memories.
2. Getting a new guy! Replacing Nicole next year will be a guy by the name of Dan. We are still looking for a job for him, but he will live near David, Andy, and me. This means, three boys and me! Fun times, I'm sure. However, no girl... interesting I'm sure!
3. Moving! My school is making me move. So, I had the choice of moving in the provided apartments, or find one on my own. I decided to find one on my own. I will live with Leona, a Chinese friend. We just signed a contract for a new apartment. It's located right next to a big bus stop and about a seven minute walk to the subway. So, it will be convenient to get around. However, it's very very old. Not nearly as nice as my current place. But, with a little love, we will make it a beautiful home.
I think three changes are enough for now :) I'm very thankful for all the blessing I have here in China. Please keep my in your "thoughts" as I adjust to the new life I will have here in Wuhan. Change can be good, but can also be very hard. I teach my students about the joys of change in one's life, how you can expand your comfort circle... I have to take my own advice now!
Here are a few pictures of my place, I'll get more soon as we move things in.
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| My entryway |
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| The kitchen- about three times the size of my old one! |
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| Bathroom- about half the size of my old one :( |
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| The living room- this closet might become mine |
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| My room! |
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| The second room- maybe my roommate's. There is also a third room, which is much smaller |
Friday, May 24, 2013
More details
My sister said she wanted more details about adopting the boy. Here you go! But, if you want another first hand account, I highly recommend the parent's blog- http://wewilllovetheleastofthese.blogspot.com/
We arrived at the place around 2:30, that's when we were supposed to pick up Josiah. Well, apparently he was going to be late, he was stuck in traffic. Not surprised. :) We waited in this huge room, there were about 8 other families who were getting their children. I saw about 4 brought out as I was there, and others were playing with them which tells me they just recently got their children. Basically, they hide out in this one room, then at a random decided time they bring the child out and hand him/her over to the mother. And then the mom gets her first experience with holding her new child. After a few minutes, the caretaker comes over talks about the child, however, we kinda assume they say the same thing about each child, since they give very standard answers and what they say doesn't always happen once they bring the child home.
Then, they take a picture with the family and caregiver, and it's done. However, I didn't mention that at random times there are tears from all parties involved. :) Even those, like me, that are not involved.
I loved being there with the family, it was so great to see!
We arrived at the place around 2:30, that's when we were supposed to pick up Josiah. Well, apparently he was going to be late, he was stuck in traffic. Not surprised. :) We waited in this huge room, there were about 8 other families who were getting their children. I saw about 4 brought out as I was there, and others were playing with them which tells me they just recently got their children. Basically, they hide out in this one room, then at a random decided time they bring the child out and hand him/her over to the mother. And then the mom gets her first experience with holding her new child. After a few minutes, the caretaker comes over talks about the child, however, we kinda assume they say the same thing about each child, since they give very standard answers and what they say doesn't always happen once they bring the child home.
Then, they take a picture with the family and caregiver, and it's done. However, I didn't mention that at random times there are tears from all parties involved. :) Even those, like me, that are not involved.
I loved being there with the family, it was so great to see!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Guangzhou
I had the privileged of going to Guangzhou this weekend and being with some American friends as they adopted their little boy. It was amazing! The things I get to experience in China are so random and so life-changing.
I met this family when I worked in Kansas about 4 years ago in the summer. At that time they had 4 adopted kids. Two from China and two from America. Since then they adopted one more from America. Now, they were adding two more to their family to make it a total of 7 kids. I got to be there as they met number 7! I don't usually cry in public, but this almost brought me to tears. To see children that are abandoned for a variety of reasons, some for very small "problems" on their body (Chinese want a 'perfect' child), being placed into a loving home, is awesome. I was the photographer and even though I took a ton of pictures, I still couldn't capture the feeling of the room.
I met this family when I worked in Kansas about 4 years ago in the summer. At that time they had 4 adopted kids. Two from China and two from America. Since then they adopted one more from America. Now, they were adding two more to their family to make it a total of 7 kids. I got to be there as they met number 7! I don't usually cry in public, but this almost brought me to tears. To see children that are abandoned for a variety of reasons, some for very small "problems" on their body (Chinese want a 'perfect' child), being placed into a loving home, is awesome. I was the photographer and even though I took a ton of pictures, I still couldn't capture the feeling of the room.
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| Their "littles" ages 3, 18 months, and 3 1/2 |
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| look at that amazing face! |
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| the whole family |
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| It took him a little time, but we got some smiles! |
Monday, May 13, 2013
Catching up
Wanna write a big blog to catch you all up on my life, but I just don't have time right now. This weekend I'm going to Guangzhou to meet a family I worked with in Kansas for a summer. They are adopting two little Chinese kids and I get to be there for one of the adoptions! I'm super excited to see them. They brought me some fun things from America so it will be an extra special treat. Before and after this trip I'm busy making up rescheduled classes. It's amazing how missing just a few days will put you completely behind...
I need to try to sleep... I hope your enjoying the spring! It's summer in Wuhan! hit 90 today!
I need to try to sleep... I hope your enjoying the spring! It's summer in Wuhan! hit 90 today!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Searching for Smartness...
I made a great purchase the other day! My friend Ahao and I went on an adventure. Our goal... to get smarter. Or at least get Jessica smarter. Our first store was a little confusing, we couldn't find our smartness hidden among the pants and hats, so we decided to try a different place...
It was hard getting there. The wind was rough and the water was splashing all around, but after 10 minutes fighting the elements, we found the place which would make me smarter.
Once there, it didn't take long. I knew what I wanted and he (Ahao) took it from there. He laughed, he cried (not really), he made his voice sound like he couldn't believe what the seller was saying, he bargained hard for my smartness. He didn't want me to be cheated. I brought the money, he brought the brains.
Finally, it was in my hands, a brand new Samsung smartphone. It sure it smart... someday, I hope I will be as smart as it is...
It was hard getting there. The wind was rough and the water was splashing all around, but after 10 minutes fighting the elements, we found the place which would make me smarter.
Once there, it didn't take long. I knew what I wanted and he (Ahao) took it from there. He laughed, he cried (not really), he made his voice sound like he couldn't believe what the seller was saying, he bargained hard for my smartness. He didn't want me to be cheated. I brought the money, he brought the brains.
Finally, it was in my hands, a brand new Samsung smartphone. It sure it smart... someday, I hope I will be as smart as it is...
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Ready... Aim... FIRE!
A friend bought a Groupon for the two of us to use. It was for a foot massage. When she told me it would take 1 1/2 hours, I knew it would just be for a foot massage. It wasn't...
It ended up being a foot massage, shoulder massage, leg massage, back massage, butt massage, arm massage, and,.. if you wanted it- fire cups!
Foot massages in China are a bit painful at times, but overall, very relaxing. The whole process nearly put my to sleep. The last thing I got were the fire cups. This was interesting. They heat up glass bottles with fire and suck them to your body. They stay on for about 10 minutes, then they pull them off and your done. It doesn't really hurt, but it's not very comfortable. It feels like someone is pinching a large section of your skin and slowly it gets tighter and tighter. Afterwards you have large black circles on your back for about a week and a half. My least favorite part is that they kinda itch afterwards.
Bad news... my masseuse told me I was too weak and should exercise more. He also said my shoulders and neck are messed up... *sigh* I really should start working out...
It ended up being a foot massage, shoulder massage, leg massage, back massage, butt massage, arm massage, and,.. if you wanted it- fire cups!
Foot massages in China are a bit painful at times, but overall, very relaxing. The whole process nearly put my to sleep. The last thing I got were the fire cups. This was interesting. They heat up glass bottles with fire and suck them to your body. They stay on for about 10 minutes, then they pull them off and your done. It doesn't really hurt, but it's not very comfortable. It feels like someone is pinching a large section of your skin and slowly it gets tighter and tighter. Afterwards you have large black circles on your back for about a week and a half. My least favorite part is that they kinda itch afterwards.
Bad news... my masseuse told me I was too weak and should exercise more. He also said my shoulders and neck are messed up... *sigh* I really should start working out...
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