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!!! :)

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. 

Another round of History and Culture tests!

Here are the gems my students wrote for my last History and Culture tests. Wow, they take a while to correct, but when I get things like this, it makes it worth it :)

1. Easter is a festival in memory with the rebirth of chris.

In acient Rome, Chris was betraded by his student Yoda, a Jewish, and captured by the Rome soiders, who nailed Chris on the cross then. People hided the body of Jesus in a cave. Three days after, people found that the Jes-s body had gone, which indicates the rebirth of Jes-s. Gradually, the E-ster became a holiday of celebrating the advent of spring and the return of good things.

2. Chr.stmas: Long time ago, a child’s grandpa usually send gifts to other children, after the grandpa died, the boy always wanted to find where his grandpa was. And he left the town, before the December 25^th, an old man rode a track, and many presents with him, the old man took the boy and sent children gifts. Then the second day, just December 25^th became the new day, people called Chr.istmas.

3. In Christmas, every family will decorate a tree with different things to make it more bueatiful which called Satan tree…

4. GCSE- correct answer-General Certificate of Secondary Education- given answer-Geographic Classic Selective Emotion. I told them if they didn't know the answer to guess, that they might guess correctly, this was a poor guess :)

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. :)

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.

My entryway

The kitchen- about three times the size of my old one!

Bathroom- about half the size of my old one :(

The living room- this closet might become mine

My room!

The second room- maybe my roommate's. There is also a third room, which is much smaller