Minimum wage

I had an interesting discussion with some of my students the other day about pay in China compared to America. In America, the minimum wage is technically $7.25 (44rmb) with some states higher and some lower. The highest is $9.32 (57rmb). At least, that is what wikipeda told me. In China, I get paid between 100-250 rmb an hour ($15-$40) which is very common for foreigners-it's almost like we have a PhD in English. However, Chinese nationals get paid much much less!

Most of my friends make anywhere between 10-30rmb an hour ($1.60-$5). Those with good jobs could get 50-75rmb an hour ($8-$12). Can you imagine working 8 hours and only making about $25!? They will get bonuses at the end of the year and some get paid more, but it's still much cheaper than the USA. Yes, many things are cheaper here, but it's still quite different.

I could pay a lady $3/hr to clean my apartment! Why haven't I, you ask? Because I didn't realize how cheap it was... and I don't know where to find one of those cleaning ladies... and I should clean it myself... :-(

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...

Year 5??

When I first came to China, I was planning on staying for two years. Then, after a fun learning time in China I would return to America or maybe another country to continue teaching. However, my plans are not always HIS plans. I'm finishing up year four in Wuhan and have yet another surprise to my life!

Next school year I will not be teaching in Wuhan. I have truly enjoyed my time here, but it's time to move on to anther place. I know, a lot of you are hoping that the next place is America. However, I won't be going to America, but to Beijing! I will be teaching at a grade school in Beijing this August. I'm very excited about this new opportunity I have.

So... year 5? Yes! I will be in China for another year and after that HE only knows... I trust that he will continue to guide me in what he wants me to do. HE has been so good to me so far, I can't wait to see what else he has planned for my life!!!

My old complex

My window is facing the walkway in my complex. Compare it to a driveway but shared by about 1000 people. As I sit in my room I hear children playing and old ladies talking, cars leaving and garbage people shoveling up the garbage. I also hear people yelling, not out of anger, but advertising. I never really understood what they say and didn't really care much. Actually, it was more annoying than anything. But, then today, I discovered what this old man has been yelling for the past 6 months.

I was walking home from school and heard the familiar voice. Just before I got to him, I heard a lady say "Oh, do you have eggs?". He responded, yes, two different kinds. Eggs!! Really!? all this time he has been yelling to us that he has eggs for sale? That's where I live, people come around my complex selling eggs from a little basket. They yell loudly and walk slowly so we have time to come down and buy what they have. Now I know if I need eggs, I can get them from the guy with the strong voice.

Welcome Back

I never thought I'd be the one to have such a break in the blogging. I was doing so well with it and then, bam... silence. Here is a small update on my life.

I had two months off of teaching which resulted in lots of traveling and no routines. I went to America, Guangzhou, Bali, East Java, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen.

This past week I started teaching for the second semester. I have 50 days of class altogether and just finished 5 so only 45 to go!!

Coming back to Wuhan is a bit of a shock since it's still pretty cold inside. Currently it's warmer outside than inside which makes it a little frustrating ;)

Next week we'll start studies so it'll be nice to see friends again and catch up on their winter holiday breaks.

Besides that, nothing to fun, crazy, or exciting has happened (well... Indonesia was pretty fun, crazy, and exciting). I'll try to keep updating more and putting on pictures.

I'm Back!

I made it back to Wuhan without any difficulties. I arrived in Shanghai Friday night and after dropping my bags off at a fellow FoCer's house, I met up with an old Chinese friend. She didn't realize I was arriving from America, so she was a little surprised about how tired I was. Man, was I tired!!! I tried so hard to focus but sometimes when I was talking my words began to slur and I couldn't always focus on what she was saying. It was still really good to see her though!

Coming back to Wuhan was great because my friends Adam and Linda picked me up with their car. It was soooo nice to have them waiting there for me once I arrived. The ride back was great and I made my way into my apartment. Yikes, is it cold here! I don't like it at all, not after being warm in my house in America. I miss heat in the bathroom and living room. I spend most of my time in my bedroom now with the heater on, it still isn't as warm as I'd like, but.... BALI here I come!!!! I leave again on Saturday, I'll try to  keep you updated on my traveling! :)

Wuhan Traffic

Everyone in Wuhan will tell you how terrible the traffic is. I'm sure I've mentioned it before how traveling by bus or taxi there are headaches.  Buses are crowded, taxis are hard to get, traffic jams happen at all times of the day/night. However, regardless of the frustrations of crowded buses, the transportation system is awesome. You can get anywhere in the city for under $2 (usually about $0.30) And... the third subway line opened!!! Wuhan's subway is continually growing!!!

Enjoy these pictures of the impressive bus system in Wuhan.

The bus line outside my house before school. I'm very thankful I can bike to school every day.

buses looking the other direction

The "sidewalk". The actual sidewalk doesn't exist right now so we walk through here. Don't worry, the cars aren't really moving anyways.

More of the sidewalk