Quick update

Well, usually I'm much better at doing blogs, but lately my life has been a little crazy. Since May 1 I I've been on at least 14 trains (kinda lost count), 3 airplanes, and lots of subway lines. I finished teaching April 26 and have been traveling pretty much every since. I've made a few trips to Beijing for visa and passport stuff, out east for an amazing retreat, a trip up to Qinghai with my roommate, another trip out east to travel with some buddies for the last time, and I will head up to Beijing again shortly.

I'm very thankful that I was done with school so early so I have been able to slowly transition to Beijing. I've attended one of their studies a few times and have gotten to know some of the Chinese. My apartment is rented, contract signed, bike bought, and visa in process. I've explored the area for food and shopping and have unpacked most of my stuff! My new life in Beijing is waiting for me!

However, before I leave, I have lots of good-byes to say here. I don't think I really understand that my time in Wuhan is so limited. I've seen a lot of friends the past few weeks and it's hard to think that it might be the last time I see them. Yes, I'm still in China, but Beijing is a bit far away and some of them are also leaving Wuhan.

On another note, I'll be celebrating the 4th in America this year! I arrive July 1st in Chicago. :) Grill-outs and fireworks, here I come!

Beyond Expectations

I just got back from about two weeks of traveling and will spend about three days in Wuhan, then leave again for about two weeks (business this time, not all pleasure). So, since I'm here for a few nights, we decided to have a game night. I invited about 30 people to the game night. Only two told me they could come. I figured we'd have a small group since Dan (fellow American) also had only two friends say yes.

The night started at 7pm with... two friends, then it began to expand. It expanded quite rapidly! By the end of the night we had about 25 people! We almost ran out of chairs. And the best part, three of them said they would like to join on Sunday. So, I hope that they really will. HE is still doing great things here. He blesses our work beyond our expectations.

One table played Apples to Apples (and later UNO).

My table played Rummikub. (They LOVE this game!)

This table played Dix It... It's a very fun game, but hard to explain on here.

These people are such a blessing. :-)

Beijing or bust!

Now that it's almost May and the next year's decisions (for most of us) have been final for some time, I've decided that I'll make it blog official as well. This February I was offered a job in Beijing. At first I had no interest but after thinking about it some more I looked into the opportunity. Again, after lots of "thinking" and thinking, I decided to move to Beijing! It was a hard decision and I'll miss my family and friends here in Wuhan, but I'm excited for the next adventure as well.

Year five in China will consist of A LOT of change!

I'll change my city from "small town" Wuhan of 10 million to "big city" Beijing of 20??
I'll change from teaching college students to probably 3rd-4th grade.
I'll change from living with a Chinese friend whom I love to living once again with an American, whom I'm sure I'll love.
I'll change from knowing how to get EVERYWHERE I need to go to asking directions on how to get to the fruit market.
I'll change from being almost the oldest and most experienced in the city to being a rookie, sort of,  all over again.
I'll change from bringing old friends to studies to meeting old friends at studies for the first time.

However., some things won't change..

I won't change why I'm here.
I won't change studying with amazing brothers and sisters.
I won't change growing in love with an amazing country hungry for "food".
I won't change the love I have for my S@vior and the love He has for me regardless of where I live!

Bring on the Jing! Bring on the change and the new opportunities and challenges I'll have. 

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.