Dream

Tonight I watched a lady chase down a rat with a brick. Nothing surprises me anymore. I hope she got it. It wasn't as big as the one we saw the other night, though. That one was (no lie, no exageration) as big as a cat. It was discustingly huge. And everytime I walk past the spot where we saw it, I always think of it. But you know what I hate even more? The cockroaches! They are much smaller then the rats, but in comparison to other creepy crawly flying insects they are huge! I freez up every time I see one and I can stand to kill them for the crunching sound makes my insides churn! I always make some one else kill it for me. I've only killed one myself because no one else was around, and it's just foolish to leave them alive. They have like a million babies if they reproduce. So gulp! PTL I haven't come accross any big spiders in our appartment, but please don't say knock on wood.

I'm realizing that I've begun to worry less and less about things. There's just too many possibilities for loosing it completely if you aren't flexible and carefree. Sometimes if I make a big deal of something small (For example locking myself out and being so embarrasses about it) they say, "it doesn't matter! It's not a problem!" etc. They are very Hakunamatata-ish here. I'm diggin' the laid backness.

Today I spent some time with Dream. I may have mentioned her before. She is a student at this school in the grade that has no foreign teacher. But her English is excellent and she is desprate to talk to all of us foreigners. In the past weeks she has made so much drama because of the guys. She is a typical teenage girl and thrives on the attention of the male foreign teachers. They've really begun to avoid her and make it clear that they dont' want a scandal. So she's been spending more time with me. Well, tonight I learned more about her life. She actually confided some really personal things to me. Her past is very dysfunctional and sad, and offers some explaination as to why she is the way she is. She doesn't know what her father's job is, but only that he makes a lot of money, enough to have a fancy car and give her thousands of RMB spending money. She is one loaded teenager! She smiles as she talks about the fact that she could have anything she wants. But then she gets quiet and says, "I have everything I could ever want, but no love." I asked her if she could choose between money and love, what would it be? Love, ofcourse. It broke my heart. She can be a little needy and clingy and childish... but I so want to introduce to her a love that she could count on, a love that she doesn't have to earn, a love that she has always wanted but never had, the love of The Father. Sometimes I feel patience running thin with her because of the way she behaves, so I ask that you please ask the Father to give me a deep love for her... that I would love her like He loves her, and that you lift her up as well. She is a really bright girl. It would be so cool to see her in love with the right Guy!

To Stay or Not to Stay?

The past couple of days have flown by. When I think about it, I can't believe I've already been here for two months. It's unreal.

I was eating at our usual place with Brenda one night and saw one of my students (Yu or Fish)eating by herself so I called her over. We had a nice little conversation, as much as we could with her limited English. She asked Brenda and I if we could teach her a dance. So, why not! We met Fish and her friend "Small Shoe" later that night and taught them the electric slide! It was great fun. Good thing dancing is like a universal language. We just goofed around and danced around for an hour! It was good excersize, like aerobics. I think we will do this again tonight. Although, we might have to find a different place. Last time we got "hushed" by a teacher who was in the middle of a late class.

I'm struggling with discipline in my classes. I'm too nice, and now some of them are taking advantage of me. I realized that out of my 1,000+ students, I would hate it if even one didn't like me. And I fear that I some wouldn't like me if I disciplined them.... twisted mind I have, eh? I know its wrong to think like this. Some of these kids need to be made an example of.

I've recently been presented with the question of whether or not I am going to stay for next term. As of now, according to my contract I can leave in January. But if I choose to stay, I must write up an appliation indicating that... so they don't have to waste time and energy looking for a replacement. I have to do it by Friday. I believe I am going to stay for next term til July. But if there is any reason any of you think I should return in January, please let me know ASAP. Otherwise, make plans to come visit me!! (: The only reason for me to go home is family and friends right now. I feel like there is nothing else there for me. I cannot imagine going back to work at Target. It just aint right. I have a great teaching job here. But I do long for a close friend that I could confide in and fellowship with. It's my only and biggest downer about being here. It can be so lonely. So unless someone says otherwise... I guess I'm here for another nine months!

Busy Day

The past couple of days have been packed with many things. Yesterday I think I began to recover from this cold. I didn't feel icky anymore, just had a cough. During one class I got a tickle in my throat and couldn't stop coughing and the students were so concerned! It was so cute. I just said, here read this I can't talk! But since then, I've been feeling much better. I've been sleeping a lot! I did not want to miss my students' performances, though. Every semester each class puts on some kind of performance. Friday was my grades turn. I was so proud of them. They did an excellent job. There were Japanese, Indian, Mongolian, and traditional Chinese dances, songs, traditional Chinese instruments, and ofcourse Pop and Hip Hop performances including break dancing! Two things amazed me as I watched these performances. The first is that these kids love performing and being on stage, yet it is like pulling teeth trying to get them to speak English or standing up in front of class! The other thing is that, Those who were not performing from Senior 1 were in the audience... they were ALL my students! I had never seen them all in one place before! I teach ALL of these kids! Over ONE THOUSAND of them!! So many it's unbelieveable.

One student gave me a gift. She was so sweet especally since she is not my student. She is Senior 3, and their class has no foreign teacher. I guess I've been adopted! The others think I allow the students to get too close to me. They ask me things like, doesn't it bother you having them all want to talk to you all the time! Not at all. I know why they do. I don't want to be the typical arogant foreigner.

Today, this Saturday, was a busy day! I woke up bright and early to go with Brenda to the Kindergarten where she got a side job. Her first day was last Saturday, and I thought I'd observe to see if it was really as aweful as she made it out to be. Plus, the school is desperate for teachers and really want me to jump on board as well for the weekend. I could make some good extra cash. But after being there... I don't know! These kids were terrible!!! I'm not exagerating in the least. They were out of control! There were 17 kids ages 3-5. Sure they're cute for a while, but when you're trying to teach them and they're screaming, running around, hitting you, destroying your lessons plan, and tackling eachother the cuteness kind of fades away and you just stand there with out a clue as to what to do. I think its partially due to the fact that all these kids are only children and very spoiled, and that the foreign teachers before Brenda were guys who let the kids think they could behave like this for the foreigners. There is a Chinese assistant, but even with her there, the kids are impossible. I don't know if I could handle it. I am tired enough as it is!

I went home and took a three hour nap! It was so nice. When I woke up, my cold was mostly gone! PTL! Then I met some students at the front gate, as we had planned to hang out. I took more photos with them, their favorite thing to do. These girls were a riot. They laugh so much. And I am so impressed with their attemps to use only English so I can be involved in their conversations. For most of them, it is the first time they use English in a real life situation. As their teacher I was way proud of them. They treated me to McDonalds, I suppose they think I live on this stuff. It was a sweet gesture. And I taught them a game. We had a lot of fun.

Also tonight I got together with some of the Chinese English teachers and played volley ball. That was a great time! I think we are going to get together every week to play. I need to buy some good shoes, though. My flipflops weren't doing it for me, so I went barefoot on the pavement... ewe. You don't wanna know how dirty it is.

What a day, though. I'm glad to have so many things to do to keep me busy and happy, and to keep me from feeling too sad that I'm not with my family this week as they are all together in MN. It's all good... just don't forget about me too much!

*Sniff*

I haven't done much for the past couple of days besides sleep and try to drag myself to class. Struggle! This cold has really slowed me down. Congestion! Arg! Last night I had a good time with the Father. Even though I am still struggling with this cold, he filled me with such a fire last night! It is so good for me to declare His praises out loud! It is like fellowshipping somehow and ministers to me in a way that goes deeper then if I were to talk to him silently.

Tonight I decided that I should get some exercise so I went to the store with the others. We were all joking around and having a good time. Then out of the blue, Martin says, "I wanna know what it would take for Leah to say a bad word. I would pay money for that!" Then they went off into this foolish conversation about swearing. I didn't say anything. I want to say something especially to Martin since he's the one who seems to always challenge my lifestyle. But I'd rather not do it when they are all there. I get so ganged up on, and they feed off each other. And the last time that happened I got flustered and couldn't think of what to say and did not defend myself or the Lord very well. I'd rather remain silent til I can speak clearly and only what He would have me say. I know that in their eyes I make no sense. They can't figure me out. Reminds me of 1 Corinthians 2:14. So Praise Him who has called me to live according to a higher standard. I don't need to be like them! I feel no desire to conform to what they think is normal, and that is only by the grace of G! But at the same time, I do not want to give off any airs of legalism, but want only the H.S. to convict them!!

I'm taking in lots of water, tea, vitamin C, sudafed, cough drops, and sleep. Hopefully I will be able to kick this cold out of my body... This body which belongs to the Almighty, and whose spirit has been brought from death to life and no longer is subject to the curse, but has been restored to a right relationship with the Father with dominion over this earth (germs and all) and eternal life to be spent with Love himself!

Herbal Blech!

What encouragement I have received in the past couple days since the last I wrote here!!! I suppose I was asking for it. But honestly, it was much needed. The night that I wrote my last entry I decided that despite my feelings Yet Will I Praise Him. And I had a good time of abandoning all my senses and "foolishly" throwing myself into worship of the One who is to be feared. What a journey he is taking me on. Will he answer my cry for more of Him? I hope so. But even in this barren time where it seems He is distant and silent, I choose to worship Him for who I know in my heart He is.

I've got a cold. Strange that I should have one now cuz its so hot and humid during the day. I can tell that the weather is changing, though. And many of my students have the sniffles as well. It's also in part to the fact that I have to speak so loudly in class for all my 16 classes of 60 students each. I'm beginning to loose my voice. And wake up every day with sore throat. I always drink lots of tea and take lots of vitamin C. I want to kill it now before it gets worse. One Chinese teacher suggested I try a Chinese herbal tea that is made especially for colds. So I tried it tonight. Holy buckets it was awful! More bitter than the bitterest coffee if you can imagine! I tried to drink as much as I could, but it was going to make me throw up. So down the drain it went. So much for Chinese medicine. I found cough drops, they call them "golden throat." But if any one wants to send me anything I would love some of those vitamin C drops about now!

Today I fell deeper in love with my students! They just bless my heart to no end! I did have my difficult class 24 today. Every time I go in there I hold my breath praying for a miracle. Today did not go as well as last week, but they are definitely becoming more comfortable with me. I can tell, because fewer of them are sleeping in class and are actually beginning to open their mouths.

I'm excited about this Saturday. I've been talking to some of the Chinese teachers and got them to play volley ball with me! At first I thought of just hanging out and bumping the ball back and forth, but now the word's getting around and it's evolved to a big event!

Brenda and I found a Chinese teacher to help us with our Chinese. Her name is Xiong Tao. She's actually a physics teacher here, but speaks English very well and wants to improve, so we will have a language exchange.

I bought another plant! This one is very small and cute. My tree is losing its leaves!! I'm so sad! I fear it is because it does not get enough sunlight. I live in a 6th floor basement! That's what Brenda and I call it, cuz we're on the 6th floor, but it feels like a dungeon! It's a cozy dungeon, though. I never open my curtains because my windows are right by the way the students walk and I don't want them looking in all day. So no sunlight! I guess I will have to take my plant for walks or something!

The mosquitos here are weird. Why can't they just bite me in n normal places like American mosquitos? Instead they have to bite me on the bottom of both my big toes! Unreal. I bet that herbal tea in my system should get rid of them!

Hungry

You are not going to believe what I did.... I forgot my keys AGAIN! That would make it twice in this one week that I've locked myself out! How embarrassing. This time instead of calling a locksmith, I tried picking the lock with my bobby pin. I would make a terrible burglar. Then after humbling myself and calling for help, Maggie tried a credit card; and just like that the door opened! It's scary how easy it was. Anyone could do it.

After this last weeks happenings including breaking out in zits and catching a small cold, I've concluded that I'm much more stressed out then I realized. Perhaps I've been in denial, or maybe stress is affecting me in other ways. Because of my intercultural Studies major, I've studied the theories behind culture shock, so I know what's going on. But I have no control over it! I must admit (so that you will know how to P for me) that I have been a bit depressed and find myself staring into space. It's not that I'm unhappy here... In fact, I am very glad to be here, and I can't imagine myself anywhere else right now. And it's not that I'm lonely... Well, maybe a little. I can't exactly place my finger on it. All I know is I'm not functioning at 100% and wish to be. I am very easily distracted. I can't focus or meditate on the Father cause my mind finds so many bunny trails to chase after. It's been so difficult for me to fall asleep at night because my mind is going a million miles an hour. So I wake up tired, and I'm tired all day. Arg! Perhaps these are symptoms of culture shock, or perhaps they are schemes of the enemy to see that I don't stir things up in this godless place. Either way, its not how I want to live. I want to live my life here to the fullest, giving Him all the glory!

Saturday was a busy day. I hung out with my students almost the entire day. We took lots of pictures and went shopping and ate at KFC (first time for me to eat KFC here). Later I ate with a student at a Chinese place. We met some super cute girls who wanted to follow us everywhere and talk to me. I bought them an ice cream cone, and they were like the happiest little girls alive. It was so cute.

The picture is of me and some of my class 19 students this Saturday on Walking Street.

There is a place on Walking Street that is elevated, usually people sit along side the edges. But once in a while they will turn on the fountains there. This day I saw the fountains on for the first time. It was pretty cool, until I saw what I thought at first was a naked kid playing in the water. It turned out to be an older woman taking a bath. She must have been poor and homeless and perhaps a little crazy. Maybe it was the first shower she's had in months. Mostly I was shocked that a woman would do such a thing with millions of onlookers, as Walking Street is a very busy place. It broke my heart.

This morning I woke up with the sniffles again. I wasn't feeling well all day. I read a whole book called The Priestly Bride, about what it means to be His beloved. It gave me a kaleidoscope of emotions to deal with. And for the first time since I've been here, I really cried. The biggest feeling it gave me, honestly, was frustration. Wanting to be in that place with Him, but not knowing how. Wanting to experience Him, but feeling absolutely nothing. Knowing that there is SO much more to this life, but not having it is frustrating. The hunger is maddening. As is the silence. I have to trust Him that He will not only increase the hunger, but also satisfy it.

I am getting more creative in my cooking. Still I sometimes long for something familiar. So the other night I made french toast. It was not the same, but good enough to eat. So I can add "making French toast in a wok" to my list of things I never thought I'd do. I didn't have any syrup, so instead I cooked some apples up and made my own syrrup... yum!

The Upward Climb

Time has been going so fast. It's hard to believe that it's the middle of October already. Since the last blog entry some interesting things have happened.

I'm happy that things are beginning to progress in an “upward” direction with maggie, and I know that things are definitely moving in that realm, cuz the enemy is NOT happy. The very next day after I had that conversation with her, I had the worst day ever since I’ve been here . Everything seemed to be going wrong. I didn't want to be here, I was SO lonely, I forgot my keys and was locked out of my apartment, I had to pay a bunch for a locksmith to get me in, and the ONE day I bring my cell phone to class it rings, and I was so flustered, it was SUCH an OFF day, I spent most of it in my room feeling sorry for myself. I didn't realize until later that dude, it's warfare!! Stuff happened the night before to the glory of G, and the enemy wants to discourage me and stop it,.... well, I've got him figured out now and he is not going to with this battle. Today is a new day and the battle belongs to the Lord!!!

After that miserable day, I woke up the next morning earlier then usual and declared it as a GOOD day! A new day, and no matter what it brings my way, I will still declare it a GOOD day! I've made up my mind about that. This was especially important cuz I had my dreaded class 24... the most difficult ones who are very low level and very unmotivated to learn. I had to phych myself up for it. I devised a completely unique lesson tailored to them. There is another class at about their same level, but that class actually wants to learn, and it makes a world of difference cuz I can use the same lessons I do for all the others with them. With this unmotivated class I have to do something totally different. I need to make the class very fast paced, high energy, funny, and with lots of variety to keep their attention, cause them to have fun, and get them involved. Some still had their heads on their desks, but it was the best class with them yet. I've decided that it's too early to expect them to speak a lot, so for now I will do more on listening and simple fun tasks to break the ice and get them more comfortable with me, and build up their confidence; then I will gradually incorporate more speaking tasks. This is the only way I think I will reach them.

I have started drinking more fluids to curb these symptoms of dehydration. I drink tea every morning. The Oolong tea has lots of caffeine and helps me wake up.

The guys finally brought up a closet for me yesterday. I have been living out of my suitcase this entire time. After putting my things in it, I realized that I brought way too many clothes. It's almost embarrassing.

I've begun a new lesson set. This time I am teaching them the "Yellow Submarine" song by the Beatles. No doubt I will never want to hear it again when the week is through... but hey, the kids think its fun! And I get to sing in front of them all and make a big dork out of myself. They love it. the bad part about it was I envisioned the fill-in the-blank-with-the-right-lyrics excersize to last longer, so I was left with nothing to do but sing for them and act like I knew what I was doing. Ah, well! Another thing I did that was fun, was a "Mad Lib" with the song. It was way funny. "We all dance with a purple girl...etc" Instead of "We all live in a yellow sub..." you get the idea.

Sometimes It gets difficult for me to work up the energy to be enthusiastic during class. I want to teach each class with the same level of enthusiasm, but it's easy to get burnt out.... Especially since I am an introvert, and being in front of people is VERY stretching for me! Yesterday I was draggin my feet, I had one class left in the afternoon and dragged myself there, but there were no students! That class had been canceled cuz they had a special assignment. Whew! But I didn't know if I was going to make it through the rest of the week.... but isn't He good!! His mercies are new every morning! I dont' know how He does it... but He gives me enough to last each day. PTL!

Today some students from class 19 asked if I could "hang out" with them on Saturday. I'm so impressed with their retention! I taught them "hang out" three weeks ago! I'm excited to be able to spend some time with them, and tickled that they wanna spend time with me.

So China sent a man into space the other day for the first time in history I think. It's the biggest news around here. I say, good for them! It's pretty amazing.

The only other funny or exciting things these days is Martin killed a rat, which he so lovingly refered to as a "she." I mentioned once that I wanted to get a fish, and he said, "You women have control issues! You always need something to control!" Brenda concluded that he has mom issues! Nigel got some fish, but according to Martin has nothing to do with control since Nigel's a guy. He even got a very nice little aquarium for them. One of the fish has already died.

While walking along the road by the pet and plants place (say that ten times fast), Brenda and I met some other foreigners from Canada. They teach at a nearby private school. We were surprised that we've never seen them before, but aparently they are not in the loop with all the other foreign teachers in the area. They were not invited to the Teacher's Day program or the National Holiday dinner. They were very young. Not even finished with college yet. Hopefully we can help them feel more connected. It's nice knowing you're not the only foreigners in the city.

I bought some waffle-type things from a street vendor. If I see him again I have to take a piture of his contraption. All connected to his bycicle is a small propane tank, a fire tin, the waffle smoosher thingy, a bucket of batter, and a small table. It's pretty amazing. Very recourceful and clever.

My Chinese is improving. The other day at the restaurant, I was able to order my food with little problem, and help the others as well. I don't mean to brag, but the other two that were with me have been teaching in china before (one for 1 year, one for 3!). I think if I study hard and practice, I can get around with no problem.

Thanks for all your Pryrs and Encouragement!

Seeds of Faith

I can't remember how it all started. I think it was because we were talking about music. I had dinner tonight again with my Chinese friend Maggie, and we had a good time. I always learn lots of Chinese when I dine with her and her dorm-mates who don't speak English very well (names are Hui Lan and Shao Shao). We were watching a VCD of American songs karaoke style. Then she told me how her foreign English teacher in college taught them some American songs, one of which was "London Bridges." I taught them the actions, and we had such a funny time! Then she asked me about Christmas songs..."Oh, Holy Night." And that conversation beautifully transitioned us into the first of hopefully many conversations about the Son. She asked me if I believe, and I said that I did. We talked a little bit about the Stories and The Book. And I was surprised that she told me that many people in China believe. I asked her how to say both G and JC in Chinese, and she told me they have 2 words for G: one for the Western version, one for the Chinese version. I told her there is only ONE for the whole world! I asked her what she thought about it. The first thing she said, "I think it is free." I was thinking, wow... she's going somewhere with this! But then she told me that free, meaning people are allowed to think what they want becuase you cannot change what's in your mind. Interesting, expecially considering where we are. Then I asked her what she believes. Said she did not know. But I think that she is very interested. She said a teacher in college told them to read The Book becuase it is a good way to learn American culture. I explained that it was indeed good to read the book, but that it has nothing to do with American culture. She said that many of her college friends would read it, but she has never. I told her that I have one for her to read and she was so happy to hear! She said, "Really! You do!" I told her that it would be a good way for us to learn eachothers languages. She told me that there is a House of G close by and that next week we can go and "have a look." Shao Shao wants to come too! She will translate for me! He He! Wow. PTL! PTL!!!! Thank you to all of you who are faithful in lifting me up in these things.... I know He is answering, and I know this is only one of many conversations of this nature. She told me that she thinks the songs are very nice. I told her I know MANY songs. She asked me to sing one, so I chose the most famous one (which she has never heard): "JC loves me this I know." PTL! PTL!!!

I am so happy that this took place. I knew it would eventually. Even last night, she asked me the same question, "Do you believe." But before I could answer, we were interrupted and the subject was forgotten. It was as if to say, "always be prepared." He's teaching me to put on the shoes mentioned in Eph. 6:15. And the day before that, my collegue Brenda told me that she passed by a House of G on one of her walks and thought I'd be interested in checking it out. He's moving.... PTL!!PTL!!!

These things are the most excitement I've had of this nature the entire time I've been here. As for other experiences, they have not been in short supply either. We went bowling! Yeah, it was good fun. I haven't been bowling in years, so it was kinda fun to be reminded of how much I stink at it.

After our 5 day vacation we returned to teaching our regular classes last Thursday and Friday. The students did not have a good vacation because they had too much homework to enjoy it. So I decided to give them a break and have a game day. It was great fun. The students get to choose between five English games that I have prepared. I found that its the best way to get them talking, and they have fun besides. Success! One girl even told me after class, "Thankyou for making our lives so happy!"

Brenda discovered a legit massage place on her walks. All the workers there are blind. Supposedly the blind workers (I don't know how to spell massueses) have special training, especially for therapudic massage. Brenda's massage was wonderful, but the dude who did mine must've been in training still, cuz he messed me up! My back hurts worse then it did before the massage! Next time I am going to ask for an instructor.

Maggie took us shopping yesterday and today. Brenda wanted to get some running shoes, which she got not without a fight. Then Maggie and Shao Shoa took us to a new part of town. It was awesome! It was a market for just pets and plants! Thousands of beautiful fish, birds, some puppies (Brenda wants to get one, I think I will get a fish some time), rabbits, bamboo, cacti, aloe, flowers, tress, and many kinds of house plants. I was really in the market for a Bonsai tree, and I found one! Yay... do you see it?? I just hope I don't kill it. I don't get much sunlight in my room. I think I will frequent this market, just cuz it makes me feel like I'm away from the city for a moment.

I was so happy to recieve two calls in one day from my family! It's always so special to talk to them. How very blessed I am!! I can hardly believe it!

Well, Back to classes in the morning. I have started saving all my lesson plans and useful materials onto my computer. They may come in handy again someday. Blessings to you all!

Hai Bin Haven

I just spent the most wonderful relaxing day! I feel almost embarrassed to share with you how spoiled I was today. Holy buckets! Arthur told us about the place he likes to go and swim, Hai Bin Hotel. He likes it cuz its nice and clean. The price was very high, but it was well worth it. Most public pools here you pay about 3RMB (less than 50cents) but they are usually very unclean... This one was 58RMB (less than $8). After changing into my suit I walked out into this haven. We were in a straight up resort! There was a huge pool, perfect temperature, and surrounding it was a jungle of many other smaller pools, jacoozie, hot tubs, steam baths, massage showers, and beautiful trees and sculptures. I didn't bring my camera this time, but I have no doubt I will be there again.

I wish I could explain how beautiful it was. An oasis midst this developing country where a thousand year old culture struggles to survive along side a modern world of technology and commerce. The contrast is astounding. When we arrived, we were the only people there! It was great. Most people don't like to be there during the hottest part of the day to keep their skin from getting darker, and most people work til later. We were there from about 1:30pm to 9pm. After dark, it is so fun. Before 730 the pool is the only thing really worth swimming in, then at 730 they turn on the jets and fountains and lights and steam, it's like a dream world. It's huge. Bigger than any other spa I've seen. While there is this huge place for the hot water to swim, they have a smaller pool that they bring in these huge chunks of ice.

This place truly is awesome, but it does not come without its disappointments. After a certain time, no pictures are allowed. Arthur tells us it's because many men come here with someone not their wives. Sad. Very sad. There is also a huge area that looks so cool and beautiful with trails through a small jungle leading to private hot tub pools, but I'd rather not think about what goes on there if it's as Arthur says. Besides all that, there were SO many people and kids and it was a great time, a great day. So relaxing. The hot tubs and massage showers really helped my sore back. Every muscle in my body was like mush! So relaxing!

Well, back to teaching soon. Sigh. I have nothing at all to complain about. So yeah, if any of ya'll wanna come visit me, the Hai Bin Hotel is a place I would not want you to miss.

Yesterday was a nice day, too. Brenda and I went for a walk down a different street that we haven't explored yet. We ended up walking through this place near the bay where people fix barges. Wow, quite interesting! They let you walk everywhere here... well, every where except military places. But if we tried to go to a place like this in the states, heck no!

We wanted to see what else we could see and ran into a group of girls who had tickets for a boat ride along the bay. So we said, Hey! Lets go for a boat ride! One of the guys even let us use his tickets! What an interesting experience. Completely different from any other touristy thing you might experience anywhere else. We had to walk through a train-type place where they do shipping/receiving of coal and other materials, from like the ships to the trains.... Not exactly sure. But one thing is for certain, this is the kind of place you wouldn't be allowed in the States cuz of safety issues. Fork lifts and machinery zooming along as you walk to the boat... Unreal. To get on our boat we had to first get on another boat, walk along the narrow sides to yet another boat (don't fall in!), then finally to our boat. The trip was kind of nice. It was such a hot day, so the wind felt nice. The 70mn trip got long after a while as I was starting to feel pretty queasy. The bay was interesting. Not a lot of beautiful things to see. But definitely got a look at China. Lots of industrial areas along the coast, large port, many barges, junkets (not sure the spelling or the word...Meaning those Chinese fishing boats. Let me know if the picture works!); we even saw at least 50 navy ships. I attempted to take a pic but was sternly told that's a big no, no. Safer that way I guess, so I don't get sniped or something.

Continue to lift me up I humbly ask you. Perhaps my physical state is a reflection of my spiritual state: I'm a bit dehydrated. Not only do I need strength, wisdom, and love in my heart for the people, but I desire these things for my life. Most of all to know Him. Ps 27:4. May He also give you sweet illumination.

Dong Hai Day

The other day, Brenda and I went for a long walk to the bay (South China Sea). Found out where all the rich people live. Nice big houses, lots of beautiful flowers. Brenda had the idea to buy one of these houses and rent rooms out to foreign English teachers. Not a bad idea! Every day is so beautiful here. Sun shines every day.

That night we ate dinner with three of the Chinese teachers. They are great fun. Maggie, Sand, and Ida. They took us to a new place to eat, but it was weird and crowded, and we didn't care for the food as much as our usual place.

Grace, our liaison took Martin and I out to get a card for Huguanyan Park. The lake where we were a few weeks ago. We can buy a card pass that will allow us to enter the park no charge for like three years! The card is 50 RMB. Day passes are also 50 RMB. Makes a whole lot of sense to buy a card. But the place was closed so we couldn't get one. So we ate a McDonalds. I mentioned to Grace that my neck and back have been very tight lately and I would love a massage. So she offers to show us the place where her brother-in-law goes for massage. What an interesting experience! We took a long walk to a new part of town that I've never seen. It was like a totally different city! The roads were a lot more narrow, and it seemed so crowded and claustrophobic. It was dark by the time we got to the street lined with many massage parlors, lit up with pink lights. Dude, this is NOT what I was expecting! She took us to the "pink light" district. (They can't use "red" cuz its their national color). I made it very clear that I wanted a "true" massage. She said I could get one from a blind man.... so yeah.... I don't know about the massage anymore. I might just decide to live with the knots in my back. Wow.... Unreal.

October 1 was the National holiday. We didn't do much. Shopped a bit, and walked around. It was SO crowded everywhere we went that it wasn't much fun to go anywhere. We had dinner at a nice restaurant. At the table next to us, an old man was yelling and screaming about something.... something made him mad. It was interesting to see how every one else just let him yell and scream and make a lot of commotion, trying to get him to settle down. I was in my apartment around 930 pm when I the fireworks begin. I watched them from my window. And I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but these fire works were the best I've ever seen! It was like a US grand finale the entire time for 1/2 hour, and then some! Saw some I've never seen before, too. They were shooting them off over the bay. I had a great view from my window. Wish I would've known about them before so I could've seen them from the park, or the roof.

Well, we have these 5 days of vacation because of the holiday. I wanted to go somewhere, but the others convinced me it would be cheaper, less traveling, and just as fun to go to Dong Hai Island beach only an hour away. Nigel is the only one who went away. He went to Shichuan to see the pandas. He loves the pandas; that's his name in Chinese. So four of us, Brenda, Martin, Arthur, and I went to DongHai. It was pretty fun for most of the time. The beach was fairly clean, and not as crowded as we had expected. We were the only foreigners there and got SO many stares! The people are SO rude when it comes to staring. They will literally come three feet away from us and just stand there watching us. Arthur knows enough Chinese to say, "get lost." It gets to be very frustrating when people treat us like a spectacle. So we did a little swimming. Had some laughs "people watching." Terrible, I know. But there are SO many things here that you would never see in the States that you can't help but laugh. Like women who where their high heals and try to walk in the sand, grown men wearing spedos with rubber floaties around their waste, naked kids running around and swimming, the "life-guards" blow their whistles like crazy, but never leave their seats- you have no idea who they are blowing their whistle at and they probably don't even know how to swim themselves. And you would not find a single person sun bathing here. They wear long sleeves and pants in 95 degrees just so they don't get dark. It's a completely different world.

Here's where the day went not-so-wonderful: Brenda went for a swim and I was left with the guys. They were checking out girls like mad, and finally found their victim, called her over, and eventually got her number. They told me to stick around, cuz when I'm there it makes the girls feel "safe." I'm not unfamiliar with guys picking up girls, but I was disgusted cuz of the things they were saying about the girls and what their plans were. It was very disturbing. Then Martin says that they need to find me a guy. I told them I wasn't interested. They were trying to convince me that a casual relationship is fine, that I need a "friend." Well, I don't want the kind of "friend" that they have in mind. I was trying to explain my values to them and they litterally laughed in my face. Said they need to get me drunk, that I need to loosen up. Its a complete joke to them. I've never had to explain myself to these kind of people before, but I realized that they wouldn't be able to understand anyway. I can't expect them to understand. But I do wish they'd at least respect the fact that I have values. But I have a feeling that it's going to be their new project to see if they can break me down and join their world. P4Me!!! P4Me!!! To be honest, I know that in my own strength I will not be able to withstand this... They tease me to no end, laugh in my face, and call my uptight. I need His strength, love, wisdom, words to say! I've never been in this position before. I've always been surrounded by people who held the same values as me, or atleast understood them.

Once the subject was changed, things were fine again. We took the very late bus back to the station. From there we took the tuk-tuk type taxis back to the school... That was a blast! Two of us in each tuk-tuk, racing in the evening rain! So fun. Then we ate at our usual place. Yum! Today, I don't know what the day holds. But tomorrow we are going to the Haibin hotel to make use of their super nice spa/pool area. The whirl pools sound like heaven for my back... Seriously. I wake up with knots in my neck and shoulders every morning. I think I'm just not used to this hard bed yet.

I've got so many pictures from yesterday. I will try to send one. Let me know if it works!