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!