Apartments, Frienships, MRI's and Driving School

Today was one of those days.  Not "Oh, this day is so horrible!  Can I go back to bed?"  And not "I'm so happy I could skip for joy."  It was a weird mixture of up and down. 
First we embraced the down side.  I got a call this morning saying that the apartment that I had fallen in love with and was hoping to live in next year was not going to happen.  Major down.  I was so sad.  That place was so me.  Oh, well...move on.
The next was a weird combo of up and down.  I left school at noon to go get an MRI.  (Yes, that's right...my bum ankle is still not healed after 8 weeks and the doctor is worried.)  Obvious downer...that and it was my first MRI, so I was nervous...a little farther down....and then I had to lay still on a hard mat on my side without moving at all for 40 minutes...My poor right side and knee were very unhappy when I was finally allowed up.  Deep, deep, down down.  Not fun.
The up side was that my wonderful friend, Mimi, agreed to go with me for the MRI despite being super busy already.  Mimi is a wonderful friend and we had such a great talk before my MRI.  I'm so glad she was there.  She put a bright spot of happiness in the middle of...well....go back and read the previous paragraph if needed.  Another happy thing was that the MRI was not scary at all.  Just loud, boring, and uncomfortable.  Doctors have definitely thought up worse forms of torture then laying still for 40 minutes.  (As a side note, doesn't it bug you how you have no itches/no need to pee until you are told you can't move?  Seriously, what is this?  Reverse psychology?)
The best "up" of the day was when I was walking home from the bus stop after the MRI (I know, I know...taking the bus and walking after an MRI on my bad ankle?!  What was I thinking?!  I did it anyway.)  I was walking up the street towards my home when I saw it.  A Chinese fire drill!  A real Chinese fire drill with real Chinese people! (In case you don't know, a Chinese fire drill is when a car full of people comes to a stop light and everyone changes seats.  The goal is to be back in your new seat and ready to go before the light changes. *No mom, I never played this game.  Scouts honor.*) 
Ok, so back to the story.  I was walking down the road and this yellow car with black writing drove by going really slow.  No biggie.  People drive slow here all the time.  Then I got a little father up.  Here was the same kind of car with different people.  It was stopped on the side of the road and everyone was quickly changing seats.  Huh?  The car then proceeded slowing down the road.  And I mean slow.  I'm pretty sure I was gimping faster.  Totally weird, but ok.  Then a third yellow car comes around the corner.  I look behind me and the other car is still there.  This really is a third car.  They stop in the same place and do the Chinese fire drill with slightly more confusion then the last group. 
At this point my brain is trying to understand.  Why do we have three yellow cars driving super slow in the same area and playing Chinese fire drill?  Then it hits me.  It's Chinese driver's ed.  I laughed the rest of the way home.
Luckily the evening went up from there as I got to spend time in good conversation with good friends.  I really like it when iron sharpens iron and I'm grateful for the friends who are willing to do that to me...even when I didn't think I wanted it.
So, odd day.  Funny at times and bad at others.  I'm glad it ended on a good note.  And I finally got to see a Chinese fire drill.  It is officially time for bed! :)

On Being Temporarily Crippled

It has been seven weeks.  Seven weeks ago I was walking to fellowship with my roommate.  We were talking and I didn't see the loose brick in the sidewalk.  Next thing I knew, I was on the ground with what I knew was a sprained ankle.  Despite my inherent clumsiness, I have never really sprained my ankle.  So, not knowing what was ahead of me, I decided to suck it up because I was sure I would be better in a week...two tops.
One week went by.  Ouch, but I can do this.  Two weeks went by.  I tried so hard not to let the pain rule my life.  Three weeks went by.  I dragged my brother all over Qingdao and was exhausted at the end.  Four weeks went by.  I started to get discouraged.  Five weeks went by.  I was discouraged and worried and lonely.  Six weeks went by.  I finally went to see the doctor.  He told me to keep resting.  I finally started asking people for help.  Here we are at seven weeks.  I can sometimes walk without crutches but only for short distances.  I'm starting to leave my house again.  And I feel much better emotionally...because I asked for help.
I have no idea why, but I have always had a hard time asking for help.  I try to take care of everything on my own...When I finally humbled myself enough to ask for help, I found people ready and willing to help me.  I wish I had asked for help the first few days.  This would have been so much easier. 
So, to answer the question that all my closest friends love to ask.  What has Dad been teaching me through this?  He has been teaching me humility, patience, endurance, strength, peace, contentment, friendship, and so much more.  So, can I say that if I had to do this all over again would I?  Ummm...no.  But I'm glad Dad was working in it all the same.  And I'm going to keep asking Him to strengthen my leg so I really truly can have my life back again.  I miss being able to walk a couple miles with no problems.  And dear, dear friends...THANK YOU!  Thank you so much for all you have done to care for me during the last seven weeks.  I would not have been able to do it without you.
PS - Try not to use crutches in China.  You have to walk too much, there are tons of stairs, and no one caters to you.  And I had three people dash in front of me yesterday when I was out and almost take both of us down.  Ick.

Reflections on Easter

It's Easter.  I love this time of year.  The deeper I grow in my walk with the Father, the more I love this holiday.  It truly amazes me.  He gave up everything to come to earth and save us.  It gives me shivers and brings tears to my eyes each time I think about it.  I simply cannot understand that love.  Why would he chose to love me when I have done nothing to deserve or earn it?  But that is the true beauty of his love.  There is nothing, and I do mean NOTHING, I can do to make him love me less or make him love me more.  He is constant, merciful, and loving when I can offer nothing in return.  How could one even consider turning their back on a love like that?
I am surely not the strongest of the saints.  I fail all the time.  My sins outweigh my virtues.  Yet, each day he chooses to use me and grow me.  It simply amazes me.  My heart feels as though it could burst for the love that is inside it.  I am his and he is mine.  I will follow him gladly wherever he leads me and where every he calls me.
 And, Father, tomorrow, when these words don't ring as strongly in my heart because once again my own selfishness has come between us, please, remind me again.   Remind me of this love so strong that I would give up anything.  And when temptations come and I stumble again, remind me that you have paid for those sins and that I belong to you.  And when fear strikes me heart remind me that I am yours and nothing can separate me from your love. 
I am yours!  I am your child!  Your daughter!  The one you gave up everything for!  The one you offer everything to!  The one you will never leave!  The one you will forever love!

How He Loves Us (my current favorite song)
He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.
Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.

Yeah, He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves.

So we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

That he loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves

He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves

My Wonderful Community

I am so blessed.  I live in the most amazing community in the world! (Ok, I might be a little biased, but they are still awesome!)  I have never lived in such a close community and I don't think I'll ever find another like it when I chose to leave China (which thankfully is nowhere on the horizon that I can see).  Since I know most of you don't live in this amazing community, I would love to tell you about it. :)

• Imagine a community where you have the opportunity to be friends with everyone...even your superiors.  I am good friends with my elementary principal and head principal.  Not many places you can do that.
• Imagine a community where you are completely taken care of.  I sprained my ankle a week ago and people have not stopped helping me and loving on my since then.
• Imagine a community where you are constantly supported and encouraged.
• Imagine a community where there is always the potential to be friends with those around you and where you are greeted with open arms when you move here.
• Imagine a community that mourns together.  1 year ago we lost Tim Herzog.  I was completely amazed when our community pulled together and got closer through it.  I've heard that grief often tears people apart.  Our grief pulled us together.
• Imagine a community where you hang out with multiple nationalities.  It's so much fun to talk to friends and hear about what life is like in their country.
• Imagine a community where you can laugh over making fools of yourselves while trying to speak another language.
• Imagine a community where you live next door to a bunch of your friends.
• Imagine a community where you are cared for...

There are so many other wonderful things I could tell you about my community.  I love them and I can't imagine living without them.  Thank you friends for the daily support and encouragement that you offer me.  

Lessons

Have you ever noticed that God's lessons aren't easy?  They say that the best things in life are never easy.  I completely agree with that statement and yet at the same time I really wish it just wasn't true. 
God's lessons for me right now...
"Beloved, you can't always have things planned and under control.  And you usually won't have all the answers.  Oh, and Beloved, it's ok to cry.  It's ok to hurt.  I've got my arms wrapped around you and I promise I know what's going on.  No need to worry.  It will all work out for my glory even if it makes absolutely no sense to you.  And last thing, Beloved One, I love you.  Don't ever forget that."
Thank you God for the reminder.  I will rest in your arms, cry out my worries and my sorrows to you, and trust in you. 

Adventures in Shopping

I have friends in the states ask me often what life is like in China.  I'm never quite sure what to say.  There's too much to tell you concisely and I've finally gotten to the point where it isn't quite so shocking any more.  However, occasionally something will happen and I will think "this would never happen in America."  Today was one of those days.

After school today I headed to our corner store to get some stuff for dinner.  As background, the corner store is run by two sets of people.  One set runs the store (owner) and the other set sells fruits and veggies (fruit/veggie guy).  So, below is the amazing conversation that I had at the store...somewhat condensed. Because the conversation was actually mostly in Chinese, I've put any words that were actually said in English in bold.  The rest is translated from Chinese. :)

Me: Do you have chicken today?
Owner: Yes we do.  It's over there.

(I grabbed the chicken and headed to pay for it before getting veggies.)

Owner: You look very pretty today.  Did you get your hair cut.  
Me: Yes I did.  Thanks.
Fruit/Veggie Guy: You always buy chicken.  What are you going to make?

(At this point I stared blankly at him.  I had no idea how to say what I was making in Chinese.)

Owner: She doesn't understand you.
Me: No, I understand.  I just don't know how to say it in Chinese.  In English it is Italian Chicken.

(Now the fruit/veggie guy gave me a blank stare.)

Owner: Haha!  Now he doesn't understand!  Are you a teacher?
Me: Yes, I'm a teacher.
Fruit/Veggie Guy: Oh! Teacher!  This is potato! (Points at potatoes.) And this is tomato. (Points at tomatoes.)
Me: Yes, very good.
Fruit/Veggie Guy: Teacher! What is this?

At this point he started pointing to various fruits and veggies and asking me how to say each one in English while his wife looked on laughing.  When he realized it wasn't easy to say these names, he asked me to write them down.  It was fun to hear him practice.  Words like ginger came out "gin ja" and mushroom was "moo soom."  My favorite was when he pointed to the jalapeno.

Fruit/Veggie Guy: Teacher!  What is this?
Me: Oh that's not easy.  It's jalapeno.  

I could see his mouth and brain trying to work together to get that one out.  He couldn't do it and eventually shook his head and pointed to the next thing.  I love living in China. :)

New Years Resolutions

I'm not really one for new years resolutions, but a friend inspired me last night and I started thinking.  What things would I like to do/accomplish this year.  I came up with eight things and I'm going to try really hard to make sure they happen.

1. Read the Book and talk to Dad every day.  No excuses.  I let other things that are less important get in the way too often.
2. Change my 2nd grade curriculum enough that I am no longer bored with teaching.  2nd grade is too easy this year.  I'm bored and I need a new challenge.
3. Get to book three in my Chinese lessons.  I'm embarrassed by my lack of Chinese skills...I want to change that.
4. Take a road trip across America and visit every person who asks me to come see them.  I've already had several people ask and currently I am visiting California, Colorado, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and New Mexico...all in 8 weeks.
5. Go at least 3 places (city, state, or country) I have never been before.  I'm headed to the Philippines tomorrow...that's one.  I'm planning to visit DC this summer...that's two.  I just need one more.
6. Try a new recipe every week and start a recipe blog.  This just sounds like tons of fun.  I LOVE cooking.  I may need volunteers to help me eat food though... :)
7. Read 52 new books.  One for each week in the year...though I'm not going to say it has to be every week...I don't think that would happen.
8. Do one thing that scares me.  Just for the experience.  A disclaimer on this one...I will not be doing anything that causes bodily harm.  Promise.