CAUTION

So when I moved to China there were many things that I was expecting. I was expecting that I would not understand one word of Chinese. I knew that I wouldn't be driving. And I certainly knew that I wouldn't be able to read one lick of Chinese. I knew the shopping would be great! I'm quite satisfied by the low prices of almost everything. And even though I complain, I love to get my bartering on. I expected to enjoy the food (which I do), expected to love my job (which I do), and expected to find a community that loves Jesus deeply. Many of my expectations have been met. But life wouldn't be life (especially in China) if you didn't have some curve balls thrown atcha once in awhile. Or at least in China, once a day.

I didn't expect to see split pants on children. Yes, they're pants that have a slit so when a child squats, they can just go to the bathroom. I haven't seen so many adults go to the bathroom in public as I have here. And let's not talk about the amount of puke on the streets. For some reason, I had no clue how bad the pollution was here. I didn't realize that Wal-mart is NOT like Wal-mart in the U.S. And I was shocked by the amount of chair loungers and nappers at IKEA (they actually get under the covers on the beds to sleep). No one warned me about the amount of phlegm I see on a daily basis and the sounds of phlegm removal I hear. Traffic....let's not even get started.

After a year and a half, you might be curious as to why I'm ranting about these things now? Well, on my drive to school (I own an electric scooter), I was about to pass a Chinese man on his pedal bike: he was just too slow. When at the last moment, I saw him turn his head over his left shoulder and blew a snot rocket! Thankfully, I had hesitated passing him. Then, I sped up to pass him again and once again, he blew another snot rocket. This time, I narrowly missed it.

Dear sir,

If you do not want me to pass you, I would rather have you cut me off with your bike than your snot.

Sincerely,

me

Thank you God that you care about me enough to help me avoid getting snotted on.

Cheers to Encouragement

Today was supposed to be the first day of school after Christmas break. However, teachers and administration are taking a stand. If you read my previous post, Dr. Lee (let's just call him "he who must not be named") got his hand stuck in the cookie jar by embezzling money from IAB accounts to his personal accounts. Because he got caught, I have been paid 1 month salary. His plan is to keep us hostage by not paying what is owed until the end of the school year.

We find his unethical behavior (since this past July) unfit to be the legal person for a school so we feel now is the time to take a stand. Unified, we have decided not to return to school until he steps down. There were some parents that wanted to take matters in their own hands and sent us an email that they would send their children anyway (even after being notified that we would not have school). Of course, that put me in a place of major guilt. Not only am I being "blackmailed" by Dr. Lee, but now I felt like I was being taken hostage by the parents. Needless to say, I did NOT go to school today.

You'd think that I would feel super discouraged this morning but I don't. Why?

First off, Matthew 12:18-20 talks about how Jesus has come as THE chosen servant prophesied by Isaiah. He wasn't popular though, far from it. Jesus was able to handle the negativity by never losing sight of who He is. I must not lose sight that I am His child regardless of my situation. He is my hope and my trust. His justice will prevail.

Second, I love music! Who doesn't? Music has the ability to speak to the heart like no other. I love the song "His Eye is on the Sparrow? Of course, the first verse and chorus is what comes to my mind, but the second and third are easily forgotten. This song really encouraged me. Take special notice of the latter verses. :)

Verse 1: Why should I feel discouraged, Why should the shadows come, Why should my heart feel lonely And long for Heav'n and home, When Jesus is my portion? A constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches over me; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me. Chorus: I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me His eye is on the sparrow And I know he watches me. Verse 2: "Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth But one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me. Verse 3: Whenever I am tempted, Whenever clouds arise, When songs give place to sighing, When hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him, From care He sets me free: His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He cares for me; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He cares for me. and LAST BUT NOT LEAST! (drumroll please) On their trip to Thailand, my co-worker and principal brought me back a frosting and chocolate covered mini-cinnamon roll from Cinnabon! If you've ever lived in a country where the comfort food from home isn't available (i.e. Cinnabon and Chipotle), then you know how big a deal this is! So with all three things my checklist is finished: encouraged *check* smile *check* joy *check* peace *check* hope *check* I hope I've encouraged you also!