Merry Christmas!

 It's been a whirlwind weekend here. The group of teachers here got together on Christmas Eve morning for some reading from the Book and singing some truths about it. We joined together and celebrated our friendship and fellowship found in Immanuel. After joining in praising our newborn King, we had a secret santa gift exchange. In order to replenish ourselves, we went to a German-themed restaurant. They had a Chinese food buffet and they had guys coming around with spickets of meat. They just shaved off chunks of meat right in front of you. And, if this wasn't good enough, there was good beer too! In true German fashion we ate meat and drank beer and sang O Tannenbaum. Maybe not the last one, but we could have. Some of the meat selections consisted of pork, lamb, ox tongue, chicken heart, bratwurst, bacon, and shrimp.  My favorites were the bacon and the lamb.

Later in the afternoon, we settled in for some Christmas movies while I put my new Majong skills to the test. (What's Majong? Stay tuned for a later post.)We had some Chinese friends over for supper and enjoyed tacos, ribs, and apple pie. Who doesn't love to eat good food at Christmas time? We went to see the masses of people shopping after supper. Unfortunately, here in China the biggest thing about Christmas is shopping sales. Christmas Eve is the night to get the best deals of the year. I included some of the pictures from the shopping mall area I was at last night.

This morning I was privileged to share the message of our Savior's birth with the rest of the gang. This Christmas has certainly been different in many ways. At least one thing, the most important thing about Christmas has not changed. The wonderful truth about the Son coming to earth in order to save us holds true the world around. What grace and love our Maker possesses and shows to us. We are children of Him through the gift of fa!th by grace. How great is He! May He bless your celebration of the birth of the Son this year wherever you are because He will be there with His Word!

Let's party!

 This past weekend we had many reasons to celebrate. For starters, it was our annual Christmas party. Since our group of teachers is spread out over three different parts of the city, we send the invite to all of our study friends and their friends. We also tell everyone who visits or attends on Sundays to invite their friends and family. We had at least 180 people in attendance, most of whom were there for the first time. This was the biggest number of people we've had here at a Christmas party. He is good!

The program consisted of some Chinese friends singing a rendition of Feliz Navidad. It may have been a few too many language variables for this party, but they sang with the love of their Savior in their hearts. Then one of the kids from kids study played a violin piece. Then there was a skit teaching about forgiveness and the true meaning of Christmas. We heard the Christmas story according to Luke 2. All of the kids study kids sang "Away in a Manger." The combined groups of Chinese and Americans sang 3 Christmas songs and then we invited everyone in attendance to join in singing "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night." All of this was in their native tongue. We are here to help, but definitely want to let them have the reigns.

We had mingling, we had fun, we had food, we had fellowship, and we gave thanks for the many blessings the Father lavishes on his Church throughout the world. As a letter from my sister reminded me today, "No matter where you are, the reason for the season still stays the same." How true it is! We know what the news will be in a few days, proclaimed from the pulpits and sung from the seats. We look forward to it again and again no matter where we are or with whom we celebrate. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. He and his Word never changes. His Word stands firm forever! What a joy it was to celebrate and share the news of the Savior born in Bethlehem with souls who desire the Light of the world. Rejoice and praise Him for his gospel. Thank Him for the salvation and hope that we have gift wrapped for us by grace this Christmas season!

No More No Shave November

I am finally cleaned up and presentable again. For the month of November I didn't let any razor touch my face. A few days into December that all changed and I trimmed things up a bit. Then came the goatee. Unfortunately I forgot to take photo evidence of that stage because I was so excited for the 'stache. Now, I would recommend this process to anyone with the ability to grow facial hair. I would also recommend parting with your razors for November if you don't have the ability to put some fuzz on your face. It creates great conversational topics, and if you are striving to keep the ladies at bay, ditch the razor.

The 'stache was by far the most controversial. It was either loved or hated. Like any great team or food, the 'stache has a league of its own. You either love or hate the Packers. You love or hate chocolate. When was the last time you met someone who was lukewarm toward chocolate? I digress. . . Now that the cold is here to stay, some have wondered why the change? I don't mind a frigid face or cherubic cheeks. I do mind the itch and the constant company that my face hair got from the food that didn't quite make it to my mouth. Many napkins and tissues could have been saved if not for my food-filled-face. Next year I seek to  continue this tradition. Perhaps it will come to a city near you. Stay warm my friends! Fear the beard!

A little competition

This past weekend I agreed to put a little extra time in at my school. I woke up early on my Saturday morning, chowed down some noodles from the street vendors to warm me up, and settled in for a day of judging an english competition. The only thing I can compare this to is a forensics meet in the States, but when you get down to it, they are nothing alike. They clear out the regular classrooms, shoving all the desks into the back of the room. They put a line of chairs against the wall on one side of the room for the "performers" to sit on. They set up 5 students' desks in the back of the room for 2 foreign teachers and 3 chinese teachers. They told us to be at school by 8 am, but the competition didn't start until around 9 am. They are not great at specifics in this country and its just part of the culture. Something I may never settle with.

I saw over 100 different students that day. All of them were in grades 1-3. I can't catch a break from the young ones. These kids come into the room in groups of 5-10 and watched the whole group perform. One after another gave a little speech about themselves which lasted about 30 seconds. Then they usually sang a song and added in actions and dancing. Then they looked at a picture and described as much as they could see. All of this was in english of course. Then the foreign teachers asked them a few questions to test their oral skills. No parents in the room. They had to patiently wait outside. The following is just a sampling of the best and funniest things that caught my eye that day.

Many students sang a version of the Hokey Pokey which ended up being the Hokey Dokey, the Hokey Kokey, or the Hokey Hokey depending on their pronunciation skills. I got songs like "My Heart Will Go On" sung by a girl in a dress like a Disney princess would wear. Other songs were "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" and "Amazing Grace" with totally different words. It was good to hear the tune though. I saw these young girls in make-up and perfume. I heard a story about an old man beating his cat. A boy and a girl did "Rock Around the Rosies" instead of the usual "Ring Around the Rosies" with gyrating hips as they rocked around a chair with two roses resting on it. I also heard "Edelweiss" and "What a Wonderful World." I was hoping the 6 year-old girl would break out in her best Louis Armstrong halfway through the song. Kids came in with some crazy uniforms as well. They go all out for this stuff. I had a boy and girl dressed in tuxedo and dress. Another boy dressed as Santa and sang Jingle Bells. I was loving it.

The competition was a little long at times with repeated songs, but the costumes and unexpected personalities of these kids made for a fun cultural experience. Just another day here in China where new and different things are always popping up. Thanks be to Him who never changes. He is our Rock of Refuge in whom we trust. Blessings upon your work and witnessing!

Deck the Halls

Preparation for Christmas is in full force here. Peter and I have purchased and decorated a pint-sized tree, various stores are trying to attract business with pictures of reindeer and Santa, and the most important preparation is going on in the hearts of His servants here as we await the celebration of the birth of Immanuel! This Christmas will be different, but only in its outward appearance. The same Savior of all will be praised. The same Father of all, who is watching over all things since before the existence of this earth, will continue to watch over his saints here. The same Spirit will stengthen his elect and bring more to salvation through this message of grace.

As we strive to make the outward appearance somewhat like home, it's always reassuring to find decorations up and trees adorning storefronts. Peter and I were caught off guard when shopping for our tree to hear seasonal music in the store and even a life-size Santa in the isle. We had to get a photo. Of course, after the foreigners take a picture with Santa, everyone within walking distance had to get a picture too. If this is what the foreigners do, then it must be cool. Check out the massive lamp (below) in front of a shopping mall. Some stores go all out.

As the deadlines diminish and the commercialism comes to an end, the stable lamp is lighted. The angel choir lights up the sky and His saints all over the world celebrate the God-Man born to save us. He comes down from his throne of glory to save lowly sinners like us. What love and grace! He did all of this so that one day we will deck the halls of Zion with praise and shouts of joy unto our coming King! May the Spirit continue to bless your Advent season!

Correcting Conundrum

My students recently took a unit test. That meant time correcting 200 some tests with rapid fire. It also meant correcting their activity books which, for some classes, haven't been handed in for 4 units. I've heard from many-a teacher that the worst part of being a teacher is the correcting. I was there all week. I've still got one last stack of books to plow through. It was a mountain of mistakes, a pile of problems, a collosial correcting conundrum. Here's to all you teachers out there for your many hours of correcting. It isn't pretty, but someone's gotta do it.

Packer Fans

Due to the recent cold weather, I've been parading around in my seasoned Green Bay Packers stocking hat. The green and gold keep my head and ears warm and of course promote the Reigning World Champions halfway across the world. I've heard that Packer fans travel well, but not this well. As I returned from school yesterday I saw up ahead of me a familiar sight for Wisconsin residents, but not a resident of Wuhan: a chinese man donning a Green Bay Packers jacket. As I past him I pointed at my head and his jacket. He gave me the thumbs up and we shared a joyous moment. I snagged this picture as evidence to show the world that the Packers are the best and they are loved by all kinds of countries.

Wuhan Winter

Winter whomped Wuhan Wednesday. We were wet while winds whipped where we were. Wicked and wild weather! Temperatures have continued to drop over the past few weeks but they stayed in the 30s on Wednesday with various periods of rain and high winds. It was one of those brutal tempests that a former athletic director of mine always fears. Brutal just brutal! It was so cold at one point the the rain turned to snow for just a few minutes. They don't get that here often at all, perhaps only twice a year. The kids at school went nuts.

If you are not aware, Wuhan is below a latitude line made up by the government that decides which buildings are built with heat and which ones are not. My city is below the line of heat so we have an in-room unit to help. If we wanted to run that all the time it would be expensive and the apartment doesn't keep heat well at all. We wrap up in extra clothing and brace for the chilly night. I am now constantly wearing a hat and gloves inside because the temperature inside is usually a little more than it is outside. I am curious to get a thermometer for the room and check. Be thankful for your heated homes if you have them. Walkin in a Wuhan Winter Wonderland.

I am a Monkey and a Killer

Hello friends and family. I have a few tidbits, a few morsals to chew on as you belly up to the dinner table for the Feast or lounge in the chair to catch the games. This week has been full of surprises from my first grade students. On Monday, they huddled around me after class, pointing, laughing, and saying the few words I can understand and a lot of words that I don't understand. The conversation turned to point out the amount of hair on my face (No shave November). What has a lot of hair and moves around like a human? It's a monkey of course. Laughing at the foreign teacher, now dubbed the monkey, I quickly exited the classroom. I wasn't gonna take any more insults from 6 year-olds.

Yesterday I walked back toward the offfices after class, but not before playing with the boys a bit. We exchanged rounds from our fake guns a few times after class. Today, one of the boys comes up to me immediately after class and says, "Play." I agreed and soon it was 15 vs. 1. There was no end in sight. I played fake dead, they played fake dead, I hope you don't think less of me for letting boys be boys. What first grade boy doesn't love playing guns with his foreign english teacher? So this is how they show their love and appreciation for me, by shooting me in the head? I wouldn't have it any other way.

I've also been called a Killer while here in China. The first time was in Beijing after Peter and I scored a deal on some sweaters in a market. We talked down the price to the point that when we walked away the vendors said, "You are killers." The second time was tonight at a study. We were talking about drowning the Old Adam daily. We kill him. Edward, one of our friends said, "So we are Sin Killers. We kill him everyday?" I gave him a yes. He replied, "So stubborn." That nasty old sinful nature. He has no place in my life. Thanks be to Him, who gives us the victory through our L0rd, J.C!Now we stop and give thanks for all of the many and various blessings our Father has poured out on us. May He bless you this Thanksgiving Day. Praise Him from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Happy Thanksgiving!

Aloha Music

This past weekend, some of the teachers here took a much needed trip to Aloha. Aloha is a restaurant that serves western food the real American way. The owner and manager is from Hawaii and makes everything in-house to keep it "just like home." The portions are enormous and the milkshakes, ooooo, the milkshakes; I will miss them when I go back to America - they are that good. I somehow plowed through the Aloha burger which consisted of 2 patties, a slice of ham, a grilled pineapple, cheese, lettuce, a slice of tomato, and some sauce to top it off. I shared the fries and felt stuffed afterwards. The milkshake choice was harder than the entree. I ended up getting the double cookie frenzy - oreos and chocholate cookie dough crunched together with ice cream in a rich, creamy wonderland. I must return for, if nothing else, another milkshake. Here's the burger I dominated and the delicious milkshake.

After the food, we rolled on over to the Qintai (chin-tai) Concert Hall for an evening of piano music. The star performer was a man from Maldova. He played the first half of the program and came back after intermission to play sonatas in duet form with another accomplished pianist from Taiwan. The music was pure and flawless. It's not everyday that I hear live music this good. I enjoyed the concert and took a couple discreet pictures hoping the ushers wouldn't see me before the concert began. The hall was beautiful inside and out. Just after Christmas we are hoping to go and see Zorro in the theater across the street. Stay posted to see if this comes to fruition.

Floral Fiesta

For a couple weeks I've passed a huge display of flowers on my way to school. It is right across from the new museum commemorating the 100 year anniversary of the 1911 revolution which set China's current form of government into motion - no more dynasties. Apparently, this flower display is up every year with a different theme. This year's theme focused on the revolution and some displays captured images of rifles, soldiers, or other violent things beautifully laced with flowers. I stopped by one day and snapped some photos. It smelled good for a change around here and I saw some new flowers. Today, as quickly as possible, it all came down. Just as fast as it went up, it came down in a matter of hours. The pictures are of an arm that has a rifle at the end. The second is a dragon with a random lady. The third is just what most of the area looked like. It was good to stop and notice just how beautiful is the work of His hands.

Revelation

This past Wednesday our usual number of friends did not show up for study. It was just John Wayne and Edward plus the three foreigners. We didn't want to go farther with our study and finish up the topic without the other "regulars" present. This happened once before and instead of an organized study, we just open it up to them and see what questions they have. We ended up spending most of the time in the book of Revelation. We picked out some parts at the beginning, the middle and the end to give them a feel for the book. These visions of John brought awe and wonder from our friends. He is called the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last, the Alpha and Omega. Edward remarked, "That is so cool! He has some cool names." These two young men have not fully confessed trust in the promises and blessings of the Book, but the struggle between the old man and the Dove was seen first hand that night. When we read numerous times that the time is soon, the day is quickly coming, they realized the urgency, but didn't know whether to be frightened or to be happy. This seemed like a sign that the Ghost was doing his work, the inward struggle between the nature and the Lamb. The old evil foe continues to lie, deceive, and trick us so that he will eventually have us, but He is more powerful. He can do the seemingly impossible. What gr*ce! Oh, how wide and long and high and deep is his love for us! As we continue to focus on the End of time for the next few weeks, continue to long for the coming of our King and rejoice for the blessing of those who are already singing His praises around the throne. Come quickly L*rd!

Fish

When I arrived in Wuhan, I didn't know what to expect when it came to housing and furnishings. I inherited a fully operational fish tank from previous residents in the apartment. Peter and I saw it and immediately agreed that we need to use it, it can't go to waste. This past weekend our plan to fill it and create a home for some fish happened. With the help of our friend, Linda, we browsed through one of the largest pet markets in Wuhan. So many fish and such a tank to fill, how would we ever choose? We ended up buying 25 fish, but the vendor threw in an extra 2 just in case. After a bus ride and getting acclamated to the new surrounding, the fish are liking their new crib compared to the cramped quarters of the pet shop. Some guppies, neon tetras, and a few other orange guys now call our tank home.

Unfortunately, there have already been some casualties. Peter and I expected this also. We are rookies in the world of fish care and I guess the vendor knew a thing or two and so he threw in the extra 2 for a reason. Since we came home with 27 we are now down to 24. It breaks our hearts to see these little guys start floating, lifeless, helpless. So short a life, so much ahead of them. I hope the rest will continue to thrive, they seem to enjoy the colorful plants we got for them. We also gave them a mug to hide in and a bust of Mao to appreciate as well. They are still feeling out the mug, but in time I think they will come to enjoy it as the cool hiding spot. When the fish came home I was reminded of what the son of David said to some chosen men - "Now you will be fishers of men." These fish remind me that I am fishing here, fishing for people. You, wherever you are in your various vocations, you are fishing also. You fish with the good news, sharing the Light with everyone around you. Your mission is the same as mine, go fishing. Our father will give us a miraculous catch. A catch we will see and praise Him for when time ends. What a day that will be! Keep fishing my friends and family, He will make miracles happen through you!

Shorts and Diapers

I have two short stories from this past week that made me scratch my head. The first has to do with the weather. Last year on my birthday (October 9) it was snowing in New Ulm, MN. I had never had snow on my birthday, at least as far back as I can remember. This year I wore shorts 3 times in the first week of November. The weather continues to be very mild here before the real autumn weather settles in. I will continue to enjoy it as long as it lasts. Sorry for all of you suffering through cooler temps back home. Sometimes it's all about location, location, location.

WARNING! Proceed with caution! The second story deals with diapers or should I say the lack there of here. Babies and young children usually don't wear diapers. They run around with slits in their pants as if someone forgot to sew up the crotch area of the pants. I've seen a lot of butts. Some may think it helps with air conditioning in the summertime. But, truth is they don't have potty training here. Parents will hold their kids in front of them near the ground spreading their legs and squating so the kids can do their business. What happens when they are on a public bus you may think? Well this is what happened yesterday. A lady and young son were sitting right next to me on a full bus. I had just got on and this fussy boy gave me a look like, "Hey man, I gotta go!" His mother tried taking him to the front of the bus to take care of his business, right next to the entrance, but he was gun shy. Thankfully, they got off at the next stop to let him answer nature's call. Everyday something small like this will surprise me. Just when I thought I had seen it all, things like this remind me - only in China.

Halloween

As quickly as October came and left, I didn't have time to tell you about the Halloween party on this side of the world. China doesn't celebrate Halloween so a couple of us foreigners decided to throw a Halloween bash and bring a little American culture to our friends here. We put on our best costumes and brought the candy. A big thing here is KTV. It is something like karaoke in the States only take it to the next level. We rented a large room which had a ton of couches, a projector and screen to show the music video and words from the songs we sang, and we ordered some snacks to add to the plentiful candy supply. Needless to say, a good time was had by all. Even though our friends here didn't go quite as all out on costumes as we did, they enjoyed the experience. My big ears were a hit!

John Wayne, Peter, and I sang "Superman" by Five for Fighting. Later, Peter and I joined in on the classic, "Larger than Life" by the one and only Backstreet Boys. We danced, we sang, we ate, we took pictures, and successfully introduced our friends to Holloween, American style with some Chinese flair. I don't think I will ever celebrate Holloween quite like this ever again.

A new brother and sister

Happy Reformation to you all. He continues to show his undeserved love throughout the ages. His words have stood the test of time and defeated numerous attacks from the serpent. Thanks be to him for preserving his family on earth. He continues to add members to his family. Two more were made children this past Friday at our study. 2 of our friends who have been attending studies for the past few years decided, by the power of the h.s, to be washed. What a blessing! After the washing, they both gave a public confession and background about the dove's work and the outpouring of love the Father has shown them through His Son. It was a very encouraging evening and they were happy to say, "We are now brothers and sisters." There is a real sense of family and community here among our fellowsh!p. These blessings to our family are evidence of the father working out his will through other humans here. Here is a story that kept me saying, "Isn't He great!" This is one of the stories that Linda, just washed, shared with us on Friday.

When she was around the age of 1 she was sick. Her parents took her to the hospital to get the right help for her. They left the hospital thinking that everything was alright having just visited to get the proper treatment for her. When she got home Linda was crying, but there was no sound. Her great-grandmother insisted they go back to the hospital, even though they had just come from there. After some more urging they went back. The doctor treated her quickly and gave her the necessary medicine/treatment to save her life. If she had come 10 minutes later, Linda would not have made it. Her great-grandmother was a member of the Good Shepherd's flock. Linda's great-grandmother was the first member of His flock that she knew. The relationship between Linda and her great-grandmother was very special to her. The father knew that Linda would someday become part of His flock too. You may never know how He will use you for eternal purposes. Continue to be a light to those around you. Shine brightly in this world that needs to hear the good news.

Toy Story School

Hello friends, after a brief hiatis from the updates, I expect several in the next few days. This month has been out of the ordinary. I just finished my first full week of school this month and it is the last week in October. My schedule was definitely thrown off, but now I expect things to settle in a little more. I have also had my fair share of struggles with school-related matters. Teaching at a primary school here can be a bit difficult at times. I am not one to always have the most patience. But, asking for His help and guidance has improved things. He answers our requests when we ask according to his wisdom. Oh, how wise he is.

Today, like every other day at school, as I approached the classrooms for the next lesson, the children were running about in the hallways or on the playground before the bell rung to call them inside. Of course, they love their foreign teachers so as soon as they saw me coming they all came up and hugged me. Jockeying for the best position, a mob formed around me. Ten, no, twelve had now trapped me against the pillars outside the classroom saying all their english phrases; "Hello Darin. How are you today? How old are you? What's this?" It reminded me of Toy Story. Can you picture the little 3-eyed aliens from Pizza Planet, the ones that stared up at "The Claw?" If my kids knew the movie they could all chant, "You have saved our lives. We are eternally grateful." Somehow I want to get a picture of this, and when I do you will think - Toy Story.

These kids crowd around me for a moment of kindness and affection. The pressure has already started for these kids. The one child policy has robbed them of childhood in a way. They slave away over school work to be the best. If they are not the best, they are last. I pr-y that some might remember me and the necklace I wear daily that reminds me and them of the reason I am here. Two simple lines, one vertical and one horizontal. A simple symbol that means everything for this world. Perhaps the h.s. can work wonders in the lives of these s*uls. The kingdom belongs to such as these.

Beijing 4

This concludes my trip for National Holiday, similar to America's Fourth of July. I was gone from October 2 until the 7th. Since then, I have returned to the teaching happening here in Wuhan. I went to the Great Wall my last day in Beijing. It was quite the trip getting there. In order to catch my train that evening I needed to wake up a lot earlier than the other days. A jog down a couple subway stops, a little walk, a 90 minute bus ride, another brief hike, a trip up the mountain in a roller coaster cart, and then I was on top of the Great Wall. The scenery was gorgeous. The breeze felt good. My traveling group went to the closest part of the wall to Beijing, so it was also the busiest. Aside from the people, which were expected and unavoidable during the Holiday in Beijing, I enjoyed walking this man-made milestone.

I walked uphill, I walked downhill. I took lots of pictures. I can't wait to go back. The Wall is definitely on the list of places to see during our big break at the end of first semester. After taking the roller coaster car back down, we grabbed some more snacks and did some more walking. Then we boarded the bus for the trip back in to Beijing. I've never slept so well on a bus before. It could have been the 4 days of constant walking. I gathered my belongings and headed out for the train station. This train ride would be great. The ticket got us on a sleeper car. All I did was read a bit and then slept for the ride back to Wuhan. Good bye Beijing, I will be back again. Until the next update, may He continue to go with you at all times and through all situations. He is always there. We may not see or feel him near, but He is there. He promises. He always keeps his promises. Praise Him for that.

Beijing 3

Wednesday was wedding day in Beijing. I had the morning free. It was nice to relax and give the feet a rest from the Summer Palace. In order to give our feet rest and avoid walking, our Beijing FOC hosts took us on a short bike ride to breakfast. Not just any breakfast, a western breakfast at "The Bridge." The adventures began early on this day. We Wuhaners don't bike because the traffic is horrible and I would take my life into my own handlebars everytime I went out if I biked in Wuhan. Not the case in Beijing. The only problem, or should I say challenge, was that we didn't have a bike for every person going to breakfast. You see they had 4 bikes, but 8 people. "No problem," they said, "we will just dink." Dink? What is this dinking? Pretty soon they were throwing around phrases like, "I'll dink you," and "do you feel alright being dinked?" Dinking-the act of pedaling/riding a bike while someone else rides on the back tire. I was not going to sit on a bike while someone else pedaled so I dinked Megan. She caught a picture of my friend Andy who was being dinked on the bike ahead of us.

 The wedding was in the afternoon, in the Old Summer Palace. This is a different one than yesterday's excursion. It was a large park where ruins from the palace remain. The 40 or so attendees walked in together and found a nice hill, tucked up just enough so as not to create as much attention. 40 foreigners together is enough to create a stir, but add a bride in a white dress and a full blown wedding, now you have chaos. We anixously awaited the bride's arrival as we stood on our little hilltop under the pavilion which would serve just fine. Finally, the bride came and her father escorted her up the hill. There were invited guests and plenty of uninvited guests who took pictures and video while crowding around the little hilltop shelter. We sang Amazing Gr-c+ to end the w-rsh-p. Indeed, how amazing is his undeserved love for us. Love that brought these two people to the King of kings. Love that bound them as one with Him as their foundation. Love that brought all the guests there safely. I couldn't help but lift up my head to the skies and say, "Praise G-d from whom all blessings flow!" How wonderful and great He is.

The evening was capped off by a wonderful dinner and celebration for all the undeserved love shown us that day. After the festivites concluded, I saw the Olympic Park all lit up at night. Beautiful buildings and engineering feats. I experienced how beautiful this city is. Great things are being done through the h.s. there. Give thanks to the father today for all of the blessings he is showering upon China. It was a nice night and a wonderful day. Our G*d is an awesome G*d.

Beijing 2

How about those Wisconsin sports teams, huh? The Brewers, Badgers, and Packers are all having great seasons. It can be a nice distraction from things here. I like to stay updated on things I'm missing back home, but back to Beijing. I spent the entire second day at the Summer Palace. When they say palace they mean a small mountain next to a lake on which they built tons of buildings for emperors to meditate, lounge, and worship in. Needless to say at the end of this day, my feet were tired. My traveling group spent about 6 hours there and we saw a little more than half the area. It's huge. The main building to see is the large Buddhist Incense Temple on the middle of the mountain. I am standing at the bottom of it here. We arrived at the bottom of the temple after walking for a couple hours already. We all looked at each other, looked up at the temple, took a moment to motivate ourselves, and began our climb. Of course, they didn't have elevators when they built these things.

The view from the top was spectacular. Even though the air was a bit hazy, the surrounding hills, the lake, and herbiage made the many stairs worth it. Our descent took us down to the lake. We checked out an island which we saw from above at the temple. Then came time to try and find our way out. We had already been lost or misguided by the map. The scale of things was off so things that looked big on the map were small most of the time. The smaller things on the map took up lots of space, very confusing. On our way out we stopped at a few other places of importance. We made it just in time for a live music performance. It featured very large bells. I saw another set like this at a museum in Wuhan. Wuhan has the largest complete set in the world.

Our last stop before we left the park was Souzhou Street (sue-joe). Lots of little stores surround a small pond. We had to be careful not to lose balance. The "street" was not very wide and if just 2 or 3 clumped up, there was no room to squeeze around. I didn't buy anything, just looked around and took some pictures. Lots of things were tourist prices so I stayed away. Taking pictures are free, the best. All in all, painful feet and knees are worth the trip to this beautiful palace. If you ever have a day or two to walk around it, I highly recommend it.

THE MURSE

I have also included some pictures of the murse. I realize these are past due, but totally worth it. I hope you have also noticed the other blogs on the left. These are mostly from other Wuhan teachers, but Micah is in Beijing. If you ever want more info or a different perspective on things here in China feel free to check them out. I will try to keep adding more about my travels as the week goes on. Continue to share the good news with those around you. You may never know what an impact you have on those next to you. He is always working through you with the h.s. His undeserved love continues to blow my mind and teach me new wonders about Him. Thank you for your prayers and all of the support you give to those working in foreign fields.

Beijing 1

Thank you for your patience. After all my traveling and settling back into school here, time continues to fly by. I am going to recap the best I can from my 4 days in Beijing. I left Wuhan Sunday night on a train for Beijing. I sat in the "soft seat" section and attempted to sleep on the overnight ride. I didn't saw too many logs, unfortunately. The soft seats are nothing like a comfortable recliner of sofa. Think more like an uncomfortable chair with some padding. Maybe I am just not one to sleep on planes and trains either. I arrived safely in Beijing around 7 am on Monday. After dropping luggage off at the other FOC pads, my traveling partners and I headed to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden Palace in the heart of the city.

 I thought there were a lot of people in Wuhan at times, but that is nothing compared to the masses in Beijing, especially during National holiday in the capital city. If you come here you have to leave your personal space on the plane. You won't get much of a comfort zone here. It was something to check off the list. I will never be around so many people ever again though. At least, I hope. In the afternoon we went to the Temple of Heaven. It was a warm day and after experiencing some exhaustion from the sun and lack of sleep the night before, the park and sights there were much more relaxed. The park in which the Temple of Heaven is found has lots of trees and green space. It had shade and a lot fewer people. Even though many were there, it seemed like a lot less than the Square that morning. The famous Temple of Heaven is the next picture.

After walking through the Temple area, the group (Andy Buschkopf, Peter, Ivy [a Chinese friend]) and I headed for the Pearl Market or Silk Street. It is a 5 or 6 story shopping mall where just about everything is sold. The market is fun because every vendor wants you to buy their stuff. You can challenge all the prices you want until you are blue in the face. You have to be careful not to pay too much and get trapped thinking you got a deal when you just got taken. I bought a sweater for the cold winters in Wuhan and had fun watching everyone else talk down prices. You first use the low ball, ridiculous price. Then you get real and say the price you really want which is still too high for them. They will start the price almost always at a ridiculously high price. Then you pull the teacher card or the "I don't really need this" card. And then if they still don't see your side you use the walk away. Then they see that you mean it. This usually drops the price drastically. After that you discuss some more and find some more ways of why it should be as low as you want it. Lots of fun and a good first day in Beijing.

Mario Kart and Rain

I couldn't resist another post after a great day at school. Today was wet and rainy in Wuhan. That means the masses now bring out their umbrellas. Not only did I dodge the raindrops, I also dodged the umbrellas which were often lower than my head. If you know Mario Kart, you know that at the beginning of the race all of the players line up for the start. Each has a different color/character and they all anxiously wait for the green light. A similar scene took place at a busy intersection this morning. Rain does not discourage people from riding their mopeds/bikes/motorcycles through traffic. To help keep them dry, each has a big rain poncho. When they are all stacked up waiting for a light in their various colors and shapes it reminded me of Mario Kart. They sit, anxious for the green so they can hurry off in 50 different directions. Who knows where they are going. The rain definitely doesn't stop them.

As wet and cold as it was today, the rain brought me encouragement because I remembered the words of a choir song. The college choir sang it at the end of my time at MLC. It prepared me to serve here, and it continues to remind me of the power and grace of G-d. Here are the words I remembered: "As the rains bring renewal and the tender buds begin to come alive, so is my W-rd. Giving seed to the sower, and bread to the hungry 'til they thrive, so is my W-rd. And the W-rd of my mouth, it shall not return empty; it will bless the earth wherever it is heard. This is my W-rd." How great is the love and grace of our Shepherd! Amazing!

Big Kid at the Corner

How cool is it not only to have your very own name, but to also have a Chinese name and a nickname given by a random Chinaman? It is pretty awesome to be loved all across the world. After a few weeks a Chinese friend gave me the name DaLi (sounds like dollie). She said it kind of sounds like my English name and the meaning behind it is great and strong. This also is somehow connected to the meaning behind my English name, go figure. She said I looked big and strong too. Did I mention how many compliments they give you here? It doesn't hurt to be called beautiful, handsome, strong, and great. Now for the nickname which serves as the title for this post: I went to an English corner one evening and I left with the nickname, Big Kid. An English corner is a gathering held at a university. Foreigners come to the corner and students flock around you to practice their english speaking skills. After telling them my Chinese name and my teaching job at a primary school teaching small children, one clever man dubbed me, "Big Kid." His words were, "So your Chinese name means big and yet you teach little children. Maybe I can call you Big Kid?" O yea, you can call me Big Kid. The next post might be a while, not sure. Next week I go to Beijing. I also hope to get the scoop on uploading pictures from some veteran bloggers in that city. You will finally see the murse and the Beijing recap. Until then, continue to walk with Him. He goes with you wherever you go.

Autumn in Wuhan

This week of weather has been a bit unpredictable. Sunday night brought colder temperatures and, lacking heat, blankets, well-insulated windows, and money to purchase warmth, the cold got the best of my night's sleep. I woke up very early Monday morning scrambling for more clothes to solve the problem. I did not think the cold would be that bad since I was inside, but I failed to account for the window which let in quite a bit of outside air. The Monday morning walk to school reminded me of a crisp, cool fall day at home. The chill lingered on the tip of my nose. My frigid fingers vulnerable to the wind and chill. I was ready to see a football game or take a stroll through the falling leaves. I love fall.

On the 12th we celebrated the Mid-Autumn festival here. I guess it is similar to Thanksgiving. Once a year vendors and shops make mooncakes. These interesting trinkets are passed from one to another for a week. Check out Micah's blog (On the left) if you want a full summary of the mooncake. The temperatures soared into the 80s to almost 90 that week. It sure didn't feel like Mid-Autumn. Now the weather is beginning to settle into 60s at night and upper 70s during the day. Nice fall weather. The usual fall colors aren't here and I doubt I will see many, but I am keeping a look-out. We have one more week of school before a break for the National holiday. The first week in October I will be in Beijing. I am excited to travel and see more of this riveting country. Take care all.

2 or 3

Welcome to a new week! A fresh start, a time to return to work refreshed with the W-rd and His h-ly meal. How comforting to know that when 2 or 3 gather together in his name, there he is with us. This morning our Ch-n-se service had almost 30 in attendance. This number includes the 12 foreigners teaching english here. We had many new faces come to w-rsh-p with us. What a joy to sing In Chr-st Alone with them in their native tongue. His love knows no bounds. Language barriers cannot stop the H.S. from doing his work. I give thanks that He is able to use me in some way to bring the good news to these people. It is all His doing. I am but an instrament in His hands. Give thanks for the work being done here. Give thanks for the construction being done to His ch-rch on earth. He builds it up until that day when we will join in the never ending song of praise to the one who can do immeasureably more than all we ask or imagine.

P.S. I am still working out the pictures to post on the blog. I have a murse...more on that in the next issue.

Teaching

I didn't forget about the murse, I hope to pick up one tomorrow. Pictures will definitely be posted. Let me tell you a little bit about my teaching career which has 7 days under its belt. I teach 1st grade children. I have 5 different sections with about 45 kids in each section. That comes to about 225 students. I see them 4 times a week and average 4 class periods a day. It isn't a bad gig because they love me. I am still settling in to teaching English as a foreign language to kids who know almost none of it. Luckily, I have 3 co-teachers to help keep order in the classroom, discuss class ideas, and translate when needed. They are spread out amongst the 5 different sections.

 The real teaching begins this week. We have three different classes in my area of town. I will be helping with two of them. Our area of town had a get-together as a chance for the new teachers to meet friends and announce class times. Some of my conversations with the friends here turned to deep things and my eyes were opened to see the hunger and anticipation to learn more. These are exciting times in Wuhan. Keep sending up conversations with the father. All of us here thank you for your thoughts and words. May He continue to be with you also.

The Bus For Us

 I have to apologize about the lack of posts thus far. Internet problems here prevented me from sharing my stories with you. Now that they are fixed I hope to post one or two times a week (time permitting). Traveling throughout the city of Wuhan reminded me of a children's book my mother often read to me when I was still cute and adorable with bleach blonde hair. The Bus For Us was my favorite book as a child. In the book, a child waits anxiously for the bus to school. Meanwhile, other buses going to different places come by and the child asks repeatedly, "Is this the bus, is this the bus for us?" The less cute, less adorable, fading blonde version of me is now stuck waiting for the correct buses when I travel here. As I wait, sometimes I think, "Is this the bus, is this the bus for us?" When the right one comes, the pushing and squishing begins. Don't think about waiting in lines here. First come, first on the bus. When a full bus comes, those are the fun rides. A comfort zone does not exist either here. Buses have maybe 30 seats and room in the middle to stand. With correct calculations you can easily fit 75 people in the buses at max capacity. I will post some pictures later that show just how full the buses get here. It is always an adventure traveling around here.

One benefit I've noticed about bus travel is that it provides opportunities for people to talk with foreigners and hopefully exchange phone numbers. This has happened twice since I've been here so far. When someone begins a conversation I talk with the father to allow doors to open. Perhaps we are the start of this persons journey from darkness to light. What a privilege to be an instrament. This happens on buses of all places. You never know what will be used to bring others into the light of life. Even the buses of Wuhan.

The Murse and M's

Sorry I haven't been frequent in my posts yet. I arrived safely in the Mainland around 3 pm on Thursday. I finally ended up in Wuhan close to 11 pm. I had been awake for almost 30 hours with minor bouts of sleep. The first day we went exploring the area. Shopping and walking and riding on buses. The mercury rises during the days here. Temperatures are usually in the high 80s. It's hard to stay comfortable. We got to babysit David, Adam and Sherry's little boy. He's our shepherd here. Topping off day one was mingling with John Wayne and eating supper with him. John is one of our friends here. I bet you can't say you've met and had dinner with John Wayne.

 Peter and I have noticed all the murses traveling around on the buses and in the streets. The men here are confident, carrying around their personal items with something we foreigners consider close to a purse. We are throwing ourselves into the culture and considering a murse, essential for efficient travel around the city. At the end of the second day we had a ginormous meal at a friend's house. 20 different dishes from which to partake. A traditional meal here with loads of friends and loads of food. Mmmmm good. Our second day finished with a massage. We enjoyed the digging, the pulling, the slapping, the stretching, the yanking, and the pushing. No pain, no gain.

The past few days were just one thing to the next. The old teachers are helping us get our bearings and show us around. I haven't heard anything about the start of school yet, but soon enough the work will begin here. Right now, I'm just spending time with friends and hoping that Mandarin comes a little easier as the days go on. One day at a time is the best way to go. He will be there always. I hope this is a little more frequent, but things always change here. Maybe I will have a murse the next time you read this!

Running with Danny Sheeks

Yesterday I went for a run because I needed to clear my head a little bit and get some fresh air. I went running with Danny Sheeks too. Now, if you know anything about Danny, you know he doesn't run. Let me explain. When I run, my thoughts go in any number of directions, but somehow they eventually got to the words that helped me pick the title for my blog, Soar. Is. 40.31 talks about soaring and it also relates to physical exhaustion. These words were the words Danny spoke the night before every freshman football game. Our team met to get ready for the next day and, for whatever reason, Danny would recite these words to the guys. The father always has a way of making everything in our lives fit into his plan. I really needed a pick-up yesterday and he sent me encouragement via a Danny flashback.

Sitting around in training all day and eating the best/worst foods of America before going overseas isn't the best for the waistline. These are some of the encouraging words the h.s. spoke to me during my run yesterday. A shepherd of an American flock told me that this line of work creates higher summits and lower valleys. David said something about darkness and shadows in valleys in the 23rd song. I don't have to be afraid of anything. All things are possible, and I can do all things because he gives me strength. I emptied myself of the bad food feeling, the problems, the downs, the blah, and the h.s. filled me up with love and guidance.

The father told the serpent to crawl on his belly and eat dust. Yeterday, he ate my dust. I ran and left the serpent in my dust. I started out running away (from my host house) with problems, a bummer attitude, and a discouraged outlook. I ran back (to the house) with a calmed spirit and renewed strength. I will strive to keep running like a little child to his father's arms in the next couple months. I will always find comfort there. The trust of a small child, something to reflect daily in our lives.