I have a cool job. I was able to talk a while ago to a friend that I haven’t heard from in a while who also has a cool job. It was really great talking about how we know we are exactly where we need to be AND love it. How rare is that? I am struck by how many people simply go through life without actively engaging in the world around them, and admit that I find myself simply existing at times. I don’t want to do that. I want to look back on my life with a sigh of satisfaction, not regret. In my decision to come to China, it definitely was a factor knowing that I could tell my children that yes; I went on a limb, out of my comfort zone for the One whose plans are bigger than mine for a year after college and lived in China. Now, as I’m processing through my options for next year (the list is a mile long), the same thought enters my mind. Will I say that I spent a year in China… or two… or more? Trust me, this is not something I am lightly processing, nor is it simple. Every day, conflicting opinions strike me as the “right” thing to do: “I miss my family, friends, comfort food, being on my own schedule, having a schedule, driving myself places, lack of communication/time zone issues. I love the idea of returning to school and the opportunities are definitely available Stateside for Loving people, in a common language and coffee shops!” But then… “To see someone grasp a new, life changing, life saving concept, to see His Love cross languages, using us as vessels, broken and damaged, yet able to communicate Truth… that’s life changing. To be a witness by simply living as I’m called to live. To have that level of accountability on a daily basis – weighty, but more educational that you could imagine. That’s actively engaging in life. That’s how I want to live my life. To be called is a beautiful privilege. Why wouldn’t I want to join Him in His work here? Plus, Chinglish is hilarious.”
So, as you can see, it’s a difficult thought process. If you feel led, feel free to Lift me up (& numerous others within our program who are feeling the same!) during this time!
On a much lighter note, the school’s Art Festival has officially begun! We sat outside on probably the grayest day I have yet experienced and watched every primary student (literally, hundreds of children) either shake purple pompoms or bright green fans in rhythm. It was unlike anything else I have ever experienced, but amazing. The teachers have been so stressed getting ready for that performance, and the ones to follow, but it was really great. Last week we had the Upper Primary performance on Tuesday night, and Lower Primary on Wednesday night. On both nights we danced to “My Heart Will Go On”… the New Found Glory, punk version. It was amazing. We were told, and I quote: “Maybe, the foreign teachers will… emerge… and create much excitement!” So we’re took that quite literally and were super dramatic – dressing crazy and bouncing off the walls. It was well received, I can promise you that. I hope to get video and post it. Additionally, we’ll be sang with the co-teachers with both groups – in Chinese with the Upper Primary, and then a translated song with the Lower Primary, that might as well be in Chinese.
Hope all is well with y’all!
