Posts
In the words of the great John Denver ;o)
All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go. I'm standing here outside your door, I hate to wake you up to say goodbye...
I am about to leave my apartment and begin a whirlwind 6 weeks of travel. I know I have already informed you all of this, but as I learned from a recent conversation with my distraught mother: perhaps there is a need for me to be more specific! So please pay special attention to the following announcements:
Fact: I will be traveling in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Thailand
Fiction: I will be traveling in areas of civil unrest and untold dangers such as Myanmar or the Bermuda triangle
Fact: I will not be reachable by telephone
Fiction: I will have fallen off the proverbial edge of the planet, laying torn and bleeding in a gutter for the few short days of life I have left in my ragged body
Fact: I will be posting updates of my whereabout and safety on my blog
Fiction: I will be posting updates of my whereabout and safety on my blog every day...therefore if there are multiple days in a row that you do not hear from me you can be assured of my prolonged and painful demise
If there are any bases I left uncovered, please be sure to let me know so I can rush in with an array of assurances. ;o) I hope you will check my blog often, I will try to entertain you with our adventures as much as possible. Please lift me up to the Father, as well as the the millions of others who will be traveling in China at this time. We need strength and safety, and I need to courage to be a powerful witness at all times and dispel the darkness that will be all around me. Zai Jien!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Sunday, January 6, 2008
It's Gonna Be A Happy New Year...
*2007*
Ever the restless travelers...Brian, Angelyn and I welcomed in the new year with a 24 hour trip to Yichang. I was informed that a New Year's spent in China could not be experienced elsewhere. The foreigners there have developed a tradition, so the Shiyan crew and our Wuhan buddies traveled the 6 hours to watch an apple drop on a chopstick. The night was a whirlwind: it began with a video/photo scavenger hunt that included reenacting the Titanic, creating a western, or grabbing a photo with the infamous Da Shan. Check out the photos for a little view on how our team laid it down. We followed it by a dinner at Pizza Hut, then back to the school for some more delectable treats, judging of the contest, and general merriment. We celebrated the turn of midnight in style, but I will let the video tell the story. Finally, we closed out the night with a group singing that was so incredible. I hadn't heard good 4-part harmony in 5 months and it was quiet literally music to my ears.
Photo Album: Dick Clark's Rockin New Years Eve!
Video: The Ball Drop
*Alliteration Months*
Perhaps you have detected some illusion of these in my past posts, but Angelyn and I, in an endless quest for self-improvement, have been practicing a serious of months aimed at better our selves. Others have jumped on the bandwagon and we feel this movement could spread like wildfire, perhaps even lead to a best seller in our names. So it all began with No-Shave November, at disgusting tradition to say the least, but an excellent discipline in focusing more on inner beauty! Destination December featured a variety of weekend excursions to combat cultural shock; including Wuhan, Chengdu and finally Yichang. Jovial January has been the most challenging exercise, but one we feel is crucial to our mission. No negative remarks about a person may pass our lips. If bitterness comes out, sweetness is not allowed in so failure to compile results in a sugar fast! In the future, Focused/Festive February will require intense dedication to our Chinese studies, followed by the final week spent celebrating random holidays. But we are most excited about what awaits us in two months: Meager March. After running across some disturbing research on the Internet, Angelyn issued a challenge to discover what it is like to really live under the restraints of a Chinese citizen. According to her research, the Chinese welfare system believes that a city resident should be able to survive on 169 rmb a month, roughly the equivalent of $23 American dollars. Even by Chinese standards, this is a ridiculous expectation! But there are many who live accordingly, and we will try to do the same. This will be a challenge for us, we do not pay for things like hot water, heat, or other amenities supplied by our university. But we will be budgeting out blessings like the internet or television. If you are as shocked as we are by these figures, and intrigued by such an idea, we would welcome partners across the ocean in such an endeavor. More information on this alliteration month to come in the future!
*Travel Plans*
The glorious thing about China is the importance of celebration - its practically the 6ht precept of Buddhism. Their equivalent to Christmas is Spring Festival, the 40 day celebration of the lunar new year/excuse for an extensive vacation! The Chinese all leave the city, traveling to the country to visit their hometowns, while the foreigners head off to explore exotic locations. Our university's supply us with travel stipends, as well as a salary despite our absence from work, for this exact purpose. I will be leaving Shiyan on Thursday night and taking a three day journey to the Nanning in the southern point of China. The other foreigners I am traveling with (Jessica and Graham) will meet me there, and we will cross into Vietnam! The three of us will spend about 10 days explore Vietnam while we wait for Sarah, our fourth, to meet us in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). Then we will spend 2 weeks in Cambodia and Laos, filling our days with boat trips, elephant treks, and swims in volcanic craters! For the last leg of the trip we will meet Angelyn in Thailand (yeah!) and finish out the trip on the famous Thai beaches. We will end the trip in Bangkok, participating on a CPM conference which we are all looking forwarded to getting excellent insight and fellowship from!
I wanted to give you the run down for 3 reasons:
#1 - I will definitely be out of reach for the majority of that trip. I will try to check into a hostel weekly that will allow me to post on my blog to let you know I am still alive ;o)
#2 - I don't want my grandmothers panicking and my mother alerting embassies when I am suddenly unreachable and they have difficulty recalling why in the midst of their hyperventilation
#3 - Perhaps to make you feel small jabs of jealousy...
Here's hoping you are all well in the states, and breaking your New Year's Resolutions with a fervor!
GWG ~ Jessica
Ever the restless travelers...Brian, Angelyn and I welcomed in the new year with a 24 hour trip to Yichang. I was informed that a New Year's spent in China could not be experienced elsewhere. The foreigners there have developed a tradition, so the Shiyan crew and our Wuhan buddies traveled the 6 hours to watch an apple drop on a chopstick. The night was a whirlwind: it began with a video/photo scavenger hunt that included reenacting the Titanic, creating a western, or grabbing a photo with the infamous Da Shan. Check out the photos for a little view on how our team laid it down. We followed it by a dinner at Pizza Hut, then back to the school for some more delectable treats, judging of the contest, and general merriment. We celebrated the turn of midnight in style, but I will let the video tell the story. Finally, we closed out the night with a group singing that was so incredible. I hadn't heard good 4-part harmony in 5 months and it was quiet literally music to my ears.
Photo Album: Dick Clark's Rockin New Years Eve!
Video: The Ball Drop
*Alliteration Months*
Perhaps you have detected some illusion of these in my past posts, but Angelyn and I, in an endless quest for self-improvement, have been practicing a serious of months aimed at better our selves. Others have jumped on the bandwagon and we feel this movement could spread like wildfire, perhaps even lead to a best seller in our names. So it all began with No-Shave November, at disgusting tradition to say the least, but an excellent discipline in focusing more on inner beauty! Destination December featured a variety of weekend excursions to combat cultural shock; including Wuhan, Chengdu and finally Yichang. Jovial January has been the most challenging exercise, but one we feel is crucial to our mission. No negative remarks about a person may pass our lips. If bitterness comes out, sweetness is not allowed in so failure to compile results in a sugar fast! In the future, Focused/Festive February will require intense dedication to our Chinese studies, followed by the final week spent celebrating random holidays. But we are most excited about what awaits us in two months: Meager March. After running across some disturbing research on the Internet, Angelyn issued a challenge to discover what it is like to really live under the restraints of a Chinese citizen. According to her research, the Chinese welfare system believes that a city resident should be able to survive on 169 rmb a month, roughly the equivalent of $23 American dollars. Even by Chinese standards, this is a ridiculous expectation! But there are many who live accordingly, and we will try to do the same. This will be a challenge for us, we do not pay for things like hot water, heat, or other amenities supplied by our university. But we will be budgeting out blessings like the internet or television. If you are as shocked as we are by these figures, and intrigued by such an idea, we would welcome partners across the ocean in such an endeavor. More information on this alliteration month to come in the future!
*Travel Plans*
The glorious thing about China is the importance of celebration - its practically the 6ht precept of Buddhism. Their equivalent to Christmas is Spring Festival, the 40 day celebration of the lunar new year/excuse for an extensive vacation! The Chinese all leave the city, traveling to the country to visit their hometowns, while the foreigners head off to explore exotic locations. Our university's supply us with travel stipends, as well as a salary despite our absence from work, for this exact purpose. I will be leaving Shiyan on Thursday night and taking a three day journey to the Nanning in the southern point of China. The other foreigners I am traveling with (Jessica and Graham) will meet me there, and we will cross into Vietnam! The three of us will spend about 10 days explore Vietnam while we wait for Sarah, our fourth, to meet us in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). Then we will spend 2 weeks in Cambodia and Laos, filling our days with boat trips, elephant treks, and swims in volcanic craters! For the last leg of the trip we will meet Angelyn in Thailand (yeah!) and finish out the trip on the famous Thai beaches. We will end the trip in Bangkok, participating on a CPM conference which we are all looking forwarded to getting excellent insight and fellowship from!
I wanted to give you the run down for 3 reasons:
#1 - I will definitely be out of reach for the majority of that trip. I will try to check into a hostel weekly that will allow me to post on my blog to let you know I am still alive ;o)
#2 - I don't want my grandmothers panicking and my mother alerting embassies when I am suddenly unreachable and they have difficulty recalling why in the midst of their hyperventilation
#3 - Perhaps to make you feel small jabs of jealousy...
Here's hoping you are all well in the states, and breaking your New Year's Resolutions with a fervor!
GWG ~ Jessica
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
What A Fine Chap You Are!
Over the last week I have been immersed in a book that has been
floating around the Western RLGS circuit for a number of years:
"Jesus Freak" (Not just a song by the greatest hiphop/rap/soul
CHRSTN band of all time featuring Kevin, Toby Mac & Michael T -
three men who held my heart for ransom through most of the 90's)
I picked the book up in a bored whim, attracted by the tattered pages
and the promise of an easy read post the mind-numbing confusion
that was Stein's "Three Lives". But I was instantly surprised and
challenged by the contents of this "JSS Freak" phenomenon's child.
The stories of those persecuted and murdered in this book took on a
whole new meaning to me when my mind put faces to the names of
these martyrs. The Chinese child killed for her mother's devotion was
Rose, the two Chinese girls who PRYD for their PSTR'S conscience
seconds before he betrayed and murdered them were Zoe and Halley,
and the boy who smuggled books across the Yangzte on his back
was David. I was blown away. There are people back home in
America who are constantly praising my efforts, talking about the
things I have given up to live here in China. Honestly, who am I?
What have I done? How does only having hot water for 3 hours a day
compare to watching your children die for their own small FTH?
Its true, we cannot all die for our FTH; we are called to different things
by the Father. What I do envy and what I can glean from these shining
examples, is the joy. There is joy in suffering, there is joy facing the
barrel of a gun, and there is joy in the discovery of a passionate SVR.
There is joy to be had and I love this story I included below. I hope it
will challenge you the way it challenged me: to remember the joy that
we have in our GD
"CHRSTNTY has become dramatic with us," wrote PSTR Richard Wurmbrand, a
leader of the underground CHRCH in Communist Romania. "When CHRSTNS in free
countries win a soul for CHRST, the new BLVR may become a member of a
quietly living church. But them those in captive nations win someone, we know
that he may have to go to prison and that his children may become orphans. The
joy of having brought someone to CHRST is always mixed with this feeling that
there is a price to be paid.
"When I was still living behind the Iron Curtain, I had met a Russian captain.
He loved GD, he longed after GD, but he had never seen a BBL. He had never
attended RLGS services. He had no RLGS education, but he loved GD
without the slightest knowledge of Him."
"I read to him the Sermon on the Mount and the parables of JSS. After hearing
them, he danced around the room in rapturous joy, proclaiming, 'what a
wonderful beauty! How could I live without knowing this CHRST?' It was the
first time that I saw someone jubilating in CHRST."
"Then I made a mistake. I read to him the passion and crucifixion of CHRST,
without having prepared him for this. He had not expected it. When he heard how
CHRST was beaten, how He was crucified, and that in the end He died, he fell
in an armchair and began to weep bitterly. He had believed in a SVR and now
his SVR was dead!"
"I looked at him and was ashamed that I had called myself a CHRSTN and a
PSTR, a teacher of others, I had never shared the sufferings of CHRST as
this Russian officer now shared them. Looking at him was, for me, like seeing
Mary Magdalene weeping at the foot of the cross or at the empty tomb."
"Then I read to him the story of the resurrection. When he heard this wonderful
news, that the SVR arose from the tomb, he slapped his knees, and shouted
joy: 'He is alive! He is alive!' Again he danced around the room, overwhelmed
with happiness!"
"I said to him, 'Let us PRY!'"
"He fell o his knees together with me. He did not know our HLY phrases. His
words of PRYR were, 'O GD, what a fine chap You are! If I were You and You
were me, I would never have forgiven You Your sins. But You are really a very
nice chap! I love You with all my heart'."
"I think that all the angels in heaven stopped what they were doing to listen
to this sublime PRYR from this Russian officer. When this man received
CHRST, he knew he would immediately lose his position as an officer, that
prison and perhaps death in jail would almost surely follow. He gladly paid the
price. He was ready to lose everything."
Friday, December 28, 2007
I'll Be Home for Christmas...
...If only in my dreams...
And my dreams were full last week: of you all back in the states. My first Christmas at home approached quickly and I was admittedly dreading the day. I could hardly imagine how the most beautiful day of the year could be filled with joy without those I loved near to me. But my Abba takes care of me always - He gave me a great peace in my heart. I spent the day surrounded by people who love me and were even willing to appease all my Christmas wishes for my happiness. They are too good to me ;o)
I had the pleasure of playing Santa Claus and hosting the singletons for Christmas morning. We had delectable cinnamon rolls & quiche (I am my mother's daughter) and stuffed each others stockings with goodies. Highlights included William's re-gifts and Jessi's "I-Love-You" Rats (its the year of the rat after all, who doesn't need a pink stuffed rat?)
My American family heard our desperate cries for culture, and because of their attention I spent the afternoon introducing Brian and Angelyn to the great Christmas Classic Musical, Meet Me in St. Louis. Highlights included mocking Judy Garland's love interest and learning the lyrics to "I was drunk last night, dear Mother"
Then I hit the crazy streets for a last minute desperate attempt to secure the tackiest Christmas sweater China had to offer. You would think this would have been a simple task...but you try fighting off 200 90 lbs girls who all want thing you do (though they are searching for a fashion statement and you for a hideous prize) and are skilled at the art of Tai Ji...so my search was unfruitful. Sad to say I disgraced the Tacky Christmas Sweater Party I so desired. Luckily Brian's sweet Pharaoh-chest-hair-stripe-fest more than made up for my downfall.
That evening we held the first annual Tacky Christmas Sweater-themed Shiyan Progressive Dinner. It began with egg-nog & rotell (White Trash Christmas), followed by soup (Christmas a la John "my dad was born in a Mexican prison" Calvillo), moved to Min's amazing feast (Chinese Christmas) and finished with Christmas in a pan (Sugar Coma Christmas) We worked off the calories by walking from place to place and serenading the masses with Christmas Carols the hour we spent stuck on the bus. Sadly, despite our best efforts to pace our selves and eat through the pain, I felt fairly conquered.
Thanks to my kid brother, I got to see the faces of my wonderfully crazy family on SKYPE - the greatest Christmas present of all. Its seems they were able to celebrate Christmas despite my absence, and I am glad that our Father gave them that strength. ;o) My Christmas was complete because of them. They are with me always, I carry them in my heart. I carry all of you - Thank you for all your Christmas wishes and for always lifting me up to our wonderful Abba above. I hope you all had the Happiest Christmas!
GWG ~ Jessica
Here is my Christmas Album: Been An Awful Good Girl, Santa Baby...
And my dreams were full last week: of you all back in the states. My first Christmas at home approached quickly and I was admittedly dreading the day. I could hardly imagine how the most beautiful day of the year could be filled with joy without those I loved near to me. But my Abba takes care of me always - He gave me a great peace in my heart. I spent the day surrounded by people who love me and were even willing to appease all my Christmas wishes for my happiness. They are too good to me ;o)
I had the pleasure of playing Santa Claus and hosting the singletons for Christmas morning. We had delectable cinnamon rolls & quiche (I am my mother's daughter) and stuffed each others stockings with goodies. Highlights included William's re-gifts and Jessi's "I-Love-You" Rats (its the year of the rat after all, who doesn't need a pink stuffed rat?)My American family heard our desperate cries for culture, and because of their attention I spent the afternoon introducing Brian and Angelyn to the great Christmas Classic Musical, Meet Me in St. Louis. Highlights included mocking Judy Garland's love interest and learning the lyrics to "I was drunk last night, dear Mother"
Then I hit the crazy streets for a last minute desperate attempt to secure the tackiest Christmas sweater China had to offer. You would think this would have been a simple task...but you try fighting off 200 90 lbs girls who all want thing you do (though they are searching for a fashion statement and you for a hideous prize) and are skilled at the art of Tai Ji...so my search was unfruitful. Sad to say I disgraced the Tacky Christmas Sweater Party I so desired. Luckily Brian's sweet Pharaoh-chest-hair-stripe-fest more than made up for my downfall.
That evening we held the first annual Tacky Christmas Sweater-themed Shiyan Progressive Dinner. It began with egg-nog & rotell (White Trash Christmas), followed by soup (Christmas a la John "my dad was born in a Mexican prison" Calvillo), moved to Min's amazing feast (Chinese Christmas) and finished with Christmas in a pan (Sugar Coma Christmas) We worked off the calories by walking from place to place and serenading the masses with Christmas Carols the hour we spent stuck on the bus. Sadly, despite our best efforts to pace our selves and eat through the pain, I felt fairly conquered.
Thanks to my kid brother, I got to see the faces of my wonderfully crazy family on SKYPE - the greatest Christmas present of all. Its seems they were able to celebrate Christmas despite my absence, and I am glad that our Father gave them that strength. ;o) My Christmas was complete because of them. They are with me always, I carry them in my heart. I carry all of you - Thank you for all your Christmas wishes and for always lifting me up to our wonderful Abba above. I hope you all had the Happiest Christmas!
GWG ~ Jessica
Here is my Christmas Album: Been An Awful Good Girl, Santa Baby...
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Twas the night before Christmas...
I have always had such a love affair with Christmas, thanks to the exuberance of my mother no doubt ;o) She always planned each detail perfectly, giving her Martha Stewart touch to each bough and branch. Its been so strange, watching the days on the calendar creep by without the sights and smells of my own home filling them. I haven't felt much of the Christmas spirit this year, being far from them and everything familiar. The Chinese idea of Christmas is far from my own...but last night something magical happened. I had been suffering my monthly bout of insomnia, laying there in tossing a million things around in my head. Then I looked over and saw the clock - 12:04 am. Christmas Eve. Suddenly everything got quieter. The earth shifted and settled, a calm came over me and I felt a peace I hadn't in quite a while. I was suddenly reminded of something. Imagine the blessing I have...I am surrounded by 1 billion Chinese people who are covering their windows with plastic Santas and buying Chin-glish Christmas cards, but they have no idea what they are celebrating. I am blessed among men, for I have been given the gift of life. I get to remember today that miraculous moment when my GD made himself so small just so that I could see Him face to face. I am filled with the wonder of my LRD. And you know something else...my Abba is sending me SNOW to complete my awe.
So tonight and tomorrow I will spend the day with people who have made my heart so full. There are festivities to be had, no doubt, and I will be sure to fill you in on them soon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Since Christmas is family time, I think its about time for some family news! Our family in Shiyan is growning rapidly and I am thrilled to have almost 10 new girls to call my sisters (and a brother!). It so obvious that He is fighting for the people here and to realize that I have been chosen to fight with him, its an awesome privilege and responsibility.
We have been talking a lot recently about taking the spirit of the Son from our hearts to our hands. Angelyn and one of our brothers have started visiting the people we pass on the streets each day: talking to them about their needs, looking for ways to bring healing to their physical and spiritual pains. I am exploring ways to be His hands as well.
Come to find out a while back that Priscilla and I both had hearts for the women of Shiyan living under the pink lights. (We call them pink lights...you might know them better as red) It was actually one of the reasons I chose China as a place to come because I plan to work against international sex trafficking in the future. Priscilla has also been feeling a pull towards them after driving past them nightly. We decided we wanted to pursue this work have begun PRYing, thinking and planning how to begin.
A few weekends ago when I was in Wuhan, I had the opportunity to meet the foreign women who are leading a similar effort in Wuhan's pink light district. I got to speak with Kelli and Heather, who had begun the MNSTRY 1 year ago. The spoke to me about the logistics, how they go about each day, and the success/troubles they have been faced with. Heather shared a really encouraging story with me about a visit to the Beijing MNSTRY, where 4 women have left the pink light work and are living in a rehabilitative house. They go to night school, and support themselves by making jewelry that they sell online. Its called the starfish project, if you would like to Google it! I was also blessed to speak to two girls who had just joined the work there, and they gave me such a unique insight into what we were undertaking. I am so grateful that Abba gave me the gift of meeting with them, it really opened my eyes to what we were about it begin!
In light of lessons learned from meeting the women in Wuhan, and PRYRful consideration, Priscilla and I have a fresh outlook on the work we would like to do. The next two months will be filled with constant PRYR and careful preparation. I never want to underestimate the seriousness of what we are undertaking. There are a number of very serious things to consider, and so here is where we are in need of PRYR warriors such as yourselves! Please keep the following in your conversations with Him:
1. The LRD will raise up leadership among our Chinese sisters to take control of this mnstry, it would be impossible without them. (We were looking specifically for one sister who really had a heart for this work to join with us in leadership, and He answered our prayer so quickly with the most perfect sister! But we are still searching for all others to help!)
2. The LRD will give strength, dedication, and insight to Priscilla and me as we try to be his hands and feet
3. The LRD will prepare the hearts of the women in the pink light districts to be open to our friendship
4. The power to overcome in the spiritual battle we are about to enter into
5. The pink light MNSTRYS already underway in Beijing and Wuhan
The actually logistics of the work as still very much up in the air, as we would really like to have our Chinese sisters leading in the preparation stages. There are a number of possibilities that are looking promising, such as offering free medical checks, or giving clothes or other basic necessities. There will be various roles to play in the MNSTRY; women actually going inside to talk with the pink light ladies, PRYR teams out on the side walk, and PRYR assignments throughout the city to cover us. (A great way for the men to be involved!). We are hoping to spend the time between now and Spring Festival PRYing, and then preparing so that we can begin when we return in February.
We are so blessed to live as daughters of the King and to know the reality of His love. It is our hope that we can give the women of Shiyan a glimpse of that great gift. I wanted to share all of this with you, as well as the verse we are keeping in our hearts to constantly remind ourselves of the place of these women in our father's kingdom.
Therefore, behold, I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness, and I will speak tenderly and to her heart. There I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor to be for her a door of hope and expectation. And she shall sing there and respond as in the days of her youth and as at the time when she came up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be in that day, says the Lord, that you will call Me, Ishi [my Husband], and you shall no more call Me, Baali [my Baal]. For I will take away the names of the Baals out of her mouth, and they shall no more be mentioned or seriously remembered by their name. And in that day will I make a covenant for Israel with the living creatures of the open country and with the birds of the heavens and with the creeping things of the ground. And I will break the bow and the sword and conflict out of the land and will make you lie down safely. And I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will even betroth you to Me in stability and in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord. (Hosea 2: 14-20)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last week Brian, Angelyn and I took a much needed family vacation together to Chengdu. What had been described to us as the most magical place on earth was a considerable disappointment, but the time spent with these kindred spirits was wonderful none the less! I would compose a short novella to you all here, but are they not already all written in the books and annuals of the king? (hehe, clever 61 study joke inserted here) What I am trying to say is that Angelyn has already blogged her heart out and he words convey our adventure far better than my own could. Please check out http://angelyninshiyan.blogspot.com/ for full disclosure! I inserted a few videos here, so you could witness a few key moments in our trip.
Video #1 is of the adorable baby pandas in at Chengdu's panda research base. Witness the snobby American who thinks she can get away with anything being admonished by the luckiest Chinese person on the planet...
Video #2 is further proof that birds are in fact the spawn of Satan himself. Those of you who have spent any amount of time with me at all are aware of my great fear. Witness Brian proving his bravery and my near death experience as the bird charges...
And since I still don't think you have enough to look at! Here are the links to my Chengdu trip:
Album #1: Destination December, Part 1
Album#2: Destination December, Part 2
Album#3: Destination December, Part 3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight...Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night...Sheng Dan Kui Le!
GWG ~ Jessica
So tonight and tomorrow I will spend the day with people who have made my heart so full. There are festivities to be had, no doubt, and I will be sure to fill you in on them soon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Since Christmas is family time, I think its about time for some family news! Our family in Shiyan is growning rapidly and I am thrilled to have almost 10 new girls to call my sisters (and a brother!). It so obvious that He is fighting for the people here and to realize that I have been chosen to fight with him, its an awesome privilege and responsibility.
We have been talking a lot recently about taking the spirit of the Son from our hearts to our hands. Angelyn and one of our brothers have started visiting the people we pass on the streets each day: talking to them about their needs, looking for ways to bring healing to their physical and spiritual pains. I am exploring ways to be His hands as well.
Come to find out a while back that Priscilla and I both had hearts for the women of Shiyan living under the pink lights. (We call them pink lights...you might know them better as red) It was actually one of the reasons I chose China as a place to come because I plan to work against international sex trafficking in the future. Priscilla has also been feeling a pull towards them after driving past them nightly. We decided we wanted to pursue this work have begun PRYing, thinking and planning how to begin.
A few weekends ago when I was in Wuhan, I had the opportunity to meet the foreign women who are leading a similar effort in Wuhan's pink light district. I got to speak with Kelli and Heather, who had begun the MNSTRY 1 year ago. The spoke to me about the logistics, how they go about each day, and the success/troubles they have been faced with. Heather shared a really encouraging story with me about a visit to the Beijing MNSTRY, where 4 women have left the pink light work and are living in a rehabilitative house. They go to night school, and support themselves by making jewelry that they sell online. Its called the starfish project, if you would like to Google it! I was also blessed to speak to two girls who had just joined the work there, and they gave me such a unique insight into what we were undertaking. I am so grateful that Abba gave me the gift of meeting with them, it really opened my eyes to what we were about it begin!
In light of lessons learned from meeting the women in Wuhan, and PRYRful consideration, Priscilla and I have a fresh outlook on the work we would like to do. The next two months will be filled with constant PRYR and careful preparation. I never want to underestimate the seriousness of what we are undertaking. There are a number of very serious things to consider, and so here is where we are in need of PRYR warriors such as yourselves! Please keep the following in your conversations with Him:
1. The LRD will raise up leadership among our Chinese sisters to take control of this mnstry, it would be impossible without them. (We were looking specifically for one sister who really had a heart for this work to join with us in leadership, and He answered our prayer so quickly with the most perfect sister! But we are still searching for all others to help!)
2. The LRD will give strength, dedication, and insight to Priscilla and me as we try to be his hands and feet
3. The LRD will prepare the hearts of the women in the pink light districts to be open to our friendship
4. The power to overcome in the spiritual battle we are about to enter into
5. The pink light MNSTRYS already underway in Beijing and Wuhan
The actually logistics of the work as still very much up in the air, as we would really like to have our Chinese sisters leading in the preparation stages. There are a number of possibilities that are looking promising, such as offering free medical checks, or giving clothes or other basic necessities. There will be various roles to play in the MNSTRY; women actually going inside to talk with the pink light ladies, PRYR teams out on the side walk, and PRYR assignments throughout the city to cover us. (A great way for the men to be involved!). We are hoping to spend the time between now and Spring Festival PRYing, and then preparing so that we can begin when we return in February.
We are so blessed to live as daughters of the King and to know the reality of His love. It is our hope that we can give the women of Shiyan a glimpse of that great gift. I wanted to share all of this with you, as well as the verse we are keeping in our hearts to constantly remind ourselves of the place of these women in our father's kingdom.
Therefore, behold, I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness, and I will speak tenderly and to her heart. There I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor to be for her a door of hope and expectation. And she shall sing there and respond as in the days of her youth and as at the time when she came up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be in that day, says the Lord, that you will call Me, Ishi [my Husband], and you shall no more call Me, Baali [my Baal]. For I will take away the names of the Baals out of her mouth, and they shall no more be mentioned or seriously remembered by their name. And in that day will I make a covenant for Israel with the living creatures of the open country and with the birds of the heavens and with the creeping things of the ground. And I will break the bow and the sword and conflict out of the land and will make you lie down safely. And I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will even betroth you to Me in stability and in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord. (Hosea 2: 14-20)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last week Brian, Angelyn and I took a much needed family vacation together to Chengdu. What had been described to us as the most magical place on earth was a considerable disappointment, but the time spent with these kindred spirits was wonderful none the less! I would compose a short novella to you all here, but are they not already all written in the books and annuals of the king? (hehe, clever 61 study joke inserted here) What I am trying to say is that Angelyn has already blogged her heart out and he words convey our adventure far better than my own could. Please check out http://angelyninshiyan.blogspot.com/ for full disclosure! I inserted a few videos here, so you could witness a few key moments in our trip.
Video #1 is of the adorable baby pandas in at Chengdu's panda research base. Witness the snobby American who thinks she can get away with anything being admonished by the luckiest Chinese person on the planet...
Video #2 is further proof that birds are in fact the spawn of Satan himself. Those of you who have spent any amount of time with me at all are aware of my great fear. Witness Brian proving his bravery and my near death experience as the bird charges...
And since I still don't think you have enough to look at! Here are the links to my Chengdu trip:
Album #1: Destination December, Part 1
Album#2: Destination December, Part 2
Album#3: Destination December, Part 3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight...Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night...Sheng Dan Kui Le!
GWG ~ Jessica
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Making Amends, Good Friend
Happy Christmas All! I know "happy" is not the characteristic English greeting, but being here in China has left me at a culture crossroads. I am forgetting so much of my own culture, while embracing another, I feel almost as if I could reinvent myself altogether. So British it is today!
I realized horrifically that I have been MIA from my blog for over a month, during which I am sure you were all torture with worrisome thoughts of my well being. Is she alright? Did she die of food poisoning from a hundred year old egg? Has she been thrown in a Chinese prison or deported? Unfortunately, I have no grandiose tale to give you aside from sheer shirking of my correspondence responsibilities. So in order to make amends, good friend, I will try to fill you in on the past exhausting, fulfilling and packed/packed/packed few weeks.
~Thanksgiving Recap~
I will admit that in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, I was less than pleasant to live with (I am sure Angelyn & Brian could attest to that). Obvious with the joy of the holidays comes the constant reminder of the miles that separate us from our family. Thankfully, despite my wallowing, the LRD blessed me with everything I didn't deserve. I can say with full assurance that I had one of the best Thanksgivings ever...much to the chagrin of my mother I am sure. We went to McDonalds for a family breakfast (I shudder to admit it, but its true, I ate there) and showed the Chinese onlookers how its done with a game of REAL football. Sadly through a number of unfortunate circumstances: cheating, referee buying, yardage discrepancies, the mighty fell. But the north will rise again! ;o) We had Thanksgiving dinner with the entire family, I would say almost 80 people in all! Foreigners and Chinese from all over the city, family and non. We each cooked western delights so the feast was complete, from deviled eggs to apple pies. It was wonderful to have a taste of home to say the least! And the evening would not have been complete without the most amazing Karaoke moment that has ever been and ever would be...see the photo album...as well as a cup of jo from our recently discovered Chinese Central Perk. After such an incredible day, Angelyn and I decided we just couldn't let the good times stop rolling, so we headed to Wuhan for round two! We spent the weekend in Wuhan with some much missed foreigner friends. Highlights included the best nap I have ever had in my life, Tom's World, an hour long hair washing, and a Thanksgiving poker came (cleaned up at by yours truly).
At this point I would like to make a disclaimer...I feel that my pictures speak louder than my words ever could, and they just plain take less time to read. Please refer to the photo albums here to witness Thanksgiving in China in all its bizarre and delectable glory!
Album #1: What Am I Thankful For?
Album#2: So Apparently the Devil only Lives in Wuchang...
~The Great Tree Heist of 2007 & Russian Hats~
Because I am my mother's daughter, I have an innate aversion to what I will from here on out refer to as "tacky Christmas". You know tacky Christmas when you see it...its the flaw-filled, flashy decorating tactic that once completed is visible from space. The Chinese are masters of tacky Christmas, which they have had the misfortune of believing to be beautiful. I will not go into specifics, I only mentioned it to preface my story with the statement that the number one offense of tacky Christmas is the fake tree. I passionately declared I would NOT, under any circumstances or duress, put a fake tree in my house...so after a failed trip to the tree market...the next logical step was to hike into the wilderness that is my back yard and chop one down myself (as my ancestors did in the days of ole). So I wrangled some accomplices into my plot and we set out to obtain the perfect tree. Of course, because our activities were highly suspect, the tree heist was done under the cover of darkness. Though in the adventure a few "minor" scratches were obtain, eventually the prickly, Charlie Brown death tree came to its new home, natures ornaments and all. And it stands today, surrounded by presents, awaiting to fulfill its Christmas destiny. Some have called it ugly...ridiculous...and pathetic - but these are merely words of jealousy. When you see the pictures, you will know, it is truly a glorious symbol of the Christmas spirit!
In the first week of December we were granted the presence of two beautiful ladies from Wuhan. Danielle and Carole missed us so much, and since we had assured them there were good times to be had in Shiyan, they came for a weekend out in the "country". We spent the little precious time we had together in women's study, a visit to the local orphanage, and in Sunday meeting together. I think it was a wonderful chance for the girls to see how the small but established family of Shiyan works. I wish everyone could experience the China that I am privileged to experience each day through them. There was other fun to be had as well...from KTV to Shanghai Angel Place. All of these things were highlighted with Russian hats, random outbreaks of musical numbers, and very poor Chinese! There was a combination of kindred spirits that turned the everyday exceptional. Lesson learned: its not the location, but the caliber of the company that makes a vacation (see the next post for further proof).
Album #3: Baby It's Cold Outside
~Sheng Ri Kui La A Ni!~
Because time cannot stand still, regardless of how you wish for it, I had the obligation of turning another year old recently. I think I have been cursed to live all my life with Peter Pan syndrome, and since there is no physical Neverland to escape to, I will have to be content with childish antics every once in a while. (A shocking admission to those who know me so well, I am sure) But I will admit, I willingly embrace the practice of celebrating the inevitable in style, and was given a truly fantastic day. Albeit, I spent the morning giving finals, but even those were not unbearable. I received a lovely wake up knock from my students, a birthday banner to commemorate the occasion, and a fresh batch of banana pancakes eaten to the delicious voice of Jack Johnson's musical twin. I spent the afternoon relaxing with friends, and that evening our friends joined me for dinner and the most enormous birthday cake I have ever seen! I was showered with gifts, hugs and love - the perfect way to spend the day. Everytime I am able to see all of our family together, I am so overwhelmed with the incredible blessing I have here. They have welcomed and loved me with an ounce of reservation, something I still have trouble believing at times, but am so glad to accept. I would have to say that the highlight was an incredible gift directly from a friend's heart to mine: the "hit-Abraham-in-the-jugular" dart board. This present is the perfect outlet for some much needed aggression release against a particularly disgruntling superior. Please witness the breaking in of the board below, as well as the birthday photo album!
Album #4: Sheng Ri Kui La to me!
So...after writing for so long, I have come to the realization that you will shortly be bored with me if I talk for much longer. I have left you with more than enough photos to ponder and questions to ask (which I always welcome by the way) I would love to spend the next blog posting getting to the heart of things...so please be watching for a report on Destination December, the PLM & Family News in the next few days. Until then, know that I am constantly reminded of you all - I carry you in my heart.
GWG ~ Jessica
I realized horrifically that I have been MIA from my blog for over a month, during which I am sure you were all torture with worrisome thoughts of my well being. Is she alright? Did she die of food poisoning from a hundred year old egg? Has she been thrown in a Chinese prison or deported? Unfortunately, I have no grandiose tale to give you aside from sheer shirking of my correspondence responsibilities. So in order to make amends, good friend, I will try to fill you in on the past exhausting, fulfilling and packed/packed/packed few weeks.
~Thanksgiving Recap~
I will admit that in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, I was less than pleasant to live with (I am sure Angelyn & Brian could attest to that). Obvious with the joy of the holidays comes the constant reminder of the miles that separate us from our family. Thankfully, despite my wallowing, the LRD blessed me with everything I didn't deserve. I can say with full assurance that I had one of the best Thanksgivings ever...much to the chagrin of my mother I am sure. We went to McDonalds for a family breakfast (I shudder to admit it, but its true, I ate there) and showed the Chinese onlookers how its done with a game of REAL football. Sadly through a number of unfortunate circumstances: cheating, referee buying, yardage discrepancies, the mighty fell. But the north will rise again! ;o) We had Thanksgiving dinner with the entire family, I would say almost 80 people in all! Foreigners and Chinese from all over the city, family and non. We each cooked western delights so the feast was complete, from deviled eggs to apple pies. It was wonderful to have a taste of home to say the least! And the evening would not have been complete without the most amazing Karaoke moment that has ever been and ever would be...see the photo album...as well as a cup of jo from our recently discovered Chinese Central Perk. After such an incredible day, Angelyn and I decided we just couldn't let the good times stop rolling, so we headed to Wuhan for round two! We spent the weekend in Wuhan with some much missed foreigner friends. Highlights included the best nap I have ever had in my life, Tom's World, an hour long hair washing, and a Thanksgiving poker came (cleaned up at by yours truly).
At this point I would like to make a disclaimer...I feel that my pictures speak louder than my words ever could, and they just plain take less time to read. Please refer to the photo albums here to witness Thanksgiving in China in all its bizarre and delectable glory!
Album #1: What Am I Thankful For?
Album#2: So Apparently the Devil only Lives in Wuchang...
~The Great Tree Heist of 2007 & Russian Hats~
Because I am my mother's daughter, I have an innate aversion to what I will from here on out refer to as "tacky Christmas". You know tacky Christmas when you see it...its the flaw-filled, flashy decorating tactic that once completed is visible from space. The Chinese are masters of tacky Christmas, which they have had the misfortune of believing to be beautiful. I will not go into specifics, I only mentioned it to preface my story with the statement that the number one offense of tacky Christmas is the fake tree. I passionately declared I would NOT, under any circumstances or duress, put a fake tree in my house...so after a failed trip to the tree market...the next logical step was to hike into the wilderness that is my back yard and chop one down myself (as my ancestors did in the days of ole). So I wrangled some accomplices into my plot and we set out to obtain the perfect tree. Of course, because our activities were highly suspect, the tree heist was done under the cover of darkness. Though in the adventure a few "minor" scratches were obtain, eventually the prickly, Charlie Brown death tree came to its new home, natures ornaments and all. And it stands today, surrounded by presents, awaiting to fulfill its Christmas destiny. Some have called it ugly...ridiculous...and pathetic - but these are merely words of jealousy. When you see the pictures, you will know, it is truly a glorious symbol of the Christmas spirit!
In the first week of December we were granted the presence of two beautiful ladies from Wuhan. Danielle and Carole missed us so much, and since we had assured them there were good times to be had in Shiyan, they came for a weekend out in the "country". We spent the little precious time we had together in women's study, a visit to the local orphanage, and in Sunday meeting together. I think it was a wonderful chance for the girls to see how the small but established family of Shiyan works. I wish everyone could experience the China that I am privileged to experience each day through them. There was other fun to be had as well...from KTV to Shanghai Angel Place. All of these things were highlighted with Russian hats, random outbreaks of musical numbers, and very poor Chinese! There was a combination of kindred spirits that turned the everyday exceptional. Lesson learned: its not the location, but the caliber of the company that makes a vacation (see the next post for further proof).
Album #3: Baby It's Cold Outside
~Sheng Ri Kui La A Ni!~
Because time cannot stand still, regardless of how you wish for it, I had the obligation of turning another year old recently. I think I have been cursed to live all my life with Peter Pan syndrome, and since there is no physical Neverland to escape to, I will have to be content with childish antics every once in a while. (A shocking admission to those who know me so well, I am sure) But I will admit, I willingly embrace the practice of celebrating the inevitable in style, and was given a truly fantastic day. Albeit, I spent the morning giving finals, but even those were not unbearable. I received a lovely wake up knock from my students, a birthday banner to commemorate the occasion, and a fresh batch of banana pancakes eaten to the delicious voice of Jack Johnson's musical twin. I spent the afternoon relaxing with friends, and that evening our friends joined me for dinner and the most enormous birthday cake I have ever seen! I was showered with gifts, hugs and love - the perfect way to spend the day. Everytime I am able to see all of our family together, I am so overwhelmed with the incredible blessing I have here. They have welcomed and loved me with an ounce of reservation, something I still have trouble believing at times, but am so glad to accept. I would have to say that the highlight was an incredible gift directly from a friend's heart to mine: the "hit-Abraham-in-the-jugular" dart board. This present is the perfect outlet for some much needed aggression release against a particularly disgruntling superior. Please witness the breaking in of the board below, as well as the birthday photo album!
Album #4: Sheng Ri Kui La to me!
So...after writing for so long, I have come to the realization that you will shortly be bored with me if I talk for much longer. I have left you with more than enough photos to ponder and questions to ask (which I always welcome by the way) I would love to spend the next blog posting getting to the heart of things...so please be watching for a report on Destination December, the PLM & Family News in the next few days. Until then, know that I am constantly reminded of you all - I carry you in my heart.
GWG ~ Jessica
Monday, November 19, 2007
Lets Be Honest...
Hello my friends, my family, the random people in cyberspace who perchance read my personal thoughts...you strangers probably didn't realize when you stumbled into my head that you were going to receive a rare treat today. I promised myself that the next time I sat down at this computer to compose a blog, things would be different. I have been concerned with keeping my words comedic, introspective, and intriguing to entertain the people at home to somehow live up to some kind of intellectual standard that I set for myself so as not to disappoint you all. But...lets be honest...the majority of you readers know me better then I know myself. You know my heart, you know my style, and you know I am just not quite posh (nicely placed, ay?) enough to pull this off forever! The truth is this: there are two very real fears hindering my open communication with you. The first is the obvious governmental restrictions. The second one is unfortunately not so easy to scape goat - my own limitation in vulnerability is as frustrating to me here as in every other instance.
I haven't come to these realizations on my own, actually, we have been talking about vulnerability a lot here lately. Its amazing to me how the demons that we each dealt with in America traveled across the ocean and transformed themselves to fit perfectly into our Chinese life. I have to face the same struggles here: being my true self (the good, the bad, the ugly, neurotics and all) with the foreigners who have become my family, revealing to the questioning Chinese that I don't have all the answers, speaking the truth despite fear of rejection, or opening my heart to an honest dialouge with the God who knows it so well it terrifies me. Luckily, my Abba never lets me forget that He is not going to give up until I am willing to be an open book, intellectualism replaced with authenticity.
I am constantly asked, "How are you".
Standard answer: "I'm great! I love China, I love the people, I may never want to leave!"
Let's be honest: "I am great...most days. I have never been so free to laugh, to love, and to relax. Life in China is peaceful for me because my days are spent in a job that is barely demanding, and socialization with people who made me love them from day one. There are other times though, that things are not so great. So much time for introspection leaves me emotionally exhausted. I have been forced to examine pieces of my heart that were covered in America by exams, papers, and an appointment book. Sometimes I don't want to leave my apartment because in here I can forget that if I walk out that door I will be in a different world. A world where I am constantly stared at, giggled about, and the recipient of 8 double takes at once. Where I am the only amazon-sized white woman in a sea of beautiful China doll women. Where I cannot speak to anyone and am left with an intense feeling of loneliness. I miss my family and hate that I am missing so much of their lives here. I miss my friends who already know me, who can see through my facades and force me to come out of any slump that I happen to fall into. And heaven forbid I even voice this...but there are even days when I miss my 6:00 am alarm that catapultes me into a day of nonstop movement until I collapse from exhaustion!
Its ironic, as I read back over that last paragraph even I am surprised at some of the things that I have been feeling. Its so easy for me to separate them from myself, to start to believe they are the emotions of other, "weaker" people. But who are we kidding...I am the weaker person...in need of phone calls, emails, and letters from my loved ones in America. In need of strength from the powerful One above to get overcome the demons that plague my insecurities and to transform my spirit. I have been so blessed though...how many people can couple the intense love of their Father with the incredible cover of prayers from so many who are loving and supportive?
I want to be clear though. There are struggles, but they have not even begun to overcome the genuine happiness I enjoy here. He is working, He is working so clearly! Our family blows my mind, their hearts are so open: to us and to their Father. We are currently beginning a campaign to conform our family, to take the knowledge of the Son and his work from our heads to our hands. This community is about to witness the LRD and we have full confidence that He is going to transform this city. There is power here: it is evident, it is undeniable and it is infectious. I wish I could bring every single one of you here and share this place with you. I want you to walk the streets, to smell the smells (the good, the bad, the ugly...), to exchange smiles that speak more than words ever could. I want to introduce you to my family to my family, my friends to my friends. The day-to-day here is impossible to express through these blogs, pictures could not capture them, words could not convey them. I can only hope that you can read between every line and that I can remember the subtle nuances of every story so when I tell you face-to-face, you will understand.
Its Thanksgiving this week and we are celebrating the American way! We went down to the black Chinese meat market and picked the two biggest, ugliest, chickens we could find. ON Thursday we will chop their heads off and slow roast them over an open fire in an alley on the same spicket as some dog meat...PSYCH! Its too easy... Our Thanksgiving will be truly American, complete with a football game, turkey dinner, napping and dirty, competitive game playing. Then Angelyn, Darla, and I will head to Wuhan for a weekend of Thanksgiving #2 and quality time with the foreign family there. (My REAL reason for going is to pet monkey's and get what is rumored to be the best cup of coffee in the far east...but seeing old friends makes me sound more sincere) I am really looking forward to Thursday, but I will be thinking of you all at home, remembering poker games (which I always lose...), playing with my babies, and the witty conversation of my familia! I am thankful for you all, for God's overwhelming blessings, and the incredible journey that my life has become!
GWG ~ Jessica
Check out my newest photos:
Man, I feel like a WOMAN!
Climbing to Mordor...
I haven't come to these realizations on my own, actually, we have been talking about vulnerability a lot here lately. Its amazing to me how the demons that we each dealt with in America traveled across the ocean and transformed themselves to fit perfectly into our Chinese life. I have to face the same struggles here: being my true self (the good, the bad, the ugly, neurotics and all) with the foreigners who have become my family, revealing to the questioning Chinese that I don't have all the answers, speaking the truth despite fear of rejection, or opening my heart to an honest dialouge with the God who knows it so well it terrifies me. Luckily, my Abba never lets me forget that He is not going to give up until I am willing to be an open book, intellectualism replaced with authenticity.
I am constantly asked, "How are you".
Standard answer: "I'm great! I love China, I love the people, I may never want to leave!"
Let's be honest: "I am great...most days. I have never been so free to laugh, to love, and to relax. Life in China is peaceful for me because my days are spent in a job that is barely demanding, and socialization with people who made me love them from day one. There are other times though, that things are not so great. So much time for introspection leaves me emotionally exhausted. I have been forced to examine pieces of my heart that were covered in America by exams, papers, and an appointment book. Sometimes I don't want to leave my apartment because in here I can forget that if I walk out that door I will be in a different world. A world where I am constantly stared at, giggled about, and the recipient of 8 double takes at once. Where I am the only amazon-sized white woman in a sea of beautiful China doll women. Where I cannot speak to anyone and am left with an intense feeling of loneliness. I miss my family and hate that I am missing so much of their lives here. I miss my friends who already know me, who can see through my facades and force me to come out of any slump that I happen to fall into. And heaven forbid I even voice this...but there are even days when I miss my 6:00 am alarm that catapultes me into a day of nonstop movement until I collapse from exhaustion!
Its ironic, as I read back over that last paragraph even I am surprised at some of the things that I have been feeling. Its so easy for me to separate them from myself, to start to believe they are the emotions of other, "weaker" people. But who are we kidding...I am the weaker person...in need of phone calls, emails, and letters from my loved ones in America. In need of strength from the powerful One above to get overcome the demons that plague my insecurities and to transform my spirit. I have been so blessed though...how many people can couple the intense love of their Father with the incredible cover of prayers from so many who are loving and supportive?
I want to be clear though. There are struggles, but they have not even begun to overcome the genuine happiness I enjoy here. He is working, He is working so clearly! Our family blows my mind, their hearts are so open: to us and to their Father. We are currently beginning a campaign to conform our family, to take the knowledge of the Son and his work from our heads to our hands. This community is about to witness the LRD and we have full confidence that He is going to transform this city. There is power here: it is evident, it is undeniable and it is infectious. I wish I could bring every single one of you here and share this place with you. I want you to walk the streets, to smell the smells (the good, the bad, the ugly...), to exchange smiles that speak more than words ever could. I want to introduce you to my family to my family, my friends to my friends. The day-to-day here is impossible to express through these blogs, pictures could not capture them, words could not convey them. I can only hope that you can read between every line and that I can remember the subtle nuances of every story so when I tell you face-to-face, you will understand.
Its Thanksgiving this week and we are celebrating the American way! We went down to the black Chinese meat market and picked the two biggest, ugliest, chickens we could find. ON Thursday we will chop their heads off and slow roast them over an open fire in an alley on the same spicket as some dog meat...PSYCH! Its too easy... Our Thanksgiving will be truly American, complete with a football game, turkey dinner, napping and dirty, competitive game playing. Then Angelyn, Darla, and I will head to Wuhan for a weekend of Thanksgiving #2 and quality time with the foreign family there. (My REAL reason for going is to pet monkey's and get what is rumored to be the best cup of coffee in the far east...but seeing old friends makes me sound more sincere) I am really looking forward to Thursday, but I will be thinking of you all at home, remembering poker games (which I always lose...), playing with my babies, and the witty conversation of my familia! I am thankful for you all, for God's overwhelming blessings, and the incredible journey that my life has become!
GWG ~ Jessica
Check out my newest photos:
Man, I feel like a WOMAN!
Climbing to Mordor...
Thursday, November 8, 2007
You're a poet, and you didn't know it. But your feet they show it, they're Longfellows...
So I will admit, at times its difficult to remember that each of my students are educated, intelligent and deeply introspective. When they have troubles expressing themselves in English, my subconscious has the tendency to translate their lingual shortcomings into intellectual ones. Luckily, the Big Guy likes to hit me upside the head and remind me of my own stupidity! So I want to share with you some of the poetry that my students wrote for their final exam. Hopefully it will give you the same glimpse into the Chinese culture and heart that it gave me.
The assignment was to construct an I AM poem, then speak to me about it. I was thrilled with the results, I will definitely be repeating the process for future courses...
I AM - by Mathon (my Hispanic Chinese student)
I am an ambitious boy who likes goat
I wonder why the world is so well-rounded
I hear the wishes of all people
I see all the goats flying up to the sky
I want to travel around China
I am an ambitious boy who likes goat
I pretend that I'm an Angel
I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders
I touch the sky, the stars, the moon and sons of God
I worry about the war of all kinds (including mental wars & real life wars)
I cry for the death and poverty in the world
I am an ambitious boy who likes goat
I understand the difficulties of being able to make all wishes come true
I say that we are all kind hearted
I dream of communism comes true soon
I try to make people around me fortunate
I hope that mankind will be at peace
I am an ambitious boy who likes goat
I Am - by Derek
I am diligent and idle
I wonder why does the sun rise so early every morning
I hear the buzzing bee
I see the Statue of Liberty smiling to me
I want to have wisdom vouchsafed from God
I am diligent and idle
I pretend to be an old tree of a thousand years
I feel the body of the ground
I touch the blue sky, the white clouds and the sunshine
I worry about dying of lacking of water
I cry for staying in the same place all years
I am diligent and idle
I understand the cruelty of animals' survival for living
I say we could relax
I dream of our life having many colors
I try to reach a happy place
I hope it will be reality one day
I am diligent and idle
I AM - by Julie
I am a lovely girl who likes the moon
I hope I can have a pair of wings
I hear seagulls fly across the ocean surface
I see the moon twinkle
I want to fly to the sky
I am a lovely girl who likes the moon
I pretend that I am an Angel
I feel the clouds under my feet
I touch the stars, they are singing
I cheer up for the exciting moment
I am a lovely girl who likes the moon
I am sad when I see the poor children in Africa
I want to offer them food, clothes and useful things
But I know that what they are eager for is warmth
So I want to take the moon there
Let the light shine and warm their hearts
I am a lovely girl who likes the moon
I AM - by Sam
I am a shy boy who likes explore and dream
I wonder what it looks like when people live on the moon
I hear the crazy sound of cheering for the living on the moon
I see people live on the moon and working on their farm
I want traveling to moon and have a week's holiday or more
I am a shy boy who likes explore and dream
I pretend that I can sit on the spaceship and travel across the space
I feel the feeling of lost weight
I touch the stars and any other planet
I cry for the people who died because of the space accident
I am a shy boy who likes explore and dream
I understand human will try the best to achieve the aim
I say I will cheer for our human success
I dream I can do what I should to insist to achieve the aim
I try my best to study
I hope I can travel across the space by the spaceship which was made by myself
I am a shy boy who likes explore and dream
The assignment was to construct an I AM poem, then speak to me about it. I was thrilled with the results, I will definitely be repeating the process for future courses...
I AM - by Mathon (my Hispanic Chinese student)
I am an ambitious boy who likes goat
I wonder why the world is so well-rounded
I hear the wishes of all people
I see all the goats flying up to the sky
I want to travel around China
I am an ambitious boy who likes goat
I pretend that I'm an Angel
I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders
I touch the sky, the stars, the moon and sons of God
I worry about the war of all kinds (including mental wars & real life wars)
I cry for the death and poverty in the world
I am an ambitious boy who likes goat
I understand the difficulties of being able to make all wishes come true
I say that we are all kind hearted
I dream of communism comes true soon
I try to make people around me fortunate
I hope that mankind will be at peace
I am an ambitious boy who likes goat
I Am - by Derek
I am diligent and idle
I wonder why does the sun rise so early every morning
I hear the buzzing bee
I see the Statue of Liberty smiling to me
I want to have wisdom vouchsafed from God
I am diligent and idle
I pretend to be an old tree of a thousand years
I feel the body of the ground
I touch the blue sky, the white clouds and the sunshine
I worry about dying of lacking of water
I cry for staying in the same place all years
I am diligent and idle
I understand the cruelty of animals' survival for living
I say we could relax
I dream of our life having many colors
I try to reach a happy place
I hope it will be reality one day
I am diligent and idle
I AM - by Julie
I am a lovely girl who likes the moon
I hope I can have a pair of wings
I hear seagulls fly across the ocean surface
I see the moon twinkle
I want to fly to the sky
I am a lovely girl who likes the moon
I pretend that I am an Angel
I feel the clouds under my feet
I touch the stars, they are singing
I cheer up for the exciting moment
I am a lovely girl who likes the moon
I am sad when I see the poor children in Africa
I want to offer them food, clothes and useful things
But I know that what they are eager for is warmth
So I want to take the moon there
Let the light shine and warm their hearts
I am a lovely girl who likes the moon
I AM - by Sam
I am a shy boy who likes explore and dream
I wonder what it looks like when people live on the moon
I hear the crazy sound of cheering for the living on the moon
I see people live on the moon and working on their farm
I want traveling to moon and have a week's holiday or more
I am a shy boy who likes explore and dream
I pretend that I can sit on the spaceship and travel across the space
I feel the feeling of lost weight
I touch the stars and any other planet
I cry for the people who died because of the space accident
I am a shy boy who likes explore and dream
I understand human will try the best to achieve the aim
I say I will cheer for our human success
I dream I can do what I should to insist to achieve the aim
I try my best to study
I hope I can travel across the space by the spaceship which was made by myself
I am a shy boy who likes explore and dream
Monday, October 22, 2007
Praise Him in the Dance
I know, I know! I will tell you now what I tell each of my friends as I try desperately to redeem myself...I am the world's worst long distance communicator! Ask my mother, she can vouch for that with the numerous voicemails requesting my response to no avail; hopefully she reads this blog before dialing the embassies...
Well, a lot has happened in the month since I last updated you all. Teaching is surprisingly great! I am teaching 5 different classes, most of them oral English for majors. My students are a blast, they are sweet and so eager (for the most part, there are always the sleepers in the back, but I try not to turn that into a personal affront!). We have covered American politics, movies, media, etc. We actually have a lot of freedom to teach our students about American culture, along with the actual English speaking. Today we turned out the lights, lit some jack-o-lanterns and introduced the Chinese to "A Telltale Heart" in honor of All Hallow's Eve. I try to start each class with an American Song, so classics like "America", "Hotel California", "Hey Jude" are a must. I even let my freshman bully me into singing for them and teaching "My Girl". They are shameless and so darn adorable! I am putty, but happy to be so! I've enjoyed the outside of class time with my students just as much. They are just thrilled every time they get to use their English; so there are lots of movie nights, pizza parties, sports times...anything that we can do together. Check out the album below to see bits and pieces of my life in Chiner!
Settling into Life: http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008853&l=20936&id=160200020
I have been enjoying my days off as much as my days on! Early in September I took a weekend trip to visit the team and family in Danjangkuo. Danjangkuo is also the home of a world famous dam (D-A-M, as Wind would emphasize) that is supposedly the instigator of the largest water reservoir in the world. And of course, the vacation of all vacations: National Holiday in Beijing! I hit the capital city with Rusty, Brittany and Sarah, as well as two Chinese students. We saw EVERYTHING! We danced on the Great Wall (Yeah for promises kept, Sarah!), so according to Chairman Mao, I am now officially Chinese! We explored the Ming Tombs and The Forbidden City, which actually IS a city in the midst of Beijing. We hit Tiananmen Square at night and posed as the token foreigner for a million pictures. We did the Summer Palace, built cause one city wasn't enough for the Emperor's satisfaction. But I am glad for his excessiveness, it was the most beautiful place I have ever been! Beihai Park was a wonderful place of rest in the middle of a crazy busy city, but by far and away the Temple of Heaven was the best entertainment we had! We got to the gate by 7:00 am to watch the elderly community participate in Tai Chi, Fan Dancing and Kung Fu. The nightlife, the shopping, the STARBUCKS COFFEE!!! Most of my pictures are dedicated to my travels there and they speak far more eloquent words than I ever could. Please check them out!
Beijing Part 1: http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008693&l=9889a&id=160200020
Beijing Part 2: http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008694&l=fa02d&id=160200020
Beijing Part 3: http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008695&l=a0147&id=160200020
Beijing Part 4: http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008696&l=c3689&id=160200020
Beijing Part 5: http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008697&l=64f6a&id=160200020
Well, teaching and traveling is one thing, but there are more important aspects to address concerning my life here. The family here is such an unspeakable blessing. I am amazed by them everyday. The foreigners have such individual personalities, with their own spiritual blessings, struggles and comedic genius. Its incredible to be in such a unique place in life, but to have so many people right there with you. And the family members are phenomenal. I am learning more from their innocent wonder and thirst for knowledge than I could have imagined. In fact, I am speechless to express how I feel when I think about what is happening here. He is amazing, what else can I say?
Of course, along with all the good comes the same old struggles. There is so much good happening here that the devil cannot stay away. I am under constant watch and attack. The same insecurities and lack of discipline that plagued me in America had no problem making the journey across the ocean with me. I have days when I am completely lost, and am constantly searching for answers to the millions questions surrounding my purpose and my future. Having so much time to breathe and experience peace has also opened my heart up to more invasion. I'll be honest, its hard. Everyday is a beautiful disaster on the inside, that is for certain. But I am so grateful for each minute of refinement. I'll Praise Him in the Dance, right? And I will take advantage of this time to discover who I am. I guess China has found me extremely introspective, and I am searching very hard for my identity as His Child. I find it almost ironic, I knew that I would find myself at college, but it is becoming obvious to me that it will be much more so as professor than student!
So all in all, I am really well. All of you who are worrying, don't! All of you who are lifting me up, keep doing so! I am always aware of the covering of love over me. I would love to hear from all of you: emails (jessica.boffey@yahoo.com), phone calls (1-360-566-2881), letters (email me for an address if you don't have it already), smoke signals, Morse code, Pony Express! I miss you all...please don't take my horrific lack of communication as an indication otherwise! You are in my heart, on my mind, and the constant subject of my talks with my Abba.
GWG ~ Jessica
Well, a lot has happened in the month since I last updated you all. Teaching is surprisingly great! I am teaching 5 different classes, most of them oral English for majors. My students are a blast, they are sweet and so eager (for the most part, there are always the sleepers in the back, but I try not to turn that into a personal affront!). We have covered American politics, movies, media, etc. We actually have a lot of freedom to teach our students about American culture, along with the actual English speaking. Today we turned out the lights, lit some jack-o-lanterns and introduced the Chinese to "A Telltale Heart" in honor of All Hallow's Eve. I try to start each class with an American Song, so classics like "America", "Hotel California", "Hey Jude" are a must. I even let my freshman bully me into singing for them and teaching "My Girl". They are shameless and so darn adorable! I am putty, but happy to be so! I've enjoyed the outside of class time with my students just as much. They are just thrilled every time they get to use their English; so there are lots of movie nights, pizza parties, sports times...anything that we can do together. Check out the album below to see bits and pieces of my life in Chiner!Settling into Life: http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008853&l=20936&id=160200020
I have been enjoying my days off as much as my days on! Early in September I took a weekend trip to visit the team and family in Danjangkuo. Danjangkuo is also the home of a world famous dam (D-A-M, as Wind would emphasize) that is supposedly the instigator of the largest water reservoir in the world. And of course, the vacation of all vacations: National Holiday in Beijing! I hit the capital city with Rusty, Brittany and Sarah, as well as two Chinese students. We saw EVERYTHING! We danced on the Great Wall (Yeah for promises kept, Sarah!), so according to Chairman Mao, I am now officially Chinese! We explored the Ming Tombs and The Forbidden City, which actually IS a city in the midst of Beijing. We hit Tiananmen Square at night and posed as the token foreigner for a million pictures. We did the Summer Palace, built cause one city wasn't enough for the Emperor's satisfaction. But I am glad for his excessiveness, it was the most beautiful place I have ever been! Beihai Park was a wonderful place of rest in the middle of a crazy busy city, but by far and away the Temple of Heaven was the best entertainment we had! We got to the gate by 7:00 am to watch the elderly community participate in Tai Chi, Fan Dancing and Kung Fu. The nightlife, the shopping, the STARBUCKS COFFEE!!! Most of my pictures are dedicated to my travels there and they speak far more eloquent words than I ever could. Please check them out!Beijing Part 1: http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008693&l=9889a&id=160200020
Beijing Part 2: http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008694&l=fa02d&id=160200020
Beijing Part 3: http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008695&l=a0147&id=160200020
Beijing Part 4: http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008696&l=c3689&id=160200020
Beijing Part 5: http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008697&l=64f6a&id=160200020
Well, teaching and traveling is one thing, but there are more important aspects to address concerning my life here. The family here is such an unspeakable blessing. I am amazed by them everyday. The foreigners have such individual personalities, with their own spiritual blessings, struggles and comedic genius. Its incredible to be in such a unique place in life, but to have so many people right there with you. And the family members are phenomenal. I am learning more from their innocent wonder and thirst for knowledge than I could have imagined. In fact, I am speechless to express how I feel when I think about what is happening here. He is amazing, what else can I say?
Of course, along with all the good comes the same old struggles. There is so much good happening here that the devil cannot stay away. I am under constant watch and attack. The same insecurities and lack of discipline that plagued me in America had no problem making the journey across the ocean with me. I have days when I am completely lost, and am constantly searching for answers to the millions questions surrounding my purpose and my future. Having so much time to breathe and experience peace has also opened my heart up to more invasion. I'll be honest, its hard. Everyday is a beautiful disaster on the inside, that is for certain. But I am so grateful for each minute of refinement. I'll Praise Him in the Dance, right? And I will take advantage of this time to discover who I am. I guess China has found me extremely introspective, and I am searching very hard for my identity as His Child. I find it almost ironic, I knew that I would find myself at college, but it is becoming obvious to me that it will be much more so as professor than student!So all in all, I am really well. All of you who are worrying, don't! All of you who are lifting me up, keep doing so! I am always aware of the covering of love over me. I would love to hear from all of you: emails (jessica.boffey@yahoo.com), phone calls (1-360-566-2881), letters (email me for an address if you don't have it already), smoke signals, Morse code, Pony Express! I miss you all...please don't take my horrific lack of communication as an indication otherwise! You are in my heart, on my mind, and the constant subject of my talks with my Abba.
GWG ~ Jessica
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Let me share this Whole New World with you...
It is said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, so I hope that my darling laotong will not mind if I take a page from her book and share with you all a list detailing my observations of this amazing country. As I walk the streets, meet the people, and watch the cultural manifestations in Shiyan I am struck not by our differences (though they can be vast) but our commonalities. These universal facets of life are refreshing, giving me great comfort in the difficult days when everything I know seems so far away. So without further adieu:
(which may I just proudly say, there are at least 47 Chinese students who now know the meaning of this theatrical slang!)
Universalities
*Beautiful babies who do not recognize the color of a face, but the smile on it
*The deliciousness of Chinese food (you think its good in the states...oh man)
*Flirtatious men
*The blessing of a rainy day spent with friends
*My ability to stick my foot in my mouth!
*My inability to do anything useful in a kitchen
*The subconscious feeling that there is something bigger out there
*The healing power of a piece of chocolate
*Women worrying about their weight
*Random Acts of Kindness
*Secret love affairs
*The game of Spades is top ten
*Prank phone calls at 12:01 am
*Inherent respect for, and a desire to glean wisdom from, the elderly
*Boy Bands (unfortunately)
*A man's need to be strong
*A woman's need to be loved
*Students falling asleep in class
*Materialism
*Poverty
*Obsession with celebrity
*The unbelievable beauty of His creation
*The destructive power of jealousy
*The empowerment of a compliment
*McDonald's is slow suicide
*The unparalleled comfort of The Word
*The disconnect of a government from its people
*Potty humor
*Bad dancers (who have the misguided impression they are fantastic and must share their gift)
*The alienation that is created by arrogance
*The need for acceptance
*The pleasure of a strong, black, steaming cup of coffee
*An effect of a mother's love on one's formation
*The destructiveness of a father's mistreatment
*Fascination with disaster, from car accidents to fashion faux pas
*On that note...fashion faux pas!
*The need to be rescued
I could go on and on...I had thought at first about listing the differences between America and China, but I realized it be a short list. "Nationality" doesn't lead to much interesting conversation. At first I was shocked to learn the truth that we are not so different, but then I realized it shouldn't surprise me: we all come from the same great love and are made in the image of the same infallible power. We were all meant to serve the same master and to be one body. Its an awesome realization!
I have posted some photos from my first few weeks in China. The photo headers will give you an idea of what it is like here. I think I have sad many times, the most beautiful and sad place I have ever been. Here is the link, please check it out! http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008429&l=44a64&id=160200020
I want you all to know I am doing so well. I am having such an adventure, I am happy, I am healthy and I have family here. My students and my friends are so warm and loving, they make you feel like their best friend and the most famous person on the planet all that the same time! There are days when I miss you all so much it hurts, but thankfully those are fleeting moments because I am here for a purpose and have been given great peace. Thank you for your covering, I feel it every day and thrive under it! Please email me (jessica.inchina@yahoo.com), write on my facebook wall, call me (1-360-566-2881), anything! I miss seeing your faces, but I can hear your words and look forward to it every day!!!
(Please remember and adhere to the guidelines I have given you all on contacting me, they are very important. If you need another copy, please let me know)
GWG - Jessica
(which may I just proudly say, there are at least 47 Chinese students who now know the meaning of this theatrical slang!)
Universalities
*Beautiful babies who do not recognize the color of a face, but the smile on it
*The deliciousness of Chinese food (you think its good in the states...oh man)
*Flirtatious men
*The blessing of a rainy day spent with friends
*My ability to stick my foot in my mouth!
*My inability to do anything useful in a kitchen
*The subconscious feeling that there is something bigger out there
*The healing power of a piece of chocolate
*Women worrying about their weight
*Random Acts of Kindness
*Secret love affairs
*The game of Spades is top ten
*Prank phone calls at 12:01 am
*Inherent respect for, and a desire to glean wisdom from, the elderly
*Boy Bands (unfortunately)
*A man's need to be strong
*A woman's need to be loved
*Students falling asleep in class
*Materialism
*Poverty
*Obsession with celebrity
*The unbelievable beauty of His creation
*The destructive power of jealousy
*The empowerment of a compliment
*McDonald's is slow suicide
*The unparalleled comfort of The Word
*The disconnect of a government from its people
*Potty humor
*Bad dancers (who have the misguided impression they are fantastic and must share their gift)
*The alienation that is created by arrogance
*The need for acceptance
*The pleasure of a strong, black, steaming cup of coffee
*An effect of a mother's love on one's formation
*The destructiveness of a father's mistreatment
*Fascination with disaster, from car accidents to fashion faux pas
*On that note...fashion faux pas!
*The need to be rescued
I could go on and on...I had thought at first about listing the differences between America and China, but I realized it be a short list. "Nationality" doesn't lead to much interesting conversation. At first I was shocked to learn the truth that we are not so different, but then I realized it shouldn't surprise me: we all come from the same great love and are made in the image of the same infallible power. We were all meant to serve the same master and to be one body. Its an awesome realization!
I have posted some photos from my first few weeks in China. The photo headers will give you an idea of what it is like here. I think I have sad many times, the most beautiful and sad place I have ever been. Here is the link, please check it out! http://lcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008429&l=44a64&id=160200020I want you all to know I am doing so well. I am having such an adventure, I am happy, I am healthy and I have family here. My students and my friends are so warm and loving, they make you feel like their best friend and the most famous person on the planet all that the same time! There are days when I miss you all so much it hurts, but thankfully those are fleeting moments because I am here for a purpose and have been given great peace. Thank you for your covering, I feel it every day and thrive under it! Please email me (jessica.inchina@yahoo.com), write on my facebook wall, call me (1-360-566-2881), anything! I miss seeing your faces, but I can hear your words and look forward to it every day!!!
(Please remember and adhere to the guidelines I have given you all on contacting me, they are very important. If you need another copy, please let me know)
GWG - Jessica
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