Tis the Season for Overwhelming Yourself

(For recent, December photos, click here)
You would think that outside of America, in a country where the vast majority of people have NO IDEA what the Christmas season really entails...that one could enjoy a nice relaxing holiday season. One would be wrong...December is filled not only with holiday happenings, but final exams, spring festival preparations and all the usual day to day activities. Oh yeah, and lets throw in some puppies! Amidst all the craziness, I once again neglected to write on the last three weeks events until the last minute. My apologies are becoming redundant, so lets forgive with the spirit of Christmas cheer and move on.

Three weeks ago, two of my favorite former students (current friends) called me to say that they had an emergency and wanted to see me immediately. They arrived in my home, I left the room for two seconds, and when I came back there was a puppy sitting on my couch! An adorable, shovel faced China puppy! Squealing, I scooped her up and smothered her with love, only to see another little brown ball of fur come bounding at me from across the room. TWO puppies! Turns out, Lawrence and Christina had been plotting the perfect birthday present, and wanted to give Angelyn and I something to attempt to fill the void in our pet lives after the loss of Lucy. So that is the story of how SimSim Bashful and Trixi came into our lives. They have destroyed my house, doubled in size, and kept me up at all hours of the night...and we love them! Angelyn and I are once again extremely proud parents, and developing conniving ways of keeping them, despite the insistence of our waiban that you...and I quote..."Can't have dogs, because their smell is harder to get rid of than cigarette smoke" (Yeah, like 2 packs a day for 10 years smells better than our Pantene Pro-V pampered pups)
The day we got the puppies, we had already broken the apartment code of conduct, so it seemed like a good time to climb the mountain behind our house and illegally cut down the traditional Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. Barry and Trent were our mountain men, and toppled the tree that Barry and I carefully selected. However, our eyes were bigger than my living room, and the Charlie Brown tree became a gigantic force to be reckoned with. After some giggling hysterics on my part, we set to work pruning the beast and she is currently lit and fulfilling her Christmas destiny. Sadly, she is doing it postmortem, as the puppies consistently drank her dirty tree water until she passed...some 10 days later.
Barry and I have had our hands full these past few weeks judging various speech and song competitions. It is the 3rd Annual Foreign Language Cultural Festival, which is a truly terrifying time for the foreign teachers, as its the time our students get serious about showing off their English chops, and the caliber of our teaching is on display for all the world to see. Its hard not to compare yourself to the other teachers by way of your students' skills. Barry and I had some moderately friendly banter on the pronunciation of the other's students, or their singing abilities, and whether or not they waved at us from the stage (and how many times). The Singing Competition was 60 students, singing one minute each of an English song, and sitting there in the front row I could finally see why Paula and Randy love the first few rounds of American Idol so much...it was absolutely delightful to listen to 15 students butcher Yesterday Once More (Katherine, you would have died). We got through it by making jokes with each other, criticizing the other's scoring methods, and unfairly rating our own students much higher than the others. But the real highlight of the event was the finals of the Speech Competition. Oh, if only I had video for you of the opening act...6 girls in "juicy double" track suits bouncing, grinding and shaking what their mothers gave them to "Hollerback Girl" in front of 200 students, 50 faculty, the dean of their college, and the president of the university. The speeches were what was to be expected for the most part...until I heard a voice that made me perk up and feel...at home...that would have been the boy who spent weeks memorizing Barack Obama's entire victory speech and then used it to form 98% of his dissertation on "Flying with My Dream". His intonation was flawless, I was so impressed with his gumption I had to give him a 90. Cheating, plagiarism, these things are nothing in China...and by the time he was finished it was clear no one else had a chance.

I turned another year older. Some of my sisters stayed over the night before and we had a sweet old-fashioned slumber party complete with goodies, hair dying, boy talk, and a photo shoot. My birthday was a day filled with breakfast...mimosas, potato pancakes, bagels and quiche. I got all my birthday wishes: I was not required to do a thing that I didn't want to do, time with friends, a nap, a good book, a Christmas movie, and a full night's sleep with no dogs to wake me (Thank you Breelands!)
Lawrence was one of my very first students, and has since become a friend of mine. A few weeks ago he traveled to Beijing to apply for his visa to America. We spent a lot of time preping him for his interview, trying to form his answers so they could be assured he wasn't just looking for an American wife, or that he wouldn't disappear into the crowd and never return. Luckily, his puppy-dog like excitement and smile won them over and he got it! He left yesterday for Wuhan to catch his plane to Columbus. He has been accepted to Ohio State University's engineering program, and I'm so excited for him. We took him out the night before he left for some classic Chinese food and one last round of KTV - turns out he's wild for it and I think he'll be heart broken to know its not so popular among the Waiguoren. Knowing that he'll probably have to wander into some western bar on a Wednesday night to sing "Man, I feel like a Woman" in front of 30 drunk, ambivalent strangers to get his karaoke fix kinda breaks my heart. He has all the nervousness and unrealistic expectations of anticipating his life in America, so we spent a lot of time talking about what he would find there. We encouraged him to plug into college ministry, or to find a Chinese family to worship with, and to make friends with those who would build him up and love him as a brother. He just recently began expressing interest in the Word, and I am really hoping he finds people in the states to lead him into the light. It was hard to say goodbye to him. I never realize how protective and mother hen like I get over these young adults...until I have to truly put them in the Father's hands.

As of now, I'm in the midst of finals craziness, and have another to give this afternoon. Tonight John, Megan, Trent, Angelyn and I will board a train to meet our Xiangfan friends in Xi'an for a pre-Christmas get together. Hot springs, the Muslim quarter and Starbuck's toffee nut latte's...here we come.

(Although, this trip has a high standard to live up to...and I will be thinking of your dear friend!)

Birthday Musings

Its way too early on a Saturday morning, still dark and quiet on campus, but the childlike excitement of a day that holds birthday possibilities stirred me from my sleep. As I lay in bed, my mind is turning over a list that I stole from a dear adventurer's blog...a test if you will...taken on the eve of my 24th year to analyze just how full my life has been (according to some people).

True to form, a list of my creating would look a little different: completing a triathlon in lieu of a marathon...climbing a great mountain, like Fuji, instead of just a mountain...traveling to a more exotic location like the Galapagos islands over New York City. The list I dream includes skydiving, but not bungee jumping, writing a book about my mother or the sexuality of a Christian woman, and living in a picturesque town in New England where everyone knows your name and your business and where your children think they are miserable. But I'll bow to their list for the moment, if not for the incredible realization that at 24, (a seemingly, looming, mature age...) my life has been really full.

I followed the Father to China, where I've traveled places I only dreamed about, met life-changing kindred spirits, and fell in love with my G-d again. I've been to college, something I take for granted, and been a part of a community that was full of servant hearts. I have had the love of my family, good friends, and good men. I've gone in and out of valleys in my spirit and climbed to the mountaintop. I've lived in the nation's capital, stood in the Supreme Court, and spoken with the President-elect of the United States. I've ridden elephants, drunk snake bile, and snorkeled in the crystal water of the gulf of Thailand. In one month I will be standing in the Louvre, looking with eyes of saucers at the greatest masterpieces the world has known. I have three homes, where I feel safe and hate leaving every time I move to the next. My life is an explosion of blessings.

Today, at 24, there are moments when I feel my age is a gross understatement. When I stand in the classroom, reprimanding a group of young adults and speaking with clear authority...when I listen to other women my age complain about clothing or immature men...or when I walk alone through a dark street in a foreign country...I feel like I have an old heart. And there are moments, when I'm giggling with the Chinese sisters over couple face...when I'm overly-excited about the next Harry Potter book...or when I get still get nervous talking to that special someone...I feel like my youth and inexperience radiates from my face.

Regardless of my "true age", today has found me with a smile on my face, surrounded by the people I love, not doing a thing that I do not want to do! (The only birthday wish I ever have) As the next year stretches before me, I have absolutely no idea what it holds. I have never had so many possibilities, or been so content with following any path. This year, I want to love better and deeper, with the abandonment and "idiocy" of Christ. I want to worry less about money, and more about the quality of the time I spend with those who need me. I want to be nicer to my mother, because everything that I am and want to be is because of her - I don't tell her that enough. I want to do crazy things for the sake of doing them, and learn when to close my mouth to truly listen. I have a good feeling about this...

Someone's Bucket List

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (drums)
4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris (give me a month!)
13. Watched a lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France (give me a month!)
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (Canada baby)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (give me a month!)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia (give me a month!)
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (I've tried many times)
65. Gone sky diving (see bunge jumping above....)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake (when I was 12 or so and the lake was awesome...)
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a mobile phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

In Hindsight

I had really been feeling smug and proudish regarding my resolution to blog weekly. Yet in my haughtiness it appears I overlooked an important fact...the blog is only as good as the information given. As I review November I realize that while I quipped eloquently on numerous occasions (as I often do), I neglected to fill you in on the actual going-ons around Shiyan at that time. So, as I hear hindsight is 20/20...better late than never?

First Finer Things Club finished our second book, Jesus for President. The girls and I had some fascinating discussions around the ideas presented, and were convicted by the ideas of community, love and separation from the world's system. There were some low points too, but all in all, by the end of each night we generally felt just as frustrated, just as inspired, and just as assured that our writing abilities could easily lead to publishing according to certain standards. We coupled FTC with a project Angelyn and I "cooked" up, (pun absolutely intended) New Soup November. Thanks to a gift from the mother, we dined on everything from pumpkin bisque to mexican-tortilla soup. A tradition that was so delicious, it couldn't end according to the calendar! FTC has just started The Brothers Karamazov, despite my insistence that two Dostoevsky novels in one year was too much for any person we dove in and I am actually really loving it. Going in with an understanding of the insanity of the Russian naming system, and Fyodor's classic wit, makes a vast difference.

November brought the 3rd World International Wushu Championship...and yes...we tried to explain that you should probably not name anything Third World if you want people to show up but they just wouldn't listen. Well, foreigners came anyway and as a lot of our students were volunteers, October found them in a state of panic, reading up on Liberia or attempting to learn Hungarian in a week. We just sat back and gave pointers on foreigner hospitality and waited for our "honored guest" invites that we had all been promised. Well, they never came, but thanks to the giving nature of Halley (a sister), Megan and I were able to attend one of the last competition. We oohed and aahed at the foreigners, but were generally bored by the whole thing...you can really only watch so many people gather their Chi before you get bored. It did have a slam-bang finish though, when they brought out children with swords and big sticks, fighting two against one - that was the bloodshed we were looking for! Extremely dramatic death scenes and all the kicks-to-the-chest a Kung Fu fight should have.

There was an election...surely you heard about it. Barry had a student who memorized Barack Obama's entire victory speech, and I got to hear him perform it at a speech competition yesterday - plagiarism or not, that little guy really inspired me! (He won too - in China, cheating is nothing compared to passion and a Y chromosome)

The women in the family got some much needed R & R and spiritual rejuvenation in Xiangfan for a Ladies Retreat. Carie and Brittany pulled the whole thing together themselves, and we were really blessed to have a more mature Chinese sister from Wuhan come to lead the girls. She was incredible, and they were thrilled to have the chance to learn from her. So the foreigners and Chinese were able to split and we were really encouraged with a study on prayer, and some much needed lab. HE is really working through the people in Xiangfan, two of their girls decided to follow HIM after the weekend. AMEN

Despite Brian's insistance, some people understand that every day truly is my birthday. After weeks of keeping me in suspense, Trent surprised me with a weekend birthday trip to see a musical! (Yeah, he's really good) We hopped on a train Friday night to catch the Saturday evening showing of Aida, and it was phenomenal. As my roommates from college know, I am a little crazy for musicals...one prime example being that I had the Aida soundtrack downloaded and memorized 12 hours after I found out what we were doing...so it was the perfect gift. We were able to spend the weekend at Andrew and Jamie Hill's, two foreigners who lived in Shiyan last year and are now working in Beijing. On Sunday morning we got to meet with their family, and I was really encouraged by the opportunity to see what a mature, flourishing Chinese family really looks like. In the afternoon we picked up a Toffee Nut Latte and spent hours walking around the 798, the modern art district of Beijing. I had been to the city 3 times, and I had never loved it so much! I recommend this part of town for anyone who goes to Beijing, I will definitely be back myself. The city was going to tear down the dilapidated warehouse district, but instead gave it to the art community and its completely free to visit. They gutted them all and now its city blocks filled with galleries of painting, sculpture and photography that really pushes the boundaries of what we believe is "kosher" in China. Theatre, Coffee, Art, Asians...it was like for one weekend I was home in Seattle and my soul was replenished.

Which brings us to Thanksgiving 1, and yes, there is a part two. We had a small, foreigners only, Thanksgiving this year because the responsibility of so few of us cooking for 60 Chinese people was too overwhelming. The morning held the annual Shiyan football game and this year I got to be on the winning team... which was shocking, since I was wearing a Tech shirt...and also had nothing to do with the unfair team number advantage. We played at a the middle school's field, which literally sits on top of a mountain and we had an incredible view of the city. Trent and John deep fried a turkey, because if you can't dump a bird in a vat of oil in China, where can you? We had way too many desserts and of course everything was fantastic. After gathering the energy to move again, we had a friendly Taboo - battle of the sexes, and my winning streak continued. Truly, its not fair for anyone to stand up against the mind-meld of Jessica and Angelyn. We ended the evening with some Office, and began the Christmas season at promptly 10:00 pm with a viewing of Meet Me In St. Louis.

Thanksgiving 2 is a tradition that Angelyn and I began last year, which was to go to Wuhan on for their big foreigner Thanksgiving that they hold on Saturday. Two Thanksgiving, two days of intoxicating foreign food, two chances to be with people we love - its just too good to pass up. So we made the trip to Wuhan, and convinced some of our Xiangfan friends to come with us. Though this year didn't include a trip to Tom's World...we were able to spend some much needed quality time with our friends and meet some of the other teachers from around China. Being a returning teacher definitely left a different impression on me this year, meeting newbies, giving advice, and reminiscing about faces that we "Old China Hands" were missing.

Wow...I'm shamed by my rambling, but mostly just overwhelmed with how blessed and full my life is here. When I was preparing to move to China, and even this summer as I visited the states, people were constantly commenting on the selflessness of following the Father to a foreign land. But if you follow my life here at all, or if you could see the day to day interactions I get to have with some of the most beautiful people I have ever met, you would know how far from selfless it leaves me. My life has exploded since the day I set foot in China, I have never been happier, more fulfilled, or challenged. As my dear sister Harmony says, "HE is so GREAT".

Photos from November Days - Click HERE
Photos from Beijing Trip - Click HERE

Love is a Choice

I stole the following from Brad...who borrowed it from Rick Warren. It was just too good not to share with you, as it challenged me in my continued struggle to love more deeply, naturally, and fully where people need to be loved, and not at my own whim and comfort. Its a continued process, drenched in prayer and trust that I'm going to get there by His power.

Meanwhile, I'll be blogging later about Thanksgiving, apartment fires, and two rambunctious puppies given to me and Angelyn...ah November, what a month!

...That you may love the L-rd your G-d, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the L-rd is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers... Deuteronomy 30:20 (NIV)

*** *** *** ***

Love is a choice and a commitment. You choose to love or you choose not to love.

Today we’ve bought into this myth that love is uncontrollable, that it’s something that just happens to us; it’s not something we control. In fact, even the language we use implies the uncontrollability of love. We say, “I fell in love,” as if love is some kind of a ditch. It’s like I’m walking along one day and bam! – I fell in love. I couldn’t help myself.

But I have to tell you the truth – that’s not love. Love doesn’t just happen to you. Love is a choice and it represents a commitment.

There’s no doubt about it, attraction is uncontrollable and arousal is uncontrollable. But attraction and arousal are not love. They can lead to love, but they are not love. Love is a choice.

Likewise, you must choose to love G-d; he won’t force you to love him (Deuteronomy 30:20). You can thumb your nose at G-d and go a totally different way. You can destroy your life if you choose to do that. G-d still won’t force you to love him. Because he knows love can’t be forced.

Request

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray also that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
(Ephesians 6:19-20)

Things that make me adore China today

Aida programs half in Chinese

Loose Chinese women eyeing their foreign tickets to the West

Walking through the 798 modern art district in Beijing, looking at things that "shouldn't" be there and walking with people who make you forget where you are - Asians and Art, might as well be Seattle!

Broken couple face leading to opportunities to share HIM

The belief that Avril Laveigne's My Happy Ending is the best therapy for a broken heart

72 Starbucks in the Beijing city limits

Multiple pants and shirts worn on a brisk, sunny, dry day

Major Railway lines changing their generic bed covers from clean white to baby powder blue with hearts galore

The randomness of a Chinese text book poem (courtesy of Angelyn)

Come hither, brother polar bear.
I share your anger with mankind.
You have been bastardized by Coca-Cola...
A Christmas mascot uncalled for.

I have often wondered, given your sheer size
How big your turds are.
Sadly, they are hard to find.
For they are hot, and sink deep into the snow.

Haven't you ever wanted to just get out of the cold?
Maybe hop a plane to Hawaii?
I mean, damn, Of what profit to a bear is it...
To gain the world at the expense of his warmth?

SOME PHOTOS FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT: Everyday IS my Birthday

Don't You Trust Me?

Last week, I finally completed what G-d (quite unexpectedly) turned into a two year process in my life and submitted eight applications to law schools throughout the states. The first time I began applying, he quickly made clear the path to China, and I put my letters of recommendation and transcripts away, and got on a plane. The second time, I uncharacteristically procrastinated filling in blanks and no words would come to me when it came time for essay writing...and I just knew without say that it wasn't time yet. This year, aside from the expected bumps that my genetic material inserts into my every endeavor, the path was smooth and clear. No hesitation, little reservations. Yet I clicked the submission buttons with a sense of insecurity, questioning not the path I was taking, but my strength to walk it.

I have so many questions, prone to worry and anxiety over the most irrational things. The sense of dread I have at the fact that admission councils in Boston, Chicago and Seattle are judging me...deeming my worth...why should that concern me as it does? My future, my ability as a partner, money, even elections...why should I fear outcomes and results? Behind my fear I hear a voice, almost mocking in laughter, but with an intense, very real underlying pain: "Don't you trust me?"

When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? (Isaiah 50:2)

I have been slapped with truth from the Word the last few weeks - has anyone ever proven himself more to me? It seems borderline ridiculous to me that I even have this trouble when I look back on my life, the ways that I can see him gently turning me in directions I never saw myself going, or the blaring road signs that changed my path altogether! Foreign lands, old friends with new roles, the security of my family. He has proven time and again that his arm is mighty and powerful to save, as well as bless. And what a promise I have for my future...In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am... my eternity is secure so how can I not, Trust in G-d, Trust also in [Him]?

If my past proves his control, and my future his promise, how can I have anything but assurance in my here and now. I am His child, he has a vested interest in my pain and my joy. And so much more than that, He has a purpose for me; that my life exudes truth and brings others to know it. My breath, my waking, the very words I speak and the people I interact with every single day - He will be there, because I come from Him. So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. [So will] you go out in joy and be led forth in peace. (Isaiah 55: 11-12) This is no Aladdin on a magic carpet with an outstretched hand and shaky promises...this is my G-d.

Oh, to teach Democracy...

I'm not going to spend any time talking about my political views. We are of a greater kingdom, and one of the blessings He gave us was our incredible country. Living in China has left me with such an appreciation for our freedom, and more full of hope for where this leader is going to take us. I have trust in President-elect Obama, and am looking forward to him proving himself to us all. But I have the utmost faith in our Lord, who is so much greater than the divisions we create.

However, I did want to tell you what we did this monumental day because it was just too much fun. We celebrated Election Day with the Breeland's party agenda determined by a vote on hanging chad ballots! We watched Obama speech highlights, including the 2004 DNC speech where it all began and his acceptance speech. We pinned the lips on a pig, played a rousing game of Obama trivia, said goodbye to Bushisms, and watched the movie "Recount". Finally, we ended the night with a prayer for our country, lifting up its newest leader into the hands of the Father. Btw...Spending 45 minutes in class explaining checks and balances and liberal vs conservative, and discussing the economic crises, and Obama's future policies - priceless.

To close, I wanted to post this today. From Barack Obama's 2004 DNC speech:

For alongside our famous individualism, there's another ingredient in the American saga, a belief that we are all connected as one people. If there's a child on the south side of Chicago who can't read, that matters to me, even if it's not my child. If there's a senior citizen somewhere who can't pay for their prescription and having to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if it's not my grandparent. If there's an Arab-American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney or due process, that threatens my civil liberties. It is that fundamental belief -- I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper -- that makes this country work.

Now even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us, the spin masters and negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of anything goes. Well, I say to them tonight, there's not a liberal America and a conservative America; there's the United States of America. There's not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there's the United States of America. The pundits, the pundits like to slice and dice our country into red states and blue States: red states for Republicans, blue States for Democrats. But I've got news for them, too. We worship an awesome God in the blue states, and we don't like federal agents poking around our libraries in the red states. We coach little league in the blue states and, yes, we've got some gay friends in the red states. There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq, and there are patriots who supported the war in Iraq. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.

In the end, that's what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism, or do we participate in a politics of hope? The hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs; the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores; the hope of a young naval lieutenant bravely patrolling the Mekong Delta; the hope of a millworker's son who dares to defy the odds; the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too. (Turn's Out, It's The White House!) Hope in the face of difficulty, hope in the face of uncertainty, the audacity of hope: In the end, that is God's greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation, a belief in things not seen, a belief that there are better days ahead.

Oh China, You Win Again

I promised photos - sorry for the delay Mama. Thank goodness you can always blame China for your short comings!
October Days Photos - including Fall picnics, Xiangfan delights and Absentee voting.
This has been such a whirlwind of a week...it took me a few days to recover and muster the energy to even write this blog post. I met with some of our sisters for our meditation time this morning, and we read about "growing tired and weary"...my sleep-deprived, cold-ridden, spent body screamed "Amen!". But make no mistake - it was arguably the best week of my life. (I will attempt to condense, just for you Dave, and downplay the exclamation points, for Brian)

Halloween
To make up for last year's shortcomings, we filled this halloween with makeshift jack'o'lanterns....turns out, halved gourds work too. Trent showed up the the Great Pumpkin to redeem us all, and Kat made a self-portrait out of hers. It worked so well, that I gave 5 pumpkins to my students, and let them have a competition. They were incredible! My sad little smiling gourd lost a LOT of face... We showed less than frightening classics like Casper, Sleepy Hollow, Ghostbusters and The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown...as the Chinese have low tolerance for fear. I lost major guanxi with my fellow teachers when 5 of my students ran down the hall wrapped in toilet paper, moaning like mummies.
In honor of Halloween, the week was spent with a nightly horror flick. We watched such classics as Poltergeist, the Shining, Halloween, the Night before Christmas, and Dracula. So after many sleepless nights, long days of teaching, and sugar induced comas...we threw a Halloween party. Tradition dictates that Qi Yuan hosts a Halloween party, as it falls on the same day that Angelyn blessed the world. So in honor of her birth, we threw an 80's themed Halloween party. Blue Eyeshadow, Pat Benatar, and China sweaters - as an 80's wardrobe is not all that difficult to come by around here! Needless to say, our Chinese friends were really confused about how dressing in their daily attire made them costume perfect! Good time had by all, and the night ended with the annual showing of "Teenagers From Outer Space" - Brian, we missed you. In your honor, let me just say...That is of no consequence to YOU Thor!
Halloween Photos

Oh China, You Win Again
I have almost no words...but let's be honest, I always have some...the Xiangfan crew is amazing. They composed this song for English teachers around the country, and it is sure to be the most successful China Now recruiting tool ever. For all of you at home, finally, something that can adequately convey life in China. Enjoy the video!