An American Girl in a Chinese World

First Day of School. The same nerves that run through everyone on their first day of school were kicking in as I walked up the stairs to room 203. I have never taught at a college level before, I definitely have not taught Chinese. Would they like me? Would they be able to understand? All these worries and thoughts were flying around my brain, but within an instant the madness stopped! As I let go of Jeremy's hand and stepped foot into my classroom, I was immediately filled with peace and joy! Their smiling faces and eager hearts just makes you melt :) I greeted the 10 or so students who arrived early and then began writing on the chalk board. It may be messy, but writing on a chalk board is totally teacher and made my day. The first class went well, it was a little bumpy but for the most part my lesson was accomplished and the students left smiling. As that class left, the second arrived and I started all over. This time with a passion and a confidence. I loved Teaching!

The time has finally come to reveal what you all have been longing for......our home! I really wish I had taken before pictures, so you could see what all we did to the place. Here is the result of all our creativity and shopping trips back and forth from store to store. We don't have any decorations up yet, just the main necessity things...but soon I hope to add some color with pillows, art, and some throw blankets!!

I was on the subway heading to a birthday party for a teammate when all of a sudden a huge teddy bear came walking in. I soon found out, that there was a lady behind the bear. I couldn't contain myself. I had to be a tourist at this moment. I laughed whipped out my camera and capture this image of "China" for you all. I am sure subways in New York are crazy too, but people watching at a subway in China could be a full time job!

Surrounded by sounds of horns, buses, and loud Chinese while walking down a crowded street can seem so foreign and a somewhat out of body experience. As we were walking down a shopping street trying to find our way, to my utter disbelief, I heard Backstreet Boys! Yes, I did stay and listen to the whole song, and it was wonderful! It is funny the things that remind you of home, the thing’s that make your heart smile when you live here. I would never think that hearing “Baby, baby ..ooohhh” by Justin Bieber would be a heart warming experience, but sadly because he speaks English and is totally American, I now have bieber fever! I have really enjoyed hearing some older, not so popular, pop songs and was not expecting to hear what I heard one day shopping for rugs. It was as if the Father was talking directly to me. It was a praise song in English! They had no clue what it was, but to me it was a reminder that He is with me…. anywhere I go! I was praising Him in English in a rug store!

How blessed we are to be loved and supported by such wonderful people! We have had many people ask us what we would want sent to us here. Things we need, like, or just would be fun to have. I have decided to post a wish list here on the blog, in the right column. It is not to make you give, but to provide you with some info in case you were wanting to :) Ann Osburn will be in charge of sending boxes our way. If you are interested, contact her (nanoanno@gmail.com)and she will gather gifts to send out :) Thanks again for taking care of us!! We love you all!

We are here!!! Nanjing a new city to learn, explore, and make home. It is with great joy I can tell you, I love my city! Its a little bit of everything. Here are some neat facts that peeked my interest.. - The worlds 7th tallest building is here. - In 2014 the Youth Olympics will be held here.Therefore, they are making the city cleaner and more tourist friendly. - The Japanese Massacre of the 1940's happen here. - "Nan" means North and "Jing" means capital. It used to be the capital. - We have a lot of trees, canals, and parks! It has been so fun to see a developing city. There are of course China-crazy parts of town, but this city is one to be proud of! The past two weeks have been full of so much, but mostly full of shopping. It takes a lot of trips to the store, when all you can buy is what you can carry back home :) Although, as I have been shopping I have noticed I have a new color fascination and therefore a fun theme happening in my home. Peacock.

Who knew that in a month of training best friends could be made?! I certainly wasn't expecting to form such amazing friendship, but the Father provides in abundance. Beijing was a time of transition, classes, and having fun with culture shock. These group of friends not only helped me get through tough times, but were an example on how to laugh,smile,cry,and dare to live in china. Leaving Beijing was so hard. I cried and didn't let go of my new found "soul mates":) The thought of a home,routine, and seeing what was in store next, got me through the long drive to the train station. Bunk Beds...oh yes skinny tight squeezing bunk beds. It was SO fun! China keeps getting better and better. We had a really loud old man, who felt the need to crinkle his newspaper at all hours, and a sweet snoring old lady as our bunk mates. I slept really well, the sway of the train helped :) It was fun journey and a great way to start off our first morning in Nanjing!! p.s. here is