Don’t you just hate it when you open your closet and realize out of all the clothes you own, none of them match or go together? I do! I am not sure the Chinese ever have that feeling. I have come to the conclusion that Chinese don’t even turn on the light, they grab some pants….grab a shirt….and they have an outfit.
My first two months, the “pretty + pretty = pretty” concept was so strange. They find a pretty shirt + pretty pants = a pretty outfit. However, just this past week I realized I didn’t bring any good winter shoes and that my feet were going to freeze on the scooter. Solution: Wear some warm socks that don’t match with my open foot shoes….in America I would have been mocked and laughed at. Here… fit right in.
This got me thinking. I wonder how much of what I wear is because of what other people will think of me rather than me wearing it because I like it? I get more stares here in a day than I have my entire life ,yet I never feel as if I am being judged. I never feel like I have to be something I am not. I think this is because I don’t have to fit in ( I can’t), I can’t understand what they are saying, and they have no idea what to expect of me.
It is an amazing feeling! Relieving to be honest! I feel like wearing cowboy boots …I wear them. I want to wear PJ’s to dinner…go for it!
I think this concept goes deeper then clothes. I am beginning to see that here in China, with no other influences, no pressures of culture or trying to live the “ideal” life, I have begun to re-figure out Who I am, what I think, and what I like to do. It is not a selfish thing, but an exciting time to figure out what my purpose is and what strengths the Father has given me. It’s the adventurous journey to discovering Me!
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! ...
Comments
Post a Comment