Trusting in Peace

Nov. 14, 2016
11:30 pm
Beijing, China

Hello, everyone,

I originally started this blog post by saying, “I’m going to follow up a super long post with another short post.” Now, though, I feel like the time I opened a letter from Dad that started with, “I’m just going to write you a quick note…” and it ended up being six pages long. I promise this one is not six pages 😉 Today was a pretty normal day. I went to work, I planned for classes, and I observed Adam’s assessment class (a class in which the students had a test). There were only a few small things that made today special.

1. Today the air was AMAZING! Remember how I talked a while ago about the air quality index? Remember how Beijing was at 300+ one day? Well today the air quality was listed as 26! That’s super low! I actually went outside and immediately took a deep breath. It was so nice to not be choking on the air for once. It was also pretty warm today, so that was nice. When we left work and it had cooled down, both Brian and I mentioned that the air tasted like winter. You know what I mean? When it’s cold and the air just has this fresh crispness to it? That’s what it was like today and it was wonderful. Additionally, because the pollution was so low, we actually had a great view of the Super Moon. I took a picture to share with you all, but it’s not that good. It just looks like a spherical shaped light and it’s not worth posting. But the moon was beautiful and wonderful to look at. I still miss my stars, though. Actually, shout out to my family! Will someone please take a picture of the Ohio sky and send it to me? I need to see some stars.
2. A new teacher started at the center today. I believe I mentioned Laranda stopping in quickly the Friday before last. Well, today was her first day actually in center to stay. It was kinda nice not to be the new person anymore. I do feel kind of bad for her, though, because Brian and I had each other to commiserate with and she has no one. But, Brian and I are still close enough that we remember a lot of the stuff she’s going through, so maybe that will help. Also, we apparently have another new guy who’s arriving with the next intake group. He’ll be visiting the center on Friday before going back to finish regional training.
3. The food court opened up in the mall. Apparently it used to be there, but closed down. Well now it’s back. Brian, Ashlee, and I decided to try it for lunch. The way a food court works in China is that you go to the front desk and put money on a prepaid card. Then when you go to order, you simply swipe that card at the stall you’re getting food from. It’s actually kind of cool. So the three of us ordered food and returned to the center. A little while later, Laranda finished her training session and wanted to go get food downstairs. I offered to help because she speaks zero Chinese. I was actually kind of proud of myself because I ended up having to do a lot of translating and it went pretty well.
4. Fourth and final thing. I got my microwave today! I ordered a microwave on 11/11 because that’s like the Chinese Cyber Monday. It came in today! So now I can actually make food in my room and I don’t have to eat out every night. It’s not the best and doesn’t give me many more options, but at least it’s something.

Words to Remember: 2 Timothy 2:22-26
Challenge: What do you feel after reading this? Where do you see yourself? Are you the infantile indulgence or the mature righteousness? Maybe you’re neither, but somewhere in the middle. Take a minute and be silent with Abba. Ask Him to speak to you through these words. Why does a certain part speak to you?

I don’t usually discuss how I feel after my devos, but this time I think it’s important. I definitely feel a lot different since moving to China. I feel more confident and stronger. It’s weird because most people feel the exact opposite when they move to a new country or start a new job. But it feels right here. I think a huge part of that, probably the main part, is that I feel stronger in my faith. I know that Abba has a plan for me. I’ve given my life here over to Him and am trusting that He will lead me where He needs me. For those of you who don’t know, I’ve struggled with anxiety and perfectionism in the past few years and it’s caused me a lot of problems. Since moving to China, though, I haven’t experienced any of that. I haven’t had any social anxiety about the large number of people or daily interactions. I haven’t had any stress about work. If I mess up in the classroom, I know I’m still learning and don’t have a problem with it. I still carry some remnants of perfectionism, but it’s a lot better. I really don’t remember the last time I felt this calm and peaceful. I know it sounds crazy since I’ve been here for less than a month, but I believe that China is where Abba needs me to be. I just hope that this feeling lasts and that I can remember to keep my focus on Him.

保佑,
Kristen

P.S. I apparently come across as old. Laranda guessed my age today as being 26 because I’m so “mature.” Gretchen decided that I’m going to be the one to keep the center organized while she’s on vacation next week. And Adam remarked that I sounded like a veteran teacher when I asked Ashlee about the Progress Updates (not explaining now) for our shared class. It’s funny because I think I’m the youngest one at my center, but I don’t think you’d notice if you were to be in the office.

P.S.S. I forgot to mention yesterday, but Gretchen and I had to explain to two of the local teachers, May and Jenny, that I’m actually a redhead and not a blonde. For some reason, they were convinced that I was blonde and would not believe that my hair was considered red. Just thought I’d share because I thought it was funny.