Funny how Michael is so verbose compared to me – on here, anyways. In real life I believe I still solidly hold the role as girl – the one who talks more. However, Michael tends to have more actual things to say when he does open his mouth…which is infinitely better than my habit. Anyways, thanks to my dear husband this blog is still alive. I’ll celebrate by writing something 
Yesterday was so fun. We spent a few hours after Church with five kids, whom we are responsible to watch and to teach some English. Their parents all have a meeting after the Church service, and thought it would be a good idea for them to do something productive instead of wreaking havoc inside the building like usual. We were so glad to be presented with the idea – finally, a way to repay the kindness that’s been shown us! Yesterday was our second time with them, but we all really bonded. Michael had an idea to take them outside, so we all walked down to the local park and played tag, English-learning style. If you speak Chinese you’re out! Of course we’re old fogies compared to these 12 year olds, but we definitely kept our own. It was so invigorating to scramble around a playground, watch Michael wrestle, hear my own laughter and feel out of breath. I have a feeling we’re going to come to love these children! We stopped our game when it began to rain, running to a nearby pavilion. At this time one of the girls found my camera and sort of went crazy – I’ve posted those pictures in the albums section. More to come I’m sure, as the weeks go on.
The last post from me was depressing and lonely-sounding, because that’s what I was. Apologies for not posting again once I had gotten over the hump. For a few weeks I was really questioning why we are here, what God’s plan is, why I had to be so far from home to accomplish this plan, etc. And while it’s always a good thing to ask God these questions, instead I just asked myself…because what I really wanted was to feel sorry for myself. Wimpy eh? My family and especially Kathy Jefferies helped me to see what a moron I was being, encouraging me towards trust in God and awe at His majesty. Like every other time I stray and come back, this time was no different! The journey home is so sweet and lovely. Christmas with Michael in this strange country was more rewarding than so many other comfortable holidays with my family. God is binding us together in ways I never thought possible, and this was just one of them. I went to sleep on the night of December 25th so contented and joyful, my husband laying beside me, Jesus in my heart, and the only thought in my head was one of thanksgiving. I’m so grateful for our families and friends. Thank you all for showing us how much you love us!
Now life is both settling down and picking up…sometimes I feel as if every thing’s dragging, I don’t have anything to do, and I’m not using my time wisely. Other days I lie down in bed wondering where all the hours went, and go to sleep dreaming of all the things that occurred that day. I guess that’s just life in a transitional stage…? Either way, here’s a list of what makes this life so incredibly wonderful:
~ Kissing my husband goodbye in the morning, directly before hearing “I love you.” I watch through my silly looking helmet visor as he climbs the stairs to the train station, then start the moped engine up and weave my way home. It’s wonderful to drive through a city that’s waking up, smelling the crisp morning air and feeling the wind on my face. Sure, it’s cold most of the time, but I can feel it – and that’s the thing that tells me I am so very alive.
~ Opening the door to one of my classrooms to reveal the craning necks of my students, whose faces instantly light up upon the realization that it’s me! It’s a special feeling to know that I was looked forward to. There are also dozens of those lightning bolt moments – where the space behind their eyes suddenly goes from being dark to being illuminated. The look on their faces is different in a flash, their shoulders pushed back more confidently, head held up higher, voice louder… this is what I have come to love! That moment where confusion turns to understanding is where I belong. God has made me a teacher, and if for nothing else, I am here to learn that about myself.
~ Turning a corner, only to realize that it’s not strange anymore. I have memorized the directions to certain places, know what’s along the way, what to expect, what will be waiting on the other end. I have become accustomed to my little space in the world, and am no longer surprised or confused by the differences between it and me. In the morning, the dogs on our street bark incessantly. It doesn’t keep me awake like it used to…now it makes me smile, even more so when I hear the yelling of a man and woman, I suppose arguing about if the dog should shut up or not. The surprises are now where they should be – in meeting a new person, discovering a new amusement, or receiving an unexpected gift. Such comfort can be found in the simplest of things! Knowing exactly how the key will sound when it turns in the lock does worlds of good to the soul that’s far from home.
I could go on. God has given us so much in just each other, but continues to add and heap the goodness on our heads! What a beautiful life it is. Thank you for being a part of it.
Love!
Emily
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