As I took an early morning walk today, under the clear blue sky with a cool breeze that I couldn’t resist, I had one of those moments. You know the moment that you know will change the way you view things? As I heard the familiar sounds - the kids crying, languages babbling, the street hawkers yelling to potential customers, horns honking - I walked in my own little world, strangely comforted by these familiar sounds. No longer were the smells of the fish at the wet market odd, startling, or revolting - but in their own way they were just as they should be, and the guys loudly spitting on the ground weren’t disgusting, but instead added to my sense of belonging. I guess in the past I’ve felt at home in a place - of course, Oregon is considered “home” :) - but never have I had the revelation that all these things what once put me on edge or made me cringe bring me a sense of peace, fulfillment, or wholeness. There have most certainly been various moments where Shanghai feels more and more like home, where I return and am excited to see the familiar, glad to be back to my apartment, but this was the first all encompassing experience where the unfamiliar was now the familiar. Watching the old ladies do their dancing, seeing vendors tossing dirty raw chicken water into my path on the street, walking by houses, hearing music blaring - instead of a concoction of noises that set me on edge, it’s become in my ears a symphony, a medley of different flavors, a beautiful patchwork of the culture I live, breath, appreciate for it’s diversity.Yes, I’ve known that I loved China for a while, and yes I’ve loved living here, but today my moment when all was right, when He whispered into my heart through the gentle breezes that this is his home he’s given me, his haven of blessing. I can stand in the assurance and peace I find here, and know that for the time being I’m just where I should be.
Sorry, that’s all for the eloquence... Just to let you know a few updates on the nitty gritty. It’s been a whirl of month - gearing up for school, getting things going, and now keeping the ball rolling. I absolutely love my students - you can’t have favorites, and I don’t know if it’s that I’m more confident, they’re more excited about learning, they love our huge classroom, or a combination - but it’s magical whatever it is. I go into almost every lesson with enthusiasm, singing, yelling, talking to imaginary friends, dancing around the room - whatever it takes to keep the kids smiling and learning. It’s become a place of rest and I love all the time I spend working on my kids, though there never seems to be enough. I swear being year 4 I should have some things more streamlined, but I guess you just get more effective, have more ideas, and create a better environment that all takes more effort - needless to say, I don’t feel very on top of things with my teacher or leadership stuff, but with my kids it’s marvelous.
Last night was our first KG with our new small groups - and boy was that wonderful! Because of the large 7th grade numbers and to promote more cross age mentoring/accountability/mingling, we decided to mix 7th and 8th grade, and 6th and 7th grade. Even just after one night, I am so glad we took the step of faith, and already see blessings from this change. Each of the three MSG(middle school girl) groups have at least 10 students, and they are all pumped up to bring more friends. We’re bursting at the seams, and there is a sense of revival and amazing things in store. He is up to something. We have 80 kids signed up for our youth retreat in two weeks, and had at least 100 there last night in all the grades. It’s pretty astounding.
Returning to friends, knowing the school, having a connection network already set up was wonderful - it has made for a great foundation for adding new friends, getting to continue old ones, and get to see them mix in a beautiful way. I started a tutor last week, and had my second session on Thursday - I’m going to be learning much quicker with Sherry - we went through 3 lessons on one day, but it was cool because I was able to use some vocabulary and such that I’d already learned - made me feel that my first year wasn’t for naught when it came to Mandarin. I’m going to purchase paint to paint my apartment this weekend - I’m paying some painters that are very inexpensive, and just come in and get the job done.
Well, I’m off to clean this apartment - thanks for reading, and enjoy the pictures! We have 1 1/2 more weeks of school, and then October Holiday(1st-8th). The first few days of the holiday will be the youth retreat, and then I’m going to Le Meridian with a couple friends to veg at a 5 star hotel by a lake, do some hiking and kick back! After the retreat I’m certain I’ll need every minute of it! :) I love comments and e-mails on how you’re doing! :)
Enjoy some pics of my classroom! :)
This is my CAFE board which we use for reading strategies! It's awesome!
My wonderful 25 3rd graders - being silly!!!
The LOFT!!! AFter much searching, bartering, and haggling, we finally got it! My kids love it,a nd we're gradually letting the students get to sit up there and read. Neadless to say our class is coveted by all... A couch is arriving this week from a parent in our class too! :)
