We are different, Me and You

It's been about two weeks since my arrival in this beautiful country. The past few days have held a wonderful baby blue in the sky above me and I can't help but smile at all that He has blessed me with. I have recently been in a slightly "off" mood. I can't quite put my finger on why this is! I think much of it is attributed to tiredness and final recognition of just what is going on around me. The first week was run off of adrenaline. Now, I am truly taking in all that surrounds me culturally.
Yesterday the program had a guest lecturer from the government explain how and why we are able to live in this country. I wasn't too excited to have another lecture, but I quickly warmed up to Mr. Mu. He was absolutely precious! He was older and had a thick accent! He shared how most teachers are expected to have a bachelor's degree + 2 years of teaching experience. None of us have that, so he explained we are able to come teach because we qualify as "foreign experts". The qualifications for being a "foreign expert" are: a friendly relationship with the government (check ;), a bachelor's degree (thank you Westmont), and a TEFL certificate (check). We all will receive our TEFL certificates after we finish our classes next week because we all passed the exam we had following Mr. Mu's lecture! We were all nervous before the exam because it was the first time the government was requiring it in place of the 2 years experience teaching. The program directors tried to allievate our worries, but they mentioned that if we didn't pass the first time, we would have to take a make-up test and if we didn't pass that we would have to return back to the States. So one can see why we had such nervous feelings! PTL, we all passed with flying colors :) [It was very easy, lol]. After the exam, a group of girls and I went out into the city to check out the local markets! I was pretty excited because everyone knows China is where all the great knock-off stuff is sold! Well, the markets were scary!! AHH... there were people everywhere, I was so overwhelmed by the close proximity of everyone and all the merchandise! And I couldn't believe I didn't see one nice Chanel or Louis purse!! I was so disappointed (Aunt Steph and mom you are not missing much!) After that experience, we made our way back to "HQ". I have lovingly nicknamed my friends' Megan and Kristen's room "Head Quarters (HQ)". The girls always meet up there and if we're not in our rooms we're always in there! Once we settled in, we all cuddled up and watched The Holiday and Remember the Titans. Although we didn't do anything spectacular, I always find myself smiling when I am around those women. They are truly such incredible women chasing after the Father's heart and I'm so blessed to be influenced by them! I know this year will be a special time of really investing in these sister relationships and enjoying the fellowship of women strong in their faith. I get emotional when I think about how unique this year will be and how special it is to be removed from the American culture of dating and social culture. It is a year for sanctification and I couldn't ask for anything better.
This morning I went for a great run and then was able to have some time to skype my wonderful and beautiful friend Wendy. It was one of the first skypes I've had with friends back in the States and it was definitely refreshing to talk and fellowship with someone that knows me so well. I am always so encouraged by Wendy and her pure pursuit of holiness in her life! I can't wait to grow old and watch our kids play together someday :)
After the great skype date, I went to cultures class. This class today rocked my mind. The Chinese culture is truly beautiful. It is wise and old, and full of tradition! I never realized the history that America lacks- it is simply a young nation. China on the other hand had dynasties before the time of our Savior. To get a taste of this culture here, we watched a documentary on the women in China. I was so excited to watch this movie because I truly have a passion for the role of women in society and politics. Man. So much is different between my culture and theirs. Women have dealt with the practice of foot binding, and are traditionally submissive to all the men in their lives. I wanted to scream when I was watching this film! I COULD NOT exist in this type of society. Along with the differences in the role of women, comes the families' sacrifices. Families will go often months to years without seeing one another. Husbands and wives can and usually are placed for work in different cities. They will see each other a couple times a month if they are lucky. The children (if they have any) usually remain home with the grandparents. The parents will return once a year to visit. The family dynamics are much harder on those seeking to make a better life for the generations after them. I can only sit back in awe of how blessed I have been to be raised by the hands of my parents day and night. I live in a land where independence is admire and not a burden- it is not exclusive from family. Family and independence can go hand in hand. Comparing the differences between societies, my heart sank a bit. The story of the two parents who would see their children once a year became understandable. I will only see my parents once this year. On a very micro-level, I will experience a small taste of what these families have become accustomed to in everyday life. My hope: to be teachable this year (continue learning about this rich and strong culture), to be a fruitful teacher, and to show a different respect than what is common here to my students. I want to reveal that I am not a product of Western morality. I am a product of something bigger- a product of the One who knows me by name and has washed me clean by His blood. If I can respect and love them to the point where they see this difference then all praise be to the One enthroned on High! China might just be a little brighter. Malachi 1:11 "From the rising of the sun even to its setting My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations!" Love and Blessings, CLD