谢谢你， 上帝。（Thank you, Father)

Things I'm thankful for today:

-Skype
-dad
-friends that are so encouraging
-packages that bring a piece of home to China
-families in Kunming
-western food
-freedom
-friends to walk life with
-Beth Moore
-the Word
-clairty
-yummy food
-sweet children
-bikes
-legs that work
-beautiful weather
-health
-new friends
-the H.S. (or the "juicy fruit"--the one who lives inside you)
-a brain to utilize
-pictures
-computers
-having purpose
-having warm showers
-having a cleaning lady
-being able to tutor
-relationships
-my bed
-a college education
-people with like-mindedness (is that a word)
-people that have encouraged me along the way
-people at home that are yarping
-faith that is ongoing
-joy in the present
-hope in the future
-weddings
-babies
-family
-friends
-eternal life

Thank you Father for all that You are and all that You forever will be! Thank you for joy. Thank you for giving me a life that is undeserved. Wo ai ni! 我爱你。

Did you get your cookies?

So...funny story! I was at work yesterday and Martha came in the room with a sticky note that was handed to her by another teacher. It said, "Miss Shoe, Have a great Friday! Love, Grace" I was like..."sweet!" Martha then informed me that she thought there were cookies somewhere to accompany the note.

An hour and a half later, I went down to the office to put my copies in for the following week. Some of the admin. and office staff were standing around talking. The director said to me, "Jessica, did you get your cookies?" I promptly smiled/ half laughed and said, "NO...I keep on hearing about these mystery cookies...but I've yet to see them."

I wasn't sure what the story was...and I didn't ask Grace about it. I don't really need to be eating a ton of cookies, and it was the thought that counted.

I went to a wedding feast after work and Grace's mother came up to me. "I'm so sorry about the cookies. Grace came home today with the bag, and there was only one cookie left. I asked her if she gave the cookies to you and she said, 'Oops! I forgot!' I'm so sorry, I'll make you another batch." I laughed and told her it was fine...I thought it was hilarious.

At the wedding feast, Grace was running around...getting chocolate cakes for everyone, so I stopped her and asked her about the cookies. Haha. She told me that She forgot and that she accidently ate one. I told her what her mom had told me...about coming home with one cookie left. Then I asked her how many were in the bag...and she thought for awhile...and said, "Um....2!" haha.

Grace by Laura Story

My heart is so proud. My mind is so unfocused.
I see the things You do through me as great things I have done. And now You gently break me, then lovingly You take me and hold me as my father and mold me as my maker.

Chorus:
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abound?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."

At times I may grow weak and feel a bit discouraged, knowing that someone, somewhere could do a better job. For who am I to serve You?I know I don't deserve You. And that's the part that burns in my heart and keeps me hanging on.

Chorus*
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abounds?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."
You are so patient with me, Lord.

As I walk with You, I'm learning what Your grace really means. The price that I could never pay was paid at Calvary. So, instead of trying to repay You, I'm learning to simply obey You
by giving up my life to you For all that You've given to me.

Chorus:
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abounds?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."

Recent Happenings

Christmas in China was the last big event in my life. It was difficult being away from family. I made it through, and I finally think I'm passing the rough part of culture shock. Unfortunately, it's a constant cycle, and each time the periods you stay in each stage change.

I am back teaching. This week will conclude the second nine weeks! Hard to believe that I'm almost half way finished! I am taking on some new things this semester. I am going to start taking dance, just for fun...hoping that I'll be able to relax and enjoy something that I've always been too self conscious about. I'm also really excited to be going through a B.M. study; DANIEL! It is so stinkin' good!

Lately, there have been many birthday celebrations and wedding celebrations, which are always fun. I'm missing those at home, so this makes it feel more like "home" in some weird way. I have also been Skyping a lot with family (more than usual) and have booked a lot of "dates" with the girlfriends. It's so good to talk with them. I won't lie, at first when I got here, I didn't want to sit at my computer for long periods of time and just stare...and talk. I wanted to be out meeting people and enjoying this country. I still do, but I miss everyone, and really cherish all of the relationships I already do have. I don't want to let them fall through the cracks.

I'm rambling. Sorry.

Oh...Chinese is coming along. I love learning the language. I am now on QQ, which is like AIM or MSN messenger, but it's for China. I get to practice my pinyin (the phonetic spellings of Chinese characters), and just like T9 on your phone, it selects the characters that match the pinyin and the ones that would go together in a phrase or sentence. It's pretty neat, and I've learned to recognize a lot of characters. I can now carry on simple conversations! Jenny and I have not been able to get together lately because she has to prepare (get this) her students (1st graders) for finals! They take serious finals in Chinese schools...and did I ever say that they start their days at 7:30 and end at 6:30? They pretty much eat all 3 meals at school! I'm glad I'm teaching where I am, and that I had a childhood. :-D My other Chinese teacher is really sweet. Grace and I are taking class with her on Monday and Thursday evenings from 5:45-7:15. Those nights usually end up being Ramon noodle night. I'm a little sick of them now, so I'm boycotting and going with the healthier alternative of yogurt with granola, banana, and strawberry instead.

The most recent of news: I'm looking at flights to come home for the summer. AND, my car is being sold! yay! So, Ld willing, I'll see you all in a couple of months!

Okay, gotta get up early in the morning and go teach. Love and miss ya'll.

Country Music in China?

I tutor this little girl Mary. She's Chinese. Today she was in a competition... an English one. I went this morning before fellowship to support her. She did wonderful!

I took a cab to the Educational center in Kunming though, because I had no clue where it was. Once I got in the cab, I called a Chinese friend and she told the cab driver where to go. About 20 minutes into the ride, the music all of the sudden changes to Enlish (believe it or not, it took me awhile to realize it), and lo and behold...IT'S COUNTRY! What in the world?! Why is a Chinese pop radio station playing American country music? Wei shen me? (WHY?)

I thought you readers would enjoy that bit of my day. :-D

Thanks everyone for reading and keeping up, by the way.