Back in the swing of things

Well, vacation time is over and classes have started again. I really enjoyed all of the time we had, and especially enjoyed all of the adventures I shared with some of the coolest folks to be found this side of the Pacific. A brief summary:
1. Shenzhen- a southern city right next to Hong Kong. We had our first ever IECS All- Staff Conference away from the cold and winds of Langfang, and it was glorious! There was plenty of laughter, great lessons, and daily Starbucks runs! The 11 other teachers on the team are all so wonderful, and I truly treasure the times we get to spend together! Amelia, Shannon, me, Emily, Courtney, and Laura on the beach!

2. Shanghai- after the conference I met my great friend Jessie (a college roommate) in Shanghai. She flew all the way to China just to hang with me for a couple weeks! After spending so much time in Beijing, I was wowed by Shanghai's metropolitan feel- it's what they're calling the "new China"- crazy tall buildings everywhere! They call this one the Oriental Pearl TV Tower:
We also made a day trip out to Fuzhou, which they call the "Venice of the East" due to the vast canal system. No Italian food- but some neat sights.

3. Beijing/Great Wall- I had a great time showing Jessie around Beijing. It's fun to kind of feel like it's "my" city- I know my way around and enjoy showing others what it has to offer. We discovered my new favorite Chinese activity: chair ice skating!
Basically, they've rigged old chairs with runners, and then give you some metal poles to propel yourself around. No more twisted ankles! We also had a great day on the wall, and hiked the steepest part I've ever been on. My calves doubled in size!

4. Qian Xi- After saying goodbye to Jessie, I traveled with Shannon and Peter to visit Sunshine and her family in their home. She is one of our students and a fellow sister. The visit was a true adventure into the life of Chinese villagers- it is completely different than city life. Her family was very gracious, and fed us constantly. Here is her mom making us some homemade bao-zi (steamed dumplings):

I have posted pictures from all of these adventures on Facebook. Click on these links to see them if you haven't already:
Conference in Shenzhen
Shanghai
Beijing/Great Wall
Visit to Sunshine's

Throughout all of these travels, I realized a couple of things about myself. I was reminded that I really do love adventures- going to new places, seeing and doing new things. I hope to be a lifelong traveler and adventure-seeker. Yet, at the same time, I love and even crave routine and schedules. It's nice to know what to expect sometimes, especially here in China. And it's nice to have classes to plan for and tasks to complete and students to hang out with again. I am truly blessed to be in a place where I can experience both the adventurous and the routine sides of life. Come to think of it, we're all in that kind of place. You don't have to be in China to experience the adventures He has planned for you. But, if you do want to have a Chinese adventure, I have a bed with your name on it! :)

Back by popular demand...

I must say, it is nice to know that people out there want to know what's going on with me! Many of you have left subtle (and not so subtle) messages that you'd like a blog update. Thanks for caring! There has been a lot going on here, so much that I can't even think of everything. So I'll highlight a few of the "firsts" that I've had lately.

My first fake Christmas tree:A Langfang Wal-Mart specialty, this beauty stood 5 feet high. It was actually kind of fun to unfold it and design my own tree for once (this is the OCD in me speaking). The decorations were modest (only on the front side), and the presents underneath wrapped in pink Disney princess paper (which was hard enough to find, forget red & green), but it definitely lifted my spirits during my first Christmas away from home and family.

My first donkey burger:

This is not some kind of metaphor or analogy for some other food. I straight up ate a donkey sandwich. It wasn't so much a burger (they call all sandwiches "burgers") as it was like a roast beef sandwich from Arby's, which is what I was telling myself as I ate it. Honestly though, it tasted pretty good, even if I was eating it for breakfast at 8 in the morning. This was part of my visit to Lindy's house in Da Cheng, and the whole experience was pretty fun. I even got to share some Good News with her :) After the donkey burgers, we hit up the local photo booth shop- a very popular thing for friends to do here. Though I'm pretty sure most people don't get 16 pictures taken like we did. We picked out the different backgrounds, and then cheesed it up. Towards the end, I was running out of creative things to do, but I think they're all pretty funny:(keep in mind that these are pictures of pictures-glittery pictures)

My first Paula Abdul experience:

I got to be one of the judges for our department's talent show! Ten students made it to the final show, which was a lot like the Miss America pageant: they introduced themselves, answered different questions, and then showed off their talents, which ranged from singing and dancing to designing clothes out of plastic bags and acting like Obama and Kobe. One of my freshmen, Sherry Carter, did a great job singing "Waiting For You" by Bryan Adams- and she ended up winning the whole thing. But probably my favorite part was the GIANT banner that was made for this occasion, with the ten participants' glamour shots all over it. Here is Sherry singing (on the right), with her giant glamourous self in the background:

My first failures:

It's still hard for me to believe sometimes that I am teaching college students. I guess it's because part of me still feels like I could be one of them, sitting there taking the exam, rather than the one creating and grading exams. My Oral English classes all had interviews for their final- it is Oral English, after all. Though it was exhausting to listen to all 120 of them answer many of the same questions in the same way, I was happy to hear most of them do well- especially my freshmen, who showed marked improvement. My film students, on the other hand, got a written exam- 15 questions about the movies we watched, and most of them multiple choice. Soo easy! Yet they seemed to do worse, and one girl outright failed the exam with a 43%. Due to her lack of participation in class, she subsequently failed the class. I also had to fail two others on account of their attendance. That was my policy, and I had to stick to it, even after the one girl cried in front of me. I'm such a people pleaser, and I hate being the bad guy. But I'm a huge believer in doing what you say you'll do. Let's just hope it doesn't come to that again.

My first Chinese haircut:

Don't read too much into this; I do not have some crazy, assymetrical Chinese hairstyle. But I did have to submit myself and my hair to someone who does not speak English and thinks American hairstyles are boring. I get stressed out enough getting a haircut in my own country (weird, I know), so this was a special test in faith and letting go. When I told the guy (through my student interpreter) that I just wanted a little bit cut off, and that I wanted all of my hair to be the same length, he actually looked a tad bit sad. Some random lady jumped in and said that my hair would look just the same if they did what I asked. EXACTLY!

I'd say that's about enough for today. Now: please, Please, PLEASE tell me what's going on with you!! It is only fair, you know...

Best.Day.Ever.

I told you last time how I was eagerly anticipating our Thanksgiving celebration. I was definitely not disappointed- Saturday, November 29th was the BEST day I've had in China yet!! It started with a leisurely blueberry muffin breakfast with the girls. Next came the Turkey Bowl football game. If you know me at all, you know how I love football, and especially love my Steelers. So I donned #86 and played my little heart out:

(Emily got to wear #10 cause she is the only other true fan)

You'll be happy to know that our team won the game- Emily actually caught the winning TD- in true Holmes fashion. After the game, we ladies got down to business in the kitchen. I absolutely loved organizing a way to cook a pie and make green bean casserole, mac 'n cheese, mashed potatoes, and biscuits with only a hot plate, microwave, and toaster oven.

In your face, Martha Stewart! Eat your heart out, Rachael Ray!

Everything worked beautifully, and everyone contributed to make this amazing meal happen. Both my stomach and heart were very full.

Check out all of the Turkey Bowl pics on Facebook!

The adventures and new experiences continue. Tomorrow (Friday) I'm getting on a bus with my student (and friend) Lindy to travel to her hometown and spend the night with her family. This will be my first official visit into the unknown of a Chinese home. While deep down I am excited and honored at the invitation, I am frankly a little nervous about it. I know there will be lots of food and that's about it. What will we do? What will we talk about? Are they expecting me to put on a show or something? Where am I going to sleep? How am I going to sleep without my fan?? One thing I cannot let myself forget: HE will go with me, HE will be there. And this is an amazing opportunity to let His light shine through me. I could be the first believer to ever set foot in their home! Now that is a humbling thought.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from the Father and not from us." May they see through this simple jar to the true treasure inside. That is my hope, my desire.

Giving thanks, with a grateful heart

If I didn't have a calendar to remind me, I probably wouldn't know that today is Thanksgiving day. All of the usual suspects are missing: no grocery stores tempting me with discounted turkeys and yams, no Macy's parade, no Pittsburgh gray skies and snow flurries, no giant newspaper full of ads for stores opening at 5 am tomorrow, no trip home to see my family. All that's left is the knowledge that this day is set aside simply to be thankful. As I taught my students about Thanksgiving this week, it was wonderful to realize that you don't need decorations or special music or lots of gifts or even certain food to celebrate His abundant provision. Aside from the familiarity of being with my family, I'm not missing anything this holiday. If anything, I have more gratitude and joy in my heart than usual. Everything else has been stripped away and I'm left with a clear view of all that He's given me.
"Thanks be to Him for his indescribable gift!"
I am SO blessed, beyond words. If you're reading this (which you obviously are), then you should know that I'm thankful for YOU.

So it's been a great Thanksgiving day here- we were given the day off from classes, and my cell phone has been overwhelmed with text messages from my students wishing me a great day and expressing their gratitude for me-they are so kind and thoughtful. Tonight I'll be dining with my great friends Newt, Claire and Tony- though our food will be far from traditional fare. We're saving all of that for Saturday, when the entire IECS team will gather here in Langfang for the first annual Turkey Bowl and Feast. We'll be playing our own football game, and following that with what I'm anticipating as my best China meal ever: chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy!, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, creamed corn, mac 'n cheese, biscuits, and pumpkin pie!! We can find many of these things here, but we're also getting a little help from back home. We're going to cram all 16 of us into one room- and I cannot wait!!

To update you on other happenings: the heat is on, and has been cranking it out for over a week now. In fact, it came on the day after I wrote my last post- thank heavens! The apartment is back up over 70 degrees, and the afternoon sun makes it even warmer. I actually had to open a window the other day- but you will never hear me complain about that! November has officially been the fastest month so far, and my days have been filled with things like English clubs, playing cards with my pancake party girls, and a trip back to the Philip Hayden Foundation. This little guy was laughing up a storm almost the entire time we were there, it was so precious, and I couldn't help but laugh along with him:

Isn't he the absolute cutest thing you have ever seen??

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Facebook albums:
October, Part 2
My birthday celebration

28 is Great!

Yes, it has been quite a while since my last post- but do not blame me, blame technology. It has failed me repeatedly in the past couple of weeks, and multiple times even as I wrote this entry. So to make up for lost time and in honor of my 28th birthday & the return of functioning technology, I am pleased to give you my favorite 28 most recent pictures...

You gotta love double-fisters...

...and a Chinese guy disguised as an "All- American Grandpa"

IECS Teachers!!

A Chinese egg advertisement?

Eating our candy oranges the only way we know how-for breakfast

Heaven on a plate: a burrito from Texas Pete's.

In step in Beijing

A visit to the Phillip Hayden Foundation- an orphanage for special needs children

Lindy with her buddy

They are truly precious!

Halloween festival with Sherry & Vivian

Chinese students make some pretty spectacular jack-o-lanterns

Team Langfang does Halloween: artist, John Denver, Merriwether Lewis, Superwoman, & Sacajawea

using my Sceptor of Justice on John Denver

Of course

Flying away

My sophomore jumping proteges: Lindy, Victory, Kitty, Cinderella, and Fairy

Birthday dinner: meat on a stick!

Birthday KTV the right way: with style....

...and passion

Nachooooo!

Even got Brad to sport the Holmes jersey

Havin' fun with Sunshine!

Birthday cherry cheesecake!

My awesome 3-D card from Jess!

Meeting precious Xi Mei!

Spotted at Texas Pete's #2

Good thing I didn't turn 45!

And if that doesn't satisfy your appetite for pictures of my life, check out these albums on Facebook, if you haven't already:
My Freshmen Students
Peter's KTV (Karaoke) Party
October in China, Part 1

In other news, the weather has cooled off quite a bit in the past week or so. This would not be a big deal except for the fact that our government-issued heat does not get turned on until November 15th. My alarm clock has a built-in thermometer, and the temperature inside my apartment has been dropping a little bit each day. Today it was a crisp 61 degrees. INside. We're eating more soup, drinking more tea and layering to stay warm, but my fingers and toes are still feeling it. Please keep us in your thoughts this week- I'm asking for sunny days and a cheery attitude. And who knows, maybe heat day will come early this year?

Pancake Party!

So, it looks like the theme of my time here in China is going to be "pancakes". Oh well, guess it could be worse. Regardless, I had a fantastic time last Friday afternoon with a whole roomful of my sophomore students. I wanted to invite them over and share some American food with them, and the obvious choice was pancakes (and french toast). They were so brave and adventurous-even trying syrup (which is super sweet to them) and using forks. They said that they liked them (I have my doubts), but they could not hide their enthusiasm when I later pulled out the Goldfish crackers (thanks Rebecca!). That bowl was empty within seconds.

(Lindy, Rene, Kitty, Fairy, Victory, Cinderella & Lisa)

But the best part was our rousing game of Kwai Zuh- Chopsticks- played just like Spoons. These normally quiet and reserved students were screaming and battling over the chopsticks, and I'm pretty sure you could hear our laughter from a block away. It made my heart so happy because this is exactly what I love doing: sharing food, fun, laughter and His love with students. I was made for this! (YL-ers, you can roll your eyes now) This was probably the first time that I felt totally comfortable just hanging out with Chinese kids.

So, we're gonna do it again-tomorrow for lunch- only this time we're headed out for some regular ol' Chinese cuisine. Who knows what kind of rabble rousing we'll get into this time? Whatever it is, I'm there. That's why I'm here, isn't it?

Picture of the Week:AMAZING!! I mention to the kids that I like to jump, so what does Cinderella do when she visits the infamous Water Cube? She jumps!! Not just once, but several times- in order to get the shot just right. How could I not love these precious girls?

More of my Facebook albums:
Hot Air Balloon + Fruit Picking Festival

My Freshmen Students

Blessings Everywhere

Lately, it seems like there are blessings all over the place. I'm not sure if there are more blessings, or if I'm just more aware. Either way, I'm so grateful for them all-the big ones and the small ones, and I want to share some of them with you:

My team- Brad, Jess, Peter and Shannon keep me smiling, grounded and joyful. We each have different gifts, but belong to one body. We are unified in our love for Him and our common purpose. It cannot be said enough- I am so thankful to be here with them, and treasure the times we're sharing: meals, fellowship, English clubs, shopping adventures, busrides to nowhere, and KTV!

Toilet paper holder-I have previously mentioned how I have a giant shower for a bathroom, and how everything (sink, toilet, mop bucket) is inside. This means that everything takes a shower when I do-some things directly, some indirectly. So it may sound kind of trivial to you, but this little plastic container is going to keep my toilet paper from absorbing shower water. Bonus: it is now handily within reach, no longer hanging in a basket over my head. Yay!

Our growing "family"- As of now, we as teachers are meeting with 4 students on a weekly basis to read the Book and discuss things. Some are new members, some lifelong. And each week , it seems we are discovering more and more students who are also in the family! It is such a blessing to share this time with 2 of my Chinese sisters, and to hear them talk about how much they love the Father, to hear how much He means to them, and to listen as they talk to Him. His love truly knows no boundaries!

Sunday mornings- our fellowship numbers may be small, but our time together is so refreshing, like a desert oasis. We sing, read and share our hearts. I find myself looking forward to this time every week and I'm so thankful that we don't have to give up meeting together, but can continue to encourage and spur each other on.
Jenny Lou's- This little treasure is quite possibly my new favorite store- grocery store, that is. Again, with the food- I know- but we're talking items that I haven't seen since America. Log Cabin syrup! Cool Ranch Doritos! Kraft Parmesean Cheese! Brownie mix! Black beans! COKE ZERO!! Funny, yes- but to me these things are blessings! Unfortunately for my taste buds, (but fortunately for my wallet) it's in Beijing.