Hello, Indiana

On Thursday morning, before the temperature was able to hit a million degrees in Topeka, Andrea and I headed east in a little black Ford. We drove and drove all day until we reached my new home of Bloomington, Indiana. Sometimes I can't remember why on earth I chose Indiana, but somehow it was chosen for me.

Anyways, here I am sitting at my little white desk, surrounded by all of my Chinese mementos. In fact, I also seem to be surrounded by Chinese people. I almost want to laugh. As Andrea and I have been out and about yesterday and today, 90% of every person we see is Chinese! I can understand a lot of what they're saying, and I feel like I'm in China. White Americans are a rare sight at the moment, which is fine with me. Classes don't start for another couple of weeks, so apparently only the Asians hang out here all summer. I'm excited to make some Chinese friends!

Actually I'm excited to make friends in general. I met one of my neighbors who is from Wisconsin, and about the same age as I am. We also happen to be in the same grad school program. Everything's feeling a bit more like home. Andrea is staying with me for a few days, and I'm so thankful for her company and help! She's been hanging curtains, cleaning stuff, and just being an eager beaver about life.

Yesterday we went around town, browsed through an Asian food market, and finished putting together my baby apartment. I must say it's looking pretty nice. I'll have to take some pictures in a few days. This whole town and college are a little overwhelming. The town is really nice and diverse. People recycle, bike, do artsy things, and eat ethnic food. And the campus itself is a million times more beautiful than I could have expected.

After dinner Andrea and I trekked to campus to see where I'll be taking most of my classes. We took a path all the way by an old farmstead, under some still-used train tracks, past some prairie, and by a lot of Asian noodle restaurants. And there, upon a tree-lined hill, is the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. It's a decent 30 minute trek. Thank goodness Bloomington has great public transportation. I anticipate taking the bus a lot.

Then this morning we went to the farmer's market, which was very Americana. I wanted to buy everything, but didn't. Then we went to campus again to explore some more. The buildings are gorgeous and old. There are even forests on campus! It's like a movie.

Thanks as always for your thoughts! I will leave you with just a few pictures to peruse...


A giant cross in the middle of Illinois.


A meadow in the middle of campus.


A cool bridge with trains that go right over.

Heading east

Okay, everyone can breathe easily-- I am not going to take up farming! As a Kansan, you would think I would either live on a farm or have worked on a farm. But that is a myth you shouldn't believe. I have only visited a handful of farms in my young life, and the only thing close to farming I've ever done is mow our grass and fed the stray kitty that hangs around our house. Once I took care of a tiny flower garden, but that basically shriveled up and died.

But in the back of my mind, I've always wanted to have a farm. I'm always amazed at the Father's creativity in the Great Plains here. It's gorgeous! And it would be so glamorous to own a farm, right? Luckily I had the opportunity to go hang out on a farm yesterday.

Andrea happens to be friends and roommates at her Florida university with the only other Kansan at that school, Chelsea. Chelsea's family owns Iwig Family Dairy outside of Topeka. They have amazing milk and ice-cream. (Go try some!) So Andrea and I drove out there to see Chelsea and look around.

First, I noticed how dry and dusty and smelly everything is. Sort of like China, but hotter and sunnier. They have to wake up at about 4 a.m. to get started on the milking and everything. Then they also have to bottle the milk, bale hay, and keep up with all the farm-y things. They work really, super hard. This family would have survived the Oregon Trail. I would have wilted on the Oregon Trail within the first five miles.

So it was a fun way to spend the morning, and we came away with some good ice-cream. But I decided that I still ought to go to graduate school. No farming for me!

Once again I am leaving home and heading east-- except not as far east as China. In fact, I'll be closer to Kansas than I have for the past 6 years. I'll only be a mere 538 miles away!

It has been a wonderful, restful summer. I continue to miss my life and friends in China, but there are also many things and experiences to look forward to in America for the time being.

I've spent a great many moments hanging out with my mom and sister. I've gazed at the beautiful blue sky and felt the 100 degree Kansas heat for weeks now. I've worshiped at a big fellowship and been reunited with old friends. I've worked through readjusting to American culture and speaking English at a normal pace. I've eaten real meat and I've washed clothes in a real washer with a real dryer.

Although I've certainly struggled, I've soaked in His grace. I feel renewed and ready for the next challenge. Indiana is certainly no China, but I bet it will be just as challenging and exciting, albeit in different ways. Please pray for opportunities to connect with a strong community of believers, and chances to share His love with my classmates and international students.

Happy August!


Kansas.


The Iwig dairy farm on the edge of Topeka.


Chelsea and Andrea on a fine 100 degree morning.