Training in the desert

Today is day number four of training in La Quinta, CA. We're smack in the middle of the desert with constant 110 degree temperatures. It's a pretty view outside, with huge brown mountains surrounding us. We'll be here for another 11 days or so.

The training is okay. I've met my team and then we're learning a lot of stuff that I can't really write about right now. I'm trying to have a good attitude, but for some reason I haven't been able to sleep. The past three nights I've only gotten about 3 hours of sleep each night. So I'm exhausted. Could you please lift me up to him? I'm really struggling because of my exhaustion...

Zai jian!

Somehow the whole summer has rolled by and it is time for my departure! Tomorrow I fly to California to begin the journey of the next year. I'll be staying in Irvine with two friends from college, Ashley and Jason, who are married. On Labor Day, I will arrive at the training site a couple hours east of LA. It should be an intense time, but I'm pretty ready to start this new phase.

On Sept. 16th, we fly to Beijing and then gradually make our way to the final destination in southwest China. So, folks, this is it! Your thoughts are much appreciated, and I'll be thinking of you! Have fun in the U.S. or wherever you may be! (This picture is of my room I painted to take my mind off of leaving!)

The never-ending storm

Today is my third full day in Daytona Beach, FL. My Mom and I are taking my sister, Andrea, back to college at Embry-Riddle, where she'll be a sophomore! I haven't seen an ounce of sunshine since we got here. We arrived in Orlando by plane on the outer edge of Tropical Storm Fay. It was a pretty bumpy ride at the end, but we managed to get in. Then we drove northeast to Daytona, right into Fay, where we're staying at an oceanfront hotel called the Bahama House. The streets were pretty much deserted and some stores were all closed and boarded up.

We had to stay inside for the remainder of Wednesday, as the wind pounded our window overlooking the churning surf. Wind and rain has been pouring nonstop ever since, and today is Friday. I guess Fay is a pretty historic storm. For three days it sat stationary over Daytona Beach and central Florida, dumping up to 30 inches of rain in many places! Fay has worn out its welcome. It just won't move and every day looks the same.

Yesterday we went out on the beach during high tide. I felt like I was on the Weather Channel with my little green raincoat in the tropical storm winds and rain. We also tried to get out and about in town, but a lot of stores are closed, like Bed, Bath and Beyond, which had sandbags in front of its doors. We stopped at Embry-Riddle for Andrea and the university closed because of the storminess after we had been there for 5 minutes.

I love Andrea's school. It really makes me want to be back in college. The whole campus looks a lot different than when I visited last February. The place was water-logged and not very glamorous this time around. In February it was sunny and balmy, with lots of palm trees and green grass and super smart-looking students walking around. Tomorrow we are supposed to move Andrea into her dorm, and it's supposed to be gushing rain again, of course. FAY, FAY, GO AWAY!!

My hobby of late

The past week since my discovery of where I'll be teaching in China has been filled with all things China. That countdown to departure keeps getting perilously closer--2 weeks. Panic mode hasn't set in yet, but I think I find myself in the "very urgent" mode.

Since I've been a bit of a slacker late this summer, I have buckled down recently and resumed my Mandarin studies in a more earnest manner. The long underwear search has commenced, as well as the search for sturdy and durable, but nice clothing for teaching. Does that type of clothing exist? I've never been much of a fashion plate, but I'm not too keen on L.L. Bean clothes galore. The shoe search, on the other hand (or foot) is almost complete also. I have rifled through my closet and found some horrible brown shoes/boots more suitable for a man but very comfy and weather-resistant. Of all the things to think about, I get the most anxious about shoes. Apparently finding shoes past size 7.5 in China is impossible, so I'm trying to bring a few decent size 10.5/11 shoes (probably giant-size shoes to the Chinese) to last me through the seasons and various events.

In addition, I've had quiet times with the Father all year long, but all of a sudden those somehow seem more pressing, too. In my heart I know why I'm going, but it seems that I've wanted Him to reaffirm it. Once and a while those doubts creep into my mind and this whole excursion doesn't make much sense, like, "Who do you think you are? You can't speak Mandarin, you've never taught a class of 50 college kids, you still don't like rice... " But then a quiet voice replies, "You're mine. Your identity and strength is in me. You may be ordinary, but I've called you, and nothing else matters." So then it all sort of makes sense again, without really making sense (if that makes sense!).

So maybe I don't sound super excited right now, but I am. I love all the nations and the Chinese, especially. I know the Father is still growing and changing me, and it's okay to still have some doubts and fears. It's what I do next with those doubts and fears. Do I let them consume and incapacitate me? Or do I hand them to the Father and learn to trust in Him more? I think the latter answer wins. I can still get scared or worried, but I don't want that to stop me from being a part of the big picture of eternity!

I leave you with a random picture of my future city...

The Revelation!

Hooray! It has at last been revealed where I'll be teaching! I don't want to blab all over the internet where we'll be, but I'll give you a basic hint. It is an average sized Chinese city in the southeast. The province has several dramatic mountains, and it seems pretty lush. Apparently it is extremely hot and humid in the summer and extremely damp, windy, and chilly in the winter. My team consists of five other Americans my age and one team leader. I'll be teaching at a huge private university. It sounds like it will be a very challenging situation, but quite enriching, with lots of room for growth! I don't know much else except I'll need to stock up on raincoats, long underwear, and wool sweaters. Zai jian until next time! I'll leave you with this picture of the province, even though that's not what the city looks like, of course!

Almost time...

I'm starting to go crazy. I'd like to go to China now before I change my mind. I doubt I'll change my mind, since I've been excited about going for the past 9 months, but it could happen. This Kansas sun can wilt you and make you feel less than ambitious about life. I could use an extra dose of motivation to practice my Mandarin and other bits of "homework" I need to attend to. Less than a month before I head out to CA for training!

100%!

(A picture of when I was in China last time, wondering at the vast size of the country. Where on that map I'll be sent this time?)

Hello, peeps! I can hardly believe it, but I have officially raised $10,200. That means my support goal has been met! It hasn't been all kittens and roses or whatever that saying is, but yet again I've been reminded that the Father is always faithful and will provide for His children! I'm thankful for Him and for all the friends, family, and even strangers who have been so generous in helping me pursue His renown in Asia. Many blessings, folks!