Say what?

It's Friday evening after a few days of training. It's a lot to take in, but it's going good. I'm learning so much about being a teacher (props to all the teachers out there, especially for lesson plans), about this new language (apparently each letter doesn't make the same sound in other languages), and about relationships and sharing our lives with each other and the fun stuff that I enjoy. Many of my preconceived notions have changed due to China and it's culture and people. I'm learning that this year will be growing in my patience of what I had planned for Us to do. Perhaps much slower pace than in the states.

The language is different, but we're working learning it. Dave, my team leader, said it wouldn't be as big of issue once we get to our school, but here in Beijing, it's heartbreaking not to get to talk with the millions of people around us. Literally, millions of people. It's not packed like your always jammed in somewhere though, there are just always people out driving, walking, riding, sitting on street corners - and walking a block or two you pass about 50 people, but you keep walking and there's another 50 people. This is just a small section. It hurts that I can't find out there stories. My Mandarin is so limited/non-existent.  My current goal was yesterday I successfully asked where the bathroom was, and today I asked for the check at the restaurant. Granted those who have been studying it for years told me what to say and I practiced it first, but either way, I celebrate the small victories. I will be working on that and trying to determine how much time I should invest in learning it - to be able to see if I need it alot at my school or just some and to invest my time in other ways. So if you want to join me in asking for help with learning the language, I'd appreciate it.

That really makes me appreciate Him even more. Knowing he can speak ever language, in every dialect, with the right tones, accents, and rhythm, but not only that, He speak them all at the same time, while simultaneously listening to our requests, celebrations, and breaking hearts... and respond appropriately to each. Wow. He's good. I Love him even more for that.

Love you guys too, and I'll talk to you soon.