oh, december!

Man, I am kicking myself for just now taking the time to sit down and catch up.  But, it's really the first chance I've had!  It has been a very, very busy month!  This post will be just as busy.  :)

                                           
       WE GOT OUR FIRST CHINA PACKAGE!

This was a BIG DEAL because the first package my mom sent (about 2 months ago) still hasn't arrived.  I still haven't come to terms with the idea that it probably isn't going to.  BUT, the Christmas package did!   And we were so excited.  Thank you, Mimi (and Grandma)!

EMILY'S CHRISTMAS CONCERT



The first row are some of my Kindergarteners.  I love how
Emily knows right where her Mommy is at all times.  :)

WE FOUND A BALLET CLASS!

Emily was enrolled in a tumbling class in The States before coming to China and we were really hoping we would be able to find some sort of class to keep her active and interested.  She's become very interested in ballet and even coordinates her own routines on her "stage" in her bedroom.  We have been searching for a class since we got here, but haven't found anything that fits until last week.  We found a class with only 4 little girls including Emily, and she absolutely loved it!  The entire hour and a half class is instructed in Chinese.  I have a whole new persepective and respect for all my English language learners!  It was tough, but much fun!  We plan to continue the class through out the year.

The girl next to her is "Joy", my
Chinese teacher's daughter.

     



Emily watched for about 30 minutes before deciding to join.
I sat beside her for 20 minutes before she allowed me to
leave her side.  This is the the last 15 minutes of class, but I
think she's going to do just fine!  She has been begging to
go back.

   HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE AMBER!

Oh, we just love Amber!  We met her when we came

to China 2 summers ago and we clicked right away. :)

Amber has played a huge part in helping us transition into

China life and she treats Emily like she is her own.  Emily just adores her.  We celebrated Amber's birthday last week by going to a yummy Italian restaurant.  It was definitely a treat!  We found these goofy picture displays on our way.

 Amber and Emily

Me 

                                             

FACULTY AND FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY

Emily rolling the gingerbread dough the night before (and

trying on her dress the night before)

Good job, Emily! 

               

                                 



                                   Amber, Anna, and Emily

MERRY CHRISTMAS CHINA STYLE!

Nope, your eyes are not playing tricks on

you... I am wearing a onesie.  (Courtesy

of Amber)  Emily will now be begging me

to match her while we sleep every night.

Thanks Amber!

PEACE IN THE CHAOS

As you can tell, we have been busy and we have had a lot of fun!  I have enjoyed making new friends, eating new foods, learning a new language and learning new things. But I also don't want to fool you with all the smiles and adventures. Being in China has also been one of the most stressful, overwhelming, and chaotic times of my life. I'm still learning how to be a mother here. I've spent 5 years trying to "figure it all out", and I feel like I'm starting all over.  I'm still trying to learn how to teach my own child. It's a joy and a challenge everyday.  I'm learning a new language, bargaining when I go shopping, depending on public transportation and other people daily.  It's a lot to learn.  I have been stretched as a mother, a teacher, and a person more than I ever thought possible.  But I am growing.  I know I am.  But it isn't always fun.  Nobody ever posts the pictures of the tears and the trials and the disappointments.  But that doesn't mean that they aren't there.  Truth is, we are exhausted and are very much missing our friends and family "back home" as we approach a 5 week break during this holiday season.  So, what keeps me going?  In the midst of the chaos, and the stress, and the tears, and the 4 degree weather?  PEACE.  The Peace that surpasses all understanding.

"There is no such thing as peace without opposition.  His rest is one that operates in the midst of the storm, not in its absence.  Jesus did not come to remove all opposition from our lives, but rather to give us a different approach to the storms of life."  --Joyce Meyer