The Big Day

I had my first day of work!!

I was anxious all morning. My stomach was in knots… I’m not sure whether it was because I was nervous about teaching or just nervous about this whole working in China thing and wanting to be sure I’m listening to the Lord and doing what He wants me to do. It’s a lot to consider.

I woke up first thing and spent time with Jesus. It was so good… He reminded me from Ex. 16:20 that He wants to provide anew every single day. I don’t need to hoard or hold on to His provision from yesterday. His provision is fresh and new each and every day. So don’t hoard and don’t worry. Good stuff.

After Jesus time I met my friend to go and get a bus pass (goodness knows I need one fully loaded with lots of money… the way I get around on the bus system here, going the wrong way and getting off at the wrong stops). It’s only ¥1 (about 15¢) to ride the bus and it’s totally worth it to get the pass so you don’t have to worry about having cash or change all the time. After getting the pass, we grabbed some lunch real quick and then headed off to Sianggang Lu (Hong Kong Road) to start my first day of work.

My workday began with getting my schedule for the day. I had one hour to prepare for teaching my first class. I didn’t get to sit in and observe anyone!!! I had really hoped to, just so I could get a feel for how they do this thing, but apparently they were desperate to get me started. So with one hour of prep I set off to teach my first class. It was a private lesson with two brothers (must have been from a very wealthy family for there to be two of them). They were 13 & 15… typical boys, but we had a lot of fun. The lessons are all planned out so all I really had to do was follow an outline. We played Taboo and talked about their life achievements. The lesson rounded off with us talking about the NBA. I pretended to know what they were talking about, and thankfully my exposure to the NBA (via the brother) gave me some street cred with the kiddos. We went over our time because they didn’t want to stop talking with me about basketball.

After that lesson I had another hour to prepare for a private one-on-one beginner’s lesson with a very shy and sweet young lady. It went well. We were talking about family and schedules. She also asked me some questions about my life in America, including what my job was there. I told her where I worked and she seemed to be intrigued and very surprised. It’s really neat that I can answer any question that’s asked of me. And it’s really convenient that so much of my life and work experience includes Jesus, so He’s bound to come up at some point. He came up again in the next lesson when the two students in the class asked me what my degree was in. They seemed shocked that I would spend four years studying Theo. They checked their little pocket dictionaries to determine what Theo meant and then the girl asked me, “Why would you study that?” Yay for answering questions!

The Lord has definitely given me favor here, and all the doting I receive is great for the self-esteem! Yesterday I had several students tell me that I was cute, beautiful and sweet. One girl even gave me the nickname, “Beautiful Girl.” Okay. I’ll take it!! And they really like my voice. I had students tell me that I sound so young and my voice is so soft and sweet like a little angel. One girl said I sound like a small child from American films, and then she went on to say that I sound like HANNAH MONTANA!!!! That’s exceptionally funny to me, given that Hannah Montana sounds a bit like an old diner lady. Definitely a stark contrast to a small child’s soft voice, but I’ll take it. I think it may be my most favorite compliment to date. It’s the best of both worlds! :)

So there you go... day one down. I wish I could have everyone here with me to experience all that’s happening. Other than the language barrier and the non-intuitive eating (I think I may starve to death in China if left to dining out on my own… only because I don’t know how to order or what to order for that matter… I had Starbucks for dinner last night), this place really is entirely lovely and it would be fabulous to have you all here with me. So, work on making that happen, okay!?

~Teacher Jaime (that’s my fancy teacher name now)

China. Part 1 :)

What’s that?

You’re looking for an English teacher?

Oh, well I just happen to be one!!!

I got a job! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did a “demo” at Web International English (www.webi.com.cn/en) this afternoon and it went smashingly. Personally, I don’t think it was all that terrific, but the guy who observed me said I was perfect, except for one piece of feedback he provided. In all honesty, I just think he thought I was cute. The voice gets ‘em every time! :)

So, I start tomorrow at 1PM and will be working part time on a three-month contract. I am actually quite thankful for the arrangements… I asked the Lord before the interview to work it out so that they would offer me something part time with a short-term contract. I didn’t want to be locked into something for an entire year, and three months is the perfect amount of time to determine whether this school will be a good fit for me or not. I also have a potential opportunity at Ocean University this September (which would be awesome), so the short contract keeps that option open. I will have a probation period of one month with Web and after that they will begin the process of getting my visa in order. That means I will have to fly to South Korea in the next couple of weeks to renew the 30-day duration of my visa.

I’m such a brave traveler!  I’ve been talking with Jesus about the job situation a lot, especially about getting myself into a situation where I’m being duped (which is common in the foreign teacher business). But I felt like He said that no one really wants to be messing with me (because they’d be messing with Him) and duping me means big trouble for them. So I feel pretty confident. It’s nice having the Creator of the universe on your side. He wins every time!!

The school is just lovely and I think the set up will be perfect for me to learn how to do this teaching thing. The location is great too! I’ll always feel safe going to and from work because it’s right in the middle of the financial & municipal area of the city. Check out the fancy-schmancy building I’ll be working in…

So, in other news, today was my first full day in China all by myself. The mom left yesterday…

I am SO brave!!! It was pretty good day though! I got up early and went to Sunday service this morning. Didn’t understand a word that was said, but the service was sweet. Very traditional. At one point I got really caught up listening to the symphony of body sounds echoing throughout the auditorium. Coughs, snorts, throat-clearings, loogi-hawking. It was comical and I was completely unable to hide the grin on my face as I sat there.

After service my friend called and asked me to meet him on the bus to go to lunch and then on to my interview. I ended up getting on the bus going the wrong way (not my fault… he did not specify which direction, only which number), and having to get off two stops later and walk to the nearest stop going the right way. It was all the way back at my hotel (unintentional exercise… Bob from the Biggest Loser would be so proud). I took the bus to the city center and met my friend (after I got off at the wrong stop – I’m very good at bus riding) to have beefsteak for lunch. Note to self (and to you for that matter): Chinese beefsteak is NOT delicious. Nor is it anything like steak. I tried to eat as much of it as I could since he was treating, but it was trying my meat tolerance (and gag reflex) for sure. The flavor was good, but the consistency was very fatty and gross.

Some things I’ve learned since being in China:
1. Public nose picking is acceptable and encouraged. Especially fervent picking. Oh, and while you’re at it, you just shoot that booger right out. Who needs tissue?!

2. Always look down when you’re walking. You will either trip or step in loogi.

3. Stay away from Chinese beefsteak.

4. Starbucks in China is 5 million dollars. And the “Daily Offerings” sign is beautiful.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


5. Try to find a seat or have your feet firmly planted before the bus driver takes off. Lesson learned.

6. Chinese people like to eat animal feet… and every other part for that matter.

7. Chinese people are incredibly generous and hospitable.

8. Body sounds abound in China.

9. Staring is socially acceptable but can be combated with a smile and a sappy sweet “ni hao”.

10. Going to “lunch” means eating for five hours straight. Seriously.

11. Cars before people. And lanes… they’re really only suggestions. As are traffic signals, double yellow lines and one-way streets.

12. Why bother eating with your mouth closed? Easy in. Easy out.

It really is kind of freeing… not having our pesky standards of etiquette. I ate pork off the bone with my bare hands the other day. It was amazing, and I think it may have tasted better that way.

It hit me yesterday that I’m going to learn a whole lot more here than I am going to teach. I sat in on a fellowship meeting yesterday (Saturday) with incredible men and women who were so passionate. They shared stories, and while I could not understand their words, their hearts were evident. These precious people love their Maker and have given up so much to serve Him. I think how I serve them will be very different than how I imagined. And I’m not sure what that looks like yet. I guess while I’m figuring that out I will just have to love like crazy. A great way I can do that is by learning the language. I’m excited to begin studying. It will be such an incredible asset, no matter how long I am here. And working part time will allow me time to devote to learning. Perfect!

Check out the beautiful city I get to live in…

 
 

So, there you have it. I think you’re all caught up now!

Zai Jian!

Off I Go...

I was getting used to the stares. White faces were still a bit of a novelty and it wasn’t unusual for me to meet eyes and smile awkwardly as I walked through street markets and squares. But that particular afternoon was different. I found myself deeply aware of a divine transaction taking place in each glance and every smile being exchanged. It was more than politeness or pleasantries. My smile brought life, light, hope. I was a walking, breathing, tangible expression of God’s love to these people, and even in the seemingly casual and insignificant, something miraculous was transpiring.

I have never felt more like Jesus in my entire life

When Christ came and walked this earth, mankind came face to face with the love of God for the very first time. He walked the streets, He looked in their eyes, He smiled, He healed their sickness, He brought truth and hope and life to a people parched for Living Water. And in the nation of China, where the Gospel has been withheld for decades, the people are thirsty.

Dear Friends & Family,

As many of you know, I spent about three weeks in China this summer. I had the privilege of working with the Qingdao (Ching-dow) Church teaching English and preaching every afternoon & evening. It was an incredible time, and several days into the trip I began to sense a pull in my heart. Experiences like the one above caused me to wonder whether God might be asking me to return someday.

Upon returning home, I processed and prayed about going back, and the question that kept coming back to me was this: “Why wouldn’t I go?” I had walked the ripe harvest field Jesus talks about in John 4:35. I had seen the fruit first hand, and it’s ready to pick! People are just waiting for the opportunity to say “yes” to Jesus. I can give them the opportunity.

So, with the support of my family, friends and church, I am moving to Qingdao, China NEXT month. I’ll be going as an English teacher, but I will really be a secret agent for Jesus. Some of my objectives include:

• Building relationships with students & faculty, and their families, in order to share God’s love

• Leading an English Bible study for the Qingdao Church to help equip Chinese Believers

• Strategically praying and preparing the way for God to move in miraculous ways in Qingdao

I want to invite you to join me in my mission. You don’t have to move to Qingdao in order to make an impact (although I’d love the company)! There are two ways you can serve as co-operatives with me:

First, you can pray! Praying for the people, the city, and for me, is the most important & effective way you can partner with me in this assignment.

some specifics:

that I find a job

that relationships form quickly

that hearts are open

for protection & provision

Second, you can give! I will be working while I’m there, but I anticipate additional financial needs that will surpass my monthly income.

the specifics:

one time or regular tax deductible gifts

can be given through New Life Church*

6830 Highland Drive • Everett, WA 98203

*earmark gifts in my name on a separate note

Thank you so much for your friendship, support, prayers, and love. I am humbled that I would be chosen for this assignment, but go confidently, knowing that I am covered and cared for by so many at home. I fly out January 11 and will be sure to keep everyone updated on life & ministry in Qingdao!

Love,

Jaime

Compelled

I found myself in tears this morning as I read in Mark 15 the account of Jesus' crucifixion. The magnitude of what Christ suffered overwhelmed my heart as I considered the answer to Pilate's question to the crowd insisting He be crucified: "Why, what evil has He done?"

None.

"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us..."

This world has seen terrible suffering. People have been tortured and scourged. They've endured horrors unknown, but how many at the hands of their own creation? What Jesus must have been thinking as He was whipped and mocked, knowing the name of each of His afflicters. How He must have cringed knowing the loving way each one was fashioned by their Maker King, only to use the hands He made to beat and torture Him; using the mouth and tongue He gave to hurl insults and accusations at Him. What Jesus suffered was not impersonal, not to Him. He knew every story of every man and woman who cried out mockingly, "Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe." He knew every man who spat, every woman who gawked, and they were the reason He didn't come down from that cross. They were the reason He endured, He suffered, He was forsaken. And in the end, when the earth shook and the sky grew dark, when the veil was torn and a way was made, it was His accuser who proclaimed, "Truly this Man was the Son of God!" 

He still knows every story and every name. He still knows each one who rejects, curses and mocks Him. And the love that compelled Him to remain on that cross, compels Him to stay His return. It compels me to make Him known until He comes. It compels me to be the same kind of love He was; to endure whatever may come for the sake of souls He created, longs for and loves - literally to death. It compels me to give my life to see the accuser become the proclaimer; the reviler the reconciled. This life is not my own. He was God and gave His away. Why should I, as His creation expect to do less? 

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again... We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."

China Beach

No. I'm not talking about the awesome 80's TV show.

I'm talking about an actual Chinese beach. Qingdao, to be more specific.

This is where I will spend 12 days interacting in a cultural exchange with 200 Chinese university students. I will teach them American things like hopscotch and coin collecting. I promise to do my best to represent our country well. 

More importantly, this exchange provides an incredible platform for sharing Jesus. While we can't openly preach the Gospel, we can answer questions. And questions they will ask. One of the most frequented topics at these events is the question of God. I so look forward to having conversations and sharing the love of Jesus with these wonderful people.

I also recently discovered (long after signing up for said trip) that we were traveling to a Chinese paradise. Luscious beaches, hot springs, tropical weather, ocean breezes... I didn't know!! I like to think that it's God's graduation gift to me. How fun to get to serve Him in so beautiful and luxurious a place! AND after our time in paradise, we travel to Beijing to enjoy all of the historic sites for four days! God spoils us when we serve Him. I love it. 

My mom also spoils me. Today the UPS man brought to me this most adorable little purple camera, which I will use to capture the white sand beaches, beautiful faces and historic landmarks of China. This camera is SO cool. It has a touch screen, 10 mega pixels... ultra fancy. And it's purple. I heart it. And my mommy. :)

I get back on July 1. I will be sure to provide a thorough update of all my adventures! Pray for me... pray for health (they are quarantining people who have even the tiniest hint of swine flu-y symptoms), cohesiveness within our little team of five, safety, fruit - fruit - fruit, wisdom, confidence & boldness, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading, and anything else that comes to mind. 

Well, I should probably go pack now. It' 8:44PM and I leave my house tomorrow morning at 7:15... haven't packed at all. It's how I roll. Shoot. See you in July!! 

Graduation Speech

I graduated from Seattle Bible College tonight. I was valedictorian of my class. Here's the speech I gave...

Nearly four years ago I moved from Everett to Seattle to attend SBC. And nearly three years ago I moved back to Everett to continue attending. I remember my first week of school sitting in Pastor Dan Hammer’s Gospel of John class trying to hold back tears as I realized I was finally doing it. I was finally going to Bible College. And I soon realized that I wasn’t going to just any ordinary Bible College. In that same class I saw people miraculously healed, my dear friend, Tiffany make a decision to follow Christ for the first time, and I heard promises from God that spoke directly to my heart about my future. And this was all during second period!

And that is what marks SBC. God will have His way. The evidence of this is in the leadership. Never have I encountered so humble and sacrificial a leader as Dr. Bryan Johnson. He’s been my president, dean, teacher and boss! And in all of these roles he has exemplified what it means to steward faithfully while “holding loosely.” I have been inspired and challenged by how he serves the Lord and it has been an honor to learn from, serve with and submit to his leadership. Thank you, Bryan and Anna for pouring out your lives for us at Seattle Bible College.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the faculty, staff and board members (who I would love to mention all by name, but I only have 2.5 minutes left!) I want to thank you for investing your time, wisdom, experience, passion and hearts into making SBC what it is. You’ve impacted countless lives through the overflow of what you’ve poured out on us students. I am grateful to have been a recipient of your generosity.

To my family & friends, thank you so much for supporting me and cheering me on, and letting me play the “I have homework / I’m a poor college student” card all these years. I don’t think I’ll miss that card so much! And Mom, thank you for letting me move in… and out… and in… and out. I would not be here if it were not for your generous love & sacrifice. I love you very much.

The last four years have afforded me the privilege of exploring the depths of God, of pouring my life into studying His Word and His heart, and yet in four years I know that I have only seen the edges of His ways. I have only heard the faintest whisper of His voice. There’s so much more!

We’re told in I Corinthians that, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.”

God has incredible, unimaginable, but completely available and wonderful plans for each one of us. Today if you’re here, whether or not you know what tomorrow holds, know this: God loves you. He has a purpose for your life that far exceeds even your wildest dreams. He wants to share an adventure with you. Jesus Christ came to bring life… and that MORE abundantly! And that life is available to each one of us who call upon His name.

I want to leave you tonight with this prayer from Ephesians chapter three:

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Thank you

Me & my beautiful fellow graduate, Alyssa... I'll have more pictures to share soon! :)

Hilarity

Two days of school left.

Five assignments due.

One hour and forty-eight minutes until bedtime.

Five pictures that make me laugh out loud:

"Put your face in the face hole silly."

Incredible fashion sense.

Kitty!!!

Typical car ride.

We honestly were not trying to act the way we look. Promise.