Yesterday, as I scurried to clean up my apartment before a
group of students arrived, I gasped as I looked out and saw a full flurry of
white racing past my window. The plain brick apartment that I usually see,
looked more like a charming postcard picture in the snow. I ran to my front
window and looked down to see that the ground was already covered in white!
Though we have talked in anticipation about the snow everyday we have been in
China, I was still in disbelief to see a white world in the middle of November.
I couldn’t think about it long, however, because shortly after, a scurry of
students arrived loaded with bags upon bags of food to cook! A few had asked me
if they could cook for me, which of course, turned into a party of 13 or so!
For three hours, we scurried back
and forth across the hall, cooking in 2 different kitchens. Though it was a
little overwhelming, I was so impressed by my students’ teamwork and expertise
as they buzzed back and forth blending dozens of ingredients and arranging their
delicately designed dishes on the plates. After about three hours of
preparation, we all squeezed into my tiny living room and huddled around my
coffee table covered in about 11 different dishes. It felt like
Thanksgiving-Chinese style! We ate it up and topped it off with some American
brownies (which was a first for most of them). We laughed and joked awhile
before saying goodbye. Then on to the scrubbing the literal piles of dishes and
sticky floors, but it was definitely worth it.
In the
morning, I woke up to the sound of a scraping snow shovel outside my door and
looked out to see a glistening winter wonderland. My teammates and I ran out
for an adventure! I got transformed into a snow mermaid, played a game of snow
baseball, and felt like a kid again! Unfortunately, the power and water were out for much of the day, but we cooked
dinner by head-lamp-light, haha.
The snow has now been flying for
nearly three days and going to class today was a whole new adventure. At first,
I was careful not to slip on the ice, but alas, beware of granite! Somehow, one
second after stepping through the door into the teaching building, I was wiped
out on my back! Thankfully, the layers upon layers of clothing I was wearing,
gave me a little cush. Though I have already begun to freak out in realizing
that the snow that is on the ground now will most likely still be there, come
April, I have to remember that the Father has me here to teach me new things-and
this climate is definitely new! Additionally, I can hardly pity myself when I
look out the window and see my students shoveling the sidewalks! Of course they
inevitably start throwing snow at each other and screaming dramatically, which
warms my heart. I am thankful to share this adventure with my team and new
friends here. I don’t quite know what I’m in for, but He does. I am looking
forward to fully experiencing my first real winter!
Chinese Feast!
Walk to class!
