...So that thought has been running through my head for the last little bit. I think it is such a great statement as to the life lessons I am being reminded of lately. The last few weeks I have had to be dependent on my friends here in China to be able to get things done and to even be able to get around town. I began to realize that I am an independent person, and am not afraid to fend for myself, so having to depend on others has been a humbling experience. Being independent is not a bad thing, but I was once again reminded that in this life I will always have Someone I can depend on; Someone who will let me be independent and make my mistakes, but who will always accept me when I come back. So, for me, this lesson is once again being written on the wall of my heart.
Okay, I want to update you on some other things going on in my life, as well as share some more observations about China. A few friends and I were to go to Beijing this week to talk with the Director about teaching English to athletes here in Xi'an, but that trip had to be postponed until sometime next month. We are hoping to start up that program after getting back from Beijing, but we are just waiting to see what the Director says - it may not start now until January. In the meantime there is another possibility of me helping teach English to students that range in age from 7 and up.
Classes start for me on Monday, and I am getting excited to start learning Chinese. I know Monday is Labor Day in the U.S., but here in China they celebrate Labor Day in May. I do get a day off in October though for the Chinese equivalent of Independence Day; coincidentally the same day as the opening of a Papa John's here too. Hey, you gotta have some semblance of home, right? As part of my preparations for school a friend and I had to have a medical exam yesterday. The school we will be attending set up the exam for us at an International Clinic in town and provided a translator who met us to assist as well. Our exam consisted of bloodwork, x-ray of our lungs, EKG for heart rate, blood pressure, and an ultrasound of our organs. The ultrasound test did seem a little weird, especially since guys had to do it too, but was totally fine (all my organs are in check!!). For the most part though things were similar to a clinic in the States.
Okay, a few more observations / insights about China:
* You do not flush toilet paper here, you throw it away; you will find western toilets in apartments, but in almost all restaurants / public places there are squatty potties and you better have your own toilet paper
* Any time there is a grand opening of a new building they shoot off fireworks
* When getting in a cab you can only get in on the passenger side - the back door on the driver side does not open
* The men always allow a woman or child to go first whether it is on or off the elevator, out a door, etc. The Chinese people also have high respect for their elders and it is seen in their actions of leading them across the street or helping carry the groceries
Well, I will close for now, but look for an update next week about my first few days of class.
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