moment by moment

We have been in Chanpging for almost 3 weeks now and are finding ourselves immersed in the culture of China and the lifestyle of the TIP program.

We are gradually adjusting to the LARGE bugs, new and interesting BIG birds, throwing toilet paper in a trash can instead of the toilet bowl, boiling ALL of our drinking water, not having ice or cold drinks, using SQUATTY potties, eating MSG meals and living in a dorm with LOTS of other people.

The Changping District is northwest of downtown Beijing – about 45 min. by car or 1.5 to 2 hours by bus and/or train. It is a busy commercial area with all of the stores we need for food, amenities and hanging out. There is also a nearby village that we can walk to – we are still exploring the village to determine what we can actually purchase there without having to go into “official” town.

Our campus is just outside Changping District proper, about 15 minutes via car/bus or about 30 minutes by bike (we think!). It is isolated and only used right now by TIP students and staff. The last summer session ended Aug. 22 and we had to say goodbye to the many student friends we’d made. Most were English teachers in primary, middle and high school and came from all over China. Some traveled up to 5 days by train to get here. We have met Christian students and enjoyed talking with them and encouraging them and receiving encouragement from them as well. All of the students are very grateful that we have come to help them improve their English. They are astonished that we want to stay here for a whole year – but they express their thanks and gratitude all of the time and take our picture!

We have been blessed to have had a wonderful introduction to the TIP activities, games and busy learning environment with the 80 students in the last summer session. Next session we expect 300 students! It will be challenging work to get the whole thing organized. We need prayer for stamina and session planning. We have 14 team members for the year and have some helpers coming in and out this fall. If you are interested in coming for a short stint, or know someone who might be, let us know. We can use the help.

Training has gone well. We have written several practice lesson plans and taught them to summer students. Each time we learned better techniques for classroom teaching. We have learned TESOL (Teaching English to students of other languages) techniques, reviewed Bloom’s Taxonomy and watched the current facilitators in action. Our students have given us “thumbs up” that we are doing a good job and we have definitely enjoyed the experience. We can hardly wait to lead our own classes and activities.

Out training and day-to-day adventures have helped us bond with our new friends and teammates. We have played games, gone on scavenger hunts and shared devotional times together almost everyday. It is an amazing experience to be living and working with fellow Christians who are so committed to serving and answering God’s call no matter what He asks. God has brought us here from all across America. Our stories are similar, but unique and our hearts are filled with delight for what is ahead. We are also blessed to be part of a local Chinese church in Beijing where we attend contemporary English services. The sanctuary is always packed with people who are there to praise and learn about the Lord. The sermons and lessons have truly been a gift. They keep us in the Spirit and in concert. It is a joy to praise and worship God with others here on the other side of the globe.

Our working life at TIP officially kicks off for us next week when we start planning for the new session that begins the Friday after Labor Day weekend. We will decide next week what our official roles will be, so pray for discernment and clarity. We are anxious to test the waters and see what God will do with the talents He has bestowed upon us.

Fun facts – We attended the Women’s Triathlon Final medal round – which was WAY COOL (but clear-sky hot) and a great experience. Can’t believe the Olympics are already over. It has been such a big part of the atmosphere and conversation around here. We will miss the pageantry, but the Olympic legacy will remain in the infrastructure all around China – the parks showcase the images, the five mascots are everywhere on billboards and signs and the new buildings and upgrades will be enjoyed for generations.

We have posted photos online to give you a taste of our life here. Check out our photo albums linked off the upper right column. We are very thankful for your prayers, notes and support. We rejoice in the Lord for our year ahead!