the bell rings twice each year

As Americans living in China, we get to celebrate “more” holidays than normal. During fall and winter in particular, there is an unending stream of important events. October = Chinese National Day. November = Thanksgiving. December = Christmas. January = New Year’s. January/February = Spring Festival/Chinese New Year.

Chinese National Day and Spring Festival are the two most important holidays in China and they bookend a couple of rather important traditional American holidays that also remind us to thank and celebrate Father God’s provision and greatness. So while we get some downtime (days off) for the Chinese holidays, we have mostly “up” time for the others. As such we look forward to the end of the stream of holidays when there is afforded a 7- to 15- day rest away from “work” (depending on where you work or study), when the nation stops, goes home for Spring Festival and starts 2014 for the second time. We soon usher in the year of the horse.

In the last two weeks, our friends have been anxiously trying to buy tickets:  will we take the train or have to take the bus? Will we get to go home 5 days before Spring Festival or two? It is all an annual cycle that we rarely participate in – as one of our friends usually takes responsibility for securing our transportation. This year, it looks like we will be riding in a car – as no train tickets have yet availed themselves. Our friend has never actually driven outside of Beijing and we are told he drives rather slowly. We don’t mind. It could be a 10-hour drive; depending on the speed we actually go. There is always the bus if the car doesn’t work out. We really need to get our driver’s license in the coming year so we can be useful in situations like this! It’s on the list…

Since we last posted, we have done many things and seen many people as usual. There have been minor crisis (pray for friends with money management/credit card challenges & addictions), some goodbyes and fun celebrations. We said “see you later” to our friend and sister Amy (pictured) who has taught us Chinese for the last year. She moved on to a new life in America – New Jersey to be exact. Maybe we’ll do some lessons via the Web – but the East Coast time is not so friendly to our schedules. Regardless, she has given us a routine that we can continue on our own. We will wait until after Spring Festival to decide when we want to secure a new teacher (who has already offered their services). PTL!

The first week of January, we visited a middle school classroom and watched the TIP graduate give a warm and interesting lesson. We gave her some feedback and encouragement and enjoyed our time together. We visited the Educational Bureau in BaZhou, Hebei (just southwest of Beijing) in order to talk about TIP and try to secure teachers for the program. Krista gave a demonstration TIP class at the middle school. The 14-year-olds are not as excited as primary students are to wave their arms and do body language, but they got the hang of it after about 10 minutes! We pray that more teachers will have the opportunity to come to Beijing and take the training or that

more school districts will sign on for the 2-year

Teacher Certification program. His will be done. This month no teachers arrived on campus for the January session. But we are holding a 10-day program for Peking University students that started January 12. Nearly 50 students came to practice their oral English skills and study for the TOEFL. Some facilitators will also lead a 3-day winter camp for kids. It should be a good time of encouragement and relationship building.

As for celebrations, Pres quietly turned 51 (yay!). Jan’s dad and mom arrived in Beijing to help get ready for the baby and to spend Spring Festival with their children. We enjoyed talking with them at Haidian Church and then visiting with them at Jan’s home this past Saturday. While our oral communication is limited, our hearts are of one mind. We enjoyed learning that Jan’s dad and mom have organized a family Bible study each night where they all take turns teaching and sharing. Then they all turn in early so they are refreshed for work the next day. Prayers have been answered! And the newlyweds have more structure as they await the birth of their first child.

playing Spot it!

We were also sad to learn that Krista’s Great Aunt Minnie died this Sunday – sad because we won’t see her again on this earth but grateful that she is in His Good Hands! She was 94. We are thankful for all that we have each day – grace from our LORD and provision for daily needs. Happy New Year, joyful everyday!