With just one month of teaching and living in China to go, it is definitely the best and the worst season. I know "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens," and I have truly been in the midst of living out the rest of this passage:
"a time to plant and a time to uproot": I feel settled and fully engaged in life in China, but soon it will be time to leave. I am excited to see family and friends and know the time of transition is a part of the process that will continue to grow and shape me as this year has.
"a time to weep and a time to laugh": It is a grieving process to leave students, teachers, teammates, the beauty of this culture, but yet embracing the moments with hugs from students, having Chinglish conversations with my roommate as we try to use what we've learned this year, and seeing a man walk his dog by grabbing it's front paw, while the dog hops along on it's hind legs- there is truly never a dull moment here!
"a time to mourn and a time to dance": As I realize how much I love my students, it is difficult to think I will not be here to watch them to continue to grow and be able to see the men and women they become. I am learning this is the special gift of a teacher, to share life with many. We continue to have dance practices for our upcoming Children's Day performance. The foreign and Chinese English teachers will be performing a hip-hop routine for the whole school on my birthday- I will get to have all my students yelling my name as they will be so excited to see me on stage!
"a time to search and a time to give up": While things are busily wrapping up here, I have been applying to teaching jobs back in the States, patiently waiting for postings and responses from principals. I've done the work I can at this point and now need to continue trusting He will provide the perfect opportunity at just the right time!
"a time to keep and a time to throw away": I've collected many things to bring back home that will remind me of my time in China, but as it becomes time to pack, there are many things I will need to leave behind- why did I bring so many clothes!?
"a time to be silent and a time to speak": As my Chinese co-teachers continue to deal with life issues and ask me questions about the Hope I have, I want to be a good listener, but also speak with urgency to share the One I turn to as they ask provoking questions.
I'm continually thankful for the gift of this year and want to invest well in these last few weeks, while beginning the process of having healthy goodbyes. I look forward to sharing more personal stories, pictures, and videos with you all and catching up your lives as well!
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