learning to be content

This week was our first week with more structure. I have semi successfully made it through 3 days of language classes! Classes here are much different than classes at Auburn! I would normally tend to daze off in class, and I am never one to speak up.  Unfortunately at my school, you have no choice.  As we are learning, we chant the words and sounds together and then each person repeats them out loud by yourself. I have already realized that I could easily feel defeated by classes, but I will have to focus and work on the language outside of class.

Other than classes, we have begun making friends at our university and a couple other campuses nearby.  Sometimes it is tough finding students who speak good English.  I love meeting students- they get so excited to talk to foreigners! It may sound awkward, but we simply walk up and tell them we are wanting to make friends with Chinese students who can speak English. Usually they are so nervous, they stumble through their English or forget how to introduce themselves.  I can't wait to spend more time with these girls and begin building friendships.

Friday night we had a surprise 40th birthday party for one of our friends.  We cooked and had a picnic outside. Here's a picture of me, Maddox, Anna and Meg at the party!

Maddox was already geared up for the Auburn game!

Me and Sam on my scooter headed to Sunny Block 

(that's where most of the restaurants and shops are located in our city)

Yes. I've successfully mastered the double ride.

Some of our friends getting on the carnival ride in Sunny Block. I know this ride wouldn't meet any safety regulations in America. And they all felt sick afterward!

 Saturday we traveled downtown. Here's the muddy river!

Lauren, Sarah, me, Sam, Anna and Meg outside of a tea shop on the river

And this little meimei (younger sister) made me so happy! 

Such a perfect pose for my picture.

 

Lately God has been teaching me a lot about contentment.  Living in a new place with new people, a new culture, new food, and being far away from family and friends can often give me an excuse (in my mind) to complain.  I began reading One Thousands Gifts by Ann Voskamp after a few people recommended it. The writer explains how because of the gospel, we are given abundant grace.  Because I have grace, I always have something to be thankful for. If I'm thankful, then I have joy! 

Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy.

"On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it." (1 Cor. 11:23) He gave thanks the night before he was betrayed?! Joy is always possible in every circumstance.  The author goes on to say that she began making a list of 1,000 things she is thankful for.  Even in East Asia- far, far away from home- I have SO much to be thankful for! As soon as I begin listing these things in my head, I am joyful! "To name a thing, in other words, is to bless God for it and in it."

Here's the verse I've been meditating on this week...

"I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.  I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little." 

Phil. 4:11-12