“Ni Hoa!”
“Wo hui shuo zhong wen yi dian dian.”
“Ting bu dong. Xie xie!” :D
“Hi!”
(After they speak to me in return)
“I speak a little Chinese…”
(After they speak to me in return)
“I don’t understand, thank you!”
(Big sincere smile).
We’ve arrived safely to the other side of the globe! Dallas has had a bit better access on his phone to Facebook, but mine’s still in the works and we JUST got our internet in the apartment up and running, so here’s our first post from China!
When moving to a new country with small children, I find this to be truth:
Being married to Dallas has lifted my life in so many ways. One of my favorite traits he has is the ability to live without the heaviness of worry. There are certainly circumstances that are more intense, but he has a graceful way of greeting challenges and change that puts all who surround him at ease. He’s able to cut through the layers, find the joy in the simplicity and then spread that like electricity spreads through a home to light a house when the switch is turned on.
Gratefully, this trait has rubbed off on me enough throughout the last decade together that I really wasn’t super worried about moving to China. We’ve lived here before…just a short stint in 2005 for four months…and it was no coincidence that I had the opportunity to adjust to a different culture, and new everything back then in order to have a sneak preview into life in 2014. I’m entirely grateful for all that adventure taught me about humility, kindness, grace, patience and wonder.
Fast forward. The lack of worry WAS a good thing and I’m not sure how prepared you can really be to “choose which waves [of feelings] to surf.” A long day of travel, two young boys (who did miraculously well on the flight, all things considered), jet lag, the ache of goodbyes, the frustration of not being able to communicate, and living out of a hotel (albeit lovely in every way), realizing our things from home won’t be here for at least six weeks and adjusting to a different country was all a bit much for the first few days. But knowing from previous experience to “never analyze ANYTHING in a low mood” I attempted to let it all sit and simmer a bit, at least until my jet lag subsided. :) I didn’t have to have my whole new purpose, schedule, and life planned out upon arrival…where’s the adventure and excitement in THAT?!
Fast forward a few more days…the fog has dissipated and joy has returned more intensely than I expected. God is great that way. As we discuss our raw and rough pieces with Him, He listens patiently, knowing that in due time our perspective will lift and broaden to a view closer to His. And that lifted view is gratitude. I’m grateful for loads of things as we embark on this exciting adventure together. Here are just a few…
- My husband speaks Mandarin FLUENTLY…so many people living in Shenzhen as expats don’t have that luxury. Applying for permanent resident visas, riding in taxis, getting hotel rooms, ordering food, setting up internet, purchasing furniture…all WITH the ability to effectively communicate. BONUS.
- Dallas’ company is taking great care of us and making it possible for our children to experience high quality and cultured education, and for us to live in an expat community with other foreigners who are experiencing the same changes we are.
- Chinese law allows us to meet with other foreigners to worship in ways that are familiar and meaningful to us. Our small congregation here is made up of people from all over the world and affords us every opportunity to learn, serve and love in ways we wouldn’t otherwise have.
- My boys are thriving. Lincoln jumped right in to school and his 8:00-3:00 M-F schedule hasn’t even phased him. He was tired for the first few days, but loves his new environment. Cole and I have gotten to hang out a lot this week, just the two of us, without distraction. I love that.
It’s hard to be grumpy when you’re grateful, right mom? :)
I could go on, but the length of this post is sufficient. Our love to you all! Thanks for your love, support and encouragement all along the way!
It IS a joyful life!
Take a look at the slideshow below to see what we've been up to!
