Wander Life

From When I Was Home

 

Yes, my dad knows how to throw a party. Everyone at the party got matching Wanderlife WorldWin t-shirts (designed by my brother, printed by his friend, and distributed with much gusto by my dad). Quite the sight!

written July 16

Just another crazy day in Nanning.

(If you aren't clear on how I got here, refer to the previous post.)

I can hardly believe that just 8 days ago, we were landing in Hong Kong, preparing to make our way to Yining - it's seems like a different lifetime. So, we didn't make it to Yining. On route, we were told that instead of it being our little group working in Yining, we were joining a big group in Nanning. Yes, indeedy, quite the ole' switcheroo.

Being in Nanning instead of Yining is totally different than what we had been prepping for (working at a camp teaching English), but, we're totally rolling with it.  As I was thinking about it today, I thought, "You know, it's kind of like preparing to go work in Salt Lake City and then when you arrive in New York, you're told that you're instead going to work with the spring breakers in Miami...and with 3 times as many people...."

It has been an adjustment, but I must say that I'm kind of digging it.  It's definitely high stress, but I like the challenge.  And Jess, the other leader, and I work well together, so it's all coming along.

Nanning, for better and for worse, is now home.  Figuring out schedules and dealing with sickness and learning where to eat (which cafeterias are open when - and how to use our meal card) and trying to find computers to use and dealing with contracts and meetings...well, let's just say that it's been a lot.  Today has really been my first few hours of down time, and even then, I'm not really free and clear 'cause I have to check on all the sickies and bring them crackers and water and such.  Unfortunately, Jess, the other team leader has been out of commission the last couple of days, as well, so I've been trying to man this ship solo.  Thankfully, I'm feeling fine and definitely feel that I've been given strength from above (as I know I couldn't handle this world of responsibilities on my own efforts). 

One thing about this job is that I never really have "time off."  People have equated it to being a parent, and I can see why.  The team members come to me for EVERYTHING, so suddenly I've been a doctor, a mom and a spiritual advisor in addition to my duties as principal and camp director.  I did finally get a chance to do my laundry once the other day, but other than that (and this
brief reprieve of being able to use the computer) all my time is spent concerned with some matter of a teamling. It's quite the life.  Even now, when I finish this, I'll be making another cracker and water run for the two who are down with stomach issues today....

Despite all that, though - I really feel like this is exactly where He wants me, and I feel that He has equipped me for the job.  I'm finding that I have a special place in my heart for college students.  I know what an important time in my life that was for me and how much my thoughts on life and such were shaped during those years, so being able to be a part of that, to share in their struggles and to see them learn a new perspective and all that - it really is amazing.  I am also greatly encouraged by their enthusiasm.  They love the kids, and they just get so excited over the smallest things.  I guess I'm just used to life in China, for the most part, so it's fun to have
them hear to say, "Oh my gosh!  What am I eating?" or to hear the victory in their voice when they proclaim, "I just used a squatty potty!"  I really get a kick out of them.

And as for today, well, it's Sunday, so we actually have a pretty low-key day.  We met this morning, and since Jess was supposed to lead but was sick, I had about two minutes to throw a message together.  It went well, though. I just find it amazing how He uses all these different experiences and such in people's lives to equip them for exactly what He calls them to. Like, I, just as an elective, had taken "Women's Message Preparation" in college.  And how the job at ECHO prepared me for some administration-type
stuff.  And how since I lived in a tropical climate in Florida, I can
actually answer my teamlings' questions about weird fruits we see here and such.  Now I just have to take a course on nursing, and I'll be able to tell them how to treat that weird rash and such.  : )

Actually, I'm doing alright on the medical side of stuff - I guess you just pick up some information by experience.  Like I know that iron pills can make some girls nauseous and I know that Imodium stops you up for a while.  Just stuff like that that I'm thankful for when those in my charge come to me with such questions.

And speaking of being responsible for people, I guess I better go check in on them.  I've been away from them for two hours, and that's by far, the longest amount of time I've gone in one stretch since training.  Even when I'm gone for 15 minutes, when I return, I have these people saying, "So and so was looking for you."  The other day, I was in the cafeteria, trying to eat, and someone ran in to get me.  Same with when I'm asleep.  I told you it was like being a mom.  : )

Anyway, I guess that's about it from around here.  Oh, one more thing: Nanning has an "America Town." That's what we're calling it, anyway.  You know how in America, we have places called "China Town"?  Well, last night a student took a bunch of us on a 15-minute taxi ride, and when we stopped, we were in front of Walmart!  Yes, a real Walmart.  There was also a Pizza Hut, McDonald's, TCBY and KFC there.  Now you know that I love Chinese food, but...after a week of cafeteria Chinese food (which isn't exactly stellar), Pizza Hut just hit the spot for a lovely Saturday dinner.  I had some happy
campers on my team, too.  : )  And I don't have to worry about them going there too often because, really, the only time they have free are the weekends.  And who can deny someone pizza on the weekend?  Not me.  : )

Nutshell

I finished teaching classes in China on June 23rd, flew home to Washington June 25th. On June 26th I managed to:

• do laundry
• download audiobooks onto my iPod
• buy new shirts, jeans and cowboy boots
• play with my two adorable nieces
• have a party with my friends and family
• go swimming in the creek

On June 27th, I flew to California for more Organization training and to meet up with the college group I am now leading in China. I'm leading this group until the beginning of August, and then I'll be staying in Beijing for awhile until I go back to teaching at the same school I was at.

So there ya' go.