| Another major adjustment was getting
used to the seemingly disorganized way both school functions and
scheduling and travel arrangements were made. I was hardly ever
told when one training program would end and the next one would
begin each month. Then there were also the "surprise"
events that I was expected to attend at the drop of a hat. Then
when I actually did know holiday dates well in advance, I was only
able to book tickets five days in advance, one way.
A year later I can look back on all of these events and smile.
I can clearly see God's faithfulness throughout my first year
here in China. He has definitely been with me the whole time,
challenging me and teaching me so much about patience, trust,
maturity, and wisdom. For one, through the experience of teaching
seven different teacher-training programs, he gave me the chance
to teach four different subjects. This year, therefore, I have
confidence in my teaching abilities and find it much easier to
fill, sometimes even overfill, two hours of class.
As for adjusting to the city and conquering restaurant menus,
I almost feel like a pro. I find it quite easy to navigate my
city on bike. In fact, I enjoy going out for rides, even if the
traffic is a bit "wild." My restaurant menu vocabulary
has definitely improved by leaps and bounds. I will probably never
be fluent in restaurant vocabulary, but at least my range of food
choices has greatly increased.
In terms of the scheduling mayhem I mentioned earlier, I cannot
say that the situation has changed. In fact, I do not foresee
that happening for quite some time. However, I have found that
my attitude towards it all has changed. Yes, I still prefer to
make my travel plans early, but I must adapt to the given circumstances.
As I type (September 26), I am still waiting for booking confirmation
of my train tickets for the 30th of this month. Does this vex
me? Yes. Do I sit around, moping, and complaining because I do
not know if I have tickets? No. I have learned to be patient in
these circumstances. Things will work out, even if it is not as
I have planned them.
Life in China is like one long continuing education program—the
learning never ceases. Each day, month, and now year brings with
it something new. Thanks be to God for the newness he brings me
here and the faithfulness he continues to show me as he molds
and shapes me into who he wants me to be.
Caroline Sunquist
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