Water + The Word

 Last night, I got the opportunity to "wash" someone for the first time in my life. One of my Chinese friends who had been studying the B*ble for a while wanted to be "washed" and we did it right in the apartment where we have weekly B*ble studies.

 What sticks so vividly in my memory, is how moved to tears she was the second that the water hit her head and I began to say, "in the name of the F*ther, and of the S*n, and of the H*ly Sp*rit".

 G*d is awesome.

This got me thinking of my own "washing", done when I was a baby.

Beijing Bachelorette Party

 This is my friend Heather. She is a soon-to-be-bride. She works for Friends of China and I actually went to the same college as her, but now I get the privilege to get to know her better while in China. And....we all threw her a bachelorette part!

 The festivities included gifts like these sexy things. These undies ARE in fact meant for and worn by tiny old Chinese ladies and YES they are HUGE! But don't worry, she got better gifts too. We'll keep those a secret though ;)

 Brock's Bride. Just to be clear.

This was the gang at the end of the night for our last activity of scavenger hunting through the local club/bar scene in Wudaokou. Items to obtain included: a lock of a man's chest hair, a song sung for the bride, a man who speaks a language other than English or Chinese, a temporary tattoo for the bride, and oh so many more.

Michael Jackson Mask

China has a love for Michael Jackson, the King of Pop. Therefore, when I first got to China last year I made the mistake of thinking that they were all copying Jackson's style. It wouldn't be the first time a crazy style was copied by the masses. However, I realize now that its not a fad, but rather a smart accessory. It protects from the crazy Beijing dust, pollution, germs, and the winter's cold. I too might find myself sporting one of these "Michael Jackson" masks come winter. Stay tuned...

P.S. The masks come in varying colors, fabrics, and designs. So, basically everyone can find a style that works for them. To my family: watch out! I might have just figured out what to get you all for Christmas.

Typical walk home...

First of all let me tell you how much I love the Beijing subway. Its super cheap compared to other city subways, and coming from a foreigner, its so easy to figure out! Anyway, join me on a typical walk home from the subway.

Without a doubt I will run into an advertisement that makes me laugh to myself. Part of the problem is that I'm pretty much illiterate in China, so I am just the viewer taking in the pictures. Hence, I couldn't imagine what this guy was trying to sell?! A Chinese cowboy business man supporting eucation...is there such a thing? What do you think?

Then,

Huaqingjiayuan 23

 I thought it might be nice to show you my second home. This is where I spend a substantial amount of time in China. Teaching art class,weekend English classes, preschool, English tutoring, and my own Chinese lessons all center around Huaqingiayuan.

It may not look like a typical school, but thats because its not. There is a unique thing going on here with Christian foreign teachers educating a small amount of kids. Its an awesome loving learning environment and the kids love it.

Sunday's Catch

Sunday's after-church-brunch was spent at a new restaurant that our group found. When our group goes out to eat, I usually leave the ordering to the "oldies". They have the best Chinese and best knowledge about great Chinese food. However, this way its always a surprise when the food comes out. Sunday's surprise was this big guy! I love myself some fish, but I always am a little shocked when it comes on a plate the same way you catch it in the ocean. I do come from the land of fish sticks.

p.s. Fish in china are way better than any old frozen fish sticks :)

The Sad Truth

One thing that sadly seems so normal to me now is garbage! Really. When I arrived in Seattle for my summer visit to the U.S., I remember thinking, "It's so beautiful here." I took it for granted. I've been jaded by my current living situations. Beijing has so much to offer, but clean streets isn't one of them.