Dear Friends and Family,
Another month has swept by so quickly. Some old battles still remain (homesickness and loneliness); yet, some progress has been made (the languages are finally clicking). The progess definitely brings joy. You have no idea how wonderful it is to finally speak with a total stranger completely in Chinese and have him understand you! (Nevermind that the conversation was very basic and consisted of answering questions I get asked nearly every day.)
As per relationships, things are going well with getting to know my students. Of my three classes, two are super good. Things with the third class aren't bad; they just don't listen very well. To teach I've had them close their books and just listen to me; their pronounciation got much better, and they actually listened much better. Students continue to ask about our Papa and what I know about him. It is really amazing to me how much I get to share; I share his stories usually everday. English Corner is the best route to teach them those things. But ..... please know that the students are encouraged to not really interact with me and keep a strict student-teacher relationship. They are also very discouraged from having an interest in or pursuing a knowledge of Papa's family and his book. It gets even more discouraging and worse for university students here. Formally, they are not even allowed to learn anything about family matters.
As per language, I am currently learning (mostly from immersion and listening to so much Chinese) two languages --- Hakka and Mandarin (Putonghua). The conversation I had with the stranger (true story up above) really encouraged and excited me! I am still unsure of how to best learn the languages here, but I am trying to pursue both local languages and Cantonese to a lesser degree too. If the conversation is basic, I can usually translate even if I don't know every word; I just may not be able to answer in Chinese. (HAH!) I am also able to read and write some, but those skills are currently way below my speaking and comprehension.
This month has given me the pleasure of doing some more traveling. (To see pictures keep up with my mama's family web page; she posts the pictures there.) For the National Day holiday (October 1 officially but the Chinese celebrate for a whole week), I traveled with my coworkers to Chaozhou, Shantou, and Nanao. It was super nice! And, I got to swim and visit the beach. That was tops for this Florida girl! Plus, the seafood was wonderful --- shrimp, shrimp, and more shrimp! I also got to try some new foods --- swordfish, Chaozhou porridge (famous in China), real chrysanthemum tea, fish juice tea (yuck!!!!), real prawns (like little lobsters), crab (love it in China - hate it in America), and conch (the little animal in those tiny shells). I also got to visit with my friends from last year when they came home on holiday. It was really good to see them again and encouraging!!!
Now the most important part --- this month's requests:
(1) My students -- out of 300-400 students at my school (can't remember the exact number now) only four are known to be in the family. Even those in the family are hesitant to share their hope with the others for fear of what could happen especially if the top dogs knew. Ask for Daddy to choose more for the family.
(2) My language barriers -- learning the language would really help me be more effective here. Ask for me to be given understanding of the languages and to speak it well. Ask for wisdom to know how to best learn it so I don't waste time.
(3) My girls -- currently have two groups going with four girls involved. All are growing but they need more of His wisdom and understanding. They need to be given a grasp of the Book. They read it daily and pr, but they are only just beginning their journey to know Him deeply.
(4) Wisdom and protection -- pers....... is ongoing now especially for teachers and foreigners. Friends have adviced me out of concern for my safety and out of love to be especially careful of what things I say of the TOP dog. It is out to bite hard and push people out of China at the moment. Most of those it would gladly turn away have the truth. PTL that even if this was carried out to its fullest that His message would still spread and not be stopped because He is mightier!
(5) Contentment -- friends have come and gone here in China. Many back home have not kept in touch. (My contacts are extensive back home and abroad.) I am an emotional person to begin with, thus, all this has combined to make my happiness/joy ebb up and down like never before. The lack of communication from back home really gets me down. The culture here many times really causes those same feelings. I know I am where I am supposed to be, but that doesn't keep me from just wanting to be back home a lot of times. Ask for me to be given and rest in deeper contentment from Jah. He has me here for many reasons, and I want to do His work with constant joy.
(6) Maintaining His likeness -- the past two weeks especially have been a battle between the old and new man. The old man has been living and been the example despite lots of pr. Living as the old man is really bad and damaging to my work here. How I live shows (or doesn't show when I live in the old man) people about Dad and is a major part of my work. PTL that Papa sent two teams who really encouraged me and helped me to partially escape this and the desert I have been living in. It was and is needed refreshment to my walk. Ask Jah to continue to bring me closer to Him and keep me out of the desert.
Thank you all for your support. It really means so much to me!!! Look forward to hearing from all of yall!
Your sister,
Amanda - Zhong Ai Xin
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