(Noonish) I slept in this morning after staying up late talking for a very long time with a dear Chinese friend, watching the news, and then, a discussion among 20-something Chinese and Americans. It was good to sleep in; I realize that it is one of the most enjoyable things for me that I will have to live with less and less. I thought of a dear friend back in America a lot this morning (and last night too). I really want to marry … but I’m almost scared to say that because of what happened with my friend Matt from the past.
I tried to find an Internet café oh so unsuccessfully this morning too. I did however find and buy a wonderful Chinese-English dictionary for myself and a Doctor Seuss book for my Chinese children. They loved his A, B, C book! :) I am excited to give this to them through Jun Ling, and it excites me also because it to is in Chinese and English. That means that even little Tai Dar can enjoy this book!
I don’t know what else the day holds, but I need some rest and a shower soon. I have walked the nearby streets several times exploring and searching for this net café. I am going to sleep now. :)
(4:01 PM) I am still waiting here at my hostel for Jun Ling to arrive here for a visit. She said that she would come back after 2 PM. I enjoyed my time here this afternoon, but definitely am wanting to go out again. I am really hoping that I can exchange my dictionary for one with Pinyin. (I bought the wrong kind in my excitement; they don’t usually exchange but I am hoping that Papa will answer my prayers.)
This afternoon I had a long nap and then prayed for Chinese friends I’ve met along the way this trip. I am amazed at how many friends I’ve seen and made this time. I really am wanting to return to China and stay long-term. It is my home on Earth. All summer long, I’ve had peace being here and not felt really that I was in China but simply “home.” I’d like to study Chinese in America and improve. I am sloppy with my tones, which is everything in Chinese! That is why I also need to return this dictionary so that I can have Pinyin.
I am amazed at Papa today too. I watched a TV program about a seven-year old Chinese girl (Weiwei) with a really bad esophagus. I had never thought about how if your esophagus is bad that you can’t eat, and if you can’t eat, then, you can’t live! This little girl was really close to dying. I prayed for her and am glad to have seen Papa’s amazing handiwork!!! :)
(8:49 PM) I am sad that I only have two more days here in China before flying to Japan and America. I will leave a bigger part of my heart here this time. I want to come back and live indefinitely here, but that is up to Dad. I know that He wants me back to teach in the US for one more year, but I really do hope to return after that.
Today Jun Ling came around 4:30 PM. The rain kept her from coming sooner. I really love her and her son. We all went to Xinhua, and God did a miracle. After two unsuccessful attempts, Papa provided, and my book was exchanged. I am very thankful for your help Dad and Jun Ling’s help too. My exchange bought her some English CD’s too. Now I have the correct dictionary to stay in contact with her and my other friends in preparing myself to learn Chinese and become fluent in Mandarin and hopefully Hakka too. I must be diligent!
Jun Ling also brought my Bible. I am glad to have it too! I need Papa’s comforting words. I know that I’m emotional about leaving. It is His plan … but still I am a bit sad. Yet now, I think of rejoicing in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4). I am truly glad for this summer in China. I am glad to visit the incredibly lovely and large park just next door. I am a sucker for its beautiful, colorful neon lights. I would like to visit it again in the day.
One last thing before I close this journal out … Papa provided an Internet café tonight. It was just three spots down. It is hidden in the corner though, and if I had gone a little later I’d have totally missed it as there was not light to show the way. What a good Papa I have. He provides all things for me! He loves me so! Still praying and hoping to see Daryl. Only Papa can connect us in this massive city. Please may it be so. I really need to chill out … I can tell that I’m super emotional on the inside.
AH … A FULL JOURNAL. :)
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