Thirsty for something more.

I'm learning a lot these days; a lot about myself and about life. I was at Starbucks tonight, and it was a nice evening. I didn't take any 'school work' with me, but took my journal and Waking the Dead. I'm rereading it. So there I am sitting in Starbucks, drinking my hot chocolate and as I sat writing in my journal I couldn't help but notice a little boy who had passed by at least two times. He wasn't the cleanest of children, and it didn't take me long to realize he was a beggar. I didn't see a mother or father nearby outside; it could be that they were standing off from a distance. However as this little boy walked in he passed right by me. He didn't stop to ask me for anything. I was surprised. I watched as he went up to Chinese people sitting all around me and he at times would just sit and watch. Not asking them for anything, but just looking at the books or electronics. He was asked to leave by one of the employees, but it didn't take long before he tried one more time. This time he went and sat by a man and just looked at his computer for a while. The man didn't seemed too annoyed and amused the boy by allowing him to look. Again it didn't take long for the employees to notice and see that he left once again. This time however on his way out I caught his eye and I smiled at him. He looked at me surprised and smiled just a little back. When he got outside he came close to the window and was looking at me. Once I realized; I quickly smiled and began to make faces at him. It was fun, and somehow it seemed like maybe this was the first time he had ever had this sort of fun with someone. Then it struck me what this boy's life might be like. I really began to think about how this boys daily life was, and how many children share a life just like his. It doesn't seem fair. How do you change that? Or can you? I wanted so badly to do something to change his life, but what?

These days I've been living just to survive; really in every aspect of my life. I'm changing that.

I love a clean room.

Oh, Regina Spektor. I'm sitting in my incredibly clean room and relaxing after a long day of work. And I'm listening to some Regina along with some other good songs.

The last couple of weeks I have felt like life has made sense. I like the feeling of having it mostly together. I think that always comes with a clean room and some time in the word. Also a good conversation with Him. It's easy to still get caught up in the business of life, even here in China. I think sometimes I want so badly to escape the crazy, business of life and yet that never seems to happen. If it did happen I think I would be neglecting all of my responsibilities. I wonder if there is a place in life that you find yourself in a calm, slow pace sort of life. I hope one day I get there. Until then, the evenings will do.

Well it's a little less than 8 weeks before I am again on American soil. I am pretty excited about that, and of course a bit scared. My latest concern in life is what to do next. I'm thinking about where I need to be next year and what it is I should be doing. I would appreciate if you would be lifting that up for me. Thanks.

China is always exciting. There are a lot of things that contribute to the excitement. Things from taxi rides, to walks about the city, things happening in the classroom, random things breaking in the apartment, etc. Within maybe 3 weeks of each other we had our microwave quit working, our t.v. blow up (not literally, but it quit working), and the pipe under our sink start leaking hard core. So basically no leftovers and movies are now watched on the computer.

I'm sure maybe you are wondering what I do for fun in China. Well, that's a good question. I mostly watch movies and hang out with other teachers from the school. You can find me bustin' a move now and then, but only in the privacy of someone's home. Although it has crossed my mind to go out on the town some night :). Massages are incredibly cheap here, about $4.00 for an hour. I know, crazy! So I do that from time to time, and I do a lot of planning. I've recently started helping with middle school youth group. It's been fun. I was coaching the middle school girls volleyball team, but now the season is over. I liked that.

Well, I just felt like updating. I miss talking to people, so this is my way of sending my random thoughts and updates. I hope you all are well. I'm sure I'm not going to be traveling too much over Christmas, but if you are in central Ohio let me know :). Love.

-Kira

Christmas!

Okay, I have not posted in FOR-EV-ER. So, the latest news: I get to come home for Christmas. After 14 months of living in another country I get to see family and friends for a total of 12 days. Yes, that is not a long time, but it will be wonderful! So I probably won't be traveling a lot of places at Christmas time and if you really want to see me then you'll have to come and visit. However, I will return in June for at least the summer or maybe longer, that decision still has to be made :). If you are in Logan, Ohio or a surrounding area please inform me and I will do my best to see you.

As for what's going on in my life these days. Life is good and HE is good. My dad is doing better. I would ask for your continued thoughts, but he is staying positive and encouraged. He's actually a big reason that I'm even able to come home. HE has really restored my relationship with my dad, so PTL. It's a real gift. I don't think I would have imagined things to turn out the way they have, and I would love to share more sometime. I'm moved almost to tears even as I write this. Through all of these difficult circumstances that have brought more and more shadows to my family, he has never left us.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and encouragement. I continue to enjoy what I do, but I am not sure I'm gifted for what I'm doing. There are other passions and desires that have begun to arise in my heart. I really desire clarity and wisdom as to how to deal with and pursue these things. Be still before Him and wait patiently on Him....those who hope in Him will inherit the land. I waited patiently for Him; he turned to me and heard my cry. This is what I'm learning, so I continue to be still and try to wait on him. I love you all; I mean that. I hope you seek Him and find Him.

Living for the weekend.

I pretty much live for the weekend nowadays. My weeks seem to be pretty action packed, and while I do enjoy them it is quite draining. I'm starting a new plan this week where I actually eat breakfast in the mornings. I'll let you know how it plays out. Oatmeal is my breakfast of choice and I just add a banana. It's good.

Jess, I think I figured out a way to view comments, so I actually saw yours. As for the coming home soon, it's looking like it won't be til June...which is kind of soon. You better chunk a weekend out for me. In fact anyone who takes the time to come to my blog and check it out should chunk a weekend out for me...or even a few days in the week. I'll be anxious to see faces and spend some QT with people. Wow, I'm getting too far ahead of myself. You still have 9 months before I arrive, so that's plenty of time to plan something exciting. Remember by that time it will have been about 20 months since I've been in America....it's crazy to think. I am in awe of people who live in a really remote place and don't return for like 4 or 5 years. They are my new heros.

I bought two cacti today. I'm naming them...but I'm not sure what just yet.

Keep it real.

-Kira

The story of the ancestors.

I know it has been a long time since my last post, but sometimes it's difficult to sign into this thing. I still don't think I can view comments....but go ahead and leave them, because one day I'll be able to read them.

Life is going well. It really is, which surprises me most of the time. I don't remember a time in my life when I knew things were just good, until recently. I know things are just good. HE is really bringing lots of new thoughts and perspective to my life. I'm thankful for that.

My title is inspired by a journal entry one of my fifth graders wrote this week. On Friday, I give free journal and you can write anything to me. His was as follows:

I will talk about my ancestor's traditional symbol. According to the legend my ancestor was a dragon. They were living in a cave no one didn't know that. One day God made Dragons to people. My ancestor was so happy so they made a big rock of their history. It is in my ancestor's graveyard.

This is a taste of one of the 14 creative minds that are in my class this year. I'm really looking forward to see what the year brings. I have a feeling it's going to be a lot of fun. I can't believe I've been here almost a full year. The time has flown, but I'm really ready to see some friends and family. I miss you all!

-Kira

My newest interest.

Being in China opens up a whole new world of sitcom watching. Basically you find people who have bought box sets of DVDs and borrow them, because there's not a lot to do sometimes. Back in the fall I watched all of the Arrested Development. This week I watched all of The Office, well up through season II. And this is my newest discovery...I am going to marry Jim. I know, that's an awfully bold statement to make. I've decided that this is how it has to be though. I haven't quite figured out the logistics of it, but I know it will happen one day. Until then I will be cheering for him and Pam. Basically I laughed a lot this week. Dwight is stinking funny. My roommate said watching the show made her never want to work in an office, I however felt quite the opposite. I want to work in an office. Or really I just want to work and be around people who would make me laugh the whole day. Oh wait, that is kind of my job. Being in a classroom full of 17 5th graders is close to working in an office. Basically I could create my own sitcom. I have all the different personality types, maybe even like a few of the characters from the office. Let me ponder this one for a while; I may be on to something.

Chinese class has been going well for me. I have a test tomorrow...I'm moving right along. Well that's about it for today. Oh, if you are leaving me a comment I can't view it. So, if you really feel like leaving me a message please consider the following: option a- facebook; option b- myspace; option c- email -- kirasparks_4@hotmail.com option d- it's not really worth it. Hope all is well!

Oh The Sights You Will See.

I've been out of school for juat a little over a week now. I traveled to Beijing last Friday to get my visa for India. I just love traveling. I love taking the train. Maybe because it's so different than any way I traveled growing up. I took the overnight train to get there, but was able to take the new "bullet" train to come home. The overnight train takes about 10 hours to get there. The bullet train only takes six. I think by the time the Olympics come they're hoping to have that down to about 2 or 3 hours.

I've been able to spend some good time at the beach after my Chinese class. It's so fun to live right next to the ocean. Almost everytime I've been to the beach I observe some very interesting sights. Once I saw a white man with about 7 Chinese women with him. He was explaining Hidden Valley Ranch Chip dip to them and how in america we eat chips and dip. I new what he was saying because he was obviously talking loud enough so we would 'overhear' him.

Another time I say a man walking around in his long johns. The fact that a man is walking around in his long johns was a bit awkward, but that he was doing it at the beach didn't really make much sense. Seeing as how the beach tends to be a sunny warm place, and this man was dressed for winter.

Yesterday I saw the usual. Every man in a speedo, women fully clothed, and children running around in the buff. Now I understand if you are changin your child who is maybe 2 or 3, you might just change them quickly on the beach. However, it is quite uncommon, at least from my own personal experiences at the beach, to see a child anywhere from the age of 2 to 7 running around completely naked playing in the sand. I've also heard that it's not only the children who do this, but I have yet to see anyone else and I hope it stays that way.

My Chinese class is going well. My teacher is moving me through pretty quickly. It's a lot to cover everyday, but I really enjoy it. I've started learning some characters now and even started to practice writing a few. I really wish I would have taken Chinese while I was at JBC. I'm sure it would have been so beneficial. Oh well.

Meet Brandon

Here you will find me (on the left) and Brandon. He is now heading to 6th grade, but was a student this year in my class. Brandon has the ability to make many people laugh. I would love to share more about Brandon, but a post is probably not the best way to do it. So if you ever see me again in life, you can ask me about him and I'll fill you in. He's a barrel of fun and a constant in my interceding.

Today I began my "intensive" chinese lessons. I'm really excited, but hoping that my chinese teacher refrains from bringing any more food for me to try. I really came close to being sick today, but I'll spare you from the details. I then continued packing my room and getting ready for the 'move'. My school is moving to a new location and I'm ultra excited about that. Although I will be loosing the ocean view, it's an exciting time and I'm looking forward to the refreshment of a new place. I'm learning that I sometimes thrive off of new beginnings. I'm not sure why that is, but they also seem to make me happy. I know they are at times scary, but I think I like the adventure in it.

Well wode pengyou (my friends) that's all for today. I hope this week will be relaxing and full of fun surprises.

Zai Jian.

I'm Through!

And so my first year of teaching is complete. I have succesfully finished my first year of teaching with a few minor cuts and bruises. It's been one crazy year and I know that it's only the beginning. I wonder how long I can really do this. I'm looking forward to the summer. I'll be studying Chinese for a month and spending my afternoons at the beach. This is the life. Who knows what else I'll find myself getting into. I'm up for visitors, so hop a plane and come on over.

I'll be teaching a workshop on using games in the classroom this summer for 3 days, 2 hours a day. I'm excited to be able to do that. And then hopefully I'll be able to help out with an English camp. Maybe I'll do some hiking and camping too. You just never know.

Dirty feet and 20 minutes.

I have dirty feet and 20 minutes before I have to leave to go to a dinner that I'm not entirely thrilled about. It's not that I don't want to go to the dinner, it's just that I've had a long day and I'm tired and my feet are dirty. I've been just a 'little' stressed, which translates into 'more stressed than I've ever been.' I'm not being dramatic, I feel like it's the truth. I only have 1 and 1/2 days of school left. That's exciting. And then I have a month of Chinese everyday for 2 hours. THEN Faith Couch is coming to visit for the month of July. She's pretty much one of the coolest people I know. I can't even tell you how excited I am to see someone familiar. And then she and I are travelling to India. It's going to be wonderful. BUT that's still a month away, so until then I will be on here a lot, wishing I could travel home to America this summer. I mainly miss the food. Chinese food is good, but I would love to have Wendy's or maybe a big ol' steak from Outback. I also miss driving. I just want to get in my car, with my windows down and drive for a really long time. Company is okay, so if you wanna come let me know.

Story of the day:
As we (the whole elementary school) were walking to the beach today I happened to be walking beside the kindergarten class. We had just walked by 4 women dressed in wedding dresses modeling for pictures. The kindergarten TA looked at one of the little girls and said to her, "You will be a beautiful bride when you grow up." The little kindergarten girl looked back at her TA and said, "I don't want to get married. I don't want them to cut my stomach open."

Kill the misquitoes!

I went to bed Friday night exhausted. We had a field trip Friday and I had been up late the night before baking. I had fallen asleep and I think I was sleeping pretty well. Then it started. Bzzzzzzz. Bzzzzzz. I woke up swatting. It was dark and I reached over to turn on my lamp, I grabbed the fly swatter, and began my hunt. That sucker was going to die. I scanned the room; nothing was flying. I looked to the walls. Then I saw him. SPLAT! I laid back down and went back to sleep, only to be awoken 30 minutes later by another buzzing. This happened three time throughout my night and now I have the battle scars to show it. I have 9 bites on my right arm, 3 on my left, and 4 on my face. They aren't just barely visible either, they are swollen, red marks. I hate mosquitoes.

Living it up.

I miss writing. Life becomes so busy that we loose the things we love. I suppose that may not be true of everyone, but that seems to be what has happened to me. I imagine that living in a foreign land has something to do with me not doing the things I once enjoyed. I realize that what I once knew is not quite what I know now. It hit me today that the people I was once so close to are half a world away and as of now 7 months behind. I feel distant from what once was and yet distant from what is now reality. The Father has been so good to me though. He is revealing to me that what gets accomplished is what we set out to do. If we live contently in our lives never challenging or disciplining ourselves we accomplish nothing. Again another lesson I learn from my dad. I miss conversations. I have them here, but they aren't quite like the ones I enjoy. I miss deep, thought provoking statements and questions. My brain is becoming jelloish and I want to be challenged.

Okay, that's the emotional/thinking part of my post. Let me fill you in on China.

The morning begins with the sun beaming in on my face at 5 a.m. because I have not made it to the market yet to buy curtains. I know, I've been here 7 months. I feed my fish, who remain nameless so if you have ideas let me know. (3 guppies, 2 neons, and a sucker fish) Shower, grab a yogurt, and I'm off for the day. I arrive at school, head to our morning staff meeting and eat my yogurt, normally with a plastic fork. I then head to my class to be greeted by 16 foreign kids who think they should have recess all day long and play soccer the rest of their lives. We laugh, learn, and live it up in 5th grade. They like to call me Miss Sparkie at times, and yes it gets old really quickly. I never know quite what to expect from them; I only know they will make me smile and laugh throughout the day. I head to Chinese twice a week for an hour each lesson. My Chinese is getting better, but I still have a long ways to go. It's so fun to be learning a language in another country. Some days I dream of Applebees, Cracker Barrel, Outback, etc. I know, food? I really miss driving too, but what are you going to do? I've been helping to instruct the 5th-8th grade girls with volleyball on Mondays after school. It has been a blast and I'm really looking forward to coaching next year. I've also gone to a Middle School to teach English to 8th grade students. That has been amazing and have some cool stories to share with you someday.

I like to go to the beach sometimes and relax, either reading a book or journaling. I also try to play sports whenever there's an opportunity. It's not as often as I would like. Of course Starbucks is always a good choice for my weekend and every once in a while I'll make a stop by Baskin Robbins. I've began to ride the bus more often, which is much cheaper and really the true China experience.

I suppose that should suffice for now. I'll be keeping this updated more regularly. Hope you have a great week! I love and miss you all!

Kira

Here's the scoop.

Well, I must say it has been a while since I have talked about my life here in China. I'm anxious to really dive into things here and record all that has been going on in my life. However, it is still not the time. I have been incredibly busy and have about 2 weeks of school left. My computer has stopped working again, I think the motherboard keeps destroying my hard drive. That makes it a little more difficult to update as well, but is not an excuse. I'm looking forward to a little more free time in the summer to really describe what my life has been like living in China. I think it's a lot different than what I thought it would be, but I am realizing how life is a lot of what we end up making it to be. I hope to update with a lot more soon. Until then...feel free to email me and let me know how life is on your side of the world.