Obsess Much?

Well, the take-off time for China is rapidly approaching. This week, as necessary and crucial as it is, has felt like some type of purgatory. We are not in China yet; we are not completely with our teams yet; we have not met our students nor seen our school. We are living at a hotel, attending sessions every morning and afternoon, and meeting people with a similar passion for China. And yet, while it's new and exciting in some ways, in other ways, it's lonely. Hotel rooms are like caves: they are sterile and dull. And I can't help but wonder what is happening in the lives of my friends and families. The detachment still feels pretty raw.

This week has humbled me in several ways. I always thought that maybe I had a gift of conversing with people. Well, this week, I have realized how much I often try to control the conversation by asking questions (and usually not very insightful questions.) I think I need to re-evaluate how I want to relate to people and sacrifice my need for "control."

I am one of the lucky few whom have gotten a ride to the nearby Target store. It's wonderful to have friends with wheels. But, as I roam the Target aisles, I start to panic: what am I forgetting to pack that I will not be able to get in China? I grab dried fruit, laundry soap, a tank top--silly things that are not going to drastically affect my life. Then, by the time I check out of the Target line, I have accumulated about 2 more pounds of luggage--which is a big deal when you only have two suitcases (at 50 pounds each) to deal with.

We fly out for China on Monday at 8:00 AM> But, our bus to the airport leaves that morning at 3:00--which will make an interesting night. Please keep us in mind--the bus driver on the way to the air-port, the pilot, and all the other connections we need to make.

Comments?

I am just curious--is anyone reading this blog? If not, I am going to put some more scandalous thoughts on here.

Palm Springs is HOT!!

When I told people that our training was in Palm Springs, they looked at me inquisitively--"why would a non-profit organization hold their training in Palm Springs?" Here's why: It is in the middle of a dessert during the hottest part of the year. People are NOT flocking here in herds. As a result, the hotel cuts the organization a deal to rent rooms and services for the organization very cheaply. So far, it's been a pleasant stay in Palm Springs. Our conference room has a large side window where we can see beautiful, large, Palm Trees, with mountains cascading behind them.

The information in the sessions is intense. This morning, I thought I would not make it--but I did. In fact, I made it through the whole day. The information was helpful in preparing us, but it was a lot to "digest." I also felt some warfare going on--panic about not remembering to take care of certain business items before I left home. But tomorrow is a new day to be refreshed by his splendors.

Do you like ? ?

I had the privelege to talk with a man originally from China. He was so kind and helpful in his advice. One question he asked me about my past trip to China was whether or not I liked Peking duck? Since I am not particularly fond of this dish, I was not sure how to respond. So, I responded honestly. But upon further reflection, I think the correct response would have been to say something like, "Well, I sure do love those dumplings or spicy noodles." Instead of saying flat out that I did not care for a certain dish, it may have been better to talk about the plethora of dishes from China that I love. Live and learn.

7 Day Countdown. . .

In 7 days, I will be in California. In 15 days, I will be in Beijing. Needless to say, my emotions are a little mixed at this point. They range from sheer excitement to zealous nostalgia and sappiness. To deal with this influx of feelings, I am going to try to live as normal as possible in this next week, with one exception--no complaining or snappy comments.

In the past month, I have prepared, to the best of my ability, for my time in China. I have read books on China, questioned my friends from China, talked with people who have been to China, practiced my Chinese, and eaten at Chinese restaurants on several occassions. One area where I could spend even more time in this next week, is lifting up my thoughts about the upcoming adventure. To sit in silence and wait on his voice to fill me with peace--this is the ultimate preparation.

Just testing to see if I am able to post pictures to this blog. These cookies are the work of my Aunt--she is amazing. I helped her make sure that each cookie had adequate M & M's on the top.