Updated on May 31, 2011
Happy Teacher’s Day!
Today is national teacher’s day, which translates into obscenely large flower and fruit baskets for teachers. These tokens of gratitude are presented with well wishes like, “I hope you more and more beautiful for many years to come.” My students were kind enough to give me one of each type of basket this morning. I was touched by their generosity…until it came to lugging both of them home in the pouring rain while also trying to juggle an umbrella. The umbrella never would have happened if some student hadn’t taken pity on me and opened it for me on my way out of the building. I must have looked somewhat pathetic. I had the fruit basket somewhat slung (and cutting off the circulation) on one arm, with the other arm wrapped around the large flower basket. I gingerly found my way home, attempting to avoid the puddles. The last obstacle to tackle was fitting in and pushing the revolving door of my apartment building. By the time I made it inside, I had given the front desk ladies a good laugh. Suppressing chuckles, they also wished me a happy teacher’s day. Later on in the morning, Wu brought me the below gift from the department. I must admit that after the photo I removed some of the “flare” from the basket.
Updated on May 31, 2011
They are precious in His sight
No words today…just pictures.
Updated on May 31, 2011
Sore feet
The first week back always gets you. It takes awhile to get all the little piggies used to standing and being in heels for hours on end. The first week is always the most brutal…and I’m feeling it tonight. However, other than sore feet, it’s been a great week. It has been wonderful to be back in the classroom. Until this afternoon, all of the classes I had were new classes (students I’ve never taught before). There’s something about the freshness of a new slate with a new class that I love. Not to mention the fact that they explode with praise of, “You’re so beautiful!” My students I’ve had before are more likely to say, “You’re fatter than before!” Why yes I am, and I enjoyed my ice cream in America very much. However, I also love the comfort and familiarity of a class I’ve taught before. The class I taught this afternoon was one I’ve had for three semesters and have a tremendous relationship with. They understand me well enough to get my sarcasm (a tough thing for Chinese students to catch onto), to know when I’m serious, and when I’m kidding. They laugh at my jokes and clap when they find out I’m their teacher. They know when I mention football to cheer, “Go Ohio State!” and obligingly ask how my team is doing. And they make me laugh. Today I gave them a “quiz” about me to see how much they remembered. Part of the quiz was listing my hobbies. The class quickly came up with photography and cooking, and then were working on guessing the other two. From one corner of the class came “sleeping!” Well, yes, I do like my sleep. “Eating!” That could be true too. One sweet girl called out, “smiling!” Lest I get too big a head from that comment, a student called out from the front row, “giving quizzes!” Ah yes, this class knows me well. Later on, I was telling the class that I had changed apartments. As an explanation, I added that I now had a bigger kitchen. The quip from the second row quickly followed–“so now you can bake us more cookies!” I’ll get right on that…
Updated on May 31, 2011
Back in the saddle
**For those who may want to send me something in the mail…my mailing address did NOT change with the move down the hall. The old one will still work just fine!**
A week ago about this time I was rolling up to our apartment building greasy, smelly, and exhausted from a seemingly never-ending day of travel. A week later I’m smelling better, have my new house all set up, have taught my first class, and am organized for the new year. The first couple days were spent transporting all of my stuff (and it’s amazing how much stuff a person can accumulate in three years) down the hall from my old apartment to my new apartment. I moved for the single reason of having a larger kitchen. I know, it sounds silly. But I cook a lot. And moving my fridge every time I needed to get in the freezer was getting old. An added bonus to my new place is seeing trees outside my bedroom window. Those who have visited or lived in China will understand the wonderfulness of this statement. Vegetation in cities is extremely sparse. If there are trees, they’re usually not much taller than me and quite scrawny. However, outside my bedroom window is a small grove of big tall trees with big leaves that dance in the wind. What a treat!
This year has a very different feel from all previous years. I’m accustomed to the year beginning with a large meeting in Beijing with all of the teachers in China. However, due to the Olympics tablets for sale this year we all went straight to our schools. Our new teachers also will not arrive until the end of the month. Consequently, the team is “small” for the time being. We’re missing three teachers, so Rachel and Jennifer have magnanimously (with compensation) stepped up to teach full loads for the month. This semester I’m teaching two sophomore writing classes, two junior speech classes, and one freshman oral class. The freshmen are currently learning how to march and chant and do other soldierly things, so that class won’t begin until October. I’m excited to have one day off of teaching (Tuesdays), which will hopefully help with getting graduate work done.
Right now is my absolute favorite time in Siping. The temperature is around 75, with sunny blue skies. The grass is green, and there are even some flowers here and there. From past experience, I know this is about as pretty as it will be all year long, so I’m trying to soak in the beauty. It feels wonderful to be back here again; I’m always reminded every time I go away and come back how much this place truly is home. However, home is never perfect. The most glaring imperfection this week has been the water being shut off for several hour periods several times a day. I’ve got to have something that reminds me I still live in China… Most of the time this isn’t a big deal, but there are moments of annoyance. Like today, when I got into the shower after working out with sweat pouring off of me (yes I know, you’re thinking, Katherine? working out? gotta shed those pounds from all that good American ice cream…) only to discover there was no water. Lest you think I lied when I said I’m smelling better today than a week ago, the water did come on a few hours later and I got my long anticipated shower. 🙂
One final note, lest you think my fervent love has somehow dissipated. This past weekend contained the sheer joy of watching Michigan choke once again in its opener and Ohio State steam roll its opponent. Here’s hoping Beanie heals fast and will be ready for USC.
Updated on May 31, 2011
Heading home
After two months of travel and living out of a suitcase, I’m ready to head back home! Following my stop on the ranch, I headed up to the twin cities to visit Lana. It was great to see a China friend state-side, and to see a little bit of her life here.
Updated on May 31, 2011
On the road
My favorite cowboy, Uncle Maurice
Beef, it’s what’s for dinner.
Scene from the old general store
Updated on May 31, 2011
Complete
Classes are over! And I’m written-out, so this is not going to be a profound entry. The past three weeks have been incredibly intense, busy, and exhausting and refreshing all at the same time. I feel so blessed to be doing this graduate program. I have found myself encouraged and challenged in my work these past couple weeks. It has helped me to have a renewed vision for what I’m doing. Not to mention, it’s a great privilege to learn and grow and discuss with the thirty-five amazing people in our class. I’ve gotten to kneel with, eat with, and grow with some pretty incredible people here. This aspect makes me excited to come together with them again in January in Thailand (although the stack of books to be read before then adds a slightly overwhelming tinge to that feeling). 
The other blessing of these weeks has been spending time with “old” “non-Asia” friends in the Wheaton area. If you’re one of the wonderful people who sat at dinners, played miniature golf, watched movies, and generally just loved on me…let me say a huge THANK YOU. I found myself so refreshed by the company of these friends. Leaving Wheaton tomorrow is somewhat bittersweet. I’m excited about the people I’ll get to see in the next couple weeks, and eager to get back home to China. However, this place is so sweet to me that it’s hard to say goodbye. At least I have a good excuse to spend at least a month here for the next two summers!
Updated on May 31, 2011
Returning to the ivory tower
It’s hard to believe I’ve already been in the States for three weeks–the time has been flying by! I greatly enjoyed my time with Ethan; it’s hard to accept the fact that the next time I’ll see him he’ll be walking. I hate to be so far away during his first year. Watching Samantha grow up this past year, I know how quickly they change! Below is one of my favorite pictures of the little guy.
After being relieved of baby duty, I headed over to spend a couple days with a dear friend. It was an incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating time. I absolutely love the opportunity I have in the summers to interact face to face with those closest to me. I am continually amazed at how the Father continues to knit our hearts together despite such a great distance. Heather and I had our annual miniature golf tournament (the Mordt tournament). Due to an ill placed water hazard, I ended up losing by one stroke. Next year…
I have now finished my first week in the “ivory tower” of Wheaton. It has been incredibly refreshing to be back in the midst of my community here. I love how Abraham had certain places in the promised land where he would plant trees of remembrance in places he called upon the Father so that he could return to them again to call on the Father again. If I planted such trees, a big one would be here in Wheaton. This place is just one of those special places where He communicates clearly with me. Class this week was incredibly powerful–but also exhausting! Despite that fact, I found myself at the end of each day not wanting the class to end. We have the same professor (different class) this coming week, which makes me excited to see what’s in store!
Updated on May 31, 2011
Back in Meiguo
After the longest Saturday I’ve ever had, I finally got home at 1 am Sunday morning. I was luggage-less, but very happy to be outside of airports. Let me tell you, traveling through five airports in one day is not recommended! Nor do I recommend transferring from international to domestic at LAX. My 3+ hour layover was just long enough to get through the lines there. Because of a delay at LAX, I ended up getting in 40 minutes late in Chicago. Not a good situation when you only have a 45 minute layover. As the plane sat 50 feet from the gate for about 10 minutes I was close to wanting to scream. As soon as the plane pulled the rest of the way to the gate I sprinted for my next gate, and discovered I really need more cardiovascular exercise. Breathless and panting, I arrived at the gate, only to realize they had closed the door three minutes earlier. A few minutes later, another woman from my Chicago flight jogged up to the gate and I shared the bad news with her. The two of us headed off to the ticket counter, and were lucky enough to get some of the last seats on the last flight to Indy that night on United. She was sweet enough to let me use her cell phone to call my parents. I love the kindness of strangers here! And the fact that I can communicate with them! 🙂
Speaking of the kindness of strangers, I had the neatest encounter as I ran errands on Sunday. I was in a candle store (I found a cinnamon and spice candle that is going to make my apartment smell AWESOME in the fall) and I struck up a conversation with the cashier. After talking for a few minutes, she asked if it would be ok to lay hands on me and lift me up. This simple act was such an encouragement!
I’m now down in Florida and am getting in a full dose of my 3 month old nephew Ethan. Before Aunt Katherine came, he would nap only in people’s arms. Not that I don’t love a sleeping baby in my arms, but this high-maintenance behavior was going to be altered if at all possible (I had the full approval and encouragement of my sister in this endeavor). Sure enough, in this first full day with me I’ve gotten him to take a nap in his crib and his swing. I should be taking advantage of this time to work on my essays for grad class…but, updating the blog is more enjoyable. Pictures of the little guy to come soon!
Updated on May 31, 2011
Leaving on a jet plane
America here I come! Tomorrow at 6 am I’ll begin my 30-some hour journey back to the States. This year, I’m going by way of Changchun…and Korea…and LAX…and Chicago, before arriving in Indianapolis. 🙂 Five airports in one very long day! It will be fun to travel with the Clements family part of the way (to LA), though.
These last couple weeks have been jam-packed with final get-togethers, parties, performances, grading, grad work, and saying goodbyes. It’s all left me at the moment feeling quite tired and a little bit numb. This year has been defined by refining, overwhelming faithfulness and tenderness from the Father, and then more refining. There has been so much happening in my heart and my life that I’m looking forward to getting away from my normal environment for a bit to process all that’s happened. This summer will be filled with lots of activity and catching up with all of you wonderful people…but I’m also looking forward to some quieter moments where I can just sit and be still.
Thanks for all of your encouragement! I’ll be seeing all of you soon!
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