Even Though The Journey Is Long And I Know The Road Is Hard

This title sums up the day both physically and emotionally.

I woke up this morning at about 3:30. All I could do was cry! I cried to Father and I cried for my mommy. The adjustment process here is slow and agonizing. Daytime tends to be okay, but the nights are very difficult. I tried to tell myself that it would all be okay and to keep a long-term mindset. I know that I will see my family again (even if not on this earth), but the people that I am going to see may not be in that same boat. I am reminded of the needs of others (rm. 10:13-15). These past few days I have really struggled with how to keep a level mind, but also to honor these things that I am feeling. I do not want to be looking back as I have put my hand to the plow, but I do miss home. It will get better.

We left for the school (and my final destination) this morning. It is a 2 hour drive from where my friends live, hence the long journey! And, the road is hard...full of potholes and general disrepair. The sad thing is, this is the new road! I suppose bureaucracy is bureaucracy no matter where you go. We arrived at the school a little past 11 and dropped my things in my apartment before heading out to lunch for the president of the university. I had changed from my jeans into a cute little sundress and just as I sat down in the car the strap popped. I had to run back inside and find something else to put on to wear.

We arrived at the luncheon late. The president was already speaking and giving her farewell address. She has been chosen to head another school in the province. We are sad to see her go, she has been a friend to us in the past. (Please keep this situation in your thoughts as we do not know at this time who will be replacing her.) There was so much food at this lunch! They had to stack to food dishes on top of one another because there was not enough room on the table. It should be noted that I have a pretty strict don't ask, don't tell policy when it comes to food around here. A lot of the times when the food comes out you aren't quite sure what it is other than meat or vegetable/fruit and it is usually best to leave it that way. That said, when the food comes with its head on the plate or still on its body the don't ask, don't tell policy goes out the window.

There were two such occasions at lunch. One was duck, and I was okay that the head was still on the plate, albeit without feathers. The other was...bugs. As soon as the plate hit the table I KNEW what it was - fried bee. I talked a big game before coming about eating fried bee, I just didn't expect that it would be so soon after my arrival. I had hoped that I would have time to warm up to the local cuisine before being confronted with this HUGE mental challenge. It is pretty hard to ignore those big eyes staring at you under a coating of breading. At first I said that I would just watch to see what my friends did when the plate came around, but when they started eating it like popcorn that plan went out the window. I decided that I would just wait until my stomach felt easier with the food. Alas, my mind kept convicting me of how I had talked a big game and had nothing to back it up. How could I expect Mer to join me in this "delicacy" if I wasn't brave enough to try it now? After eating a little food to get a base layer of protection in my stomach, I decided that I would try it. I picked a little guy with no distinguishable face and just kept repeating to myself, "If Crystal can do it, I can do it!" I closed my eyes and bit the bullet; well, bit the bee. Over the lips, past the gums, look out stomach...HERE IT COMES! Surprisingly, not too bad. It tastes like fried chicken skin. Now, I was never one to believe people when they told me that, but it really does. Trust me, if it were gross it would have made for a better entry and I would share every detail of it with you. I went back for more, just ONE more. On the whole, lunch was pretty good and I tried lots of things I have not before.

After lunch, the music began to play Christmas carols. I thought that was really strange since it is August, but oh well! One of my bosses at the school was singing right along with Silent Night. I thought, "Shut up!" (not in a bad way, but more as an exclamation of disbelief, like how Stacey uses it on "What Not To Wear") I hope that he truly understands the meaning of the words he sang and not just because they were in English. I met so many people from the school at lunch, mostly heads of departments and administrators. I won't remember them all. It was nice to see some familiar faces there from our last trip. Mr. Ding remembered me and said that there is a picture of me dancing one of the traditional bamboo dances hanging up in the office! I was so surprised.

After lunch, my friends and I headed off to a home for a celebration with family. We studied our books with friends and enjoyed some more good food. How I managed to eat more after that lunch I don't know. I was so excited to visit this home. It was my first time going to a home here, other than my friends' home. I was in disbelief because I didn't think that I would get an opportunity to do this while I was here. They were very welcoming and invited me to come back again with my friends when they are in town.

We stopped at Wal-Mart here in the city before going back to school. I was looking forward to that amazing smell of soap and clean once again...it's like my drug of choice, or catnip to me. Unfortunately, that was not the case at this Wal-Mart. Nevertheless, I was excited to stock up on the basics: milk, jiao zi, bread, peanut butter, jelly, hairdryer, etc.

When we got back to school, I finally had a chance to explore my new house (I can't quite bring myself to call it a home). I have a washing machine! Woohoo! This means more money for the footwash since I won't have to find a lady to do my laundry for me. :-) I have been truly provided for and blessed at this apartment. Check out the video tour on the home page to get a look around. Later that night, I had to use the bathroom and discovered that my toilet does not flush! Being exhausted and with nothing that I could really do about it at that point, I went to bed.

Tomorrow is a brand new day!