I just finished reading Captivating... near the end of the book the quote this song. This is a song that Christy introduced to me last year. I had kind of forgotten about it, but I really like the words...
It is called "I Am" by Jill Philips

Oh gently lay your head
Upon my chest
And I will comfort you like a Mother while you rest.
The tide can change so fast
But I will stay
The same through Past, the same in Future,
Same Today

Oh weary, tired, and worn
Let out your sighs
And drop that heavy load you hold
Cuz Mine is light
I know you though and through
There’s no need to hide
O want to show you love that is deep and high and wide

For I am constant.
I am near.
I am peace that shatters all your secret fears.
I am holy
I am wise.
I’m the only One, who knows your heart’s desire

Oh gently lay your head upon My chest
And I will comfort you like a Mother
While you rest

The theme at this week's staff retreat is REST! I am looking forward to spending some quiet time with Him- seeking His will and direction.
More on the staff retreat later....
Christy and I are going to take a walk to the fishing village that is nearby.

SETTLERS!

Tonight, Christy and I had Julie over for a game of Settlers! Settlers is a game that our friend Melissa introduced to us last year. (good memories :) Melissa left it here in Qingdao, so we decided to carry on the tradition by introducing Julie to the game. Christy was the winner- sneaking out a victory by having a monopoly on the wheat!

Fun times

Reflection

Today I took a walk and some time to reflect. I walked along the ocean and talked to the Father about what His will is for my life and about future decisions I need to make. One very important decision that I need to make is whether or not I will return to Qingdao for the next school year. A friend called me last week and I shared with him how when He calls us he doesn't make a guarentee that this is going to be easy. The fishermen gave up everything in order to follow Him. This story has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Before, I wasn't able to actually relate to the disciples. After living in China for a year, I realize and can relate to how difficult it is to leave everything you know- your family, hometown, friends, job, etc... It also means "missing out" on things that are happening back home- birthdays, holidays, weddings, get-togethers, etc. This has definitely not been easy for me. There are many advantages to following His call- I have had opportunities that I would never had, had I not made the decision to come here. I have been placed in a beautiful city with the opportunity to teach 13 beautiful children from other countries about Him and work in an environment where people lift you up and keep you accountable. Where we start every morning with singing and sharing.

After my walk, I put in a cd from College Wesleyan- The message was on Sacrifice- how fitting. It talked about how everytime He changes a heart, he provides more than enough. It was about how the Israelites were stuck in the brickyards making bricks for the Pharoah and when they left Egypt how they built a house for Him, not bricks. He spoke on how do you want your life to count? Do I want to measure it by the applause I am given, fleeting pleasures, or by investing in what He wants to do in people's lives long after I am gone. I have the opportunity here to invest in the lives of children that have the potential share what they learn with people in different countries, that I may never see. It is an awesome responsibility!

Sky of Blue and Sea of Green....
Yesterday, Christy and I made what may be our last trip to Shi Lao Ren beach. The weather here has been fabulous! It starts out around 65 and ends up being around 85! Much different then the autumn in Maine. October holiday is coming up soon. This year, we will again go back to Lao Shan for an all staff retreat, but, unlike last year, we will return only to leave the next morning for a conferene in Beijing. (Last year, we went to Thailand over Thanksgiving) It will be a busy "vacation" but it will also be a time to see friends that I came over with that are living in another city. I am looking forward to catching up with them and hearing what is happening in their city.

The BER Months
Christy and I have been enjoying our collection of Christmas Cd's... yes, I know it is only September... but I have begun a new tradition since moving to Qingdao. In the Philippians, where my roommate grew up, they begin listening to Christmas music in the BER months- September, October, November, December! I think this is a great idea! I love Christmas music and have adapted Christy's tradition as my own.

PARTIES!

It has been another busy week in Qingdao! I continue to enjoy my students this year. They are a great group of students. We continue to be having a lot of fun studying science. We have a great new science program that is very hands on and the students actually cheer when it is science class!!!I even look forward to teaching science!
My students earned their first Praise Party of the year and chose to celebrate by playing a game of BASEBALL with the other 4th grade class! Of course, I was very happy with this decision! Most of my students have never played baseball (Luckily, they have been learning how to play in gym), but they know I love the game and have been wanting me to come and play baseball with them during our recess time?(I am unable to b/c recess is when I have Chinese class)

Qingdao also just finished hosting the sailing regatta! We had a great view of the regatta from our apt?so good, that we actually had to get a special person pass in order to come into our apartment complex! The location for the regatta is also where the sailing Olympics will be held in 2008!!! My friends and I took many pictures while inside the area- we always enjoy finding signs translated into English. We often wish they would ask us to assist them in the translation... Our favorite sign from the regatta- "Symbol Thing"

While inside the sailing complex, we came across some oversized Olympic mascots and thought it might make for a fun pic!

Red- Christy and me.....Yellow- Kris and me....

This weekend we celebrated Lisa's birthday! For her birthday this year she celebrated by hosting a brownie sundae social! mmmm :) Christy and I began the celebrations by having Lisa and her roommate, angela, over for a special birthday dinner- Poppyseed Chicken and salad, and our favorite summer drink- a mango frappacino! Below- Lisa and Angela at our place for Lisa's birthday dinner!

Melanie, me, Kristen, Stephanie and Donald

This week's view from the balcony! I love my seaside apartment!