I finally learned how to link photos to my blog! Hooray!
In about half an hour, I’m heading into the village of Qingyundian (my new hometown). I’ll try to take some pictures – since I’m such a pro at loading up photos now! Most of you have already seen the pictures below, but I thought I’d post them anyway…just to show off my new-found skill.
I feel like such an infant these days. I got an email from my sweet friend Chitra, describing her little 2-year old and all he’s learning. I smiled when she mentioned he doesn’t have all his numbers in order yet. I’m right there with you, James. 1, 2, and 4 are the best I can do so far. And instead of saying, “Excuse me” yesterday, I said “You’re welcome!”
I’m used to being so independent. It’s definitely been an adjustment this week as I’ve had to rely on other people for absolutely everything. And every TINY triumph is a major accomplishment. It seems kind of funny that I’d move from being very useful and needed in PA to being rather worthless here in China. At least for awhile, that is. The power went out on my apartment 2 nights ago and I could not for the life of me figure out how to get my hot water tank to turn back on. Two cold showers later, I just started pushing buttons and this morning I had 7 whole minutes of warmth!
We are remodeling 2 bathrooms are our community center, and it’s going to be my job to buy all of the fixtures (sinks, faucets, toilets, hot water tanks, mirrors, tile, etc.) That means I’m going to have to communicate with the workers to find out the dimensions of the rooms. And then find my way to a store that sells these things. Pick them out. Bargain for the best price. Pay for them. And then make it home. Whew.
In the midst of all this, I still know that I am in the middle of a really grand adventure. It is such a privilege to be here – and I don’t want to miss out on any of the things I’m learning and experiencing. As foolish and clumsy as I appear right now, I am learning and growing.
