So sorry for my delay in getting a new posting out. I have had my fair share of dramas recently as some of you will be aware. I am currently feeling a little more at ease with things but China is not an easy culture to get your head around. Remembering that they have 5000 years of history and stick closely to the old ways in a lot of situations is hard to comprehend at times. I've had issues at work, namely getting my visa sorted and also my accommodation has changed. Myself and the other teacher at the school apartment were asked to vacate immediately due to renovations the landlord needed to do. Unfortunately the alternate accommodation was very basic and we were forced to find something else. After the dust settled we were able to find a nice brand new 2 bedroom apartment to share. I will stay here for a while and then get my own place. I travelled to Guangzhou (new name for Canton) for my birthday after my New Year travel plans fell through. I spent 3 nights in a place called Shamain, which was lovely. It is an island in the centre of the city and has lots of park lands, old trees and old consulate buildings, I've included a couple of photos from the trip. I met a lovely Chinese Christian lady called Sarah and was pleased to find another believer in an otherwise seemlingly Godless society. I am hoping to get to Hong Kong next, as at long last I have my visa fixed up.
I have done a little shopping here in Shenzhen and with the help of a local found size 10 shoes and export quality and sized clothing. I also treated myself to some jade, which is easy to come by here and cheapish. Work is very busy, I have kids, teenagers and adults and am busiest on weekends. I still don't know much of the language but hope to get myself a phrasebook on my travels to Hong Kong. Thanks to everyone for my gifts, cards and emails of supports, it means so much to me to have all of your love and encouragement when I am so far from home. Till next time God bless. xo
