A Full Heart

Today has been the most encouraging day here. Honestly, I needed a day like today! Having been sick for the last week, while at the same time hitting the "what am I still doing in here" portion of my transition, I have been a bit on the weary side. I adore living in China and I know it's where I am called, it's just part of that transition that makes you want to say, "Really?" nearly every 5 seconds because the culture that runs through your veins is colliding with a new culture in which I've been emmersed. And by 'collided', of course I really am referring to that horrific traffic accident that you know you really shouldn't look at when you drive by, but it's so horrific you just can't tear your eyes away, so naturally you drive 2 miles per hour just to get the full scenic perspective creating a domino effect of endless, rage-enducing traffic. Ok, this MAY be an exaggeration, but you get the idea.

As my two cultures are colliding causing the earthquake of my century, I feel miserably sick and I don't care who you are, when you are sick all you want is something familiar that feels like home and then on top of that, my birthday is creeping closer and closer, reminding me that I will not be sharing it with those I love the most.

Ok Ok enough of the whining right? Well, seriously, I don't think I have felt more loved and appreciated like I did today. Being someone who doesn't receive love well (I am learning!), words and gifts are the easiest ways to lift my spirit (hint hint … haha only kidding…kinda ;) ) Having only been here a little over a month, I didn't expect much in regards to my birthday, plus who really knows me enough to get me gifts that even speak to who I am. Well, I was wrong. Throughout the entire day, I was handed notes of encouragement, words of wisdom, tokens of joy and cuteness, and little things that said I was thought of and appreciated. It really was quite overwhelming (in a good and humbling way). And if I never hear the birthday song again, I wouldn't miss it ;)

Anyways, I know that today was a day of abundant encouragement. I know that though the people I am around were the vessels used to display that love, in the end I believe that everything today was a way to encourage my soul and remind me of why I came here in the first place. That even when everything is shift and nothing is normal, I can stand and rest on the rock of my salvation who will always love me with an unwavering love and will never leave me (even if my circumstances might suggest otherwise). Thankful for the reminder and a chance to see the body love well.
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Tonight, I was also thrown a celebratory party where I was able to select the theme and what better than 'saying goodbye to the 20s in the 20s'? Not only was it nice to see all those that came out (and after a long work week for most), but it was also awesome to see how many people were willing to join in my love of themed parties and dress out for the occasion! Plus, a friend remembered that I mentioned wanting to try rabbit and ended up giving me one (already cooked) as my birthday gift (probably the most hilarious, unexpected, and most memorable gifts I will ever get). Not only was it a shock to the party planning crew when I asked for a plate to display my new gift, but it was also a great talking point of the night. And it was delicious! Here's to a new decade of life!


 (p.s. both of the pictures eating rabbit are staged and nobody ate the rabbit after these pictures…however, I love how ridiculous the picture on the right is)