God is STILL in control! PTL!

I started this past week thinking that I would have two wonderful weeks filled with rest, relaxation, sightseeing, and other touristy things before I started school. This week went perfectly according to plan. I was able to catch up on sleep and locate all the important buildings and stores (that would be the church, 7/11, Easy Way, the pizza shop, the grocery store, the bakery, and the stationary shop). I have yet to take many pictures. My last attempt was met with a dead battery. :o( Maybe next time.

So, I ended this week in full anticipation of next week being very similar. Then, the one who is basically in charge of everything, came and told us (my team) that we would not be starting school on September 11th. We will be starting on September 4th!

Attention! September 4th is this Monday! For me, at the time of this post, that is tomorrow morning, approximately 16 hours away.

The veteran teachers don't arrive until September 6th. So, we get to fly solo for a couple days. This will be exciting! At least I know the names of the six schools I am teaching at and what days I am teaching on them. Now their location is a different story. But I am told I don't need to worry about that. Someone from the school will come and pick me up. But I don't know what time, because each school is a little different. I do know that my Monday and Tuesday schools are on Shau Kinmen (Little Kinmen). Shau Kinmen is a little island right off the coast of Da Kinmen (Big Kinmen, the island I am living on.) So, I get to take a 10 minute boat ride every Monday and Tuesday. I am looking forward to this experience. I mean, how many people have you met that said, “When I was young, I had to take a boat to school!”

Just so you know I am as optimistic as ever. In fact I have already started a "things to be thankful for" list!

1. I get another week's worth of pay than I was expecting.

2. I learn more about independence as I have to start this more on my own than I thought.

3. I was able to truly relax this past week because I did not know it would be my last before I started school.

I am sure the list will be longer by the end of the day.

However, even though I am optimistic, I still need and covet your prayers. Please pray specifically for:

1. My 6 schools (for those of you who want to know, their names are Zhuo Huan, Shang Qi, Xi Kou, Gu Cheng, and Xian An. Don't ask me how to pronounce them. I am not sure yet.)

2. The students I will be teaching

3. The Chinese teachers I will be working with

4. and, wisdom for me as I prepare.

Thank you all so much! You have no idea what it means to me to know that you are praying for me and supporting me.

Oh, and just a little side note, everyone on my team took a personality test this past week. Guess what I am. I would love to know what you are.