Update

Wow…I have been in China for a week. In some ways it seems like so much more, and then others it really doesn’t. However, it has been really good so far. The first 4 days I spent in quarantine with another team member who arrived the same day I did. We pretty much just hung out with each other, talking and watching movies while recovering from jetlag. Other team member also came in to talk to us and hang out, which was nice to start to get to know people. So far I am really enjoying the team and getting to know them better.

On Monday I finally got to leave campus, which was wonderful. I left with a big group to go eat lunch and do some shopping. This meant I was able to start to explore the vastness that is the city of Beijing. We took a bus to a district that has a lot of foreign type things and ate lunch at a place called the Lush, which is pretty much an American/Foreign hangout spot, and has good American food. We then took the subway to a few places to shop and just explored for a while. And yes, I did see scorpion and seahorse on a stick, but no, I haven’t eaten it! Yesterday evening I went and played ultimate Frisbee with a few of the guys on the team who found a place where a lot of people play every Tuesday night. It was really nice to get out and run for a while.

I have been adjusting really well so far, and really haven’t had a lot of culture shock as of yet. I am pretty much over jetlag and getting used to the 12 hour time difference. The thing that is getting me the most right now is getting used to when it gets dark/light here, so it really isn’t too bad! I am however already learning more about myself, as I knew I would be, and having to rely on God in new ways everyday. It is however so refreshing to know that I am surrounded by Christians. I really think having just graduated from college and leaving that environment I think is making this a lot easier on me, as I know I wouldn’t be able to do this a few years ago.

Thank you so much for all of your thoughts and prayers. I honestly do not know where I would be without them! Also, if you want to receive e-mail updates, which may be more frequent as I have access to e-mail in my room through ChinaNet, please send me you e-mail! (to a.b.twarek@gmail.com) Also, I would love to hear updates on your life and life back in the US, so feel free to e-mail whenever, or if you have g-mail and use g-chat I do have access to that in my room as well, but do not have access to Facebook!!!