I arrived about a week ago after coming into China through Shanghai. The 2 day trip went well with a only few unexpected turns.
On a 12 hour lay-over in Qing-Dao I was brushed outside of the airport into the -20 degree night with the homeless people who were coming into the airport looking for somewhere to sleep. I managed to find the airport hotel and caught my connecting flight the next morning and all was well.
My Grandfather met me at my destination with Mr Chen, who has been my grandparents driver for the last few years on such occasions.
It was a strange feeling to finally arrive. After going through the experience of moving to a foreign country before and going through the process of learning the language and fitting in, it was as if I were starting that process all over again here in China. I can't say that I'm not looking forward to the challenge. I can't wait for the start of the semester and to be back in classes studying what I love. G*d has certainly given me a hunger for language.
My first week fell on the Chinese new year, this year being the year of the Dragon. It's a hugely important time here. Everything closes for a week and during that time it's a big celebration with a lot of food and A LOT of fireworks! Even late at night I could lie in my bed and watch a firework display out of the window. Today things went back to normal. My Grandfather has re-opened the coffee shop, the Woman who rides around selling Tofu is doing just that, and the streets are back to the usual hustle and bustle until next Chinese new year, at least.
My classes officially start during the first week of March which is just a short month away. Until then I will be devouring as much Chinese as I can and also preparing paperwork for Visa applications and the sorts. There will be a placement test on the first day which will decide which level I will be placed in. Although I know many Chinese Characters already through studying Korean, I think that I would benefit from starting at the beginning and grounding my Grammar and pronunciation well, which is something they really focus on in level-1. We shall see……
I hope that this finds you well and growing in love and passion for the L*rd.
Thank you for all that you have done and that you do. Please continue to p*ay for N.K*rea. P*ray for the practical needs of the people as this is the coldest time of year,
and without electricity I can't image that it is a joyful time for anyone. Of course pray that the G*spel would reach their ears and that they would accept our L*rd.
Also, please p*ay for me. P*ay that my heart continues to be challenged as I seek and worship Him. That I wouldn't be satisfied with the bare minimum, but that I would seek Him with a fervent heart. P*ray for my language abilities also with strength of mind to take in all of the information that will be thrown at me over the rest of the coming year.
In His name,
Danny O'Rourke
延边，吉林， 中国，
2011年 1月 30日
