Inside Day

Today is an "Inside Day." The air quality progressive worsens as the day goes on. That's OK. I have laundry, cleaning, and studying to do.

I finally figured out the Chinese washer and dryer. The washer is bilingual so that was easier. But the dryer only has symbols with no explanation. After pushing all the buttons, probably too many times, I finally got hot air coming out of it. Which means that heat is going into the dryer.  Yeah! It ran for quite a while just tumbling so the clothes weren't drying too fast.

I am very thankful for a dryer. Most Chinese apartments don't have dryers. They have drying porches where people hang out their wet clothes to dry in the enclosed porch. The dry China air and the sun slowly evaporate the moisture.

Yesterday Mark and I attended our first Mandarin class. I think this class will be fun. The teacher is young, energetic, and funny. Of course, Mark initiates conversation and makes it fun.  She laughs a lot. We have four students - two young men besides us. Yesterday we spent the time learning consonant sounds, vowel and vowel blend sounds and tones. Most of the consonants we focused on are similar to English but the vowels are different. The tones, on the other hand, are difficult. We will continue to practice, practice, practice. As time goes on, hopefully we can find some locals who would be willing to help us practice. The other day we met a dad and a young boy on the elevator and practiced floor numbers. They were friendly and helpful.  Maybe a bit confused as to why WE wanted to speak Mandarin.

Our day yesterday gave us a taste of what our school days will be like. Up at 5:45am. Not difficult right now as the sun shines directly into our bedroom at that time of morning. Begin our walk to the subway station by 6:50am. Meet our friend Rodney then catch the packed subway. Two subway lines. Then walk 10-15 minutes to the school. Yesterday we arrived 40 minutes early. A little more than an hour in all. Rodney's strategy is to get there early to beat the subway crowds, relax, and use that time to either eat breakfast or prep for class. Then in bed by 9:00pm. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Tuesdays and Thursdays will be our study days and Mark's prep days.  Soon we will establish a normal routine. Is anything normal right now?

In all the newness and changes, I find comfort in our G who never changes. His steadfast love, faithfulness, justice, and righteousness never change, never fail. The psalms really bring those qualities to life for me.