The last week or so

It’s been almost a week since I updated anyone via a blog/journal/post. As many of you know, on Saturday I became sick. I think there are quite a few factors that were working against my body, but I was struggling mentally too. I felt overwhelmed by the thoughts of almost a full week left, I was alone, a child I still barely know or understand was relying on me, and whilst being sick. I was quite weak in the evening so I tried to sleep early Saturday night.

I felt like I had already been asleep for the whole night when I woke up at 10. I needed to use the restroom. As I was walking back to the bed I had that initial feeling of throwing up. The feeling increased and surpassed vomiting to passing out-fainting. I quickly knelt down on the floor, panicking, and prayed aloud for God to help me. It’s been a long time since I was so scared and isolated. (For those who haven’t passed out, it feels a bit like death is happening.) Before losing consciousness, remembered a soda in the hotel fridge so I reached for a Sprite and took a sip.

I woke up a little later feeling wet on my shoulder from soda on the floor and sweat all over. I had passed out. I felt heavy on the floor as though I couldn’t move, but the cool air felt amazing to me. I started to become aware of things and felt better, though still lousy. I finished the Sprite, drank some water too, prayed, and went to bed.

The night was restless, full of hot, cold, and feverish thoughts. I had a dream I was home and Beth-Anne was taking care of me with other family, but when I woke up I was still alone.

The next morning I tried to count my blessings.

I was thankful this came in the middle of my trip and not the beginning or end.

I was thankful Eden had been so good-really, amazing.

I was thankful I wasn’t nauseous.

I was thankful it was less than a week.

I was thankful for God’s promises to help and use everything for good.

I was thankful for my guide.

And then others started to pray.

Thank you!

Since Saturday and Sunday, I am almost fully recovered with a regular appetite, I’m walking, and I can take care of Eden. Not only that, but my spirits have revived. I know God will sustain until we get home. Your prayers have help much! It can’t be overstated.

Here are some funny things since coming to China:

I saw a guy riding his bicycle and texting at the same time. He didn’t notice the truck that had stopped in front of him until it was too late.

Blinkers in Asia, do they not work?

Lines on the roads are general guides if you feel like following them.

The horn is used for every reason and no reason at all.

I saw a commercial for dried shrimp and little kids were dressed up at the beach in shrimp costumes, and so happy!

I tried to order some noodles. When I gave the lady my money she said something. I looked at the amount and knew it was more than enough. I stared blankly at her. She said it again. I could only think of phrases in Spanish or Korean so I still didn’t say anything. She said something else in Chinese, willing me to understand, and pointed at a card. “Please white man, won’t you understand me?!”

I shook my head and held up my hands. Then I tried to take my money back. She kindly resolved the issue for me instead. She actually did a very kind thing so I could eat. (This particular incident to be continued).

I’m trying to find some porcelain as a keepsake for Eden from her country of birth, China. My guide tells me it’s hard to find. Chinese people don’t like to pay for porcelain. They are not very traditional anymore. It’s a little ironic, but sad too.

Eden leaned against the table to help bend her elbow so she could get her mouth to eat the cracker in her hand, but she was in a swiveling chair so the more she pushed the more the rest of her circled around-away from her hand. 🤣

Multiple people have gestured to the sky and said, “tall!” And smiled at me. Yes.

Then I stand tall awkwardly since I can’t say anything else to them. “Wu ai ni!”

Actually, I was walking along imaging myself getting mixed up and saying “Wu ai ni” rather than “xie xie,” and laughing about it, but it never even happened. I think I need to be back home now.

Eden says many things in Chinese I don’t understand. I try to repeat them into google translate to help me interpret. Usually it’s a fail. Here are some of the translation errors we’ve had:

Is my sister infected?

Tropicana

I am not a subway

Haha no more

It is for

Not his mother

Samsung

With fools

Head pressure

Don’t put a lot of

Expired grandma

Weird me

First stock YY

Hello kitty blames me

For the surface of the scorpion

Forget it, you

Your father is stupid (yikes, I hope that was a mistranslation!)

Have you hugged it?

Your dad let me have a look

I’m no longer here

I took pictures of java

I am afraid he opened

Don’t kill white wine

Where is Anyang’s father?

And something happy to end with:

Yesterday, Eden told me twice in Chinese that she loves me!! 

“Wu ai ni,” everyone.