Family part 2...

Well I want to continue on a previous blog...family. Imagine being over 8000 miles away for Christmas for the first time. Celebrating a holiday that you love and look forward to every year...and spending it where it truly is celebrated (if at all) as a shopping holiday.  Of course it's exciting to be in a huge city with lots to do. However, cherishing the traditions of this holiday are not always found...or rarely found in china.  However, what I did 

On Christmas Day, our company provided a time for everyone to go ice skating together.  Now Having never skated on ice purposefully, I was a little intimidated and deep down did not really want to dive right in. However, I pushed beyond and realized this is a time to push beyond fears and try yet something else new...my whole experience this year.  Like Bambi on ice for the first time, I was a sight for sure. Imagine two thin skinny pieces of metal is all that holding you up from being part of the ice beneath you. However, the friends all surrounded and laughed along with in trying this new cold adventure. Granted I still have a long route before I give Scott Hamilton a challenge, but it was a blast. Following ice skating everyone went to a German brewery/restaurant for a late lunch. The fest was rolled out and everyone enjoyed the family environment, laughs, sharing of stories and company.  It was family.  After a couple of rounds of carols from a few spontaneous folks, the evening continues with exploring the sites of downtown Shanghai. The city lit up as to say welcome to the city of lights. Followed by a leisure stroll through the packed streets of a popular shopping district, east Nanjing, everyone found laughs in the spontaneous outbursts of dancing in the streets in front of stores with workers dressed in Santa outfits. Yes, everyday we were shuffling thanks to the music blasting from LMFAO!  I would lie to you if I said we did not have fun and totally caused a scene. Amongst the hundreds of people that quickly flocked all around us like the paparazzi with their cellphone cameras, we laughed sharing this moment.  We continued the evening with an outburst of Christmas carols in the Apple store. Ending our night with dessert at a chocolate restaurant...OMG!  A full day filled with laughter, funny memories, food, friends...it was family. 


On Christmas Day, our company provided a time for everyone to go ice skating together.  Now Having never skated on ice purposefully, I was a little intimidated and deep down did not really want to dive right in. However, I pushed beyond and realized this is a time to push beyond fears and try yet something else new...my whole experience this year.  Like Bambi on ice for the first time, I was a sight for sure. Imagine two thin skinny pieces of metal is all that holding you up from being part of the ice beneath you. However, the friends all surrounded and laughed along with in trying this new cold adventure. Granted I still have a long route before I give Scott Hamilton a challenge, but it was a blast. Following ice skating everyone went to a German brewery/restaurant for a late lunch. The fest was rolled out and everyone enjoyed the family environment, laughs, sharing of stories and company.  It was family.  After a couple of rounds of carols from a few spontaneous folks, the evening continues with exploring the sites of downtown Shanghai. The city lit up as to say welcome to the city of lights. Followed by a leisure stroll through the packed streets of a popular shopping district, east Nanjing, everyone found laughs in the spontaneous outbursts of dancing in the streets in front of stores with workers dressed in Santa outfits. Yes, everyday we were shuffling thanks to the music blasting from LMFAO!  I would lie to you if I said we did not have fun and totally caused a scene. Amongst the hundreds of people that quickly flocked all around us like the paparazzi with their cellphone cameras, we laughed sharing this moment.  We continued the evening with an outburst of Christmas carols in the Apple store. Ending our night with dessert at a chocolate restaurant...OMG!  A full day filled with laughter, funny memories, food, friends...it was family. 

On Christmas Day, our company provided a time for everyone to go ice skating together.  Now Having never skated on ice purposefully, I was a little intimidated and deep down did not really want to dive right in. However, I pushed beyond and realized this is a time to push beyond fears and try yet something else new...my whole experience this year.  Like Bambi on ice for the first time, I was a sight for sure. Imagine two thin skinny pieces of metal is all that holding you up from being part of the ice beneath you. However, the friends all surrounded and laughed along with in trying this new cold adventure. Granted I still have a long route before I give Scott Hamilton a challenge, but it was a blast. Following ice skating everyone went to a German brewery/restaurant for a late lunch. The fest was rolled out and everyone enjoyed the family environment, laughs, sharing of stories and company.  It was family.  After a couple of rounds of carols from a few spontaneous folks, the evening continues with exploring the sites of downtown Shanghai. The city lit up as to say welcome to the city of lights. Followed by a leisure stroll through the packed streets of a popular shopping district, east Nanjing, everyone found laughs in the spontaneous outbursts of dancing in the streets in front of stores with workers dressed in Santa outfits. Yes, everyday we were shuffling thanks to the music blasting from LMFAO!  I would lie to you if I said we did not have fun and totally caused a scene. Amongst the hundreds of people that quickly flocked all around us like the paparazzi with their cellphone cameras, we laughed sharing this moment.  We continued the evening with an outburst of Christmas carols in the Apple store. Ending our night with dessert at a chocolate restaurant...OMG!  A full day filled with laughter, funny memories, food, friends...it was family. 

After speaking with the head of Disney China for a few moments at lunch, it continued to shape my perspective about redefining family. Family is where you make it and how you embrace it he said. Having himself lived in Orlando for many years, he started this tradition to give foreign trainers/teachers a place to gather and celebrate.  This Christmas I connected with my biological family through Skype, but I still spent Christmas with family. From Canada, Ireland, England, Philippians, the US and more...it was a family Christmas.   I will never forget this christmas.
Again, as I'm growing in this international world, I'm seeing more and more the significance of family.  Seeing some never really understanding family because of their lack of having that deep sense of belonging and love growing up in a family.  One thing I am constantly thankful for is the way in which I was raised. My parents and family had dinners together, celebrated holidays and traditions, celebrated each other but more importantly sowed the seeds of what it means to love and give.  This is what family is all about. 

Just over a month here in Shanghai, I have felt like the people I have trained and worked with are like family. We have gone out separate ways and I too will leave Shanghai this weekend ready for my new home in Chengdu.  Just as Christmas morning, distance did not desperate me from my family in Tennessee, same goes as I look at those whom I have adopted into my family. Little brothers from Turkey, China, Vietnam, Nashville, LA and more. Sisters from China, Taiwan, Nashville and Orlando...family is family. I will soon be adopted into a new family in Chengdu here real soon.  Each person brings something to my life and is cherished for that.  Sometimes it's only for a season, but many times it's for life.  Distance merely separates land but not the bonds. So here's to family during this season.

experience in this my first Christmas away from my family, was still a sense of family.  Granted I miss the fresh apple cake and pecan pie my mom always makes or the big breakfast with country ham, scrambled eggs and biscuits with moms preserves, watching my niece and nephews opening gifts with excitement, but what I found was family.

A new look at Family...

What would we do without family? It's who we are. It's where we come from. Generations and generations form and mold our family. But as I've experienced more and more of life, I'm redefining what family is to me. First say that you can never replace the family in which you have been born into. I am so lucky and blessed to have the perfect parents for me. My brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephews will always be there! They are the perfect family for me...strange and funny at times, they are mine.
Family I'm talking more is how when we move beyond the walls of our immediate biological family and begin to make those relationships beyond. I think of the friendships I made in Nashville. Where some lasted merely the season I was living there, a few continue to be lifelong friendships. A
My ActsTwo family has been my family while growing in Orlando. Redefining my ideologies, my perspective on life and even my beliefs on theology. The most important thing I have received from my ActsTwo family is love without judgement. This is a rarity in today's church I have found. Having leaders that are authentic, genuine and humble lead and allow for an environment like this. It's family...

I think about the students at my former school. Especially the internationally students. These students came from all over the world to study and advance their opportunities in life. I remember that same feeling when I went to study in Germany for a semester. It was an adventure, scary at times and eye opening. The one thing I found with my time at the school is the amazing relationships the students and parents long for that are authentic and genuine....particularly the students. They want someone who listens and truly has their best interest at hand rather than the tuition payment they make to sustain the initity. I found that some of these students I swept under my wings as little brothers or little sisters. Someone for them to talk and confide in and simply to be heard. It's has given me some of the most memorable experiences of my life. Understanding these students stirred the desire to be abroad and to explore more. When traveling this summer to china, I truly was welcomed with warmth, admiration and the best hospitality ever. Even now, as I begin to make china my home for the next season of life, I find these students willing to help and stay engaged in relationship. Where some tried to stifle it, it has only grown stronger and deeper. Not only with the students, but also their families and parents. I cannot express how amazing these families are and what they truly mean to me. What I know is that they have become part of my family. It's exciting to know that one day I will be attending weddings and birthday parties for their children.

My ActsTwo family has been my family while growing in Orlando. Redefining my ideologies, my perspective on life and even my beliefs on theology. The most important thing I have received from my ActsTwo family is love without judgement. This is a rarity in today's church I have found. Having leaders that are authentic, genuine and humble lead and allow for an environment like this. It's family...
I think about the students at my former school. Especially the internationally students. These students came from all over the world to study and advance their opportunities in life. I remember that same feeling when I went to study in Germany for a semester. It was an adventure, scary at times and eye opening. The one thing I found with my time at the school is the amazing relationships the students and parents long for that are authentic and genuine....particularly the students. They want someone who listens and truly has their best interest at hand rather than the tuition payment they make to sustain the initity. I found that some of these students I swept under my wings as little brothers or little sisters. Someone for them to talk and confide in and simply to be heard. It's has given me some of the most memorable experiences of my life. Understanding these students stirred the desire to be abroad and to explore more. When traveling this summer to china, I truly was welcomed with warmth, admiration and the best hospitality ever. Even now, as I begin to make china my home for the next season of life, I find these students willing to help and stay engaged in relationship. Where some tried to stifle it, it has only grown stronger and deeper. Not only with the students, but also their families and parents. I cannot express how amazing these families are and what they truly mean to me. What I know is that they have become part of my family. It's exciting to know that one day I will be attending weddings and birthday parties for their children.

I think about the students at my former school. Especially the internationally students. These students came from all over the world to study and advance their opportunities in life. I remember that same feeling when I went to study in Germany for a semester. It was an adventure, scary at times and eye opening. The one thing I found with my time at the school is the amazing relationships the students and parents long for that are authentic and genuine....particularly the students. They want someone who listens and truly has their best interest at hand rather than the tuition payment they make to sustain the initity. I found that some of these students I swept under my wings as little brothers or little sisters. Someone for them to talk and confide in and simply to be heard. It's has given me some of the most memorable experiences of my life. Understanding these students stirred the desire to be abroad and to explore more. When traveling this summer to china, I truly was welcomed with warmth, admiration and the best hospitality ever. Even now, as I begin to make china my home for the next season of life, I find these students willing to help and stay engaged in relationship. Where some tried to stifle it, it has only grown stronger and deeper. Not only with the students, but also their families and parents. I cannot express how amazing these families are and what they truly mean to me. What I know is that they have become part of my family. It's exciting to know that one day I will be attending weddings and birthday parties for their children.




few of those possess more depth and I consider family. Especially those that started in Nashville and continued in Orlando. As as the wisdom continues to find me (and now the tinsel hair) realizing that relationships truly are the treasures we can invest in most with a deep return.





MORE TO BE CONTINUED....

Attitude...the driving force.

It determines your day. It influences often how others respond to you. It easily affects how people treat you. It can turn a bad situation into a hilarious story over drinks. It cost nothing, but can affect everything. Attitude.  Being here in China for three weeks now, I have seen how attitude is a survival tool.  Whether it is the pollution, not understanding the language, not sure what good you just ate or ordered and the list goes on.  Attitude guides our experience and our journey.

I am very lucky to be wired the way God wired me. Easy going, able to laugh at myself and flexible are ways I personally describe myself.  These traits come in so handy and helpful in this huge transition of life.  This transition was not just sudden and out of nowhere, but rather a longing a desire that had been growing for years.  Expedited by unseen events at my previous job, I'm excited that this is the time I'm taking this new journey. I've noticed that my attitude gets checked every now and then here, but what's important is that it's quick.I absolutely live the culture here.  The people at so hospitable and friendly. They work hard and enjoy life to the fullest, but through the simplest ways. A great shift from the rush to the top and strive to be the best paradigm seen oft in western culture.  Oh don't get me wrong, there are still those quirks I can't stand and that annoy me.  People constantly starring at you. People spitting anywhere in public. The rampant smoking in public places and in your face...and the yelling. Sometimes you thing a serious fight is about to explode when in really they are just talking normally...just really loud!

I've seen this that are struggling here and those that are excelling. Granted I'm still in the "honeymoon" stage as it is often referred to here for expacts.  However, I'm seeing the way of life here and the appreciation for the simplicity refreshing.  It's a mentality that china has been doing doe of these things for thousands of years. Traditions, culture, ceremonies, ideologies, mind sets all passed down from generation to generation.  Each owning them fully to respect their family and ancestors.  It's a beautiful site.  It's funny as I write this on my commute to work I the subway, the old man across from me stares as though I am a foreign alien in a distant land...oh wait! Maybe I am lol.

Waffles tell a story...

Its a simple observation, but one made with time.  Beside our hotel is a little waffle stand, Yummy Waffle.  There they make waffles...and milk tea.  That's it.  It has become a fun and favorite stop for us.  I must admit I have contributed to this establishment tremendously, but today something just clicked.  The guy who is working always has a smile on his face.  He is very cheerful and makes amazing waffles.  We communicate through gestures, pointing and smiling.  His broken English and my 5 words of Mandarin has never stopped this venture of simple culinary delights.  Its more that just waffles though... 


As we have consistently been customers of the Yummy Waffle, I have noticed more that just the various array of toppings available.  What I have most found is the manner in which the guy serves his waffles.  Its a simple product...waffles.  However, he does it with excellence.  He truly takes pride as he drizzles the peanut butter sauce or the chocolate sauce over the freshly made waffle.  The precision as he makes sure that each little square has the perfect amount of blueberries...my favorite.  Served with a smile and a simple xièxiè (thank you)  to which I happily reply no THANK YOU! (xièxiè)  

Its taking a moment to appreciate the simple things and the attitude of being content in the simple ways.  It can be very easy to get lost in the rush.  We oft allow culture, work, programs, etc...to rush us through daily life and we forget to take that moment to enjoy where we are.  What I see is more than a young man making waffles...he is content and happy where he is doing what he does.  

What can we take from this simple Waffle story? Maya Angelo says, "Be present in all things and thankful for all things."  In the smallest and simplest of moments, if we can find joy, contentment and purpose, how much more would we enjoy this journey of life.  Enjoying the now is something I am finding more and more here in Shanghai.  I see the people in the parks doing their exercises or dancing in the evenings.  It is amazing and refreshing to see this pace of life in such a city.  It truly makes sense and brings a depth to the phrase "stop and smell the roses." 

The beginning...the honeymoon stage...

So the jet lag is starting to fade, the time change is adjusting and the excitement has just begun.  We all go through this journey as either spectators or truly participants.  I choose to participate and dive right in.  Over these first few days, I have meet some truly incredible individuals from all around the world.  They share the similar passion for children, culture and travel.  They embrace change and new cultural adventures and laugh at the best.  I've been here in Shanghai now three real days, and I tell you, this city has a lot to offer.  Imagine living in a city of 22 million people.  Just to give you a little idea of how large this city truly is:

NYC: 9.1 million*

California: 38.millon people*

Florida: 20 million people*

*Estimated on 2009 census.  

I honestly was a little apprehensive about living in such a huge city.  Realizing after taking the subway, going to the mall, and just exploring the city...yes its huge, but its manageable.  Its also expensive.  More than that though has been the people that I have meet so far.  People from South Africa, Pakistan, Canada, Ireland, UK, Nigeria, Philippines, Vietnam, and of course the USA.  All here to teach english, all here to learn, all here to give of themselves.  Its amazing how bonds quickly develop over a common goal/job.  We've shared common laughs over "OH CHINA" our new saying when things just don't make sense.  You have to be able to laugh at cultural differences and not impose our "western mindset" here.  We can either come into this experience saying "That's now how we do it at home OR Oh I see that's a little interesting, but OK."  We have coined the phrase when frustrated or not understanding something "Oh China."  It brings humor and eliminates anxiety and frustration.  This year is sure to go back quickly, yet the lessons will last a lifetime.  I signed up for this adventure to grow, to be stretched and to see the world.  To push myself outside of a comfort zone that is cozy, easy and materialistic.  I am excited to see the days, weeks and months ahead.  I look forward to meeting the kids and families knowing that an impact will be made daily.  Not just an impact on the students and families, but how they will impact me.  How new friendships will constantly push my mindset to a global mind. One of adventure, learning, non-ethnocentrism and more.  Now, off to explore more of this city I am calling home for a month...until Chengdu.  Shanghai...show me what you got!  

The Story of my Life...

I sit here, just hours before my next journey takes off.  For some, they said you can't.  Some they said you shouldn't.  A few said, i wouldn't...but for those who said go for it, THANK YOU!  This next season of life is going to be pivotal in my growth spiritually, emotionally, educationally and relationally.  I have already seen the downsizing of life going on in my mind...and closet!  Going from a house to 2.5 suitcases is a huge challenge.  I loved gathering things and having the comforts of life, but for what purpose?  What really do these material possessions bring us?  I am sure there will be struggles, there will be challenges.  I am excited to face them head on to this new paradigm shift.  What seeds will be sown and what will I reap in this season?  Who will I meet?  Who will I influence and more importantly, who will influence me?

If I have learned anything recently, is the value and season of friendships.  There are those friendships that are forever.  Distance, nor time keep these bonds apart.  There are those friendships that are seasonal.  They are in your life for a season and then move on.  There are the popcorn friendships that come and go. People that pop in and out of our sphere from time to time.  Yet each friendship/relationship molds, contributes, enriches my life to a degree.  In all, I feel I am a wealthy, prosperous and fortuante man.  Realizing that relationship are the treasures of this life will matter more than any portfolio or Burberry collection. (that takes a lot for me to say. I heart Burberry)  Stay tuned for more reflections and an insight look at this journey ahead.  I am sure it will have its laughs, its lows, its rewards and its challenges.  It will have its lessons that will continue to shape how I view life and others.  This is the next step of my journey.  Its the Story of my life....