coffee shop

Sitting at one of my favorite cafes, Momos. If any of y'all come and visit, I will bring you here. There's nothing China about this place, but I love the drinks and atmosphere :) I'm taking a much needed break from all of the grading and commenting and planning I've been doing to write a catch-up post. It's been a busy few weeks with the quarter ending and report cards being due. I was also sick last week with a stomach bug and missed the last two days of the quarter. Unfortunately, that resulted in spending the better part of my weekend with a pen in my hand marking up large stacks of tests and compositions and cursive sheets that were assigned during those missed days. Third grade is hard work!

Here's a quick snippet of the past month:

• September 30th was Mid-Autumn Festival here in China. The following week was National Day holiday, so we had that week off from work. I spent that first weekend in Beijing with one of my favorite Tianjin families. They were house sitting for a friend who lives on an expat compound, so I had a little vacation away from busy city life....and, honestly, a nice break from China (which I find I need from time to time). I loved staying in a house. I loved the little "neighborhood" that felt like being home--a ritzier version of home, but close enough :) And I loved the family time I got to have, including some cuddle time with their new baby!  We went shopping at a really neat charity thrift store called Roundabout. Always great to see places like this, especially in China.
• I unpacked the last two boxes that have been sitting in my room since I moved. I printed out pictures. I put them in frames. I hung them on my walls. 15 months late, but I finally settled. 
• Despite the busyness of life, I've been able to spend some quality time with my close friends here--families, accountability partners, dear sweet friends. Had a date night with one of my favorite 4 year olds. Got invited to a family dinner/movie night with another one of my favorite families. Went on walks, enjoyed delicious homemade meals and cafe drinks, and had some great talks and prayer times. I get to share life with some really incredible people. Wish y'all could be here to know them, too.
• Started reading Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle. I haven't picked it up in awhile, but what I've read so far is interesting. Anyone else read that book? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

That's about it for now. When I get around to charging my camera battery, I'll post some pictures of my classroom and apartment. Check back in a few weeks ;)