China Hates Me

China and I are not boding well. In fact, this is my new phrase: 

China hates me. 

I am struggling. I miss Colorado. I miss fresh, pure air. I miss having energy. I miss the days where I did not long for my apartment after work and instead went rock-climbing!

I've been here for 3 1/2 months now. In those months, I have been sick more than I've been sick in 3 1/2 years! Currently, I'm getting over double pink-eye and fighting my fourth sinus infection.

This came on the heels of being on crutches for a few days over Thanksgiving. You guys, CRUTCHES!? Seriously!? There was some massive flareup with the ski injury from 2012 and I found myself unable to walk without assistance. SO BIZARRE. Thankfully, the pink-eye and sinus infection have forced me to hide away in my apartment yet another weekend and my hip is doing a lot better. Tiny blessings, right?

Countless times I've been told, in a reassuringly way, that the first year is the hardest for foreigners. We often get sick from the air. I've also been told to expect to get sick when I get back to clean air because it'll be a shock to my system. There are many stories of people who move here on business and their spouse leaves because they can't take the pollution. Sad.

I should have thought more about this whole moving to China thing. I should have taken up smoking, stuffed myself with hydrogenated oils and simple carbs, and moved to an alley in New York City that smelled wretched. I mean, I used to be a Girl Scout! You'd think I'd prepare better! 

The other day I popped home during a long work day to find a package from the states waiting for me! It brightened my day like none other! Thank you to all those who have sent me sweet notes, Stevia, health bars, and other thoughtful gifts! Packages have never been so exciting and filled with love!! 

The fact that this package was at my door made me chuckle. The reception lady downstairs and I have become smiling friends. That's what I refer to people I want to get to know but find myself confined to my iTranslate app. Normally packages stay downstairs in the lobby. Several weeks ago I finally figured out when packages arrive they are checked into this logbook. Prior to that, I assumed they always just appeared at my door! Thankfully my name stands out. 

Here's a couple pics I left out of my Thanksgiving Facebook album. I didn't want to deal with the questions and concerns. But this was my true reality on Thanksgiving. Inwardly I was cringing in pain, doped up on as many over-the-counter pain meds as I could handle, applied makeup and did my hair right before parents arrived while the kids were napping, and pasted on my fake-it-til-I-make-it smile. Thank God I love people! Conversing with the moms who joined me on my soft little caterpillar chair perch was a needed distraction!

 

Cindy, our classroom ayi, was THRILLED to be included in the dress-up. She cracks us up! This mom has been such a treasure. She's brought me allergy meds, TCM pain patches, coffee from Korea China has pitiful coffee, and chocolate! Most of all, she's a joy to chat with! 

I've decided I've missed my calling as a music teacher. Thus, I love teaching the kiddos songs that go with our current theme then show the little cuties off to their parents when they visit! Our Thanksgiving presentation was an abbreviated version of the "Thankfulness Song" by Veggie Tales. 

After our party I went home and stayed there apart from a trip to the TCM doc. You guys, I've had SEVEN days at home -all by myself- in the last TWO weeks. I'm beginning to think I may no longer be able to communicate with the outside world! 

Thus, I put on this delightfully entertaining face mask my Chinese teacher gave me and started to take selfies with my plants! I officially need help. Please pray.