So, according to mi madre, it's time for me (Elise) to tell you all about my life here in China.
Well, school is school. There's not really any other way to describe 7 hours of grueling work in a school uniform and then 2 more hours when you come home. I can't really complain though. I made a bunch of friends really fast, and the school uniforms mean I don't have to worry about the more important things in life; clothes. Just kidding.
I went to our church's youth group here and for the first 15 minutes I was there, they ignored me. So, I called our driver and had him come get me. Right before he showed up, my friend Melody walked in late and she started talking to me. Then we got started and the first thing we did was worship. The first song we sang was "From the Inside Out". At my youth group in Midland, we sang this song every week because our theme From the Inside Out. I thought it was really cool that this was the first song I heard at my first time at youth group. Then Melody noticed that I knew the words and she whispered to me, "How do you know the words? We've never done this song before." That was really cool for me because it showed that God was watching over me and that he has a purpose for me being here in China.
So when I'm not working hard at school, there are all of the adventures with my family over May Holiday, which I'm sure you've already heard about. I also have gone bowling and out to dinner with my friends a couple of times. This week we have a big interschool dance on Friday. There will be kids from all of the other international schools in Shanghai there. Then on Saturday, Concordia has prom. Our high school only has about 120 kids, so everyone is invited to go to prom. A lot of us don't want to go to prom as freshman, because we don't want to get sick of going to prom, so we are going to have a party instead.
If I manage to find some free time between school, friends, and family, there is my favorite part of Shanghai. The shopping. The malls here are huge. Midland doesn't have a mall by the way. It doesn't even begin to compare. One of my favorite stores here is called H&M. Then there are the knock off markets. Prada, Gucci, Coach, Abercrombie, anything you want. It all costs less than $50. The DVDs off the street are pretty cool too. (The boys have already seen Spiderman 3.)
It's time for me to go to bed. It's 10:40, but I'm finally getting use to sleep here. Today was the first day I slept in past 8:30. So that means it took me 1 1/2 months to get use to the time change. This has led me to conclude that sleep is overrated.
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9 comments:
Was it the real Spiderman 3 or was it similar to the new Harry Potter DVD.
I'm glad to hear that you have many friends already. Where are you having your party instead of going to Prom? How many people will be there? I was also wondering what kind of facility they use to have Prom and the party for all of the schools? We always rented a hall for our Proms, some schools held them in the Gym. Does the school have any activities that you belong to or have you joined in with anything - like the boys playing soccer? Yes, I know, too many questions; Noah would be yelling at me right now.
Thanks for the update - Aunt Laurie
Elise
Grandma was thrilled to hear your side of the story there is Shanghia and thanks for sharing. Mom said you were going to write something last night because I talked to her on the phone while you were out last evening.
I have a question for you, what did your driver do when you decided to stay at your Youth Group Meeting.
Sounds like school is keeping you more than busy. As far as the uniforms, no more wondering what you are going to wear to school - you all ready know what you have to wear.
We love you and a special "Hugs" for everyone.
Grandma R
Hey Elise!!
Good to hear from you - I figured it was about your turn.
I love your story about youth group. Maybe you are supposed to lead worship. You would certainly have a bunch of songs to sing!
Speaking of Prom..........uncle Dave and I are going to prom tonight! The REAL group (college and career) at church is having an 80's Prom tonight. As you may know, I went to prom in the 80's. I still have my dress!! Sadly, it will only fit one of my thighs now so we had to go to plan B and call in Mrs. Welser!!! So, rather than dressing like the 80's, we are dressing like we ARE 80!! Mrs. Welser and I went shopping at Salvo and uncle Dave and I are going to be sooo cute. I have a very fine polyester dress with some very cute old lady shoes, panty hose that will be rolled down around my ankles, pearl necklace and earrings, the old lady mask (thankfully it only covers part of my face - don't want to have a hot flash!!)
and the finishing touch will be a beautiful red rose corsage from the dollar store!!! Uncle Dave is wearing an orange cardigan, shirt and tie that totally clash, navy dress pants pulled way up over his little belly, white socks, old man mask, penny loafers and a single red rose boutonniere. (From the same bunch of flowers that my corsage came from... and still only a dollar!) The best part, he is going to put the fart machine in his back pocket and every now and then push the button. Some times 80 year olds just let it rip. Isn't that the case in China no matter what your age?
Well I better get going so I can be beautiful for my date tonight!!
Love ya girl,
Aunt Wen
Elise,
So good to hear the family still has you. We were beginning to wonder if we would ever hear from you again. We hear ABOUT you ALL the time here in Midland. "I miss Elise", "When is Elise coming to visit?", "Elise would wrestle with us." "We like Elise better than her!" I can't even imagine what you are doing with yourself on Tuesday night anymore. And I suppose we could take credit for a small amount of that money you spend on your favorite activity of shopping -- although you "worked HARD for your money" (80's music reference for your parents -- sorry!). Glad things seem to be okay for you. Do you plan to find some Chinese families with only ONE child to babysit? Or are you taking "early retirement"? Or a "prolonged sabbatical" until you are back in the States? I can tell you first hand that "prolonged sabbaticals" are not always a walk in the park. But you are young, so you can enjoy a more carefree lifestyle than we can. Other than having to keep your brothers in line. Thanks for the update, and enjoy boycotting Prom.
Later,
Lori
It's nice when God reminds you that he's there. It's the best encouragement there is.
I enjoyed your post; you sound just like you. :-)
Elise!
I am so glad to hear from you. I do not think I would like to wear uniforms, but hey, you save time in the morning by not having to figure out what you are going to wear.
I hear your mom swiped your Sweet Raisin lip gloss! I sure hope you got it back! 8)
We are having a beautiful day here in Indiana. And we are washing windows and getting all kinds of stuff done! Sounds gloriously fun, huh?!?
We love you...Aunt Deb and the Grafs
Princess Elise,
How are you doing Doll? We sure do miss another girl cousin around here. Way too much testosterone, if you know what I mean!!!!
It's so cool to hear how God is watching over you in His own special way. I love it that He gave you a song that no one else knew in your new youth group. I believe that He was showing you that He does keep His promises. He is with you even in China!! How come, I'm not surprised by that? Anyhow, I need my share of reminders from time to time as well.
I do have to say that I don't agree with you that sleep is overrated, though. I do love my pillow around 10:30 every night. And I don't much like leaving it in the morning.
How do you like your new room? Lyss and I would love to see pictures if you get the chance. Do you get to put colored paint on the walls or is that hard to come by?
I'm off to fold laundry! Boy, what I could do with an ayi!!!
Enjoy your day,
Aunty Beth
Oh Elise, you're killing me with the "sleep is overrated" talk! I think I could easily sleep 12 hours a day if it wouldn't mean wasting half the day. We were out especially late Saturday night and your dad woke me up at 8:15 the next morning! That is WAY too early. Of course he was looking for Grandma because it was Mother's Day and I was there staying with Maddie. Oh well, it was nice to hear from him anyway. I was kind of in a sleepy fog so I would be surprised if I said anything even resembling intelligent.
I'm really happy that you have new friends. It's always fun to learn new things about new people. Have a good time at your No-Prom party!
Love, Aunt Angie
Elise - It is nice to hear from you. I am glad you have made many new friends quickly.
Sounds like school keeps you pretty busy but that you also have time for a "nice" social life as well.
Hey, I know what you mean about uniforms. I wore them for the 1st eight grades of my life. Nothing like getting up in the morning and putting on a navy blue dress, white blouse with a Peter Pan collar, and saddle shoes. We all looked pretty much alike. There was certainly no competition and I guess that is probably a good thing.
Sounds like even though you are not going to the prom you will have fun at the interschool dance you are going to do. A chance to meet more new people. That is great that they have those events.
So how was the bowling score? Can you bowl better over there than here? Do you have automatic score keepers? And, are they in English?
Have fun shopping. Can't wait to see your Gucci and Coach items when you come home.
Looking forward to see you. The time will be here before we know it.
Love, Grandma Berg
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