A WHOLE Month Already

July 24, 2011

  Can you believe it's been a WHOLE month since I left the United States?! I have been in Xian, Beijing, Nanjing, and Changzhou! I have a couple more weeks here in China, then to Hong Kong for a bit and then to Singapore. This trip has been so great, of course it has had it's ups and downs. I have struggled with minor injuries, "China-belly"(stomach issues), a cold, stress, crazy heat and of course sore muscles. However these small trial have taught me how to take better care of myself and have taught me to continue to press forward. Things will always get better just like the sun always rises to start a new day!
  I have performed the show about 30+ times and I still love every single second. I can not even begin to tell you how much I love being on stage, it certainly is my HOME, my PEACEFUL PLACE, my PASSION'S SERENITY! This opportunity is truly a blessing from a loving Heavenly Father showing that he knows everything about ME and that he LOVES ME so much! I couldn't ask for a better experience. I know this is where I am suppose to be right now in my life! My very favorite part of this is seeing all the beautiful faces in the audience, getting up and dancing with the cast! We are bringing  magic to those less fortunate. I liken this opportunity to a 14 month service project. I get to make a child's day and maybe even the adults,too! So amazing and I am filled with joy after every show!
   I have some random thoughts and stories from my experience that I think are worth sharing. Sorry if maybe they don't seem all that interesting to you or funny but if you were here in my shoes I think you would appreciate them too!
  Here in China they are wired completely differently then Americans which makes their human habits very interesting...hahaha. Spacing for insistence, they have none! Chinese truly have no idea what personal space is. There is no such thing as "my bubble" or "your bubble." It is very hard to get use to someone always standing on top of you. To be honest...it drives me crazy!!! Forget standing in line...someone always is cutting in. It's a race to see who can get there items to the counter at a store to be rung up first. The cashier just rings up who they want to when they want to. In one of my hotels I decided to call room service, in America calling room service is no big deal, doesn't waste energy, cause stress or any craziness, right? Well... here in China it cause LOTS of stress, anxiety, frustration, cold sweats, ahhhh! A simple question can cause a total nightmare! Soooo...here's an example. I called room service and of course I heard the small Asian voice on the line say "ni Hao" and then some more Chinese. I said "ni Hao, hello, could you by chance bring me a spoon?" The maid had taken my other one and I needed it to spread my peanut butter! So the lady said
"ummm wha...you... need?" "I need a spoon, please." "Spun?" "Yeah a SPPOOOONNN." "O...O.. OK I ask manager." "WHAT?" ( I had no idea it would take the manager's permission to get me a spoon?) Then she came back to the phone and was like... "Ummm, ni Hao... Spell it?" I really wanted to spell "it" (haha) but I knew that I would be wasting time and detour from my main goal which was getting a spoon to spread peanut butter on my bread so that I could eat it!! So I spelled "spoon" to her. She said 'ok!' Click...she hung up! Ummm...ok, well I guess no spoon for Ashley today! About 10 minutes later my door bell rang and to my surprise there was my favorite waiter... Karl(yes his name is Karl, lol)... from breakfast. He was standing there presenting a large platter draped with very nice cloth and in the center sat a tiny little tea spoon just for me. Oh man I just laughed out loud and said thank you so much! All that for a spoon! I have had to spell things over the phone a couple times. I totally rock at charades now too! I know a little bit of Chinese however it's mostly Disney related which really gets me NO where!

 China really has been quite an experience in many ways and I think there has been several things that have changed the way I view life. I have enjoyed it but, I  have to say, there is nothing quite like being at home with a comfy bed, western toilet, fresh air, blue sky's, and of course My FaMILY and FrIeNDs! I have been home sick a couple of times but over all I am doing ok! I think I am learning a lot about myself which is so so good and my testimony is growing everyday!

  I have also come to gain a great appreciation for technology. I know that Heavenly Father has blessed us with technology not only to communicate with others about important topics such as the gospel of Jesus Christ but I think he knows, especially in situations like mine, it is important that we have connections back home to our families and friends. I have needed support when I am struggling or just needed to talk with someone close so that I feel peace, love and comfort, without the technology of today this would have been very difficult. I also think that He is showing mercy to my mom! Without a good form of communication, I don't think I would be here... (love ya mom ;))! 

  I know that my Heavenly Father personally knows me and loves me. I know that because He was willing to let his son, Jesus Christ, die for us that we can return home to Him. I am so blessed and will be eternally grateful for my knowledge of His gospel that I love so much! I am so grateful to ALL of you that are praying for me and my safety everyday. You have helped me through so much already! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! This is my testimony and I leave it with you in His name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

  I really hope all of you are well and enjoying this great summer! Let me know how you are? Send me your testimony or a simple hello? It might take me a bit to get to you but I will... I promise! Miss and love you all! Thanks for reading the blog... It's pretty fun to have "followers" hahaha!


Much Love from across the World!

Ashes :)