Joann & Noel brainstorming & planning (aided by bare feet & Diet Coke)
I mentioned earlier that part of my research into the life of Esther Nelson is a trip to China in the Spring.
I love traveling, but I’m not intrepid enough to undertake this venture on my own. So I’m planning to follow in the footsteps of Joann Pittman, with her as my guide following in the footsteps of Esther Nelson.
I’ve know Joann for a lot of years, since before she moved to China 28 years ago. She’s lived in various places there and worked in a variety of capacities: English teacher, language program director, educational program director and cross-cultural trainer. And she’s become a friend.
Her motto these days is “Living well where you don’t belong.” Her goal is to help people prepare for and navigate the challenges of cross-cultural living through her speaking, training, and writing.
A prime example of her efforts along these lines is Survival Chinese Lessons, a helpful and manageable resource for business travelers, adoptive families, tourists, short-term teams, families seeking their roots . . . .
I have 2 copies to give away. Here’s what to do:
- Subscribe to Tell Me When to Pack, so you can do a little following in the footsteps yourself. Links are in the side bar on the right.
- Comment just once to this post to report that you’ve subscribed (or that you already were anyway).
- Optional: In your comment, tell us what’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of China.
Deadline is 11:59 pm, Wednesday, November 16.
Subscribed! We have two daughters from China. We run a non-prof that supports a foster home for blind and visually impaired orphans outside of Beijing. God has given me a love and passion for China.
I’m subscribed. When I think of China, I think of how eager the university students were to hear the gospel during our last visit.
already subscribed! I love China! I have met so many visiting grad students from there in the last few years and God has made some of them “alive!” They have gone back to China with new hearts! My husband and I are also thinking of adoption, but not sure from where yet. May God bless you.
I subscribed when you were in Australia! The first thing that comes to mind when I think of China is my daughter and i wish I would have had Joanne’s book when I traveled to China to get her 9 years ago! However I did travel with some Chinese americans who taught me some chinese. It was a great trip with my oldest daughter who went with me to pick up our youngest daughter.
Have been subscribed since you started this blog, I think. “families seeking their roots” caught my attention
. Recently read Safely Home (Alcorn), and so that’s the first thing that pops into mind with China.
Hi Noel! I have already been following you on twitter. I wanted to comment to this post because my sister in law is planning to adopt a little girl from Taiwan, so the first thing I think of when I think of China is my soon to be niece, Judah. I know that they will be traveling over there to get her hopefully sometime within the next year, so this would be an excellent resource for them. Thanks so much!
I subscribed! We are in the process of adopting a 9-year old girl from China with special needs. My wife and I also had the privilege of meeting you at Together4Adoption conference in Phoenix. Thanks!
Just subscribed. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of China, is my desire to live there. I’ve been intrigued by China for 7 or 8 years now and am waiting to see what God will do with my interest. My husband and oldest daughter (12) had the privilege of visiting there just this past August and I’m expecting to be able to make the trip in the next year.
I just subscribed! When I think of China I think of my daughter who is in an orphanage waiting on me to come and get her and bring her home. We are hopeful that we’ll be able to go next spring so I’d love to have the book!
We are in the process of our homestudy for a little girl from China. I think “BIG” and very overwhelming. I have been to Japan, and I know I love Asian culture; but the size of China is very intimidating & thinking of being in a country and not knowing what is being said about our child and us will be a bit nerve wracking. I would love to win this book! And yes, I’m subscribed!
Hey Noel, I’d love a copy of this to brush up on my rusty Chinese (okay, mahybe I really only know about 12 words with ten of those words being numbers 1-10, but still!). Hope you are well and enjoying Joann’s visit! How long is she is town? I’d love to meet her.
Subscribed. Think of Gladys Alward and her conviction to go to China, even though nobody else shared it and she didn’t like rice.
Already subscribed. I was a missionary in Hong Kong from 1975-1979. There I met my husband who had swum from China to Hong Kong as a refugee in 1970. We were married in 1979 and have since had four children (two adopted from China and Hong Kong). China is very close to my heart for many reasons, but these are the greatest.
I have been a subscriber for a while. When I think of China, I think of so many people who have never heard the name – Jesus. So many people who do not know our great God. So many people who are hungry for Him and don’t even know it. Thank you for your blog posts. I am looking forward to your new project.
I already subscribe – to your blogs, your husband’s, your children’s . . .
Hi! I have already subscribed to your blog. One of the first things I think of when I think of China is that my brother went there for a year. I also think of my favorite missionaries that went there, which are Jonathan Goforth and Hudson Taylor. God bless you!
~Hannah~
Subscribed! I think of my friends, a young couple with two small children who are about to move to China as missionaries. They are truly Christ-lovers and obedient servants.
I just subscribed. When I think of China, I think of the people I’ve met from China, and the cities that they’re from.
Subscribed
When I think of China I think of my daughters mother who had to leave her child on that bridge, only 2 days old. Does she think of her everyday? Will my girl ever get to meet this mother she’s never met? I hope so. Miracles do happen!
I subscribed!
The first thing that always comes to my mind when I think of China is NEED!
China is in great need of the gospel. They are the largest in many ways and they are definitely those in most need of the gospel.
I have always had a great passion and mercy for the people of Asia in general but more specifically the Chinese. I plan to take formal classes locally in Chinese next Fall. I also plan to make trips to China sometime during my studies or later.
I realize that my comment is following several other comments so I will most likely not get the free book but I would love to buy one.
Thanks,
Allison
Subscribed. When I think of China I think of the dense diversity, and Christianity’s silent yet loud growth.
I subscribed. The first thing that comes to my mind is an image of Chinese characters. They look very hard to learn.
Thanks for doing this, Noel. I hope the book can be a blessing to folks who love China.
When I think of China, I think of home — specifically, my cozy apartment in Beijing.
Joann (author of “‘Survival Chinese Lessons”)
Just Subscribed:
When I think of China, I think of my sweet friends who love Jesus, Juizee Pop, QQ Candies, the mountains, the beautiful babies with their split pants, delicious qietzi, and how much God loves that country.
I think of the powerful intensity of China’s believers, willingly suffering as radical lovers of Jesus. They bring fire and hope to a young European missionary, as I live alongside an ethnic Chinese Indonesian. God is doing wonders among those people!
May the book go to those in most need; I know the Father’s heart is to connect the nations together in His all-consuming love. Peace, Corey
Subscribed — enjoy your trip and I hope you learn a lot.
When I think of China, I think of my a place that is ripe and fruitful for the gospel.
When I think of China I think of my son who is over there teaching English and sharing the word with those who are interested in knowing more. We are hoping to visit him this February and would love some help with the language!
Subscribed, I hope. We have an ‘adopted’ daughter and son in China who have invited me to live my last days in my adopted nation. I have prayed for China for more than 30 years and would love to finish my race there.
Thanks for providing opportunities that we can see the good news going out to all the world.
Just subscribed! When I think of China I remember be a little girl learning about Lottie Moon in SS. She was one of the first female foreign missionaries I heard about. I know and pray for several dear seminary friends who faithfully serve on the field!
Just subscribed! I fell in love with Asian people this summer when I went on a month-long missions trip to Southeast Asia.
Subscribed. – Noel, I can’t wait to read your biography on Esther Nelson! I appreciate your writings so much.
When I think about China I’m reminded of the hope I have to one day adopt a Chinese little girl.
I am glad to stumble upon this post that is greater than most, there are a lot others like me, seeking to adopt, but I’d like to adopt real soon, by noon. China sounds great, fine, I’m an adventurer, fast learner, I’ll be speaking in their tongue and writing the language in no time, I’ll just have to adjust to the Water. I’ll blend, make friends, maybe worship them. I’m glad I got over my fear of flying and dying, I can go almost anywhere. I hope that the people in China, especially the children are like Joann, really, really, funny like all the people she helped. I know she’s friendly, and smart, she’s a great help to the blind, not knowing their way around, keeping them from slipping falling into more ditches. How many will I adopt? Maybe a whole family, maybe 7, that rythms with heaven, ones sent from men. Good News, I’m like Jacobson who slept upon a stone, any place is comfortable to call home. Prayers, Thankgiving to men, I’ll be traveling again.
DH
Subscribed. I’m not going to China so I have no need for the book but prayed for your trip. My vote is to give the book to Jennifer Thurman so she can give it to the young couple with two small children who are about to move to China as missionaries.
Suscribed! The first thing that comes into my mind when I think of China is… me! haha, does that sound self-centered? Well it’s because I just moved to Taiwan (I guess this is different from China depending on who you talk to haha) less than a week ago to stay here for about ~6 months to help with our church plant in Taipei that has been going through some things . And recently I’ve been feeling just how big of a barrier the language is and how useful it might be for me to grow in my Chinese-speaking/understanding abilities.
Funny story about how I came across this post. I had just finished praying to God a somewhat desperate prayer for him to help me learn Chinese since me and languages seem to go together about as well as oil and water. I then opened up my laptop and ritualistically opened up my RSS reader and one of the first things I see is your husband’s tweet about you introducing a book of Survival Chinese Lessons. Haha I took that as a (divine?) nudge for me to leave a comment here. So here I am!
Cheers! And thanks for the blog and giveaway
hahahahaha too weird just had to share. Immediately after I posted the previous comment, I go back to my reader and see this new tweet from your husband –
JohnPiper: All coincidences, as my wife reminded me, are God-incidences.
Subscribed! The first thing that comes to mind when I think of China is our almost 3-year old son whom we will soon welcome home! We are adopting from China through the Special Needs program, and, Lord willing, should be able to travel in Feb. or March. I’d love this book! I am very happy to learn about it!
I subscribed! Thinking of China, I think of so many things – the overwhelmingness of size and cultures and languages, I think of so many babies that need adoption, I think of the vast countrysides, I hear dramatic movie music playing that sounds like the hope of the Gospel going forth.
All set – subscribed!
Blessings as you go…
When I think of China, I think of a possible daughter waiting for me. God has put China on my heart and in my mind for many years, and I have been praying about adopting from there for as long as you did, Noel. (and my husband is now as old as yours when you did adopt!) God knows and His timing is perfect, right?
Following you guys now! China reminds me of the three mission trips I have taken there over the past two years. The culture over their is so absolutely unique, like nothing I have ever experienced. The sites, sounds, and smells of China are completely unrivaled in my mind, nothing like it. The food is quite fantastic as well. My favorite dish is Lanzhou’s famous beef noodles, delightful to eat!
I just subscribed. When I think of China, uppermost in my mind is our baby, who we pray for daily, as we wait (seemingly interminably) to travel to get him or her. I am praying so hard for the strength to make the trip, my first to a non-English-speaking country, and the ability to communicate with our new little one. Thanks for the tip, Noel; if I don’t win the giveaway I will definitely have to pick this book up! Maybe I will see you on a plane in the Spring!
Hi,
i just subscribed. when i think of china, i think of our 2 children that we are in the process of adopting from there. it would be nice to know how to say a few things. thank you for doing this!!
I have subscribed! And whenever I think about China, I think about two things: (1) the many summers my church and I went to Beijing for short-term mission trips and (2) the year I lived in Shenzhen, teaching English.
Already a subscriber. When I think of China I think of the Great Wall and then of various missionary stories I heard growing up. I am looking forward to learning another.
I’m subscribed. When I think of China, I think “communism.” Our family really wants to go to China soon!
I’m subscribed now. The book looks like a great little resource.
I’ve subscribed. And the first thing that comes to mind when I think of China is, “Oh, I miss my friends, and the food, and seeing God’s word go out.” How I wish I could go with you.
Greetings of Grace and Peace. I just finished subscribing. The first thing i think of when i think of china is a secret house church meeting.
I subscribed! When I think of China, I think of my own apartment complex, which a neighbor told me has been dubbled “China Village”, because of the many Chinese graduate students who live here–right in the middle of North Carolina!
I subscribed.
The first thing that comes to my mind… my oldest is in China at the moment for a semester’s study. She is enjoying being there and especially loves the Great Wall. I can’t wait to hear all her stories in a few weeks.
When I think of China, I think PARADOXES. It is a land of extreme physical beauty, and toxic electronic waste dumps. Its people are face-saving, and incredibly blunt. They have billions of foreign cash stores, and I eat with people who can afford only green vegetables. They have fierce filial piety, yet ignore the bleeding victim. They have endured devastating blows to their population, culture, families, ancestry, collective memories, and yet they have emerged anew as distinctly Chinese, full of hope and ambition and hunger. God has a specific task for them to do as a Chinese church, and as a nation. We have much to learn from them, and much to be warned about.
I’ve subscribed! The first thing that comes to mind when I think of China is a sea of people on bicycles riding through the city, who need Jesus!
I’m subscribed to your blog, and hope to receive a copy of JP’s Survival Chinese Lessons. The first thing that comes to mind re: China are my former students who have joined the Family!
Hi Noel – I subscribed via Twitter. When I hear ‘China,’ I think about my family’s transition there that will take place next fall to follow God’s call to be full-time minister’s of the Gospel. My wife and I are attempting to learn all we can about how to parent our 2 young daughters (ages 2.5 and 10 mo.) in what we anticipate will be a very different and challenging culture. I have begun some self-taught Chinese language lessons and my number one question to Chinese students on the university I currently work at is “What is the best resource I can utilize to learn the Chinese language?” This book sounds like it would be greatly beneficial!!
Hey there, I’ve subscribed! Looking to plan short term trips for our Church to a church that we are partnering with in China, so this would be a wonderful resource! I’ve only been to China once so far (Shanghai), but I can’t wait to go back!
Memories of one month in China in 2001 visiting a variety of people and places. Regularly pray for God’s work in China.
When I think if china I think of the persecuted church. I have been following and learning about the culture in hopes that someday the opportunity will arrive to visit the underground believers.
I just subscribed. My husband and I (and two kids, 3 and 1.5) are in the preparing to go to China to teach English. Husband and I just returned from a vision trip very encouraged and confirmed in our calling to GO. I might need to buy this book if I don’t win the giveaway!
I’ve subscribed. The book seems that it would be good except:
I would not need it because I already speak Mandarin really well (25+years). So if I win the drawing then please pass it on to someone who needs it.
But I am a coach/tutor for Mandarin and although I generally seek intermediate and advanced speakers of the tongue (for one-on-one remote work re confidence, fluency, expression, and accent – perhaps; that is not necessarily important), I am open right now – meaning that I am available via phone and Web. I do offer a free / no-commit ‘get-acquainted’ 20 m session to the first-timer.
Twitter: @han4yu3 My Web site is chineseadjuster.webs.com.
The stuff and the rates are all out of date but ‘it is what it is.’ Do not let the stuffy language or anything else fool you or scare you away-I am much friendlier than all that. I deal with each individual individually and each person and his or her motivations wrrt this tongue are interesting and valuable to me.
Slide 11 of the slide show has a few statements from native speakers. I can also send out recorded audio samples (of my Mandarin).
PS I did consider Wheaton, long ago. I am not religious anymore but I retain very good memories of the good leadership and the principled living of the many Christians who were part of my young life.
Forgot (just made my subscribed statement):
When I think of China I think of the wonderful diversity – first, a Mandarin speaker there will have his or her own specific way of using the language (accent etc.). Second, there are many different ethnicities within China. Finally, it has a really long and varied history.
This will be a fun blog to read! Some of my favorite people are from China (a daughter!) and lots of friends I met through ELIC. Wish I could make a yearly trip over there to stay connected face to face. Looking forward to reading of your adventures!
Finally subscribed – I have been thinking about it for a while.
The first thing I think about when I think of China are my grandchildren that live there! I miss them!
I am already subscribed! Yeah! The first thing that comes to mind when I think of China is “friends”. I have a few friends who are Chinese and I think of them often when I hear various things in the news, etc. because many of them still have family members who live there or in Hong Kong. I also think of people like Ai Weiwei, an artist who speaks out against the government and who has been and is being persecuted for doing so. I don’t know that he is a Christian, but he speaks out against injustice.
i’m submitting this for our friends who hope to be embracing a pre-teen who was originally from China in the next few weeks. I would love to share this book with them and I think they may know Joanne from way back when…..
I just subscribed. The first ‘things” that come to mind when I think of China are my son and daughter-in-love. They lived there and taught English for 3 years, fell in love with the Chinese people and are planning on returning again someday.
I learned about your blog through Joann, someone I admire a lot! She knows more about China than anyone I know. I’m suscribed and look forward to hearing about Esther Nelson. When you’re here in China, I’d love to see you Noel. When I think about China, I think about the joys and struggles of life here – and that it’s only by God’s grace that my husband and I can live here. God is doing great things!
i’ve subscribed and confirmed my e-mail! we would love a copy of your book. we hope to be traveling to china next summer to get our little girl. when i hear “china,” i automatically think of and pray for her. we pray that God will work in her life, even now when we aren’t sure she even knows about God! we pray that she knows deep in her soul that she is loved and wanted!
I love following blogs like “Outside In”. How incredibly interesting reading about living or traveling in another land and culture. I love seeing a glimpse inside Chinese culture. When I think of China I think of percevearance and new & old together throughout change.
I look forward to following your adventure!
I’m a subscriber!
I think about China almost everyday. I spent Christmas 2010 and New Year’s 2011 there. The first thing that comes to mind is going back and spending time with the people I met while I was there.