So, why am I in Macau? Why did I come here? I want to see the students I worked with before when I was in Macau the first time!

I have a special connection with those former students - many good memories! When I was at the Concordia School of Special Education (CSSE), I taught them Bible stories, prayed with them, talked with them about their faith in Jesus, and directed a few plays for Christmas and Easter. I had a good relationship with them and developed bonds that aren't easily forgotten. it has been fifteen years since I left the last time but I have continued to remember these precious ones and have longed to see them again. 

As I meet each one again here in Macau, it is a truly joyous reunion! I love seeing how they have grown, changed, and hearing how their lives are. One thing saddens me - they do not have the same support and encouragement in their faith as they did while at CSSE when Pastor Dunseth and I were there. One of the first things I immediately ask these students is 'Do you still read the Bible? Do you pray to God?' I've gotten the same answer, 'No, not really. I try, but I am busy with work and I'm too tired.' They are God's little lambs, the little ones who Jesus welcomes into His arms. They have been taught about the Bible, they have prayed, they have had faith. Some of them have been baptized and a few have been confirmed. But they do not go to church or read the Bible. During my time here in Macau, I will be encouraging them and reminding them what they learned as children. 

I know that God loves these students and He has sent me here to find them, meet them, talk with them, and pray for them. I pray for opportunities and wisdom during my remaining time here in Macau. I pray that God will show me the way. 

You might be wondering what it is like for me to live in Macau. What's my daily schedule like? 

Well, my body clock has mostly adjusted to the time difference. It is day and night, rather than just a few hours. You know what you go through when we have the daylight savings time change? Everyone complains about the one hour gained or lost. Imagine THIRTEEN hours! The first few days, I was in a haze and at a times a zombie but I managed to be cordial and alert enough to keep in mind my steps from here to there so I would be able to maneuver on my own the next day. I am going to bed a little too early than usual (9:30 PM) and getting up a little too early (5:30 AM), but I am getting a full nights sleep!

When I get up, I absolutely must take a shower because the days are muggy and I am walking everywhere. I have to turn on the water heater, which is on the wall inside the tub, and wait about 15 minutes for the water to reach the correct temperature. Then after I've showered, dressed, and am all ready, I'll eat a bowl of Quaker Oat Squares with a little bit of milk. Yes, I found that cereal here and the milk is alright, although I suspect there are ingredients in it that make it last until the expiration date in June. 

There is no wifi or internet in my apartment and this is a great motivator for me to pack up my things in a backpack, take my laptop, and go down the four flights of stairs, walk down a couple of blocks, walk up a hill, walk for about a mile to the Concordia English Center. There, I can connect with wifi and check my emails, facebook, and do other work. My shoulders are sore from carrying my backpack and I have a blister on my ankle that is covered with a bandaid. But I am excited at the possibility that I will lose some weight and get in better shape, which has been my goal for years!  Since I've been here, I haven't been in my apartment much - only in the mornings and in the evenings right before bed. When I get back in the evenings, I am yearning so much for sleep that I just hurriedly get ready for bed and collapse in deep sleep after trying to read one page in my book. 


For lunch and dinner, I've been eating in various places and it is wonderful eating authentic Chinese food! Some of this food I've been missing and looking forward to eating again! I've gotten together with several friends a couple times for dinner. There are plans to have dinner with several others in the next few days. 


I'll be back soon to tell you about my work here in Macau and the people who I have seen and will be seeing. This is why I am here in Macau. Keep checking back in here to read about my time here in Macau. 


Continue to keep me in your prayers. 
Jennifer Ceyanes 

I have arrived safely to Macau, China! I will be writing in here from time to time, so check back for updates!