For Such a Time as This: August 2013

Dear Friends and Family! Nihao from Beijing!

I hope this finds you doing well! I’m sorry it has taken me so long to write. I have been looking for the opportunity, but life has been so busy and the internet connection has been so weak, that I am just now able to post! I am, however, excited to share with you all that I have been learning and experiencing in my first days in “Zhonghua,” (China), my home for the next year.

I have stayed in Beijing for two weeks now, and though the time has flown, I feel like I’ve experienced enough to fill a few months! Over the past 15 days, I have caught a glimpse of daily life, the modern and ancient, mundane and extravagant, dirty and breath taking, here in one of world’s largest cities. I have learned many new phrases, navigated many new places, and tasted dozens of new dishes, (only two of which I could not convince myself to finish: frog and worm-looking noodles, lol). Best of all, however, has been the gift of new friendships in my fellow new teachers in training. It has been an amazing gift to meet people from so many states and countries, of all ages and life experiences. Though the 125+ new teachers were drawn here in different ways, we share the same heart and purpose, which has helped us bond quickly in this brand-new world.

I have to say that before I arrived in China, I really did not know how to envision my new life or prepare for the transition ahead. I expected some trials and growth, but it has already been more of an internal roller-coaster than I imagined! Thankfully, it has also been more of a blessing! Though at times I am wearied by continually feeling like an alien on the street when everyone seems to stare in judgment or snap cell pictures as I walk to the grocery, and I often feel like a helpless child, struggling with tasks that are simple back home, like mailing a letter, ordering food, buying groceries, asking directions, or simply saying hello I am trying to remain patient. When I venture to use a new Chinese phrase, and I am answered in what seems like an eternal rant in a language that may as well be jibberish, I am learning to celebrate the small victories of catching one word I did not know the day before. Though I am constantly tempted to pity myself for being “robbed” of my “basic rights” like clean water to drink, clean air to breathe, food cooked in a sanitary kitchen, consistent air-conditioning, the ability to flush toilet paper in a Western toilet, wash my clothes in a machine, and consistently access the internet, I am learning to trade my entitlement for thankfulness of the abundant blessings I DO have.

I thank the Father, continually, for providing me a strong foundation of supporters at home and surrounding me with brothers and sisters who are committed to walking alongside me in this adventure of a lifetime. I thank Him for allowing me to glean from the wisdom of the ELIC leaders who have truly given their lives and hearts away for His glory and the love of the Chinese people. I am so inspired my the many who have left the comforts of home for 5, 8, 10, or 28 years, have given up raising their kids in American suburbia, near family and friends, or have forfeited the relaxation of American retirement, sold their lives and transplanted to a new world in obedience to the call they received. Amazingly, in talking to these fellow laborers, they have continually echoed the sentiment: though sacrifice is real and it is costly, the blessing and purpose found in sharing His love, is beyond worth it.

Though the prospect of living here for a year still gives me nervous chills when I think of all that lays ahead and all that I will miss at home, I know in my heart, that I am truly TRULY privileged to have this opportunity.

In adjusting to this new context, our leaders have given us three words to cling to: patience, thankfulness, and ambiguity. Though living in this new context of ever-changing ambiguity can be very confusing, I am very thankful that I know at least a few things for sure: the Father has lovingly called me here and He has called me to faithfulness. Though I don’t fully comprehend how those will play out yet, I do know that He is right beside me, slowly leading me down His path, and there is no other place that I would rather be!

My Journey in pictures:)