Oceans

So, how cool is it that 5 years ago some ELIC teachers at my school bought a piano and a cello so that they could continue to w-ship through their musical passions, while they were in China. When they returned to The States, they left these treasures behind. Little did they know what an amazing gift these instruments would be to me and my team this year. Having the piano has been such a blessing for me and hearing my new teammate Krista make the cello sing, has been a true joy!

This morning my team and I had the privilege of leading our city team in w-ship. It was an incredible gift to join with my sisters and see each of their giftings in serving, reading, making artistic slides, welcoming people, and making music, all to celebrate our Father. He is so amazing and so worth it! Below I attached one of the songs we sang called, "Oceans." It has been an amazing reminder to us of how He leads us through difficult places, but never stops pouring out His love! 

Oceans Where Feet May Fail

Last Night's Band Practice

Falling Leaves

In Changchun, our few deciduous trees have now turned yellow, red, and brown and the ground is decorated by groups of fallen leaves swirling in the wind. The musky smell in the air, the beauty of the colors, the change in landscape, the falling, all bring sentimental feelings to my heart. 23 times before, I have watched Him do this-bring change and beauty, then death and falling; transitioning to a new season of life and time. This fall, I have not only watched Him change the leaves, but have felt a similar change in my heart.

            As He’s challenged me through relationships with teammates, students, and coworkers, He’s opened my heart to see my true state, apart from him. I am that barren tree. I am dry bones, dead apart from him. In my state, there is nothing I could possibly do to bring life to myself, I can’t make the season change, I can not give myself life and breathe. I’m dead.

            Thankfully, it doesn’t stop there. Though I can't change the season, I can’t breathe life, I know the one who can. Though almost daily, I forget the miracle of my life resurrected, this fall He’s reminded me again. He gives me life as a free gift, not based on my merit, or hard work, or decision to move to China, but because He loves me as his daughter.

Though this fall season has been difficult for me and for my team as we’ve been transitioning back into life here, taking on more leadership roles, seeking His will for this year and our futures and at the same time deal with sin in our hearts, I am starting to see the beauty in what He’s doing. I am so thankful that He’s blowing off the dead leaves in our hearts and preparing us for new life. May he continue and bring the spring!

I'm Staying

See my precious students' responses when I told them I would be back to teach next year. :)

Good China Week

It’s a good China week. One of those when the unexpected continually surprises you, awes you, or makes you laugh. When you learn a new favorite dish from the dining hall and after practicing twenty times, you walk up to order and the cashier understands  you! One of those when you are falling asleep writing a lesson plan at your desk and your Chinese co-worker jaunts in and asks you one simple question that leads to two hours of heart-sharing. When the ice on the river starts giving way to the warm sun and you can actually sit on the lawn, not wearing a parka or long underwear, enjoying some “fresh” air! When your students tell you, “your skin looks extra white today,” (which you know, they mean as a compliment), or start an impromptu animal-noise contest when you are walking home from the dining hall. When your co-workers beg you to join their jump-rope competition and you feel like a middle schooler again. When your mom facetimes you through Belle’s house in Disney World or you receive a box full of Easter candy from your grandparents. A week when the burdens that you cried on your knees for only days before are lifted off your shoulders and you Know someone’s listening. Though every week can’t be a good China week, I am thankful for this one. I know that in the joys and in the burdens, He is faithful to provide what we need and He knew what I needed this week.