JOURNAL ENTRY FROM NOVEMBER 15TH (slightly altered to protect privacy):
The other night Summer (my team leader) and I went to a Student Union party at the University that we were attending. How we went is strange in itself since we had no prior knowledge of the party.
Some of my new friends had told me that there was a Piano Bar on campus. I was very interested to see this Piano Bar and maybe get to play the piano, so after dinner one night I decided to stop by and see. We walked in and realized we had crashed a party so we left. As we walked out they invited us to join them. We declined politely and said we had appointments, but then Summer and I realized that we were free and that we really wanted to go. We were escorted to a special table full of people that spoke English very well. To my sruprise, I felt very comfortable and enjoyed the people around me. I was introduced to two guys and a girl (sorry, no pizza place) and reaquainted with another friend. They gave us free fruit, snacks and juices. Summer and I did “Summer Nights” karaoke which proved to be difficult and hilarious because there were no words, just the music. Summer had to whisper the words in my ear (I’m not great with lyrics). Summer played another game and won a special apron. We really were unexpected, but definitely treated as special guests who were worthy of pictures.
Some of my new friends had told me that there was a Piano Bar on campus. I was very interested to see this Piano Bar and maybe get to play the piano, so after dinner one night I decided to stop by and see. We walked in and realized we had crashed a party so we left. As we walked out they invited us to join them. We declined politely and said we had appointments, but then Summer and I realized that we were free and that we really wanted to go. We were escorted to a special table full of people that spoke English very well. To my sruprise, I felt very comfortable and enjoyed the people around me. I was introduced to two guys and a girl (sorry, no pizza place) and reaquainted with another friend. They gave us free fruit, snacks and juices. Summer and I did “Summer Nights” karaoke which proved to be difficult and hilarious because there were no words, just the music. Summer had to whisper the words in my ear (I’m not great with lyrics). Summer played another game and won a special apron. We really were unexpected, but definitely treated as special guests who were worthy of pictures.
Later in the evening, they brought us some spicy food which I did not enjoy. I appreciate the dim light at this moment because they couldn’t tell I was not really eating the spicy food. Conveniently as well, it was time for us to go. One of our new friends escorted us out and invited us to cook with his class the following day. We inquired if it would be okay for us to tag along, and he said it would be no problem at all because he was the class monitor (class monitors report to a higher power…hint, hint). We tried to maintain composure at this news, but then realized that we had let down our guard. Needless to say, we had a great time and would do it again – definitely with more caution. I now feel strongly that the monitors need to be reached as well, but I don’t know how that would work. I feel they are so decieved and it breaks my heart! There is a great need in China for missionaries, and I hope this story gives you a glimpse of what life is like for the Chinese.
I love this ministry here and how it is so very relational. It’s so cool to see a whole country so hungry for something more. Lord help me to see the Chinese as You see them and love them as You love them.
