China.
A land of limited freedoms. Yet it is a nation that God is longing to set free. A nation that rejects Christ, yet longs for HIm at the same time.
I saw poverty within an affluent city. I saw beggars among holiday tourists, slums among high rises, and trash everywhere. But it was in the affluent sections of Harbin that my heart broke, because the people there have a poverty of spirit that shows in their eyes and in the very way they walk.
China is desperately seeking good fortune, affirmation, prosperity. They strive and work their whole lives for things they think will bring them peace and joy, yet they struggle and grasp at straws. Nothing they attain will last. Everything will fade away in time. It's truly heartbreaking to see so much emphasis on a good life and a good reputation when I know that those things don't really matter in the end.
And yet.
China is full of the most amazing people. Friendly, generous, welcoming. Ready with a laugh and eager to spend time with a group of crazy Americans. Excited to share their rich culture and ecstatic when they hear us speak Mandarin. Thirsty for the Gospel and open to talking about religion. Loving, vibrant people that have incredible spirits.
I fell in love with the people that I met. Leo, Calvin, Andy, Simona. Alex, Lebron, Lin. Mama and her family. The old man I always exchanged smiles with on the elevator of our apartment. The children in the slum. The nameless strangers I bumped shoulders with on the bus. The college students who ran up to ask if I was American. The sweet old man that started talking in Russian to me and only walked away when I said "yanipanimayoo"…and he walked away laughing his head off.
China was a month of learning for me. I learned what ministry should look like, I learned to lean on God. I learned to open myself up and trust my team and my squad. I learned Mandarin and Chinese customs. I learned to fall in love with a country and it's people and to lift them up in prayer daily. And now, I'm learning to say goodbye. Zai jian, China.
