After all these months of waiting and preparing it is finally here. I am on The World Race; I am in China.
It is still pretty unreal to me, even as I sit in a coffee shop here in the city of Harbin typing up this post. Even as I look around me and see how I drastically stand out in this city. Even as I walk through street markets full of vibrant colors, exotic smells, and signs that I am not able to even begin to comprehend.
The travel it cost us to get to this city was extreme. We left Atlanta on Tuesday and arrived in Harbin on Friday (pronounced like Har-bean). It included about 16 hours of flying, 19 hours on a train, a subway ride, a few bus rides, and a 12 hour time change.
By the time we actually arrived in Harbin I was struggling. Not only was I completely exhausted, but I also felt very, very unsettled. I felt anxious, sick, tired, and was ready to take the next flight back to America (which is saying a lot!). I wasn’t excited to be here in the least.
But God is good; so good. He refused to let me stay in my own discomfort, fear, and anxiety. The next morning I woke up bright and early, sat down by the giant window of our 18th floor studio apartment and spent time with Him. I opened up my journal and let my pen run across the pages in pure honesty and desperation for my Father’s presence. I prayed for him to be my familiarity in this extremely unfamiliar city…and country. I prayed for sunshine through the smog and pollution of the city. I prayed for joy, good health, and reassurance of his goodness.
God provided. Like he always, always does.
My prayers were answered as I closed my journal and took my headphones out. I immediately felt the sunshine stream in through the window and warm my skin. I heard the laughter of children playing in the courtyard below me, saw the birds soaring through the air above me, and felt peace. Not only had my God heard me, but he answered.
Even though sometimes we don’t feel it, God always hears us. Even though sometimes his answers aren’t so explicit, they are there. Reader, God hears you and he will provide. Trust him. I was reminded of that so clearly yesterday morning.
We were blessed with a day full of beautiful weather and bright sunshine. We explored the city and began to form relationships. My view of Harbin was flipped upside down. I can honestly say that I am so excited to be here. I am so ready to start ministry tomorrow!
Thank you all so much for your prayers and your beautiful support. I am so blessed by you all and love you dearly!
More to come soon!
Love from China,
Kara
P.S. I’m sorry if anyone has been trying to get ahold of me via Facebook. It is blocked here so I’m not able to access it.
