Typhoons. I had only ever heard of them, never experienced the effects of one until today.
I bought a Chinese umbrella after I had gone out into the city and got stuck in the rain. But the umbrella wasn’t too effective because the wind kept blowing it the wrong way.
So what did I do?
I turned back to seek refuge from the rain and dove into a little restaurant nearby. I approached the owner trying to order, communicating with Google Translate that I would like some hot tea!
He gave me hot water, so close enough 🙂
Being drenched from the rain, drinking the hot water was just what I needed.
Siting there sipping on cup of hot water, I laughed to myself. How perfect it was that a physical storm appeared to remind me to always praise my Lord in the midst of any trial or storm.
In the midst of trials, I will praise You.
In the midst of chaos and confusion, I will praise You.
In the midst of so much newness and change, I will praise You.
In the midst of this typhoon, I will praise YOU!
Along other lines—the language barrier is definitely a big issue here though— we have had trouble even communicating “bathroom” or “toilet” — thank goodness now for Google Translate! It has been a life saver. 🙂
China Updates:
I’m SO happy to be in China…it has been such a wonderful experience so far. It has been an amazing experience diving into the local culture, eating all kinds of local Chinese meals (only one had bugs cooked into it so far—still was DELICIOUS). We didn’t find out about the bugs in the dish until after eating it… 🙂
We are currently in Shanghai and have now been here for four days! We will leave soon for our next city; stay tuned!
My team and I have been praying consistently for China to long for the one true king, Jesus!
At the famous temple in Downtown Shanghai, we prayed yesterday for the hearts of the people that visited, that they would not be able to find rest and would crave something more.
This week, we have gone on prayer walks interceding for the people here, for the Lord to break strongholds. We prayed for the Lord to show us the way, to show us how He wants to use us to bring Kingdom. I prayed specifically for the Lord to open doors for us to partner with and encourage local believers.
Someone recently reminded me, “Freedom comes through SURRENDER”.
My team and I are leaning on the Spirit to discover where He is leading us! And we are practicing how to surrender our own agendas and to be reliant on the Lord for direction.
Please continue praying for hearts to be opened and for divine encounters! We are here to make His name known 🙂
With love from China,
Hannah
