I love the people I’m with. My squad is filled with incredible, God-fearing people. My team is the strongest group of ladies I’ve ever met. We are each INCREDIBLEY different, which terrified me at first. God has already brought us through so much as a unit that I feel like the past week has been packed full of a month’s worth of growth. We have dealt and worked through some of our past wounds and ways that we have been hurt by others. My biggest break through moments have been when I could feel myself start to shut down, and make the decision to speak it out instead of holding it within and building walls up to keep myself from being vulnerable.
I love the people of China. Every time we leave our hostel, people are confused as to why so many American people are walking around Harbin, which isn’t a big tourist city. I’ve enjoyed getting to make people smile with a simple “ni hao” or hello. Some people who are bold end up asking to take pictures of us or with us, and sometimes you turn around to find people with their camera phones pointed at you. I typically make a silly face or give ‘em a wave just for the fun of it. Surprisingly many people can speak at least the very basics in English. We get “where you from?” and “nice to meet you” pretty frequently. The lasting impression I will have for people of China will definitely be kind and joyful.
I love the people I am seeking out in ministry. We have spent our time in Harbin visiting different universities. Throughout the time we have spent on campus, going to campus, and eating lunch or dinner we have come in contact with so many people. Ministry has proved to be easier than I thought it would be because we are able to start conversations left and right if we are willing to be open and talk to all the people we come in contact with. At the beginning of the month, our ministry contact told us that we should be like a single guy in a bar. Talk to everyone and get as many numbers as you can. Let’s just say I’m good at being a single guy in a bar haha. Our first day on campus we came across a kinesiology soccer class and I hopped in. After playing a small scrimmage with 20+ guys we decided to set up a pick up game on Sunday. Inviting people to the game has been my go-to when I meet someone new. I am looking forward to what God is going to do through a game I have played all my life!
I love the people I am building friendships with. After meeting so many people, you begin to recognize the connection you have with some people is different than others. I have been drawn to a few people and I can now understand why goodbyes are going to be so difficult.
My time in China has showed me how important it is to love people. No matter where they are or how well I may or may not know them I am called to love them. This could look differently for each of the people that I am interacting with, but love is always wanted and needed. I am learning that if I have the courage to pour out every ounce of energy and love that I have, that God will provide me with the love and strength to go out and do the same the following day.
I am looking forward to all of the days I have ahead of me on the race. Based on the first ten days, I can say that I feel incredibly honored that God would choose this for my life this year. I am welcoming the coming days with no expectations except for the one that God is going to do big things.
