I really can’t say all that month about China because I have to protect the people spreading the Lord’s love in the country. However, I will say China smelled, made me not want to eat, and required charades to communicate. Everywhere we went we ate noodles or rice or didn’t eat. Our first half of the month we worked at this legit organization and then the second half of the month we did a lot of traveling. The last week before debrief we were in the villages of China spreading the name of Jesus by strategically dropping packets in the far out villages. We were invited into several homes and these people show top-notch hospitality. One family even killed a chicken for Lauren and me. It was sick but I couldn’t stop taking pictures because I was so intrigued. Other families would bring out all the chairs in their homes and pick us fresh oranges. One mama made us all corn noodles and ate with us. Even though we couldn’t understand these people we tried to love on them in the time we had at their house. If you want to know more about all we did in Hong Kong and mainland China, I would love to share when I get home about all the divine appointments. My social work skills came in handy in Hong Kong and I loved watching God show up. Mainland China wasn’t as enjoyable, it was really rough for me, but in Beijing I met a great girlfriend, the manager of the hostel, and made a relationship with her that I hope to continue.
Blessings:
- I got to work in a café and love on a volunteer named Gwen from Cameroon while learning to make all kinds of drinks.
- Two moms from Texas were connected in Hong Kong.
- We were spoiled by these mamas.
- The neighbor family encouraged me in scripture memorization at just the time God had laid it on my heart to hide His word in my heart.
- When we needed provision of food we ran into hospitable village people who gave us plenty of oranges.
- The Great Wall was surreal and I even got to ski lift up and toboggan down. I screamed and laughed the entire sled down! It was way too much fun.
- As logistics coordinator, I was so thankful that another debrief went smoothly. And the places that weren’t smooth, God showed up and worked it out.
- I made a Chinese friend and got to know her life and shop with her as well as walk on the wall with her. She even threw a new year’s party for our squad with prizes and all.
- Spending time with my old team members was also so encouraging because I felt so loved and encouraged by them.
- When I landed in Seoul for a layover, I got to talk to Andrea, Matthew, Mom, Scott, and Ashton!
- Now I am in the Philippines and ready to rock out month five.
