Our time in China last month was full of the unexpected yet wildly spectacular mountain views, little to no English speakers, yak meat, divine appointments, Tibetan culture, 1,700+ miles of overland traveling through West China by bus and train, and lots of girl time!
Because we did not have any pre-existing ministry contacts, our squad traveled in separate teams throughout the Western region of China, following Holy Spirit’s guiding in where to go and how long to stay.
We split into men’s and women’s teams to allow for what we affectionately call, “manistry” and “womanistry” time!
Meet team B4betown Countdown!
Our little team of four consisted of my co-squad leader Steph,
and the two girls that we “raised up” to become squad leaders after we leave the field this month! (Honorable mention to our two guys who are also raised up! 😉
Lacie
Romany
There are countless stories that accompany such an undertaking – pioneering, overland traveling, language barriers, discipleship, ministry, squad leader training, speaking in code and living in a country where there is no religious freedom brings about it’s own set of struggle, depth and growth.
It also brings it’s fair share of laughs, funny memories and joy!
I know there are some jokes and quotes that can only be fully understood and enjoyed in the presence of the moment, BUT, I figured I’d share a few of the “quotables” from our time together last month!
I hope Romany makes you laugh half as much as she did us!! 😉 haha
Random Chinese man passing us on the sidewalk: “Hello!!” (in broken English)
Response from the 4 of us: “Hello”
From behind us: “I love you!!!”
*Silence……*
Lacie: “…that’s weird…”
Me: “Ok, which app is it that you can talk into and it translates for you. I need one like hers!”
Romany: “I don’t know….ask her.”
Me: “Weeeelll, I WOULD if I had the app!!”
Romany: “Oh that’s so good…screen shot that and airport it to me!”
(A few days later)
Steph: “Hey Lace can you airdrop that to me?”
Romany: “Wait….it’s been airdrop this whole time?!?!”
Romany: “I want it now! (talking about having a guy)
Me: “Ro, remember what you were saying the other day about God’s timing?”
Romany: “Oh yeah…….hashtag timing!”
Me: “Uh huh…..hashtag His timing not mine…………….hashtag please God make Your timing faster!”
Yahong Wang: (Through a translator app on the phone) “I told my friends, if it’s not a party, don’t take me to the church!”
“Not married. I think now life is good. Faith particularly good to my help.”
Romany: (types back) “Same to us as well.”
Romany: “No cheating you guys…losers never win!” (while playing a racing game)
Addie (little girl): “Uhhh, yeah you’re right…losers never DO win.”
Romany: “Guess what time it is?”
*Lace looks at her watch*
Romany: “Wait….what?”
Romany: (looking at a collage of pictures of herself)
“Look at that smolder! I should be a wrapping paper!!”
Steph: “Anybody have something in particular they want to do tomorrow?”
Romany: “I just want to find something beautiful and smolder in front of it!”
(We were in a ‘smolder’ competition against our guy squad leaders! For the record, after presenting our top three pics to the squad for judging, girls won! We enjoyed our ice-cream, thanks guys! 😉
