What did I learn?
I learned that the reality of Westernized civilization is difficult. Instead of my dirt-floor home in Kenya, I was on the thirteenth floor of an apartment building. Instead of hiking down the hill in Uganda to find a tenuous internet connection at an internet cafe, I rode the elevator and stepped outside to the coffee shop ten yards away. Instead of following a translator across streams and bridges to ask every single individual we meet "do you know Jesus?," I hopped on a subway and strategically chose my words at a university meeting to help students with their English skills. Each day I faced a multitude of distractions, each one vying for my attention. With daily activities, it was easy to procrastinate and temporize in favor of trivial matters. In order to integrate into whatever society in which I find myself, it will be necessary for me to prioritize my relationship with the Lord. In everything that I do, if the Lord is at the core, every distraction will fall by the wayside.
I learned this month how to remind myself of the enjoyable times when I find myself frustrated with my teammates. It is all to easy to disregard the good times and dwell on the little habits that create tension. I have grown significantly in just enjoying time with my teammates despite the fact that things may not be going perfectly.
Who will I remember?
Vicky (pick a name, any name) – This girl is awesome. She did anything and everything we could need. She took us to see lions, tigers, panthers, and ligers (oh, my!). She mediated for us when a strange woman knocks on our door in the morning emphatically conversing in Chinese and gesticulating wildly. She answered any and all questions, laughed with us, drank coffee, and walked us all the way onto the train to say goodbye.
What is my prayer for China?
I pray that spiritual freedom continues to come to China. I pray that believers will continue to boldly share the good news of the gospel with everyone who is willing to listen. I pray that God will protect His people.
