**Ni hao (knee-how) is one of the 4 (and only) Chinese words I have picked up. It’s the Chinese word for Hello and I think it describes China awesomely.
Voyage to China
Our trip from Atlanta to Harbin, China was definitely a lesson in patience and having a positive attitude. We took a 14 hr, 45 min flight from ATL to Incheon, South Korea and then a 2.5 hr plane from Korea to Beijing. We spent the night in a Beijing hostel and the next day we took a train from Beijing to the northern city of Harbin. The train ride was 19 hours long! But everyone on my squad had such a positive attitude about it that it was a good time to bond.
Harbin
We arrived in Harbin and met up with our contact who is an awesome man of God that has a huge heart for this city. It’s really big and reminds us of Chicago or Atlanta in terms of size, people, and opportunities. Transportation here has been very interesting. A lot of people get around by bus but traffic is also really scary at times—especially when there are not many crosswalks and we have to run across 8 lane roads! We’ve learned, however, to enjoy the challenge of crossing the street and being tossed around on the Chinese buses.
Our hostel/apartment building in Harbin, China.
Ministry
Our ministry here is to witness to the people of China in hopes of winning more people for the church here in Harbin. We visit college campuses, volunteer in daycares, and walk through neighborhoods in an attempt to meet people and start conversations that may lead to bible studies or church invites. So far, it’s incredibly easy to find people because everyone here LOVES foreigners and in my case, they are particularly drawn to black people with braids because it’s unlike anything they’ve ever seen. So many people ask to take pictures of us that it’s like we’re celebrities. My group has been able to use our “celebrity status” to meet so many great people, and while we’ve become friends with a lot of them, we’ve also been able to share the gospel with many too.
Sharing Jesus at a Bible study with some Chinese students.
To Be Continued…
I still have several days left in ministry and a few more in China, so I’m excited to see what God still has for us, but my time here has left me pleasantly surprised. When I first arrived here, I thought China wasn’t very special but then I saw a different side of the people. They are so kind and have a gentle but hard-working and loving spirit. So many of them have offered to help me, pay for my dinner, or love to be around my team and I . They value people that are their “friends” and are not afraid to sacrifice themselves for others. I appreciate their heart for people and approach to life. The country has grown on me and as China welcomes me, I say “Ni Hao!” back.
Fundraising Update
$10,265 of 15,500
I must raise $15, 500 to cover the costs of the trip. If you are able to give in any amount, here the ways you can give:
- Click the “Support ME” link on the left-hand side or at the top of the page and follow the step by step instructions.
- Send a check made out to “Adventures in Missions” with “SCOTTSHARION” in the memo line to:
Adventures in Missions | PO Box 534470 | Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
*donations are tax-dedecutible and non-refundable.
