The Next Steps

So maybe some of you will continue reading. Honestly I have struggled with whether or not to keep it going, but I am tired of over-analyzing (a terrible habit I have not quite kicked) so here it goes. I have been back for a while now. It has been difficult at times to embrace my new set of adventures here, but it truly is only a beginning. I have had a couple of weeks of rest in which it has felt wierd not to be "involved" in 52 ministry related things (okay that is a huge exaggeration). However, I know that was a needed time as I decompressed, thought, and solidified what I had been through (and also just slept!). Now, it seems like He is letting me get back in the swing of things and presenting new opportunities on a daily basis. It is cool to see how he is using some of the EV models I used there and helping me apply them to here. Ask that I will be faithful and he will give me his heart and compassion for the people here in Jackson. I confess that I do not have it very often.

Also, I am extremely excited to begin serving very soon as a large group leader for children at CHBC. I love this ministry and believe so deeply that a firm foundation and knowledge of His Word is the most important thing we can give our kids. I can't wait! You can lift me up as I do this, that my face will reflect his glory and my body will be a pure vessel for his truth-a calling that I am quite frankly not up to without some serious divine intervention. Oh, but he is so faithful. A little soap box of mine. If you are not serving somewhere in your local body-START! The church is DESPERATE for people to just say yes. Guess what? You are gifted at something, and that is for a reason! To serve! And the benefits are stinking awesome. I promise you will receive a huge blessing. And don't think that because of a specific situation you are disqualified. Ask Him to show you how you are called to be used during your specific season. He knows where you are and has a great ministry designed just for you RIGHT NOW (no not when your kids grow up, or you quit taking care of your sick parents, or when your finances or better). Right now. End of story. (And don't mentally disqualify the "small" stuff- Do you know how many times He multiplied the "small, insignificant" stuff. Just do it!) Okay, I'm done. Promise.

Know that I love you. I really do, and I am so grateful to have you in my life. So many of you are from CHBC and I am ridiculously proud of you guys. I bragged about you ALL the time in my other country. They know all about how awesome you are! I am extremely proud to be part of a family that really does desire to accomplish His desires and give him glory. No, we're not perfect but we pursue- and that makes me smile!

Back in the States Again

Hey guys! For those of you that don't know yet, I am safely back in the states. I just want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for lifting me up while I was gone. You not only made a huge difference in my life, but you have made an eternal difference in the kingdom. Although I am back home again, I ask that you not forget my friends in the country. They NEED you to be praying for them. Please, please continue to pray that people will come to know him and there will be a great harvest in the country and specifically in the Crossroads. I am no longer able to be with them, but I know that there are no limits to the power of lifting their names up to the father. I hope you will join with me.

A few more pictures

Cars and trucks are pretty prevalant in this city, but you also see plenty of these!

The Chinese answer to diapers-split trousers.

To get to the waterfall yesterday at Nan-Shan we rode one of these. It was great fun!

The famous Peking Duck. I haven't eaten it yet, but it is on the least of things to do.

Some Fun Before I Go...

Here it is..The Sunday before I leave. Only a week left! It is so hard to believe that my time here is already almost over. I have big plans for this week, however. We began the week today by taking the group to Nan Shan..a mountain away from the city with a beautiful waterfall. It was great to spend time together and just breathe fresh air. Also, I was forced into wading in the FREEZING stream from the waterfall with my m pal (who happens to be about 70). She does not slow down! It was funny and we have some great pictures of the two of us out in the middle of the freezing cold water! After we got back two of the group offered to go with me to the Olympic stores and chopstick store to buy some souveneirs. I feel pretty good about what I got! For the rest of the week I plan to, of course, meet with people and share about myself but also visit the cemetary, eat hot pot, go to Da Ba Zar, go to the night market, and eat peking duck. Ask that I will continue to remain focused on the main thing amid all the fun.

I named my blog what I did for a specific reason. I feel that in my life so far I have been given so much-so many opportunities. I have been privaledged to walk through some great adventures. But I believe that each day is truly just the beginning. Backwards focused life has little value. I want to live a life that is not caught up in what has been but is focused on what is today. As I "end" this adventure, I ask that I remain faithful to remembering that ALL THIS is just a beginning of a new part of the journey. I cannot thank you enough for thinking of me. It is making a difference!

Some more pictures from around town.

Guess where I am! Pretty cool, right? This is one of the 2 pictures I have of myself to prove that I did actually come here. This was during my first two days in country.

These are the Olympic "Friendlies" They have names and my little friend (the 3 year old) tries to help me remember, but I fail terribly. I know for sure that one is Bei Bei, and one is Jing Jing. Get it?? Beijing! Clever huh? Anyway, saying that we are pumped about the Olympics over here is the understatement of the year.

My daily mode of transportation. I have a bus card which is really convenient.

The view from my hotel window.

My Home Away from Home

So here it is- my home for the past two weeks. The most exciting features of this place are the western toilet and the air conditioner (a huge luxury here). I am living in style! Sorry that the bathroom picture is the one on top. I tried to move it but I couldn't get it to move and I really did want to show you that I don't have a squattie pottie. That toilet is a gift from Dad! Just for fun see if you can find my favorite soft drink in the kitchen pictures.

Happy Father's Day!

Here it is Monday..but I want to wish you a happy belated father's day. This post has been brewing for a while but I have not had the right opportunity to write it and there is no better day than today. I owe this post to two sources- first and foremost the great counselor but secondly to Richard Foster's excellent book Celebration of Discipline that I have been reading while I have been over here.

Have you ever noticed that children ask their parents for what they want? And even more amazing, they do it with no sense of guilt, shame, or fear. They do it expecting to get an answer. All this is based on the child's sure knowledge that their parent loves them. How do we lose our sense of that as we get older? I have realized that my ultimate father wishes for the same thing from me. He delights in me asking him with a full expectation of him answering.

Those of you who have been overseas understand that it takes reliance of your father to a new level. If you did not know, I traveled to the country by myself and I also live by myself in my city. This makes each day an adventure and definitely makes me rest squarely in his protection. I cannot rely on another or their "knowledge"-only him. It is super! I begin to ask him for things I take for granted in the states. Daddy, I am not sure the taxi driver knows where he is going-please get me home. Daddy, I am very hungry- please provide something to eat. Daddy, I am not sure where to go-please help me find my way. Daddy, I do not know the words- please help me communicate. And the list goes on and on. I have realized how much he loves me to ask him for help. He delights in my dependence and showing himself to me by meeting all my needs. How incredible to be his child!

The challenge is this. I rely on him the same amount at home in the States. I just refuse to acknowledge him and ask for his help. I get so wrapped up in "what I know" and "what I do" that I forget that it is all dependent on him. May I come away with a profound sense of dependence that revolutionizes my life wherever I am. I asking that you too will contemplate your life today. Know that you can come to him and ask with the authority of a child of his for him to meet all your needs. He loves it when we come to him! Thinking of you and so grateful for you lifting me up daily. It is making a huge difference. I can't wait to tell you the stories.