blessings.

God has been so good to me. And he continues to pour out his blessings on me. I'm honestly not sure I could properly put into words the beauty of some of the tangible things he has blessed me with. . so here are a few of my favorite pictures from the pass few days. .

lunchtime.

friendship.

peace.

sweet love.

boys.

the beauty of a team.

joy

today was explosive.

With water balloons, water guns, buckets, water bottles and a hose, who knew Pui Ying Secondary School could have so much fun? My team had a massive water fight today with our students after our morning classes. William, the coordinator for the English camp at our school was just observing. For a while I thought he might have been frustrated by all action and extreme mess from all the water and balloon scraps. But he talked with Rachel, my team leader later and he was so glad we allowed the kids to just be kids. He said that they never get to do anything like that.
I feel like more than anything William was just taking in the extreme joy on the faces of the kids. It was probably overwhelming.

first day, quick rundown.

Oh man, am I tired!
Teaching can be intense, especially when its a foreign language and you don't know the students' native one. Today was our first real day of teaching. And let's just say, it was a little intense, but it gave me good vision for the future.
I'm excited about the relationships I will be able to build with my students! Although, there are a few troublesome ones. This one guy, Wilson, certainly has a difficult heart. I'm not sure what it will take to really get him to behave, but prayer is always helpful. :] My other students behaved pretty well, and several seemed a little interested about the reason I was at Pui Ying to teach them English. Please pray that I will take advantage of every opportunity that God sets in front of me to really get to know the hearts of my students so that He can be much more glorified in their lives.

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
1Peter 1:13

Massage in Hong Kong

Last night, about twelve of us were traveling down the streets of Hong Kong. Biscuet, the guy who connected me with ELIC, was traveling around town with my team when all of a sudden, we decided some of us should go get massages! Fun right? oh yeah, hilarious!

When we began our journey to the spa from the street below, we started walking up an enclosed set of stairs after we passed a locked gateway. The width of the stairs couldn't have been more than about four and a half feet and it seemed pretty sketchy. We all got to the door of the spa and passed around a few of the menus of all they offered at the spa. There were feet massages, full body massages, etc. Seemed pretty exciting for sure. Especially considering they were really cheap!

I'm not really into foot massages (because I would kick someone in the face), so I opted for a full body massage. Laura, Biscuet and Grace all decided to go for the forty minute foot massage. Derek had never had a real massage before so he decided that a full body massage was a good idea too. Everything was pretty normal until Derek and I were escorted to a room with two beds.

Thankfully there was a towel and a set of pajama like things sitting on each bed. We looked at one another and decided we should change. Thankfully there was this shower thing connected to the room, so I stepped into the shower to change and he changed outside of it. After careful warnings and communications, we realized it was safe and we were ready for the folks to start the massages. But. . . that didn't happen right away. We were sort of standing around, laughing at the whole experience when, there was a knock on the door.

One of the women that worked there came in and pointed to the shower. Apparently we were supposed to make more use of it than just using it as a changing facility. This wasn't just a shower that had a regular dark curtain or anything, it had a sliding, frosted glass door. Not exactly the most appropriate thing considering the circumstances, but we figured we should listen to the Asians. So Derek hopped in the shower and I sat on the floor facing the door going out into the hallway.

And all of a sudden, Biscuet walks in. He commented on how sweet the room was, with the two beds and the atmosphere, that was super close to the ELIC offices! He was excited to get to go there with his boss. But then he wondered where Derek was. Of course, I pointed to the shower and he started laughing! And truly it was hilarious. The whole circumstance was so so funny!

Finally, Derek finished showering and I proceeded to take a shower of my own. As I was drying off, the Asians started knocking on the door of the room. The masseuse had arrived and were ready to begin. Not knowing if I had a towel or not, the woman who ran the place insisted a towel be given to me. Derek was stuck with this job. Attempting to guard me and himself, he backed up toward the shower and asked if I had a towel, which, I did! But all the same, it was a little awkward.

Finally, I had the pajama things back on and could get the actual massage started. It was probably the most awkward and hilarious thing I've ever had happen in my life, and let's just say, Derek and I are really good friends now! And that if I plan on getting another massage I'll be going with one of my girl friends from the team!

But I guess when in Asia, do as the Asians do.

harbor interactions

i'm falling for this city. its beautiful. we've finally gotten back from the island of Cheung Chau and have moved into the heart of Hong Kong. Of course, there are so many people, but it has been a blast! My team continues to be knit tighter together and the love that we are able to pour out is absolutely beautiful!
Yesterday we were able to meet the officials of the school our team will be working with. They were such sweet people. I'm so excited about finally getting into the classroom and learning on a very intimate level (that's in contrast to riding the MTR with thousands of people, of course!). Derek and I will be talking about them on the Engage blog on a post coming up, so keep your eye out! http://engagehk.posterous.com/Yesterday my team journeyed to the Harbor where they have a light show displaying from the colorfully lit buildings. It was a blast for sure, but my favorite part was meeting Ronald. He's a Hong Kong native and has such a big heart. He was completely pleased to hear that we were all here to teach English and to spread love. He was so encouraging to my heart. To know that the people here want to continue to grow in community and spirit is so reassuring. When I mentioned that being here was the first time I had ever even been in an airplane, he was not only surprised but exclaimed 'oh, keep coming!' Being surrounded by darkness the small lights of hope provide such a beautiful encouragement to the body.

Training&Team

Ah, we have been in training pretty much all morning. But its been great! I adore my team and we were actually all able to snag a table together for lunch just a little while ago! Its been the first, since the dining area is a little packed. But its been great. Trust me, I am going to be a pro at using chopsticks whenever I get back to the States!
We all seem to be meshing so so well. I'm so excited about actually getting to the teaching part of this adventure. But, I love having an opportunity to stop and bond with all of the teachers that will be across Asia this summer. We're all learning so much. But, to be honest, I would be so overwhelmed if I wasn't an education major. Every one else is getting a lot thrown at them at one time though. I know its been pretty intense for some of the folks on my team. But I'm so positive that we've been placed together so that we can learn so much from one another. Its gonna be great!So we're on the Hong Kong island of Cheung Chau and it is absolutely beautiful. The scenery is nothing like I've ever seen in North America. Its incredible.
Please be thinking about my team as we all continue training and working together. Rachel, Laura, Lisa, Chisom, Derek, Lauren, Julia, Charlie, Emma and I are so excited about all that is going to be happening here!

First Flight, etc.

Hello friends! I’m sitting on flight 879 on my way to Hong Kong, and let me tell you, this is one long flight! Seriously, I feel like I’ve been flying all day long. . oh wait, I HAVE! When I got off in San Francisco I overheard someone ask what time it was and the response was 11:30. By that point in my day, I had gone through about four 11:30s! And then of course, I could finally begin my international flight!

It has been so great to finally meet so many of the faces that I’ve only seen through profile pictures on Facebook. Oh, and they are all such sweet people! Laura and Kyle are my flying family and have been such great fun on the journey! Especially since Kyle is from Canada! Talk about fun to listen to talk! We’ve been able to take restroom breaks together, as whenever I have to get up, we all do because I’m in the window seat. And enjoyed a tasty airplane food meal together! Yum! No seriously, it wasn’t too terrible!

But anyway, I just wanted to update from the plane and send a few things to be praying for.

First off, several of our team members were not able to join us on our flight. This is pretty upsetting since they couldn’t travel with the group and be reassured with ELIC folks’ company, so pray for their reassurance.

Secondly, I have been getting random surges of inadequacy. I know God has prepared me for this journey or I wouldn’t even be on this plane, but the whole not speaking a word of hardly any foreign language will get to me every now and again.

Although, I will say, God has certainly done something right with our team! The planning is great. I have some great feelings about us all meshing together. In fact, I’m a really big fan of Laura. She’s cracking me up right now!

blinking

i never saw this coming. this whole, traveling across the earth thing. seriously, its exactly twelve time zones over.

this is big stuff. this is life changing stuff. but then again, all our lives can be. Its about what we make them. Do we make our everyday lives life changing stuff? we could. we really could. and not just our own lives. more importantly, those around us.

wonderful, merciful savior

knowing that you'll only be at camp for less than two weeks is sort of like stabbing yourself in the heart. i love ambassador camp so very much. the community is like no other on the planet. there is no way to explain it, so i won't attempt trying to.
but it has been some of the most difficult times of being at camp. knowing that i'll only be here to be a counselor for one week is heartbreaking. i feel like i'm teasing myself.


please be praying that the week that i plan on spending packing and really preparing everything for my journey to China won't be more difficult than i already anticipate because of my longing to spend more time at camp. i know my King has some amazing stuff in store for me while i am in Asia, and i absolutely cannot wait to get started! but its going to be difficult. my heart does indeed belong to this camp. i try not to spend too much time thinking about camp outside of it because camp often tends to making reality pale in comparison to everything about this place.


but God is good. He makes this place what it is.


He is the counselor. comforter. keeper.

Brand New Day

Reflections of a Caste System

My friend Tia is in India right now serving her Father faithfully and spreading His word. I got to speak to her a few mornings ago while she was relaxing and updating her own blog about her journey. She mentioned the beauty of the country and its villages. Tia has the blessing of working with a people group that have never even seen Americans, much less heard the word of eternal Hope. As we were talking she mentioned how terrible the Indian caste system is. It is often divided by the wealth of the household one is born into. The poor and wealthy live by each other without a look from the other. Although people from each of these groups live lives that cause them to collide with one another each day. Side by side they conduct their lives casting judgement and creating differences between all of them because of the oppressive system.

Most of us live in caste systems of our own. Each day we run into others that are poorer or richer than us. But not in the monetary sense of the word; in the spiritual. We create boundries between people we know that are suffering because of their lack of Hope and our own lives. Its as if we're concerned that we're going to catch some sort of 'disbelief disease' if we spend too much time conducting our lives with them in mind. But we're commanded to. I am reminded of the Great Commission and 'to go and make disciples of all nations' in Matthew 28. Too often we read all nations and we think of those that are not our own. But what about it? What about this nation? What about the cites and towns that we find ourselves in right now that have caste systems that too greatly parallel that of India?
Why can't the richness that we have found for our own lives not be overflowed to those that lack it? How can we cast judgements on those who live a lifestyle of sin, when we offer them no hope to step out of it? Do we live our lives in attempt to break down the spiritual caste system that we universally live in?

All this to say, remember that the souls without Christ across the world are just and hungry as those in this nation. Let us not live our lives in the a caste system that restricts the Spirit from fulfilling His work in us. I ask that you join me in praying particularly for the nation of India today. For the Lord can indeed break the barriers that exists spiritually and physically in that country. And do the same for your own country. The God that we serve can destroy the caste system we find ourselves functioning under.

Christmas Mornin' Feelin'?

I'm not sleeping properly. I'm not really okay with it, but this time, at least I have a semi-decent reason for it.
My fourteen year old brother is leaving for Puerto Rico tomorrow, or rather, later today. And he's going that way for a mission trip! Its truly exciting to see him growing in Christ and yearning to serve his King. Earlier he came downstairs because he couldn't sleep. He's as excited as I am for him! But he made the statement that its practically like Christmas.
I found a flaw in his statement. It is the complete opposite of Christmas. The night before Christmas is about waiting for all the things you're going to get in the morning. The toys, games and clothes that will all fade away. But not being able to sleep because of this excitement is different.
This excitement is when selfishness transforms into selflessness. Yes, my brother will indeed be rewarded through obedience, but its not about him. This traveling adventure isn't about what he can get out of it. Its about being completely outside of yourself and existing for something greater. something eternal.

i want to see us yearn for the excitement of the transformation from selfishness. and not just have this kind of excitement for other, but also ourselves. do we find ourselves being willing to personally be selfless, or is it easier to watch everyone else manage it?

addiction

knitting is addicting. no seriously, my fingers are killing me but I can't make myself stop.

3/19/10

i'm not sure
how hard we'll fall
before we reach the top
of the wayward
willow tree.
that stands

alone.

surrounded by
foreign types.
waiting.
waiting.
waiting.
for the rain to
hold her
down.

though i never have the chance.

i was never much of a writer. . but a reader, now i've got that one covered.



i'm more passionate than i realized. now cultivation must continue without doubt.

forgiveness.

'Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love,
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin,

For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me,
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evin in your sight,
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.'


Psalm 51:1-4

right now

'this is for the girl next door
who thinks she knows me
she adore the way my words
feel just like home
but she don't know
the sadness flow
that pours out nightly,
still i keep rolling
the lonesome road out
before me.

this is for the boy next door
who thinks he loves me
he adores the voice that soars
into his heart
but he don't know
the sadness flow
that pours out nightly,
still i keep rolling
the lonesome road out
before me.

Where do you lie down?
And can I lie too,
Oh just for a moment,
But then I gotta go.'
-Ingrid Michaelson

he trys to find a cure for the pain

'so blood is fire pulsing through our veins
we're either riders or fools behind the reins.
i've spent ten years, trying to sing it all away
but the water keeps on falling from my tries
and heaven knows, heaven knows
i try to find a cure for the pain
oh my Lord, to suffer like you do,
it would be a lie to run away
a lie to run
it would be a lie
it would be a lie to run away'
-jon forman

CHINA!

For the pass four summers I have spent six weeks of my summers as a camp counselor at Ambassador Camp on Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina. I've known since early last semester that God was calling me to do something different with my summer this year. This was hard to accept, especially when the ninety-three year old woman, Aunt Sara, who founded and has run camp for the pass fifty four years died in the same semester. My desire was to stay where I was comfortable and where I knew I was needed. But I know God can run camp without me. So I kept searching for where He would be using me.
I am on the leadership team for the Baptist Collegiate Ministries on the Francis Marion University campus. BCM has a lot of summer mission opportunities during so I started the application for some of the trips. Still, nothing felt quite right (and let's note: there are no currently planned trips to China this summer!). I knew God was teaching me to wait on him.
Four friends and I were journeying to Passion2010 and I was REALLY hoping for some sort of revelation about where God might have me this summer. It came in a way I never expected. On the third evening of Passion, Louie Giglio kicked the main session off with a video about China. I honestly cannot tell you much of what was said in that video. There weren't any super convicting facts about the godlessness in China that would make one want to get involved with China, but I knew I had to make my way there. Chinese college students were all that I could think about. After the video, the girl that shared her testimony in the video was actually introduced by Louie and then prayed for everyone at Passion. When Sam started praying for us in Chinese it blew my mind!
After the main session, community groups were held. I was actually a little nervous about meeting in my family group. I knew we would be talking about what John Piper had just spoken about, but I had no clue what he said because my mind was on China the ENTIRE time. I had no idea how in the world I was supposed to get there, but Chinese college students were all that mattered. When my family group started talking about what Piper had spoken on I was clueless. Before we got too far into discussion, Clay, my community group's leader touched my back and asked if he could sit with us for a few minutes while we discussed what John had spoken about. The circle was just getting around to my understanding when I looked at Clay and explained that I did not have a clue what he had spoken about. And that I had been thinking about China the entire time. He looked at me and said, that it was rather funny that I had be given such an interest for China and that I should certainly talk with 'Biscuet', who lives in China. Of course at that moment I did not have a clue who in the world Biscuet was. But after community groups I was connected with him and began asking him about his passion for China
Biscuet actually teaches English in Hong Kong and works with an organization that has folks like him teaching English across East Asia. He's been with the English Language Institue/China for two years working as an English teacher.
Then he began talking about Engage. This program invites anyone to come and spend four weeks in mainland China, working with students and getting to know them right where they are and sharing Christ's love with them. Then, the fifth week is spent in Vietnam, Lous, Mongolia, Cambodia or mainland China doing the same thing there. I knew that out of the whole line up of these events I had to go! And this was exactly where God wanted me this summer.
China?! of all places! I've never considered China in my life! But I am so sure that there is where he will have me this summer!
Please be praying for China. Be praying for my journey there. And pray for the hearts of the people I and the team I will be working with will be interacting with this summer. I cannot wait and God has so much in store!

after a much needed phone chat.

'For the Lord's sake, yield to the people who have authority in this world: the king, who is the highest authority, and the leaders who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. It is God's desire that by doing good you should stop foolish people from saying stupid things about you. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as servants of God. Show respect for all people: Love the brothers and sisters of God's family, respect God, honor the king.'
1 Peter 2:13-17