Speechless

After spending all this time in a far-off place, people here have begun to ask me, "When will you be coming back?" Coming back? Hmmmm . . . I will be, um, I don't know. Sitting in a dorm room before the end of junior year at MLC, I talked over this China stuff with a few friends. I thought, well that sounds great, but I just want to keep pushing on to Seminary and finish another 4 years right after this. I threw the idea out to my mother that summer, not really thinking too much about it, since I had one more year of school left. The conversation about it continued into senior year. Most of this was thanks to Andy Buschkopf. His sister had gone over and he had heard a lot about this teaching opportunity.

Over Christmas break, I talked it over with my parents. I'm sure they were speechless. This was all too soon, too much, too fast. Applications and interviews would take place shortly after the second semester started, so it was necessary to get the details out there. I applied. I pondered. I talked with my Father and decided that it was the right time to do something like this.

My posts have allowed you to follow me on this grand adventure halfway across the world. Now that friends have been asking me, "When will you be coming back?" I am speechless. I have learned so much about people, the world, and the power of the Word. Of course I want to stay and continue the work here. Of course there are so many places to see, people to meet, and things to experience that I have not yet. However, I have work to do back home. I have people to see back home. The Good Shepherd is leading me on to good things back home too.

I don't know when I will be coming back or if I will be coming back. Only the One above knows the plans He has for me. He intends to be with me and guide me. He is never speechless. He is always there; ever guiding, always speaking, ever present. This daunting and intimidating journey that seemed too big and overwhelming at times, is now something that I don't want to end. The mighty Hand that showers the earth with endless blessings has preserved and grown His church all over the world. That makes me speechless. I stand in awe at all the He has done, is doing, and will continue to do for His people. Soli Deo Gloria!

This is how Wii party

One of the great things about doing His work is meeting people. As the weeks begin winding down (I have just under 7 weeks left) and the sun begins to set on my time here, I am beginning to sense how difficult it will be to say "goodbye" to some of the new friends I've met this year. Until that time comes though, we will continue to grow in the knowledge of the Good Shepherd, build our friendships, and party. There's nothing like loading up a few pirated games to a Wii  from a hard drive (this is China) and launching into an all out fun fest.

We went from shooting zombies to conquering levels of Mario. My friend Bruce (middle above) smoked the competition in bowling even though it was his first time playing. Then we moved onto a fighting game similar to Mortal Kombat and finally finished with Just Dance! These pictures are taken from some of the fun we had that night. The dancing game got the most laughs of the night. I was caught in some videos myself, I hope they don't resurface.

Some other wonderful things happened this week. One of our students, Vivian (dancing on the left in the top pictures), led part of study this week. She talked about the song Amazing Gr@ce and followed it up with where in the Book the inspiration was found. We let her take on the questions from the others in the group. Some of them were a bit difficult, but she did her homework and did a great job at leading our study. This is such a great thing to see in a new field of work. Those who have received the Good news are now beginning to take a leadership role and slowly moving toward self-sustaining. We (Americans) must become less and they must become more. It is much easier for them to share the Message in their own language. The same message exchanged through different languages and cultures. A blessing to chalk up to the Spirit.

Another girl, Celia, said she felt the love of the Son very strongly the night we had study. This is nothing less than the fire of the Spirit working in her heart. Changing it to knowing and believing the love of Him who died for her. She is going through some of the basic teachings of the Book and she hopes to be washed soon. She asked me when I was going back to America. I told her it was the end of June. She said, "Maybe you could 'wash' me before you go back." I said, "That would be great!" Continue to give thanks for the power of the Good news. It changes hearts here and continues to preserve them in America and places all over the world. He is Awesome and his undeserved love is amazing!

Tent Sleeping Festival

What's a man to do with a few days off and a few hours separating him from loads of encouragement and fun? Go to Shanghai, of course. This was the location of the 2nd annual Tent Sleeping Festival. FOC teachers and friends flock from near and far. This yearly get-together overlaps the Chinese break for observing Labor Day/May Day. Fun fact: May 1 is the day when the 8 hour workday was established. Consider yourself smarter as I continue in this fresh blog post. A fast train landed me in the biggest city in the Mainland. Over 20 million folks call this vast metropolis home. The first night I arrived, it was late, but the party had just begun. A few of us took to the streets to slurp down some cheap Chinese beer and swap stories of recent blessings and burdens. Along with the slurping and swapping came some singing. Joel brought along his guitar and some songbooks and we graced the cool, quiet air with our boisterous tunes. Most of them declaring His praises. I love China! The next morning began with a healthy portion of eggs and toast. One batch of eggs had some chicken in it. It was fresh chicken. By fresh, I mean recently killed. My friend Nate had worked his magic and killed the chicken dubbed "Tony Hawk." We were going to the X games later in the day. He was quite tasty. I have not included the bloody aftermath that followed this photo. 

What do brothers and sisters do best when they get together? Sing and praise Him in worship! After the breakfast, we started things off right with an encouraging hour. Then we took to the streets again. We graced the warmer air with songs. We even sang on the subway. Some gave us smiles and others gave us snarls. The brave ones took videos and pictures. Who knows if someone understood the words we sang. We just let our light shine, no matter where we were. 20 foreigners singing on a subway in Shanghai causes a scene no matter what you're singing. Our destination was the X games. I was a little skeptical because I have never cared too much to watch them. When you see guys doing flips and jumps and all sorts of crazy stuff in the air, it's pretty cool. Later, we found out that a record was set on that very day. The first 1080 spin was landed in competition on skateboard. I saw it happen. Oh, yea, you can be jealous now. We caught site of some motor cross, bikes, and skateboards all flying through the air. 

Back to the apartment for some Italian-style supper. Lasagna and pasta! So good. After supper came the first ever Tenties Awards. These awards are compiled by city reporters and the candidates are thoroughly tested to eventually produce winners. The way you win is to come to the Tent Sleeping Festival. They made up all sorts of things about us and awarded us for it. I won the Most Intense Stare of the Year Award. I tend to have few words at times so my eyes do the talking. It can be very intense. Pictured are our gracious hosts (L to R) Richard, Nate, and Tony. Those golden medallions around their necks are the coveted Tenties. After handing out all the awards and having some shenanigans, I stayed in to enjoy the fellowship. Others left for another night of singing in the streets. I played Bolderdash and enjoyed the warmth of friendships strengthened and found. 

Unfortunately, the next morning our train was leaving for Wuhan. These times spent together with other FOC teachers and friends have been huge highlights from my time here. This Tent Sleeping Festival compares with the big retreat in Hong Kong. They were wonderful times to bask in His grace and give thanks for the gifts and talents working over here. These times of fellowship and worship have been so great, I never wanted them to end. One day, when He returns, the joy will never end. Then, we will all dwell together in perfect happiness and never-ending praise. As we pitch our tents here, we move another day closer to coming home. We are not of this place, we are travelers on our way home. While we are here, we invite as many as we can to our home above, hoping to share the joy we have with them. I can't wait for that day when we will all see Him face to face. What love and grace! Shout to the North and the South! Sing to the East and the West! Jesus is Savior of all! He's Lord of heaven and earth!

Good Disease

At a study this past week, one of our friends gave a different spin on things. We have been working through the book of Mark and talking about various healings and miracles which the Messiah did while he was on earth.  This particular section ended with something like "and word of him spread throughout the whole region." The Son told those He healed not to tell anyone because He didn't want to become famous for healing but rather for His message and the fulfilling of the OT. Maybe with diseases and ailments on his mind, my friend Edward said about the Lamb's popularity, "So, it was like a good disease. It kept spreading more and more." Yeah, I guess it was kind of like that. A good disease. I am trying to infect as many as I can and even though Edward remains skeptical of the truth, I continue to ask the Father for Edward to catch the "bug." - the good disease of the good news that has spread all over the world. Help us out by asking that the Dove would infect many more, including Edward, with this good disease. Soli Deo Gloria!

KTV and Titanic Tears

While I was skyping with my sister and niece this weekend, I told her that I had gone to KTV with a couple friends. KTV, what's that? Gather a couple friends up, go into a comfortable party-ready room, select your favorite songs to sing, and karaoke until your voice gives out. This is not your average karaoke experience. You have plenty of snacks, drinks, and fruit at your disposal (with a higher than normal price of course). We usually bring our own stuff. They have all of the classic hits you wanted to sing usually with non-original, 80's recorded music videos playing on the TV screen. Some of the English words are not right, but you sing, dance, turn on some flashing lights, and have a KTV party! Here are some pics of what the average KTV room looks like. It's a great way to spend time with friends.

I went to see Titanic in 3D yesterday. As Rose held on to Jack in the freezing waters saying, "I'll never let go," the room was filled with sniffles and crying and tears. I couldn't help but chuckle a little bit to myself. I had not seen the movie more than twice and the last time was quite a while ago. It wasn't that moving of a love story, for me at least. After we exited the theater, my two friends, my two male Chinese friends who were along confessed to crying . . . more than once. I was surprised. One cried twice, the other had a steady stream of watery eyes and pitter-patter tears from time to time. Maybe I don't have a heart. These are just some of the things that keep me busy on the weekends here. Not a bad gig. Spending time with friends and building bridges to share some life-saving good news with them. May you continue to finds ways to share the joy you have with others around you.

Panda Lanterns

What is China famous for? Pandas and lanterns. There might be a few more things but . . . Even though pandas are not roaming free everywhere you turn, they are famous in the city of Chengdu. I visited there earlier this year and now Chengdu has come to visit me in Wuhan. But, they didn't bring real pandas. They brought giant lanterns, some in the shape of pandas. Out on the gorgeous East Lake were giant floating spectacles. They came all the way from Chengdu, a traveling show of sorts. Lots of lanterns, a Chinese staple. These red lanterns are everywhere you look. Some are put up for festivals and never come down. The Chinese hope they will bring good luck to the house or place of business. If you were to take a gander around here, you would more than likely find a red lantern dotting the landscape.

This little get-together with friends was another wonderful cultural experience: lots of food options, lots of people, and lots of curious stares directed at the foreigners. The food choices were anything from your typical noodles and rice to some stinky tofu, barbecue (meat on a stick), chicken feet, rabbit head, or fried anything. I didn't go too wild with my food selections but still enjoyed the wide variety of foods. The rest of the time was spent walking around the park and snapping some pics. I've included some of the many different luminous displays from this past weekend. It was a great night to spend with friends and enjoy the nice weather.

Another evening many years ago, some friends were also meeting. They met behind locked doors because they were afraid. Suddenly, He came in and was among them saying, "Peace be with you!" With all of the strange things that had happened very early that morning, their Friend was there again and they were overjoyed. He is risen, just as he said! He is risen indeed! Now we can experience the joy of knowing the Son before our joy is made complete in the presence of the Lamb around his glorious throne. Death has been swallowed up in victory! It holds us no more! Where he has gone we too shall be!

Traffic Cam

I shot this amateur action film from the second level of a double-decker bus on my way home from school one day. Sorry for the poor quality. Take it in and enjoy the mass amount of traffic and people in the bustling metropolis of Wuhan. The flow of traffic is much different from America. When space is free, you take it. You also merge into the correct lane at the last possible moment. These four marked lanes expand into six closer to the intersection, but lines don't matter here. Enjoy! This is China!