Goodness in the Land of the Living

It's been a few days since I've written an update- it seems much has occurred but so much is being learned. I have a mix of feelings right now- restlessness, eagerness, homesickness, and contentment. The other day our program discussed gender differences. One analogy offered on the difference between men and women was: men are laser beams, and women are radars. I completely agree with this analogy! I feel very much like a radar right now- I am processing many things and thoughts right now. I am not finding focus on one particular thing or able to compartmentalize as men seem capable of doing. So, I will proceed in highlighting a few of the thoughts and lessons I've been processing by synthesizing the past 3 days. This month, we are being trained like there is no tomorrow... it's all great information but the training process is very much captured by this phrase "its like trying to grab a drink of water from a fire hydrant". In these classes, I have learned some basics in Mandarin only to have my aspirations re-guided! To put it in perspective, there are several characters in the Chinese language that hold hundreds of meanings for that one character. Statistics show that even if I spent 30 hours/week for 50 weeks straight I would only be a 2/5 in proficiency. My hopes have surmounted into more realistic goals to put it simply.
On Sunday, I had quiet time for four hours in the morning. I spent time meditating over John 17. What an amazing passage to reflect on. The past year I was challenged by divisions within the faith. Unity within the body has been heavy on my heart. I have frequently read this chapter looking for a point of reconciliation within theology, but studying it usually leads to frustration. However, as I read through this passage once again, I had a sheet of questions to guide my thoughts. One of the questions was: What is unity and how do we get it? My frustration from the past was quick to flood back to the front of my heart. This has been a point of tension within my relationship with the Father and I couldn't believe I was being lead to deal with it again. I began to journal my response, "I am not sure where it comes from or what it is". The paper asked me to re-read the passage... so I did carefully. With feelings of hurt over the differences and division theology creates in my mind, the Father was quick to point out my hastened judgment over His body. The second time I read it, the Father pointed out to me the significance of 'that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you'. The son asked for unity among the body through their knowledge of his identity. By knowing the son, they can find unity. The theological divisions have controlled my view on unity. I have never reorganized to account for the one and only important point on unification. The point is found in the sacrifice of the son. This idea was so enlightening for me. It eased much of my frustration over theological divisions, because above all of those debates trumps a greater truth that we all recognize: he died to give us hope!
After this heavy morning, we had an incredible evening of fellowship among our program. A national spoke to us and encouraged us to never let circumstances shape you. This point hit home because I allowed the frustrations of the forbidden city on Saturday dictate my attitude. I was limited in grace and patience that day. The national's message was very humbling and challenging to hear. Despite the translator and cultural differences, he was able to present us a message about how to remain in love as we proceed toward what challenges lie ahead this coming year.
Monday was a day of culture class, but Monday night was a gift to treasure! A group of girls and two team leaders went out to dinner for my friend Kristen's bday! Kristen is teaching here in Beijing and her team leaders (a married couple Sam and Patty) lead us to the East side of Beijing. Sam and Patty have been in China for 15 years and have raised all 3 of their kids here. They are such incredible examples of Father's provision and faithfulness. (Sam is a huge college sports' fan and I naturally bragged all about my brother Brandon playing for U of Arizona baseball- he said he's going to keep an eye out for his stats this year! Fans internationally bans!) Anyways, the East side of Beijing took us about 1.5 hours to get to via subway and bus, but it is incredible! It is the more rich side of town and very similar to NYC! I loved it! It had the most foreigners we've seen here so far! Being a minority here, I have begun to gawk at other foreigners. When I see another white person, I often catch myself staring rudely out of curiosity. My mind is going a hundred miles an hour with questions like 'What are you doing here? Do you realize you're in China right now?' But my amusement with the other white people never leaves the confines of my brain. Our dinner was at a trendy American restaurant called Fresh Elements! Because cheese is more limited here, I decided to order a macaroni and chicken dish! It was amazing and I downed it in like two minutes flat! Crazy how much you can pick up with a fork!! After our meal, we went to coldstone! Yes they have that here!! Us girls were stoked to have a sweet treat! We sat around and enjoyed great conversation. Beijing is a large and diverse city so it was awesome so adventure to a new part of it!
Today is Tuesday. It kicked off with a sprint! Literally, me and the running crew went for a quick paced run this morning only to find a quarter into it, a young Chinese man was running on a small wall on the bank above us yelling "hullo! Hullo" (hello :) I looked up and the girls and I slowed to a stop in confusion... He yelled down, "what nationality?" We replied back- 'American!' He made a forward sweep of his hands and yelled "running". We all looked at each other baffled and continue to run. Eventually he joined us on our path and we reached our turn around point. I didn't have any suspicion or fear about him; the Chinese people are very kind and invite trust. As we stopped, he said "break- five minutes". We laughed and joined him in a break watching a bunch of locals swim in the very disgustingly dirty canal water. We held a small conversation with his broken English. After a good break, we turned around and ran back together. At the point we met up, he pulled off to turn toward his home and over his shoulder yelled "tomorrow" pointing to the ground "same time run". We laughed and nodded our heads! He was so enthusiastic to use his English, and I silently thanked the father for the two locals I have met the past few days. I am excited to have two specific faces to lift up and love here in Beijing! I hope the Father uses me to be a loving example and light to these two- the harvest is in His hands! "One thing I ask of the Father, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the King all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of Him and to seek him in His temple" -The good Word! Lifting you all up! LOVE, CLD