A Confession

I was not excited to come back to China. In fact, I had a really bad attitude about it. It's cold. It has rained nearly every day since we got back. The people here stare at me everywhere I go. And then I got to thinking. And then I couldn't stop thinking. And then it was 2:00 in the morning and I still couldn't stop thinking. So, I got out of bed, went and sat on the couch in the dark and had a long talk with God.

He reminded me that just 8 short months ago, I was begging Him to let us come to China. I was praying constantly that He would work it out and find us a job here. And then He said "yes," and I was so excited.

The reminders did not stop there. He also reminded me that I spent the whole first half of our year here missing home and wishing I was not in China. And then He showed me that I have started off the second half of our year here worried about what we will do when we get back home (where we will live, where I will work, etc.).

Then I feel like He very gently grabbed me by the shoulders, shook me and said, "HELLO!!!"

I wanted so badly to come here and do something for Him. He gave me this incredible opportunity to be one of a few lights in a country of over 1 billion. He put me in a place where I am surrounded by the lost constantly and have no lack of opportunity. And yet, I have spent my time here wishing I were somewhere else.

We start our new semester in March. So, I have a few more weeks before all my students are back in town. I have a few more weeks to refocus and recharge.

It's time to get busy. God brought me here for a reason, and I want to spend every ounce of energy that I have during this upcoming semester seeking out that purpose and accomplishing it through Him. Please pray for me - for all of us here in China - as we get ready for this new semester.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip

We just got back from the most amazing vacation I've ever been on (Sorry Kyle, getting head-butted at Disney World has been knocked from its perch). We an 9 other friends went backpacking through Vietnam. What an place. The country and the people are arguably the most beautiful in the world. I loved every minute of it (Well, almost - for a not-so-loved minute, check out Michael's blog). As promised, I have returned with pictures. There are far to many to put all of them, but I'll try to give you a nice timeline of our adventures.

We started with a 30 hour train ride.

This is how much room we had. I was on the top of 3 bunks.

Finally in Vietnam. Michael loved that we were millionaires. Exchange rate is awful.

Hanoi. Capitol city. I love it there.

One of many sleeper buses we had to take as we went stop to stop through Vietnam.

Finally to the beach. Mui Ne=most amazing beach ever. This is how life should be.

Our resort. Pretty incredible for $20/room/night.

Mui Ne is a big kite surfing beach. It was really cool watching them all.

Me & my sweet husband - sunset on the beach.

Never thought I'd try surfing in my life, but I did and I loved it!

All of us at our favorite restaurant. We ate here at least 7 times.

Here it is. Good Morning Vietnam. They serve Italian. Amazing brick oven pizzas.

The only picture I got of Saigon. Notre Dam of the East or something like that. Our last day in Vietnam :(