Waiting on God

I got an email this morning. It was from one of the two organizations I have applied to for a job. To summarize, they received many resumes from people who were better qualified and experienced than I and I would not be receiving an interview opportunity. I have been feeling down all morning. I wanted that job. I needed that job. We move back to the States in two months and we haven't exactly made the kind of money in China that can sustain us without income for a few months when we get back.

I'm waiting on God.

When we decided to move to China, I left a good job that I really enjoyed. I didn't make a lot of money, but it was enough. I left that job saying that, because we were answering His call, when we came back to the States, He would provide and bless me with a new job, maybe even a better job.

I'm waiting on God.

I know it was only the first response I have received. I know that I will find something eventually. I know that I still have work left to do here in China. I know not to be anxious about anything. I know that everything is in His hands.

I'm waiting on God.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

He has always provided in the past. I am going to spend a few moments remembering all the times I have had need in the past and how He provided.

I'm waiting on God. And He's always faithful.

China Funnies

Since my last couple of posts have been so serious, I decided it was time for something a little more light-hearted. Enjoy!

The cover of a Chines home decorating magazine. Please look closely at the front throw pillow.

Popular ice cream flavors - red bean and green pea.

At the local Wal-Mart (those are pigs and ducks)...no seriously, this is a Wal-Mart in China.

Not a very clear picture, but in China it is completely acceptable for grown women...and men...to walk around in public in full pajama sets. They wear them to shop, to dinner, wherever...as early as 5pm.

That is a live goldfish in a tiny keychain...PETA would have a fit.

One of the most entertaining parts of China is the Chinglish (an attempt to translate Chinese into English)...if you can't get enough, try chinglish.com

"Nothing is compatable to het beauty Beautipy Your Hair"

What are warm tips???

A message from the ATM...your guess is as good as mine.

and my personal favorite...at the cafeteria of our school....

The food is not great, but it's not THAT bad!!!

Words From the Heart

I always want to be honest with you. I don't want to use this site to make it sound like everything is wonderful all the time and that our lives and our work are perfect. So, to be honest, I am feeling a bit discouraged this morning. We have been here for almost 8 months and have not had one single study. I have also heard that there are some people back home that are criticizing our work. And I'm starting to doubt myself and wonder if it's all been a waste. I know I just wrote about planting seeds, and God's word not coming back empty handed. I know all this in my head, but my heart is having a hard time catching up. We are running out of time, and I'm afraid of being a failure. I know that God didn't send us here to have studies - He sent us here to be His Son to this country and to plant seeds and to simply obey His call. I know that things may happen as a result of our being here that I may never even know about. I know that even if absolutely nothing happens, this year still has not been a waste because I have grown so much and learned so much during our time here. But knowing isn't always understanding. Please Think of us. Please Think about the people we are trying to reach. Please ask that He keep the evil one from us and that we won't get discouraged and give up. We have 2 months left, and He can do amazing things. Please ask that we be reminded of this.

A Heaven-sent Reminder

As some of you may have seen on facebook or Twitter, I've had a pretty rough week.

Some people assume that since we are missionaries, that we have superhero faith and that we never struggle or have difficult times. It's simply not true. A war is being waged (Ephesians 6:12), and as soldiers, we are right in the middle of it - and a lot of times that means getting wounded. (For a really good perspective on peaks and valleys check this out) I have been floundering all week trying to find purpose and motivation. I have been begging God for help. He sent it today.

Jackie (center) is a Brother. Kyle (my brother) met him during his first year in China back in 2005. He lives in Shanghai (about an hour and a half away) and came to visit for the weekend. We had our Family Meeting this morning, and (for security reasons among other things) he is the first Chinese that we've had to attend. Apparently we all had bad weeks, including Jackie, but this is what he shared (paraphrase), "I feel better today. I had a dream last night and it was like He told me to give Him the burden. He told me that I try to do everything on my own and I can't. I need Him."

One of the greatest struggles since we've been here is wondering if we're doing any good, making any difference. Jackie also had some encouraging words on this topic. He reminded us of the quote about 'one planting the seed, and another sowing...' Then he shared his story. The first foreign teacher he had was a Sister. She didn't think he had any interest and probably assumed she would never talk to him again after her year in China. The very next year, another teacher came and Jackie became a Brother. The first teacher wasn't there to see it, but she was the one who had planted the seed. It was a great encouragement to hear this from a Chinese. He also said, "Don't think you're here to help the Chinese. You are here for us to help you." I'm not sure he knew how right he was!

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." -Isaiah 55:11

I have to remind myself that my purpose is not to "convert" or teach, that is for God to do. My job is simply to plant seeds - to "proclaim the excellencies of him who called [me]." -1 Peter 2:9