Life

I realized today that it has been quite a long time since I've written a post simply updating you on my life here in Chengdu.  My time here is coming to an end.  With only 9 days left in Chengdu, I've been doing a lot of thinking, basking, and thanking.  He is so good, do you know that? 

Life has started to feel somewhat "normal", which I had heard it takes about 3 months for this to happen.  Just in time for me to pack up and begin a new journey, aiya! Tis life, I suppose!  My mornings are filled with Chinese classes (which are going pretty well!) and the afternoons (except Wednesday and Thursday) are free to fill with whatever my heart desires.  I have been spending a lot of time studying lately, being that I had my religion final yesterday, my Chinese final is on Monday, and my culture paper and final are due next Thursday.  Gotta end with a bang!

Last weekend was wonderfully busy.  Friday evening was spent with some friends "out on the town".  We went to the downtown area, walked around, and ate dinner.  The days are getting longer and warmer.  I love summer evenings when the sun doesn't set until after 8pm and the streets are filled with families going on walks after dinner.

I spent the whole day on Saturday with my sweet friend Molly.  We ate lunch together and spent the afternoon studying (She studies English, I study Chinese--works out well!).  That evening, we met up with some other friends for dinner.  I don't think I've mentioned Lydia on my blog yet.  She is a local girl we met a few weeks ago.  Let me just say...this girl is incredible.  She is probably one of the most radiant people I have ever met.  Devin, Amanda and I have been meeting with her on Saturday nights to chat about important things (very important things).  The details will have to be saved for another time, but can I just say, this makes list for my top 5 favorite moments in this country.  I witnessed big things.  Things that can only be explained by our mountain-moving Friend.  This.is.why.I'm.here.

One of my most prized pictures

This past Monday, Devin, Erik, Ryan and I had the opportunity to visit an elementary school to teach English.  The school was about 3 hours away, near the epicenter of the earthquake that ravished this country 3 years ago today.  This small countryside town has just been rebuilt.  We all thought we'd be in pairs to teach the classes, but much to our surprise (and dismay!) we had to teach ALONE!  No plans, no experience, no knowledge of the children's language levels...but we gladly dove right in.  I had a blast.  I chose to teach 3rd and 4th graders.  Two classes of 40 kiddos all to myself.  The first class was a little.....rocky.  Kids don't start learning English until 3rd grade, so didn't understand anything.  I tried to think of games...simon says? Fail.  Hokie pokie? Fail..."How about Old Mcdonald's Farm? Surely we can handle animal sounds!"  Wrong! Did you know that in China, the dogs say, "Wang Wang" instead of "Ruff Ruff or Woof Woof?"  Yep, I didn't know either.  Needless to say, it was a long 40 minutes!  The second class went much better. They caught on to Simon Says (Or Abby Says, as I like to call it) quite quickly and they had all heard old mcdonald's farm before, so they could sing along.  Score! I was exhausted by the end, but my heart was so light and joyful! What a sweet opportunity to work with these precious kiddos...even if only for a few hours.

Tomorrow, I will be visiting the orphanage one last time.  This is a huge blessing because I didn't think I'd be able to go again before leaving to head back to Maria's.  I can't wait to kiss those sweet faces one last time.  I can't wait to hold them as I pray specifically for that one child.  I can't wait to face reality. Even though the pain cuts deep into my heart...I want to see what HE sees.  I want to hurt when HE hurts.  I want to ACT when He acts.  May the tears flow freely and unashamedly. These precious ones are not forgotten.

Saturday will be a milestone in my life.  Wanna know why?  I'm running my first 5k!  I've never been a runner, I'm not a runner now, and I'll probably never be a runner.  But sometimes I enjoy a light jog.  This opportunity came about and I thought, "Why Not? China is as good a place as any!"  So, think of me on Saturday morning at ahem...5:00am as I get ready to head to my first race!

Next week will be my last week in Chengdu. I really can't believe it.  My heart holds many emotions as I'm preparing to leave.  I am so so so excited to get back to Maria's...I'm so excited to be back with the beloved babies and to spend hours and hours and hours kissing their sweet necks and playing peek-a-boo.  But my heart will be sad to leave this city that I have called home for 13 weeks.  I dread the goodbyes.  He has been so so so so so good.  The fact that my heart is sad, the fact that I'm going to miss this place,  the fact that I'm going to miss my precious friends---these are just evidences of His sweetness.  I stand in awe.

AND, as I prepare to leave, I have the JOYOUS anticipation of knowing that when I arrive in the Beijing airport on the 22nd, my sweet Mommy will be only hours from arriving!  My heart beats fast just thinking about that first hug.  I can't wait to get my arms around her neck and take in a HUGE whiff of mama smells! We'll have ten glorious days together--talking, praying, crying, laughing, talking, praying, crying, laughing...I told her we're not allowed to sleep! No time to waste! :)

Thank you for following my journey, sweet friends and warriors! And as I end this leg of the journey and begin the next, I know that He indeed has GREAT things in store!  What a mighty One we serve!!

Join Me?

I awoke this morning with a heavy heart.  Why? Because today is the day when my best friend, Ellen (who I told about here) tells her sweet family good-bye and steps on a plan to South Africa.  He has called.  She has obeyed.  She loves Africa with every piece of her heart, and she knows this is His perfect plan for her.  But that does not make the good-byes any easier.  I am so proud of her.  Will you join with me in lifting her up today?  You can imagine the fierce wave of emotions that must be swarming her heart.  This is her third time traveling to Africa for an extended period of time...but this time she purchased a one way ticket. Please pray for perfect peace, absolute protection, and joyous anticipation. 

These are some picture of me and Ellen when we first met 5 years ago in Peru.

Ellen, I am so proud of you.  Because He lives, you can face tomorrow AND today.  Because He lives, ALL FEAR IS GONE.  Because we know He holds the future, life is worth the living just because HE LIVES!

My Mama

 

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. 

Proverbs 31: 30-31

My Mama.  Oh. how I wish words could express  the depths of love and adoration I have for this woman I call Mama. She is a true gem--a pearl of great value. One in a million. A lily among thorns.  And I thank my King every single day for blessing me with this precious gift.  You see, she's not just my Mama.  She's my best friend.  This relationship is a gift that many mothers and daughters long for..  I am so thankful.

Memories from my childhood are infiltrated with sweet thoughts of this precious woman.  She used to sit on the front porch of my playhouse for hours while I played inside.  She was the official "babysitter" for all my "children".  I played by myself pretty well, but I just liked knowing she was there.  Her presence brought comfort.  So hour by hour she would sit. 

I remember snuggling up in my bed after a long day and she would read stories to Luke and me before bedtime.  We would close our eyes and just listen.  I'm sure she still had tons of household chores to do after we went to bed, but I never remember bedtime being rushed.  It was always a sacred time of "I love yous" and snuggles.  (Truth be told, I still like her to tuck me in when I'm home...folks, I'm almost 21 years old! That can be our little secret!).

I remember my Mama being the "Class Mom" in my elementary school classes.  She would show up every Wednesday afternoon to volunteer.  She would usually sit in a corner and cut out things or staple papers, and I loved every second of just knowing she was nearby.

One time, in particular, I remember I desperately wanted to stay up and watch a meteor shower.  (I probably didn't even know what a meteor shower was at that point!) But it sounded cool.  It was a really really cold night, and after a few hours of begging, she gave in.  We got our sleeping bags and headed out to the driveway.  It snuggled up and waited...and waited...and waited.  Never saw that meteor shower, but I still remember that night.  I'm sure the last thing Mom really wanted to do was sit out in the bitter cold to watch the stars...but she did it anyways!

I love my Mama for all these memories.  I am thankful for every sacrifice she made and every tear she has  shed on behalf of her children.  But most of all, I am thankful that my Mama showed me Him.  You know, I really have no idea if I would know Him like I do now if it weren't for my sweet Mama.  Her prayers, her example, her words, her songs, her sweet spirit, her hospitality, her joy, her kindness...she has been HIM to me.  She raised me to KNOW Him and to love Him...and now she has loved me enough to let me FOLLOW Him.  Even if that means that I have to go very very very far away.  Thank you, Mama, for loving Him enough...and for loving me enough...to let me follow Him.  Your support and blessing mean the world to me.  

My Mama always says, "Remember, you have a Mama who prays for you every single day."  Oh, the power of a praying Mama!

Happy Mother's Day to the best Mama in the whole wide world. 

I love you mostest

P.S- Only 14 days until I see my sweet Mama on my side of the sea! Praise HIM for this priceless gift!

.

Thank you, China

Dear China,

There are many things I love about you.  I love your distinct smells and your busy streets.  I love seeing small children in split pants with their little bums exposed.  I love your early mornings when all the street vendors are setting up to begin a new day.  I love your curiosity and eagerness to be friends with foreigners.  I love your people--your sweet, precious people.  China, you have won my heart and I'm thankful for the opportunity to spend six months with you.

But there is one thing I am particularly appreciative of.  Something that I've never been able to find in America.  Something that I've thought about and wished for...but never knew it actually existed.

China dearest, thank you for:

Miniature loaves of bread

Its ingenious, really.  You know, some days, I just really crave a good old fashioned peanut butter sandwich.  Just two slices of bread and some JIF (even skippy will do!).  I'm a college student. I live in a dorm room...alone.  I really don't need 20 pieces of bread when I only want one lil' ole sandwich. Plus, the thought of paying for 20 pieces of bread when I only need 2 just doesn't seem right.  But you, dear China, have remedied my conundrum! You offer baby loaves of bread.  I can choose 4 or 6 or 8 pieces of bread.  I can stop by the market and pick up my 4-piece loaf of bread and have one left over sandwich for lunch the next day.  No excess leftovers, no icky mold...just two perfect sandwiches.  

Thank you, China, for your thoughtfulness toward my peanut butter sandwich-lovin' heart.  I don't know how many people stop and take the time to properly thank you for your kindness. It does not go unnoticed.

Sincerely, 

Abby

He is RISEN indeed

Law demands

Grace Bestows

Law commands--but gives no strength to obey

Grace promises and performs all we need to do

Law burdens, casts down, and condemns

Grace comforts, and makes strong and glad

Law appeals to self to do its utmost

Grace points to HIM to do all 

Law calls effort and strain and urges us toward a goal we can never reach

Grace works in us all HIS blessed will.

-Andrew Murray

The Ministry of Intercession

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

May He be the object of our affection and devotion today as we celebrate.  May tears of thankfulness and awe flow freely and unashamed as we stand in awe of this Savior we serve.

Happy Easter!

The Woman

I met her a few nights ago.  An old woman dressed in a ragged blue sweater.  She was crumpled on the ground, sitting on an old potato sack.  Her face was turned downward and before her sat a little bucket for money.  She is an old beggar woman. 

I pretended not to notice her.  I mapped out a path to get around her without having to stop.  The people flooded by--some glancing her way, others pretending not to notice her...like me.  There she sat.

The disgusted look on the faces of those who passed by her was undeniable.  You are worthless. You are scum.  You are on old beggar woman.

I walked past her.  Ten steps past where she sat, my heart sank into my stomach because I heard a whisper. "Abby, did you see Me?"  It's that gentle voice that is becoming more and more familiar to my soul.  I quickly pulled out my wallet, threw some small bills in her bucket and zipped away.  No smile, no pat on the back, no eye contact--just fulfilling my duty.

I hear it again. "Abby, I'm thirsty.  Won't you give me something to drink?" "But local people don't even like cold water!", I reason with myself, trying to coddle my flesh.  I don't want to.  People will think I'm crazy.  "Abby, I'm thirsty" The reply was soft, yet stern.

I reluctantly stepped away to a little store and purchased a bottle of water.  I unscrewed the cap and walked back to the woman.  "Now, kneel beside me.  Touch me.  Look into my eyes."  I knelt down beside her and placed my hand on her shoulder.  She slowly looked up at me.  I gazed into her eyes--and I saw Him.  I also saw the reason why I didn't want to look her in the eye before.  Its because eyes are the window into a person's soul....that's where pain lives.

She's no longer an old beggar woman.  

She is a human being with feelings and emotions

She is a woman with a story

She is daughter of the King

She is royalty

I handed her the water and said, "Wo gei ni (I give you)" She clasped her hands together in disbelief and began to move her body back and forth exclaiming, "Xie Xie! Xie Xie! (Thank you, thank you!)" I sat for a moment--paralyzed.  I was looking into the eyes of my Beloved.

I walked away and felt sick to my stomach.  Its not that I gave an old woman some water...............  Its that I almost missed it.

I almost missed him.

I was disgusted by him.  I tried to avoid him.  I tried to throw money in his face to fulfill my own fleshly conscience.

I began asking myself how many times a day do I miss him?  How many times a day do I ignore those gentle nudges?  

Way too often.

Have you seen him today?

Maybe in the grocery store.  Maybe at the post office.  Maybe that person who knocked on your front door.  Have you seen him today? If so, how did you respond? May our hearts be transformed to see.

Reasons why I love China

I'm convinced that China is one of the most bizarre places on earth.  I know its not really true, but some days I feel like it! Here are some glimpses into my life in China.  These are the things that make me lie down at night with a sigh saying, "I love China..."

Dinner anyone?

Stylish Rompers (this is for Megan Hodder)

Silly Asian picture poses

The longest rat-tail I've ever seen...can you spot it?

Fun fingernails for $7

Super crowded buses

"Wai guo rens" (foreigners) squeezed onto those super crowded buses

Dogs that ride on the backs of bikes and motorcycles

Oh China,

how I love this crazy, bizarre place!