Back in the People's Republic

I'm officially "home!"

What a crazy past week it has been. I can't believe I've actually made it back to China. When I was in America, this place seemed like a dream. Had I really spent 10 months here? Surely such a wild place like that didn't and couldn't ever exist. But, alas, it does.

I'll give you a little tour of the long past week. Last Sunday my mom and I drove to Kansas City. I flew to LA on Monday and stayed with my teammate, Jodi, who has also returned to Blue Sky with me. On Tuesday we flew from LA to Vancouver to Beijing with a few other returnees. We had a short session of re-training, during which I didn't get any sleep. On Friday Jodi and I met the girls who are forming the new team at Blue Sky. They are fresh out of college. Jodi and I are the wise senior citizens of the bunch.

Friday afternoon we struggled to the Beijing train station. Of all the train stations in China I've been to, the Beijing one is the most exhausting. And since Jodi and I got to Beijing later than everyone else, we had to carry all of our suitcases. Everyone else's had been shipped ahead. So I was swept up in the massive crowds (thousands of people everywhere). There were only 10 million stairs to climb. I was shaking so much, plus I had a sore throat. People kept stepping on my feet, so my recently healed toe from ingrown toenail surgery was busted open again. I wasn't sure I'd make it. But He sustained me like usual.

Once we somehow got on the overnight train for 13 hours, there wasn't too much else that was eventful. I was just glad to be on the train. As I tried to fall asleep to the rythym of the grimy train swaying down the tracks and the cigarette smoke wafting about, I just pondered how on earth I made it back to China. The calm, hygiene, order, and pleasantness of America was just a distant memory by then. Honestly, only the Father's love and love for the Father could cause someone to return to this place again. You don't go to Nanchang for money, health, or comfort. (People in our organization joke that Nanchang is the armpit of China). You only go because of Him and His people who haven't heard of Him. And somehow it brings a whole lot of joy.

Anyway, once we arrived in Nanchang, Jodi and I made it back to our apartment and spent most of the day cleaning and unpacking. We also went out for lunch to our favorite noodle shop in the 109 heat index. It was wonderful seeing all our Chinese friends. People can change a lot in 2 months.

Thanks as always for your thoughts and support! It was like a marathon getting here, but He gave me unlimited stamina and peace.

China round 2

Well, faithful blog readers and friends, it's that time again! I begin my trek for many miles and many days across the globe to reach my "home" in China for year #2. I leave Kansas City very early on Monday morning, and I should reach Nanchang sometime on Friday or Saturday. It will be a long haul, but it's worth it!

Please keep us in your thoughts as we travel (by cars, planes, trains). Please remember us for safe travels, but also so we wouldn't get quarantined once we reach Beijing.

It's been a wonderful past six or seven weeks--with the right mix of rest, exercise, and being with people. A part of me really wants to stay here, especially to be with my family. Not seeing them for 10 months or more is pretty challenging! But I know that there is still a great purpose for returning to China. Hopefully I can always be mindful of that.

I would still love to stay in touch with you. I've heard that Facebook is blocked now, so the best way to communicate would probably still be through email, Skype, or old-fashioned letters.

Well, I'm off on another adventure. Love you all!!