Weekends are way too short. Yesterday my adopted parents and I went on a 16 mile bike ride. Apparently I was so slow because I was riding with the brakes on; they had somehow become locked. I was getting so frustrated, because I felt like I must have weighed at least 300 pounds to be riding so slowly. Thankfully we figured out what was wrong after I tried to ride 3 miles that way... It was a gorgeous day, and I had a great time being active. After sweating a lot, I decided to sweat some more by mowing the grass.
All of a sudden I feel like I'm in for the long haul here. I'm used to being away from my family for months on end, but I've never been away from my boyfriend before, because I never had one until now. Let's say I miss him a lot. So instead of going crazy, I'm trying to stay busy and surround myself with people, which is always a good idea.
Today I think I finally found a church, although it was a struggle to get there. For some reason I was sluggish this morning (maybe from the bike ride?) and was running a little late to the service. Getting closer to the church, I immediately ran into the church traffic--there was even a tired looking police officer directing traffic. I got a little disgruntled. My disgruntlement increased when I had to file in behind not one, but two Hummers! I couldn't even count all the Lexuses. I am living in Loudoun county, the richest county in the country, but this was too much. Then when I finally made into the sanctuary, I saw so many people in gorgeous clothes and perfect hair. When the pastor said to open your Bibles, I saw people opening up their brand new iPads to read the Scripture! People barely moved with the worship, and there were plenty of empty seats in the comfortable sanctuary.
So by this point, I was really discontent. I couldn't help but think of the Chinese churches I had been to, where the crowds poured out the door and people were nearly jumping with joy... Or even the majority African-American church I attended last week in Maryland, where joy seemed overflowing. This all started to eat at me, and then I just had to cry out to God for his help. I was being incredibly judgmental, and that was sin. I don't know these people's hearts and lives. I don't know where they are with God. I don't know why they have fancy cars. But I do know that I'm just responsible for myself and the condition of my heart. From that point on, I immediately felt more at peace, and much more open.
The message was great and I hung on to every word the pastor spoke. It's like I've been thirsting for truth. I'm not aware of a single believer around me here in Virginia these past days and weeks. The pastor spoke on Romans 12, which I had just been reading in my Bible! He spoke on spiritual gifts from the perspective of spiritual warfare and how Satan works to nullify those gifts. He asked lots of questions and made me think about things like:
-Have we been sidelined and taken off of the frontlines of war?
-Am I subtly being choked by the cares, worries, and pleasures of this life?
-If I love this world, then I'm an enemy of God.
-We feel God's pleasure when we use our giftedness to advance His kindgom.
-Ultimately we are at war, not on vacation.
That's so difficult to remember when I can so easily be blinded by the comforts living in America and now working in Virginia. Slowly I'm becoming more conformed to this world and I don't want to be!
Afterward, I talked to a nice couple who drive all the way in from West Virginia. I'm going to try and go to their Sunday school class next week. Hooray, I think I found a church!
Now back to another week of work...
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
A working girl isn't cut out for working
I'm just about wrapping up my second week of working here in Virginia. I'm still incredibly thankful for the opportunity to live and work here. Every day is super challenging, which I love and relish, but it can also be a little tiring. I get home from a 9 hour work day and feel beat. Now I can sort of understand how my hard-working mom felt, and then came home to two kids, which seems rather incredible.
How can people work like this for 40 years straight? I told my grandma today I wasn't made for working and she asked me in her ever practical way, "Well, what were you made for then?" I said I was made for relaxing... I've been working summer jobs and other types of jobs since I was 15, but there's something about being in an office that drains you. Actually I'm pretty sure I was made for telling others about the Gospel and bringing glory to God, which seems more difficult in a big corporation, but I guess it's quite possible. I'm just not sure how yet...
Anyway, I've been able to do some reading these days. Need some wonderful summer reads? Try Same Kind of Different as Me and The Heavenly Man.
P.S. Happy happy birthday to my dad!
How can people work like this for 40 years straight? I told my grandma today I wasn't made for working and she asked me in her ever practical way, "Well, what were you made for then?" I said I was made for relaxing... I've been working summer jobs and other types of jobs since I was 15, but there's something about being in an office that drains you. Actually I'm pretty sure I was made for telling others about the Gospel and bringing glory to God, which seems more difficult in a big corporation, but I guess it's quite possible. I'm just not sure how yet...
Anyway, I've been able to do some reading these days. Need some wonderful summer reads? Try Same Kind of Different as Me and The Heavenly Man.
P.S. Happy happy birthday to my dad!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
A working girl goes to Maryland
Happy Memorial Day!
I haven't been sure what to do with myself the past couple of days. On Friday night, it was like I just crashed after a full, intense week. I think I slept for 10 hours without moving.
Then I dragged myself upstairs for breakfast and then dragged myself out into the front yard, so I could mow the grass. In the hot afternoon I went for a 12 mile bike ride with the couple I'm living with. They are 35 years older than I am, and left me in the dust. I blame it on the tiny bike I was riding.
We went on a trail that used to be part of a railroad, and there was gorgeous scenery with huge airplanes from Dulles airport flying extremely low. I was just staring at the flowers and farmhouses and airplanes when I heard a shout behind me. I heard, "snake!" Then I glanced back and saw a black and white snake, about 5 feet long, slithering directly across the path. I had narrowly missed it by about .1 inches. I couldn't believe I almost plowed straight over a giant, squishy snake. That could have been messy. After that, I kept my eyes glued on the road.
Then today I drove about 60 miles to Maryland to visit my dear old friend, Kelly. We had gone to China together for a summer just about 5 years ago! We still talk, and it was great to see her again. We attended her church, which was amazing. It's like you could feel the Holy Spirit there among everyone. It was filled predominately with African-Americans and Indians. A lot of the Indians wore saris. It was just another reminder that heaven will be filled with every tongue, tribe, and nation--all praising the Lord.
Now I'm back in white suburbia... much less interesting and intriguing.
I haven't been sure what to do with myself the past couple of days. On Friday night, it was like I just crashed after a full, intense week. I think I slept for 10 hours without moving.
Then I dragged myself upstairs for breakfast and then dragged myself out into the front yard, so I could mow the grass. In the hot afternoon I went for a 12 mile bike ride with the couple I'm living with. They are 35 years older than I am, and left me in the dust. I blame it on the tiny bike I was riding.
We went on a trail that used to be part of a railroad, and there was gorgeous scenery with huge airplanes from Dulles airport flying extremely low. I was just staring at the flowers and farmhouses and airplanes when I heard a shout behind me. I heard, "snake!" Then I glanced back and saw a black and white snake, about 5 feet long, slithering directly across the path. I had narrowly missed it by about .1 inches. I couldn't believe I almost plowed straight over a giant, squishy snake. That could have been messy. After that, I kept my eyes glued on the road.
Then today I drove about 60 miles to Maryland to visit my dear old friend, Kelly. We had gone to China together for a summer just about 5 years ago! We still talk, and it was great to see her again. We attended her church, which was amazing. It's like you could feel the Holy Spirit there among everyone. It was filled predominately with African-Americans and Indians. A lot of the Indians wore saris. It was just another reminder that heaven will be filled with every tongue, tribe, and nation--all praising the Lord.
Now I'm back in white suburbia... much less interesting and intriguing.
Friday, May 27, 2011
A working girl reflects
Wow, not being in grad school for the summer sure frees up a few extra minutes for things like blogging and interacting with humans. But working full time also seems to be more tiring, especially as I feel like I'm constantly alert for 9 hours a day, trying to absorb as much information as possible.
So I have officially survived my first week of working! Today we only had work until noon, because the office figured that everyone would head home anyway for the holiday weekend.
Everything has gone a lot better than I expected and probably in large part to your prayers. I actually look forward to work, and I have already learned so much, especially from my boss. The days seem pretty long, but I feel like I'm staying busy and engaged.
Yesterday I got to work and was informed that we were heading into D.C. again for the day. We once again drove in gridlock traffic to the metro station, and then breezed along to the Capitol, where I was deposited by myself to attend a briefing. The Capitol guards took away my water and lunch, but now I know for next time that I basically can't bring anything with me, except (hopefully) my brain.
After the briefing, I managed to find my way back to the metro, which was like a sauna due to the heat and humidity. The D.C. metro and its trains from the 1970s are a lot less fun to ride than Beijing's beautiful, shiny new ones. Anyway, I rode it to one of our company's small satellite offices nearby for the rest of the day. It's not in a very good part of town, so I didn't really venture outside after that. Instead, I put together a summary of the briefing, and talked with the only two other people at the office, who are ex-military leaders and have amazing stories.
In the coming weeks I get to look forward to other events, meals with Congresspeople, and even an event at the French Embassy. Ooooooh! But until then, I will enjoy this three day weekend, and hopefully venture back into the D.C. area to hang out with some friends. Have a wonderful Memorial Day wherever in the U.S. or the world you may be!
So I have officially survived my first week of working! Today we only had work until noon, because the office figured that everyone would head home anyway for the holiday weekend.
Everything has gone a lot better than I expected and probably in large part to your prayers. I actually look forward to work, and I have already learned so much, especially from my boss. The days seem pretty long, but I feel like I'm staying busy and engaged.
Yesterday I got to work and was informed that we were heading into D.C. again for the day. We once again drove in gridlock traffic to the metro station, and then breezed along to the Capitol, where I was deposited by myself to attend a briefing. The Capitol guards took away my water and lunch, but now I know for next time that I basically can't bring anything with me, except (hopefully) my brain.
After the briefing, I managed to find my way back to the metro, which was like a sauna due to the heat and humidity. The D.C. metro and its trains from the 1970s are a lot less fun to ride than Beijing's beautiful, shiny new ones. Anyway, I rode it to one of our company's small satellite offices nearby for the rest of the day. It's not in a very good part of town, so I didn't really venture outside after that. Instead, I put together a summary of the briefing, and talked with the only two other people at the office, who are ex-military leaders and have amazing stories.
In the coming weeks I get to look forward to other events, meals with Congresspeople, and even an event at the French Embassy. Ooooooh! But until then, I will enjoy this three day weekend, and hopefully venture back into the D.C. area to hang out with some friends. Have a wonderful Memorial Day wherever in the U.S. or the world you may be!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
A working girl eats breakfast on the Hill
Sorry I probably won't have much to talk about this summer, beside working. I don't really have much else happening--no school, no family, no boyfriend, etc. So this morning I woke up at the grand time of 5 a.m. I left the house by 6 and drove to Reston, where my boss picked me up in front of our building. We drove a million miles to Rosslyn, and then got on the metro to ride into the heart of D.C. to Capitol Hill. By 7:45 a.m., it was already hot, and I was already sweating in my dress pants and knee-highs.
We quickly walked by tons of suit-wearing, zombie-eyed people rushing to work, and passed the Capitol, Supreme Court, and various other amazing buildings that never fail to impress. We ended up at a fancy restaurant, which looked like it had been built in the 1800s. There were about a dozen other high-powered Indiana business reps there. All the other women had equally fancy suits, amazing makeup, and pearl necklaces. Everyone was extremely impressive, especially in their articulate words. I shook a lot of hands, and received a lot of business cards. I need to get some of my own business cards...
We sat directly across from an Indiana Representative who spoke to the small group of people. I tried to soak up every word and observe everything. I could barely speak when I had to introduce myself. For a second I blanked about which company I'm working for, but quickly recovered.
After an eventful morning, we began the long journey back to Reston, and the rest of the day went by fairly quickly, although I was extremely tired, and my eyes felt like they'd fall out. I'm already enjoying my job a lot, and hope to be a good steward of my time and resources.
More adventures to come...
We quickly walked by tons of suit-wearing, zombie-eyed people rushing to work, and passed the Capitol, Supreme Court, and various other amazing buildings that never fail to impress. We ended up at a fancy restaurant, which looked like it had been built in the 1800s. There were about a dozen other high-powered Indiana business reps there. All the other women had equally fancy suits, amazing makeup, and pearl necklaces. Everyone was extremely impressive, especially in their articulate words. I shook a lot of hands, and received a lot of business cards. I need to get some of my own business cards...
We sat directly across from an Indiana Representative who spoke to the small group of people. I tried to soak up every word and observe everything. I could barely speak when I had to introduce myself. For a second I blanked about which company I'm working for, but quickly recovered.
After an eventful morning, we began the long journey back to Reston, and the rest of the day went by fairly quickly, although I was extremely tired, and my eyes felt like they'd fall out. I'm already enjoying my job a lot, and hope to be a good steward of my time and resources.
More adventures to come...
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
A working girl
On Monday morning bright and early at 7:30, I hopped in my car and drove to the nearby city of Reston, which looks like it came off the Truman show or something. The planned, quaint city is home to dozens of high-powered, world-renowned companies. I managed to park, and glided into one of the gleaming high-rises, where an equally gleaming elevator whisked me to the lobby of the company I'm working for all summer.
It's a whole different ball game from my previous stints in the public sector, and especially in China. I'm working with a lot of interesting and extremely capable people, and will have a challenging summer of responsibilities ahead of me. I get to work on environmental and government relations aspects, which means my first big task is going to D.C. tomorrow morning for a breakfast on Capitol Hill. Apparently I'll be spending a good portion of my time there. Too bad it takes 1.5 hours to get to D.C. from the office. So I get to wake up at 5 a.m. tomorrow to leave at 6 a.m. in order to arrive for the breakfast by car and then Metro. Unfortunately, no chauffeurs were provided with the job. :)
Everything's a little overwhelming at the moment, but I feel very blessed and undeserving of this job. I really hope to make everyone proud and to learn a lot. Thanks as always for your thoughts! I'm adjusting to life here, although I still miss people.
It's a whole different ball game from my previous stints in the public sector, and especially in China. I'm working with a lot of interesting and extremely capable people, and will have a challenging summer of responsibilities ahead of me. I get to work on environmental and government relations aspects, which means my first big task is going to D.C. tomorrow morning for a breakfast on Capitol Hill. Apparently I'll be spending a good portion of my time there. Too bad it takes 1.5 hours to get to D.C. from the office. So I get to wake up at 5 a.m. tomorrow to leave at 6 a.m. in order to arrive for the breakfast by car and then Metro. Unfortunately, no chauffeurs were provided with the job. :)
Everything's a little overwhelming at the moment, but I feel very blessed and undeserving of this job. I really hope to make everyone proud and to learn a lot. Thanks as always for your thoughts! I'm adjusting to life here, although I still miss people.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Onward and eastward
I'm sorry that I haven't written anything for a while. We all had a marvelous time in Florida, especially seeing baby Andrea graduate from college. I'm so proud of her!
Yesterday I drove 11 hours and 581 miles by myself to Virginia. To keep me sane, I made some observations about the states I drove through:
Indiana:
-Worst roads
-Highest gas prices
-Saddest to leave this state
Ohio:
-Best roads
-Prettiest, bluest sky
-Longest part of the drive
West Virginia:
-Most interesting, dilapidated houses
-Most run down
-Most gorgeous wildflowers
Pennsylvania:
-Shortest section of the trip
-Hilliest
Maryland:
-Most scenic
-Narrowest one-lane highways
Virginia (or at least northern Virginia):
-Most suburban
-Most developed
Anyway, I safely arrived to my new home for the entire summer. I'm staying with some of my aunt's friends. They are very kind and have a gigantic house; I'm so thankful for their hospitality. I'm pretty sure my bedroom is bigger than my entire Bloomington apartment.
Now I'm looking forward to starting my new job; I need something to occupy my mind and time. Thanks as always for your thoughts!
Baby Andrea the new graduate.
Hanging out with Andrea and her sweet Asian friends.
Yesterday I drove 11 hours and 581 miles by myself to Virginia. To keep me sane, I made some observations about the states I drove through:
Indiana:
-Worst roads
-Highest gas prices
-Saddest to leave this state
Ohio:
-Best roads
-Prettiest, bluest sky
-Longest part of the drive
West Virginia:
-Most interesting, dilapidated houses
-Most run down
-Most gorgeous wildflowers
Pennsylvania:
-Shortest section of the trip
-Hilliest
Maryland:
-Most scenic
-Narrowest one-lane highways
Virginia (or at least northern Virginia):
-Most suburban
-Most developed
Anyway, I safely arrived to my new home for the entire summer. I'm staying with some of my aunt's friends. They are very kind and have a gigantic house; I'm so thankful for their hospitality. I'm pretty sure my bedroom is bigger than my entire Bloomington apartment.
Now I'm looking forward to starting my new job; I need something to occupy my mind and time. Thanks as always for your thoughts!
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