Heading east

Okay, everyone can breathe easily-- I am not going to take up farming! As a Kansan, you would think I would either live on a farm or have worked on a farm. But that is a myth you shouldn't believe. I have only visited a handful of farms in my young life, and the only thing close to farming I've ever done is mow our grass and fed the stray kitty that hangs around our house. Once I took care of a tiny flower garden, but that basically shriveled up and died.

But in the back of my mind, I've always wanted to have a farm. I'm always amazed at the Father's creativity in the Great Plains here. It's gorgeous! And it would be so glamorous to own a farm, right? Luckily I had the opportunity to go hang out on a farm yesterday.

Andrea happens to be friends and roommates at her Florida university with the only other Kansan at that school, Chelsea. Chelsea's family owns Iwig Family Dairy outside of Topeka. They have amazing milk and ice-cream. (Go try some!) So Andrea and I drove out there to see Chelsea and look around.

First, I noticed how dry and dusty and smelly everything is. Sort of like China, but hotter and sunnier. They have to wake up at about 4 a.m. to get started on the milking and everything. Then they also have to bottle the milk, bale hay, and keep up with all the farm-y things. They work really, super hard. This family would have survived the Oregon Trail. I would have wilted on the Oregon Trail within the first five miles.

So it was a fun way to spend the morning, and we came away with some good ice-cream. But I decided that I still ought to go to graduate school. No farming for me!

Once again I am leaving home and heading east-- except not as far east as China. In fact, I'll be closer to Kansas than I have for the past 6 years. I'll only be a mere 538 miles away!

It has been a wonderful, restful summer. I continue to miss my life and friends in China, but there are also many things and experiences to look forward to in America for the time being.

I've spent a great many moments hanging out with my mom and sister. I've gazed at the beautiful blue sky and felt the 100 degree Kansas heat for weeks now. I've worshiped at a big fellowship and been reunited with old friends. I've worked through readjusting to American culture and speaking English at a normal pace. I've eaten real meat and I've washed clothes in a real washer with a real dryer.

Although I've certainly struggled, I've soaked in His grace. I feel renewed and ready for the next challenge. Indiana is certainly no China, but I bet it will be just as challenging and exciting, albeit in different ways. Please pray for opportunities to connect with a strong community of believers, and chances to share His love with my classmates and international students.

Happy August!


Kansas.


The Iwig dairy farm on the edge of Topeka.


Chelsea and Andrea on a fine 100 degree morning.