Fruit: A love story

I definitely had big expectations for this past semester. New country, new culture, new job, new relationships. "Fruit" was the word I kept hearing from Him when thinking about what was ahead. Steeped in excitement, I set to work, teaching and casting nets.

Then I waited. Where would this fruit come from? What would it look like?

As certain relationships began to form, I began to see that this was it. Then more and more...and more. In exhilaration, we've been watching planted and watered seeds grow into fruit in the form of new hearts and growth in older ones. Our praise going up hasn't been able to keep up with the grace coming down!

As the semester wound down, I just kept smiling- "I'm really here, and He's really doing what He said He would do." But He wasn't done!

In all of this outward fruit, He was saving special fruit for my own heart. Now, most seeds are planted and sprout in weeks. Others in months, years and so on. This Fall, an 11 year seed sprouted in my life.

Back story. When I was young and dumb (15 to be exact) I made the surprisingly mature decision to go after real beauty. Sure I was attracted to her, but I was even more drawn to a depth that I saw in her. There was a deep rootedness about her. Her heart and character were grounded, and she was (and is) beautiful. To spare you the epic novel I could easily insert here, we dated, broke up, and started dating again right before I moved to China.

Also, If you know me, but not Lauren, I'm sorry. If that's true, then you also probably don't have the clearest picture of me. To continue with the farming analogy, she is the soil that He has used to bring about major fruit in my life. She is the clearest Ebenezer of His love and faithfulness to me.

Ok, so picture us, and picture a seed. In the ground. 11 years. When will it be time? Will it ever be time? These questions have hung over our heads for quite a while, but in a season where I was looking for fruit all around me, ground started to break right in front of me. He used a visit by her in November (part of my blogging delay- sorry!) and a lot of prayer afterwards (another part of the delay!) to show us that part of the fruit that He had planned was, well, us.

Wow... Flight. Check. Ring. Check. Merry Christmas!

She said yes! We're engaged!

It's hard to sum it all up here, but I'll begin and end with fruit. We are overflowing with excitement because we know this is just the beginning of it! Details are still being worked out, but we are rooted and grounded in the One who is Faithful, who establishes the steps of those who commit their way to Him (Proverbs 16). He is the soil that always proves faithful. Amen.

For the detail people!:

Lauren thought I was going to be on a long train to visit some friends in Central China for Christmas. I've had to repent, but it sure got me off the hook for 30+ hours without communication! She was home from North Carolina and had been planning to go see my family on Christmas afternoon. When she came, my mother answered the door and told her that everyone was on the back porch and to go ahead and go out there. She opened the door to the back, but surprisingly she didn't see anyone. I slowly poked my head around the corner, and I met eyes that looked like they were seeing a ghost! She froze, so I had to walk her to the middle of the porch so my cousins (who were hiding behind bushes in the rain!) could take pictures. I quoted lyrics to a song that I wrote her 9 years ago, and after saying a few more things (private!), I dropped to the knee. She actually nodded instead of saying, "yes" but I figure that counts!

We're looking at getting married in the Fall, living in North Carolina for her second year of residency, then returning to China for my second year. We'll keep ya posted!

Peeling back the layers.

In my mind, China has always been an onion. No, it doesn't make me cry, but when I peel back a layer, I find another fascinating layer...and another...and so on.

As a result, I feel like I should apologize to you if I ever made a statement like, "China is ______." I made many matter-of-fact statements like that before I came here, but what did I know? It would help if you take the statement I made to you, consider the opposite and throw them both in a mixing bowl. That's a great recipe for China.

Okay, context. Last weekend we visited Qufu, the birthplace of a man who is a layer in every good Chinese onion- Confucius (or Kong Zi if you're really wanting to learn Chinese!).

We visited the temple where they worship a man who never intended to be viewed as a god. Yes, the Chinese approach to him is an onion all to itself.

Confucius is buried here....or so they say. Actually our tour guide wasn't even sure, but he is buried somewhere... A bit perplexing, but it did make me think about graves that are definitely empty :)

Overall, I'm glad I visited Qufu. I gained a deeper respect for the Chinese capacity for belief and a deeper understanding of Paul's temple experience in Acts 17. What is this need for worship that is found in every culture? It seems we all share this layer. Could it be made by and for Someone? Hmm.

I think I'll stick with the onion analogy. It's lasted for 13 weeks so far, and I don't see the layers running out anytime soon.

The rest of the trip (for all you picture people)

Qingdao- Northeast China. Beautiful. Put it on your list when you come visit me :)

teaching, dancing

My students and I are mutually fascinated. For most of them, I am their first foreign teacher. For most of them, I'm the first teacher who doesn't read straight out of a textbook. You could say we're in a kind of a dance at the moment.

The goal is English, I tell them, but more importantly, the goal is communication. What a beautiful bridge language can be. "Think guys... think", I always say. They haven't thought about that much before :)

They're full of smiles. They want to learn. They know about as much about themselves as they do about English. They definitely have a lot to learn.

UPDATE

I'm going on another trip! The school is taking us to a city called Qingdao in Shandong province. It's supposed to be pretty cool. I have been going pretty non-stop, so I think I'm ready for a vacation this time. It will be a great time to reflect on how fruitful these first months have been.

I've been rejoicing lately. I've seen the reality of this Hope we confess and have gripped it harder than ever. I'm learning more and more what Paul meant- "I am not ashamed of the good news, for it is the power to save."

I'm so thankful for your support. Keep the comments coming!

I hear ya, Xiamen.

National Holiday was last week (all week!). There have been many firsts in my move to China, but this one stuck out. I actually uttered the words, "I'm not ready for a vacation."

What? Who am I?

New place+new people+new job= maybe I just wanna sit for a while

So when a group of students suggested we all go to Xiamen ("sha-men"), I politely smiled and said ok (that was, of course, after asking "what's Xiamen?").

Good call, Chase. Xiamen, as it turns out, was voted 2nd best place to live in China. It's on an island off the southern coast of China.

Beaches. Check. Seafood. Yep. Starbucks...well duh, I'm there.

I managed to put my Grande Hazelnut Latte down for a few minutes to take some pictures...

The guys:

me, Caleb, Isaac, Emmanuel

They're awesome.

We hang out a lot and have gotten to be great friends.

(and we all have the same Father :))

They had to drag me away from here.

I was in a beach coma.

"Zhong Shan Lu"- a.k.a. Shopping Street.

Every city has one. This one was pretty cool. I loved the buildings. And it was clean!

The aforementioned Grande Hazelnut Latte.

This Starbucks had 4 floors! Be jealous.

Of course, I chose the top floor with the balcony view of the harbor.

Pay attention to the piece of land across the water on the left.

This was on that piece of land- called Liugong.

The island used to house consulate estates from all over the world.

Now all that remain are these beautiful, old colonial homes.

What better place for a coffee shop?

I walked for hours around this island and kept wondering, "where in the world am I?

After several hours of contented exploration, I decided to take a picture. Too bad it was dark by then. Sorry!

Filling in the gaps (again, for the detailed people!):

Although I didn't need a vacation from a change-of-scenery standpoint, I found that it was much needed in terms of relationships. I had been friends with these guys, but the trip gave us a chance to go deeper... a key theme this semester. So many times we want to reach out, but don't take much time to dig down. So we're digging, and wisdom from above has led us here...it's exciting :)

I arrived back in Nanchang and was greeted with 5 new classes (now I have 7 total) of Freshman. I'm now teaching around 250 students! Those classes were great this week. I feel like I'm thriving here. Thank you for lifting me up!

Group hug.

If this were a party, I'd be a terrible host. A month in Nanchang and I haven't even introduced everyone! Please forgive me. Meet my team:

Caleb

(he decided not to be serious for the pic)

Our devoted team leader.

Servant hearted, humble, fun-loving

Desires for us all to be heard and known in our team times.

We've definitely struck a common chord with sports!

He's adopted Auburn as his second team (behind his state team of Michigan. I'm also now a Detroit Lions fan!)

And he's a fellow guitar player!

This is his 6th year here.

He's a great friend.

Connie

Or better known as "Connie Mom"

Full of life, fervent, compassionate

She hugs EVERYONE. I love it.

She has won awards and made our school famous for its English program.

She continually lifts us up.

She is a great hostess.

She inspires and encourages.

She has great perspective.

She amazes me.

Faith

(but "th" is a problem for the Chinese, so you mostly hear "Face"!)

Loyal, a good listener, selfless

"Oh, I'll do it" she always says.

Her steady spirit adds stability to our team.

These students love her.

Her door is always open to them, and to us.

She's consistent and devoted.

She's patient (especially when I ask the same questions over and over...).

She's great.

Kelly

The only fellow Southerner (Memphis!).

Passionate, intentional, empathetic

She really cares about people.

Like really.

She's not afraid to be open and honest.

She's a great facilitator of communication.

Her blonde moments make me feel at home (love you, Mom and Christy :)!)

She definitely adds flare to the group.

She makes us all feel valued.

We're thankful for Kelly.

So that's my team! In writing this I'm thinking, "it's only been a month?"- I feel like I've known these guys for a while. I already feel so comfortable with them. They are just one more of the countless examples of provision I've experienced from His faithful hand.

Update on the New Semester

I've started 2 of my 7 classes (the rest start on October 10), and they are going really well. I'm still putting my thoughts together on what it's like to stand in front of these eager Chinese faces, but invigorating would be a good place to start. I'm so pumped when I leave class. I feel like they get me and I'm starting to get them. So exciting...

Seeing as how I'm one of 20 or so foreigners on a campus of 30k, I've reached instant celebrity status. This comes with the works: student paparazzi, blatant stares, wide eyes, and giggling. There's never a dull moment, to say the least.

So yeah, I like it. I recognize I could still be in the "honeymoon" phase of culture shock, but I would almost say that I really like it. Ask me in six months though and I think I'll have a better answer...

While you guys are working next week you can think about me basking in the sun on the beautiful coast of Southern China. Next week is China's National Holiday, and what better way to celebrate than to give the country a week off? A great idea. So, I'm headed to Xiamen with some teammates and students. I love my job.

Updates, people! I love to hear them. Thank you for all of your support. I just wish you could see all the fruit it's bearing :)

snails and earthquakes.

Sometimes it takes me awhile to realize my mouth is hanging open.

Stop staring, I tell myself.

I can't help it! This place is fascinating. China is fascinating.

I've always loved puzzles, so the complexity of this place and these beautiful people have left me in a playground.

However, I do apologize- sometimes it takes me a while to snap out of my gaze and let you look through my glasses (albeit still foggy).

I haven't even taken many pictures. That's how bad my figurative staring is!

Admitting it is the first step to recovery I suppose... I'll do better...

On with the title explanation:

Snails

So I told myself my blog would be more substantial than just a photo album of strange foods, but how could I resist Nanchang spicy snails? Plastic glove in one hand, sharp stick in the other...

Earthquakes

On an Auburn site I read that our beloved eagle, in her majestic pre-game flight, flew smack into a press box window. If that wasn't a bad enough omen, we had to evacuate our building 30 minutes before last week's kickoff due to an aftershock from a 4.6 earthquake... Needless to say I was the first one back in the building to watch the game! What a game- take that, omens! My team (this is them, by the way...introductions later!) has been incredibly welcoming to me, but they still haven't figured out my love for college football...

11 day synopsis

Snails and earthquakes are categorial opposites, but I feel like I've seen everything in between so far. Now that my head has stopped spinning a bit, I hope to offer you more consistent nuggets. Pictures and stories I can do, but what I really wish you could see is how joyful and peaceful my heart is. As much as my surroundings have changed, I believe many more things have changed inside me already. I believe renewal is the word. Praise...

Puberty.

Nanchang [non-chong]: noun- "Southern good"

When I asked one particular Nanchang veteran how she would describe the city, she said, "It's in puberty." Hmm...I was expecting "good" or "hot" or "crowded"....

Certainly the word "puberty" conjures up specific memories in our minds- particularly awkwardness, squeaky voices, pimples, and slow dancing. If you're not cringing at the memory of your junior-high self you're just not being honest.

That is Nanchang, at least from what I've seen in my limited time. But who of us can judge where they are? Puberty has to happen right? Nanchang is beginning to swerve from the far-right slow lane to the get-out-of-my-way left lane. This city has always been old school and rural, but China's economic locomotive is demanding rapid urbanization to fuel it's growth. Bottom line: it's Nanchang's turn to carry the load.

What does that mean? Well, for starters, Ford is building a $300-mill plant here. That should go nicely with the designs for brand new skyscrapers to be built soon. Welcome to the show, Nanchang.

Oh yeah, then there's that puberty thing. There certainly are the (figurative, of course) cracking voices and pimples here, but hope seems to be what people see when they look in the mirror. [again, I'm the new guy, so take it with a grain of salt]

There is one thing I'm pretty sure of- I'm in the slow-dance with Nanchang. I'm awkwardly extending my arms and not really knowing where to put my hands. We're kind of cheesily smiling at one another while we try not to make too much eye contact. I'm trying not to step on her feet and wondering if she notices how sweaty my hands are.

She's awkward, but still endearing. I suppose it's the hope. Hope has a way of propping the door open for redemption, and that's the song I believe we're dancing to.

My upward thought: may these people know the meaning of the song before the music ends. Thank you for lifting that up with me.

Goodbye, suitcase.

Tonight, I put my last article of clothing in a drawer and put the suitcases out of sight! Whew. Praise. Thank you for allowing me some time to get settled. Here are a few nuggets from the past few days:

Walmart

That's right, the one and only. In true American fashion, the morning after we landed our team piled in the van and did our part in stimulating the Chinese economy. Included in the small mountain in my buggy was an electric kettle (very useful), cleaner (even more useful...I'll spare you details), and peanut butter (it's the small things, ya know?).

Metro

Yes, I put another store in bold letters, but only because this is where I got my coffee maker (you just try drinking instant coffee for a month). I also got some popcorn and paper towels, in case you're interested.

Basketball

Among my few comfort purchases were some basketball shoes (yes, they had my size!). I've put them to good use already and have met some really cool students in the process. I'm so excited to develop those friendships.

Home

By this I mean the feeling of being settled in your abode. It's certainly a process, but I'm making good progress. Auburn decorations are scattered around (2 days until kickoff...so pumped), so that has helped. Making this place my own is definitely a goal of mine, and it's certainly something you can lift up for me.

Team Time

The best for last. These 4 other folks are awesome. Caleb, Connie, Faith and Kelly have warmly welcomed me and made me feel at home. We've been doing team building stuff this week, and I'm really thankful for the chemistry we've developed. I feel so comfortable around them.

Well, I'll stop there for now. I'm thinking about doing a video tour of the apartment when it's more presentable, so stay tuned. I'm only teaching one class a week until mid-October (most of my students are Freshman who have to go through military training) so hopefully I'll have some more time to clue you in on life.

Thank you all for your overwhelming support and love. I can't tell you how supported I feel. Keep the correspondence coming!

P.S. Just as a teaser for later posts, there is really, really great stuff happening here... I'm definitely supposed to be here :)

Stakes.

Pretend you're Abraham.

Hammer in hand. About to drive the stakes into the ground.

You've just arrived in the "distant land."

You've journeyed. You've dreamed. You've believed.

Far from familiar. Everything is different.

What are you thinking as you drive your tent stakes into the foreign soil?

Those words must be ringing in your ears...His words...His promises...

Are they certain? Is HE certain?

Tomorrow, I hammer stakes into my new home in China.

You can insert whatever metaphor you'd like for that here,

but the bottom line is I trust Him.

His words are ringing in my ears,

and they are certain because He is certain.

I know in Whom I have believed,

and into that soil I'll joyfully hammer my stakes.

Rejoicing!

---------------------

A few notes...

-I'm not sure how long it will take me to set up the internet in my apartment, so there might be a bit of lag in my communication. We arrive tomorrow night, so hopefully I'll get that taken care of on Tuesday!

-Thank you all for lifting me up so consistently. Requests in His name certainly are powerful- I'll testify to that.

-My team is awesome. I just met them yesterday, and I already feel so comfortable with them. I'll definitely have more on them later.

-I love your comments and e-mails. Please keep them coming, along with updates on you!

Tastes like chicken.

Yes, I heard you. You're that person who's been saying,

"He's in a foreign country, but where's the crazy food?!"

Well, this post is for you.

In case you're wondering, snake actually tastes

more like rubber than chicken...yum...

...which is why I Chris and I followed it with fruit topped with

melted sugar. That's better.

[this is why I wouldn't make it on Bizarre Foods]

I could go into more detail about other

[how should I say] foodstuffs [yeah that's it],

but I actually want some of you to come visit me!

[If you must know, you can check it out here.]

To China's credit, this was a tourist trap, and the

real food is amazing. I love it.

Just had to throw that in there.

Greater.

The Great Wall is awesome. Not in normal, everyday use of the word "awesome" either, but truly awe inspiring.

This was my second trip to the wall, and I still had the same head-shaking astonishments. Step after step I kept trying to fathom the vastness of it all. It's difficult to grasp the feasibility of even one section of the wall, hand-laid into the side of a steep mountain, but to think that it stretches on for almost 5,500 miles...yeah, wow. If you're not impressed, either read more about it here, or just go see it for yourself.

But an interesting thing occurred after we ascended the staircase to the Wall. As our group climbed the last step and gazed out at the winding masterpiece inlayed into the distant mountains, our attention was drawn to a nearby tree. We had just said our "oooh's" and "ahhh's" when a loud bug caught our attention, and we turned around just in time to see a preying mantis stalking the poor crying critter. There we were, having paid 50 RMB (around 8$) to climb a seemingly unending staircase to the Great Wall, mesmerized by nature.

A comment was made about this fact and laughter ensued, but then our friend Jeremy said, "but God's creation is so much more amazing than man's."

I love moments like this, where we step back from what man considers great and look to the One who is in an entirely different category of great. To even say that the Great Wall is great, and He is greater doesn't even seem right. You can't just compare thing like that! So although true, please forgive the title of my post.

Don't get me wrong, the Wall is truly great- the greatest structure I've ever seen on this planet. I left with a renewed sense of admiration for the Chinese and their determination.

I know, I read into everything, but I think I needed to that day. I needed my vision to expand. I thought of the Creator. I thought of the One who put the stars in place. I thought of my Father. How great has He been in my mind lately? How much am I believing Him for? What areas of my life do I see as greater than Him? Do I just put Him in a great-sized box? Is He GREATER to me?

Thank you, China, for showing me how small my wall is.

Greater things are yet to come.

Have a look...

Beijing. 20 Million. Not in Alabama anymore.

Which is why I love scenery when I can find it.

This is Houhai, a pretty cool lake district.

My living scenery for the month. The RuYi is great!

So is the Forbidden City! My Dad: "I just don't understand- if it's forbidden, how can you get in?" My thoughts exactly, Dad.

Where I learn to teach. Very informative classes.

Why I learn to teach...

What's that saying, "you can take a man out of America,

but not America out of the man"? Yeah.

And again, just to prove a point.

Do you line up like this every Sunday morning? A local Three-Self Fellowship. You can read more about this one here. Amazing to see how the Kingdom is expanding here... I love having a front-row seat!

So that's a small glimpse of my life. We just finished a teaching methodology class last week and began Asian Culture and Communication this week. Back to school...but I'm a nerd and I like it.

Fun fact:

To get a sense of how crowded this part of China is,

take the U.S. population,

multiply it by 4,

then move 95% of those people east of the Mississippi River...

that's the population distribution here in Eastern China.

Crowded, ya think? But as we've been reminded (because it's true), the Father's most beautiful creation really is people. So the more the merrier!

Thanks, Mom

Oh hey, laundry.

As I laid socks over the drying rack, I could help but remember the good ole days:

Casually tossing clothes in a basket and meandering to the laundry room downstairs.

A "Thanks, Mom!" and that was it. Done. I would next see my clothes folded in a nice stack.

And now I'm in Asia.

This rack is in my room because that's exactly where laundry happened this week.

"In the washing machine?" you might ask. No, no, no. Try the shower...

Yep, a laundry stomping performance reminiscent of Lucy stomping grapes at the vineyard.

(Nick-at-Night anyone?)

I think I'll try the cleaners next time, but I'm glad I gave it a shot.

If anything it has made me more thankful for my mother. And she deserves it.

Thanks, Mom!

Adjustments

So that's just a small glimpse. You learn to embrace adjustments and flexibility here. It's the kind of adjustment that keeps me going back to Phil 2:5-11. Time after time I end up at: yes, yes it's worth it.

Stay tuned for more!

stains.

Yep, my first casualties.

Apparently, holding a dumpling with chopsticks over a plate of soy sauce/vinegar is problematic (note to self).

That's the bottom picture. The top one is of a boiled peanut that was out to get me (but hey, at least they have boiled peanuts!)

The good news is that I fit in now with most pedestrians walking the streets with "accented clothing," as I like to call it.

There have been plenty of cultural spills these last few days- idiosyncrasies you just learn to take in stride. The smells, sounds, and perilous traffic all speak of transition. How wonderful it is to have to constantly remind yourself why you are here. Really, it is wonderful.

The latest: Training/Classes

They've taken it easy on us the past few days. We've had orientation type meetings in the mornings and free afternoons after lunch to explore. Beijing is great. Intriguing history, bustling modernity, flourishing hope. Overall, I'm thankful for the room to breath a bit. Especially since our teaching certification classes start tomorrow- not so much room to breathe. However, I am excited about being further equipped to teach. You can remember me in that and make requests for strength and focus!

Now that I've gotten settled in Beijing, I'll be posting more often.

Thanks to all for your support!

Surely.

Rising and setting.

Which is which?

Not sure I'll know after 24 hrs of traveling (starting at midnight tonight!)

But, I know the One at the beginning and end of each.

Transitions.

Goodbye, Greeley, CO, USA.

Hello, Beijing, China.

I'm joyful, hopeful, and thankful.

Expecting much.

"Let us acknowledge Him.

Let us press on to acknowledge Him.

As surely as the sun rises, He will appear.

He will come to us like the winter rains,

like the spring rains that water the earth."-Hosea 6:3

I'm glad I won't be leaving sunrises/sets behind.

Detailed update: Training has been awesome. I feel fully equipped and encouraged. My head and heart are full. Flight schedule: CO>NJ>Beijing (arrive 1:45 p.m.). We will be taking teaching certification classes in Beijing for 3 weeks, then team building for 1 week. At the end of that I will be traveling by train to Nanchang, China- my new home! Keep the e-mails coming. I love them. See you on the flip side!

Apple Pie

***Ok, disclaimer. I'm trying to work with all y'all detail people, but that's hard for me. I honestly aimed to make this post short...but it's my blog, and I couldn't stop when I started. I really will post pictures and details later in short, bite-sized pieces, but for now, bear with me. Thank you.***

Maybe I'm hypersensitive about certain themes at this point, but I keep thinking about comforts. Things I cling to. We attach certain jargon to these things- "I need ____"; "I don't know what I'd do without ___"; "I'd give anything for _____". We are people of desires.

Tonight, I needed/couldn't do without/would have given anything for apple pie... a la mode of course. My eyes lit up when I saw the dessert bar. Ah, America. Then I threw the frisbee and football with the guys. Yep, sports- add that to the comfort list.

I suppose this post is more about introspection and evaluation than apple pie (sorry if I made you hungry in the process). Of course we are being trained (excellently, I might add) in the finer points of living in Asia, teaching and organizational protocol, but really so much of it is settling and establishing the heart. I suppose that's why I've been assessing where mine's at.

Not that apple pie is bad, or sports for that matter. But why do I enjoy these things? Why do comforts like these bring such a feeling (although fleeting) of satisfaction? Ok, I'll get to the point- completion. It seems that satisfaction is intimately tied with wholeness. Certainly there are different scales here (apple pie vs. relationships, etc), but surely you've heard someone say: "I'll be ok as long as I have this/that/him/her/there." Completion.

So this is only my second post, but maybe you know where I'm going and can maybe understand my thought process here (if not stay with me!). When the this/that/him/her/here is stripped away, what is left? What is at the bottom? What is it that I cling to for completion? It seems as if I was made with this hole, these longings, these desires, so what do I grasp at for that fulfillment? Unfortunately, it's taken me moving to China and being on the verge of those things being stripped away that I honestly, completely ask myself that question. Let us all ask it, no matter where we are.

"And you are complete in Him." Col 2:10. Complete. Satisfied. In Him. Of course- He is the bottom of it all. I'll keep eating my apple pie and following sports, but when you strip that away and give me mounds of rice and make me watch soccer (ha), I want to be saying, "Fine! Have it all! I've got Him! I love Him and He is enough!"

And here I've rambled, but the Father has been writing on this theme for all of history. It's why Adam and Eve fell, it's why Israel so often turned, it's why the rich young ruler walked away, and finally, it's why the Son died and rose. Man longed for completion in other things, and then the Father said, "Here. Here is what you've been looking for." Let us stop looking elsewhere.

You know, I think I can do without that apple pie.

Normal.

Conciseness is key. Or so I hear when it comes to blogging... Maybe I'll start on the second post, because on the first I thought it fitting to begin with an article from my most recent newsletter. I wrote it a few weeks ago, but it still sums up my feelings at the moment. Here we go:

Oh wait, how rude of me... welcome to my blog! Entertaining, intriguing, thought provoking- that's the goal for this here page. Interaction is another goal (but that's where you come in). I hope to show you China through my eyes. I'd love to hear your thoughts. And if you'd like for me to turn my head and show something else, let me know. Thank you. Ok, now we're ready:

Departure for training: Sunday, July 24th

Departure for China: Monday, August 1st

Normal.

I'm quite a fan of irony. At it's best, irony allows you to smile at otherwise weighty times. Weighty seems to be the best word I can put on the contrast of excitement and apprehension I'm feeling at the moment. Don't get me wrong, the excitement greatly outweighs the other, but there is still the feeling of, "wait, what am I doing again?"

Which is where the irony enters. I'm moving to southern China to teach English at a school whose names ends with "NORMAL University"! My anticipation has been amped up by the influx of long-awaited details provided by my friend Google, but I just keep coming back to that word- Normal. This is normal right? I'm about to leave friends, family and (no offense to the previously mentioned, but this is especially hard to type) Auburn football (whew, I did it). I'm about to throw off everything familiar and dive into foreign smells, curious stares, and shrunken personal space. This can't be normal.

Normal: (adj) "conforming to the standard." As soon as I turn heavenward to demand an explanation for my life, I'm hit with a truth coming down from the same upward direction. The Father's definition of "normal" is defined by what He has set as the Standard. That Standard threw off everything that was comfortable to Him, descended to the most foreign place possible, and poured out His life into you and me. That changes everything. If His definition of normal was the same as ours, we would be lost. If that's the real normal then there's nothing He can call us to do that He hasn't already done Himself.

I can't wait to walk up to ____ Normal University everyday and think of that. Not only is it normal that He's called me there, it's normal that He's going with me. It's normal that He's given me a Helper and a Guide. It's normal that He's going to open hearts and bring dead to life. It's normal that He's bringing people, cities and countries back to Himself.

On second thought, I sure don't want to be different.