A Quick Review...
What has been happening in the months of January and February anyway?Here's a quick review...
A grace filled ending of my third semester teaching. I'm a better teacher than I was a year ago and that makes me feel good. Yet I also know that I have a lot to learn to become a better teacher still. I was given many gifts of good relationship and meaningful interactions that I hope will carry over to bigger things in the next year.
After the semester, there was a three day retreat of sorts to Hong Kong with my closest of friends, Vince and Jerry. This time proved to be a catalyst to the articulation of a semester's worth of experience. Together, we talked late into the night under the neon lights of the city. It was talk of our callings and passions for service in the future, our roles and where the future might lead us based on these two years since college graduation. I saw a glimpse of what might be to come. I felt His calling and heard His voice make a little clearer what direction I ought to take next. There is great power in the closeness of real community. One finds themselves in it. I found myself again, both strengths and weaknesses. I'm looking forward to sharing it with others as time appropriates.
Two week of intensive graduate level classes with Wheaton College in Chiang Mai, Thailand have all but fried my brains. Papers upon papers and books and articles every night. All the work is well worth the time however. Studying the intracies of the Buddhist faith and its current relationship with modern China moved my mind to consider the dynamic roles the new millenium could play in transforming Chinese identity. Survey and analysis of Father's workers in China since 600 AD to modern day has helped me to adjust my own work and experience, identifying new needs and roles for China's holy development.
There was the week long "Annual Thailand Conference," when staff from all over Asia meet to fellowship with one another, rest after a semester's worth of work, receive further training in teaching and sharing, and to seek new vision. it was a lot, but wonderfully restful. it was in this space of time that Father reached down His hands and held me in a whole new way. opened my eyes to see myself and my life with new wonder. It affirmed my past and brightened my hopes for my future.
There was a week and a half spent in Taipei with my uncle and his family. celebrating the lunar new year with the father's side of my past was different but enriching in its own unique way. i also was able to meet some of my mother's childhood friends. both cases were blessed and eye opening experiences into the world my parents grew up in. many of the days were spent exploring the city, getting deeper into history and life on the island. Most importantly, I found myself closer and closer with the Father both in intimacy and struggle during it all. He's still walking with me, trying to show me the glories of everyday.
i am now back in mainland China, in Wuhu. i have a week of vacation left before the new semester begins. In this time I have to readjust. the mountaintop experiences are the exception and the working out of our souls happens on the ground. will my new semester embody the grace and glory i tasted during vacation?
I sure hope so.
posted by Unknown @ 8:54 PM
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