update from november

Greetings from the Far East,

Rachel and I felt it time to give a somewhat more formal update about our life over here in China. Before I give any update, we want to thank all those who have helped, encouraged and supported us over here. So, I will give two versions. The first is for those that want to know that we are still alive and the most important events of the last month or so. And the second is for those who have the attention span of a... ugh... someone with a long attention span and want to know all the juicy details.

The quick version, we are indeed still alive and actually doing quite well. Rachel’s started a book study, Joash is starting to crawl, Zoe is three and acts about ten, and I have my regular work load but hope to start a breakfast prayer group before long. I encourage you not to settle as a spectator, but to join the mission and pick up your cross and follow Jesus.

Rachel
Rachel just started a book study with some young moms on Friday nights. They are working through the book, The Five Love Languages of Children. It is a smaller group of ladies, but Rachel seems to prefer that. It also provides more conversation time for the ones that are there. And if there are two things Rachel loves, it’s reading books and talking about them. As for the group, the ladies have already said they are enjoying the book and have seen positive change in their families. One mom said she has seen a huge change since starting to love her child unconditionally. Rachel’s hope is that she can bridge the rest of the way and show her group the unconditional love of Jesus and allow that to change them.

Zoe
Zoe is getting smarter each day. She spends the majority of her time with Rachel and she is the better for it. She does pre-pre-pre school stuff after lunch and can already recognize all of her letters and count pretty high. She is also making a few Chinese friends here and
there. She has mastered about ten to twelve Chinese phrases. Her favorites are the ones she uses to boss the other kids.

Joash
Joash is also doing really well. This week he started to crawl forward. This a big step for him, but it makes Rachel and I nervous to have two mobile kids around the house. He also is growing his third and fourth teeth. All the better to eat bananas with. His latest adventures have been to the clinic to get shots and checkups. He is so tough. All the other kids cry, but he just sucks on his three figures and deals with it.

Jeremy
I have my regular schedule with a few new add-ons. Teach Tuesday though Saturday, weeknights are light, the weekend is a heavier load. I recently gained a Chinese class hour which I am happy about, and I lost a teaching hour. Classes changed a little from last year, so I have more older students and also more “naughty” students. Otherwise, life is about the
same. Make money, buy food, teach students, try to follow Jesus, repeat.

Our family
As a family we started doing Bible time in the mornings before breakfast. This came about because I was challenged by a message I heard a few weeks back about service to God. 
The message was pretty simply but very applicable. If you want to serve God, it starts with obedience in the small stuff. The analogy was we come to God and say, “God, I want to serve you and do mighty works for you!” God replies back, “Okay, go clean your room.” My personal tendency, and maybe yours, is to complain and retort back to God saying, “But God, I want to do incredible things for you and serve as a missionary or become a pastor.” But that is the wrong response. We need to obey and submit in the small areas first, then God will entrust us with more. So, I am trying to get my house in order spiritually, and then I will see what God would have me do next. Other than that, we are reading through the New Testament as a church-family and becoming more organized with time and projects so that we know how to spend our days (Ephesians 5:16).

Church
We have seen a lot of similarities between the church here and the church back in the States. There are lots of people who want to be spectators and not too many picking up their crosses and following their Savior. We are spending the next few weeks or months going through the teachings of Jesus in an effort to learn how Jesus made disciples as well as encourage those in our circles of influence to go out and make them (Matthew 28:19-20). Even though growth is slow, it is happening. But I think the real growth is happening within the families of our team, such as ourselves. And I have heard, that is where a lot of big churches started, in the living rooms of homes who decided to follow Jesus. That is my encouragement to you, don’t settle as a spectator in church, but participate and pick up your cross and follow Jesus. For some it means “cleaning our rooms” or starting with the small things. For others, it means making the first of many steps to follow in obedience. And for others still it might mean having a simply Bible study in your living room to learn how you might better love and follow Jesus, then invite some people to join. But whatever the next step is for you, it should be seeking and following Jesus, because that is what disciples do.

How can you help
The most important thing is always to listen and follow the Spirit of God, and walk in a manner worthy of Gospel. Hearing those we love are walking in the truth is the most encouraging thing for us. Some particulars related to us over here are:
-That God would soften the hearts of people to listen and obey his voice, pick up their crosses and follow him.
-That God would use the “Five Love Languages” study to shine His love into the hearts of Summer, both ladies named Eva, Rita, Claire, Shelly, Tree and Blair.
-That God would bring Jeremy and Rachel people to build relationships with and make disciples of Jesus.
We hope this letter is a blessing to you. We are always eager to hear about news from you. Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to write.

Blessings,
Jeremy, Rachel, Zoe and Joash 

A friendly reminder.

I was talking with someone I met four to five years ago at an open-house when we were sitting in someone's living room in China. Every time I think the world is a big place, it suddenly gets very small. He mentioned this blog and told me it was gone, I said I just changed the name. So, I wanted to check. After nearly 3 years I am back and I thought I would write a little something.

I am back in China, if you didn't gather that already. I now have two kids, a daughter and son. I love them more than I have loved anything before. I am married to my wonderful wife and best friend. I am determined to seek the truth, learn it and live it. I believe that truth was personified in the person of Jesus Christ while he walked on earth. I am disenchanted with the normal idea of "church", but love what Jesus had set in place. People gathering together on a mission to share his story, to love one another and to love His Father who sent him. I won't pretend to be perfect, nor to I consider myself learned or even smart most of the time. But I will say again, I am determined. I want to know and follow truth, and I welcome you to join along. 

Life is pretty great right now, and pretty terrible. Let me explain. First the good. Rachel and I are finding more of our purpose and uniqueness in how God has modeled us. We have been in search and question of how we are supposed to live or what can we do, and we are finally coming to conclusions. We have long time realized that it doesn't matter where we live, the same problems and questions continue to come up. How can we work together to do His work? How can I do more than just work? How can Rachel take her love for words and books and use them for His kingdom? Along with more trivial questions as well, like what does a day off look like and how do we budget our savings. But what we found recently is that after you figure the bigs one out, the little ones tend to fall into place.

Now for the bad. Man, sin, lust, pride, death and everything else in the package. Rachel's family is hurting right now. She lost an aunt a few months ago, and just lost a grandmother a few days ago. Add to that the regular problems of her family's dynamics. I don't have time to go into detail, but it is pretty messy right now. Rachel just boarded a flight to PHL this morning and will spend some time mourning for her grandmother and spend the rest dealing with sin that has crept into her family. I hate that she has to deal with both, but they often go together; sin and death.

As her husband and the guy still in China while she flies around the world, I am not sure what my role should be. They aren't my family, it wasn't my grandmother who died. But then the thought of Ruth came to mind. Here is Ruth, a woman who has been dealt an odd hand in life and plays in well. She is faithful and true, what more could God ask of her. When trial comes on her mother in-law, she is faithful and loving. 

Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.” -Ruth 2:10-13

I know it isn't a complete parallel, but there is still a lesson to be learned here. This is loving one another, this is faithfulness is tough situations. This is self-sacrifice played out. Rachel's family isn't my family, but they have become so. Rachel's struggles have become mine, we are one family now. I love her and her family. It hurts to see her hurt right now. And as much as we don't have money to make last minute flights around the world, I sent her like I would want her to send me. I am just so thankful that God has provided as much as He has.

Take care, seek truth and live life.

Jeremy

China Update January

So, Rachel and I were thinking about doing something a little different with this update. Instead of telling you all the relatively boring things that have happened, we will spice it up a bit. We have compiled a list of "Best Moments in China." It contains some of our favorite sights, conversations and responses while in China.

First-- the sites we have seen while walking around our part of China. Some of them I have had to take a step back and wonder if I really saw it, and others I just cannot help but laugh really loudly! Before I give you my list, I should let you know that Americans are normally the ones stared at here in China (not the odd sights I will tell you about.) Wherever we go, the Chinese are fascinated. Taxi drivers, the parents of our students and especially people on the street just stare... and stare... and stare...

• There is a restaurant on the way to work. As Rachel and I are walking by we cannot help but notice this lady's hair! It is Huge!!! Looked like a bulbous bouffant.
• Another common sight is people washing their hair in odd places. We saw a lady washing her hair in a restaurant, right next to where they cook the food!
• My personal favorite was seeing a man doing some remodeling. Imagine with me a split room - one upper section and one lower section. This man was standing on the upper section and destroying the divider between the sections. I wanted to stick around and see what happened next, but the result of destroying the floor under you is the same - regardless of your country.
• As many know, China has a lot of small cars and trucks. Yet, even with smaller vehicles they still manage to move large amounts of all sorts of things. Our favorite is a cardboard recycle truck we saw... a small blue truck with cardboard stacked nearly to the street light.
• Rachel and I go for a walk enjoying our day off and we hear a noise. Keep walking and hear it again. A cat! Look a little closer and we found the cat was tied to the fire hydrant. What a joyous moment if you are a dog. Find a hydrant and a snack! Haha (Sorry animal lovers). 
• Our personal favorite? That would have to be the motorcycle we saw on our way to work one morning. Motorcycles are not uncommon, but this particular one caught us off guard. We could barely see the bike because of the amount of live chickens that were hanging from every available spot. Four or five chickens dangled from each handlebars, while six more were tied to the seat. Of course, there were three to four crammed into a compartment in the back. Rachel and I found it hysterical, but everyone else viewed this with an attitude of "How else can you get chickens to the market?" 

As English teachers, we get the chance to witness what happens when students don't practice their English. Below are some of the funny responses we have receive when talking to students. In Q&A format.

Q: What is your favorite color? A: Clock

Q: What animal is this? A: It's a elegant (supposed to be "Elephant".) B: It's a trousers. (supposed to be "Giraffe." Same student... one of Rachel's. :) 

Q: How old are you? A: I am sex! (Six).

Conversations:

• Our Chinese teachers regularly practice reading and speaking to improve their grammar and vocabulary. On occasion they will call us to understand or pronounce a word. Our favorite so far is when we received a call late at night about how to pronounce a word. "Jeremy? How do you say this word? Is it hobo or hObO? (Short or long vowels)" Though a very easy and innocent question, it made our evening.

Rachel and I hope that you are able to enjoy life as it comes and not take things too seriously. February 8th begins the Chinese New Year. If we survive all the fireworks we'll be sending another email at the end of the month. 

Blessings from the East,

Jeremy and Rachel

Happy "Merry Christmas" and New year

As much as I (Jeremy) want to avoid it, every time I take attendance for my classes I have a bit of shock on my face when I write the date. First it was Thanksgiving... and now Christmas has come and gone. I can hardly believe it is almost the end of the year and the beginning of another one. I have already gotten a few yearly updates from friends and family about the different things they have done over the year. Once I get past the shock, I'd say it's been a great year, without a doubt.

December in itself has been a fairly full month. For starters, two of our top students traveled up to Beijing for their big English test, Jeremy contracted chicken pox (not as bad as they make it sound), we traveled down to Hong Kong to take care of some paper work, then we put on a Christmas program and had our own Christmas only two days later. The wildest part of this whole thing is, throughout the whole month, we did not stop teaching or cancel classes. 

The weather has gotten much colder this month, more than I could have expected. we should rephrase that, we have been colder this month then we expected, the weather really isn't that bad. The problem here is, they simply do not insulate their buildings or believe in heating their homes. People seem to just live in the cold and deal with it. Jeremy, on the other hand, has not accepted this idea and is finding new ways to stay warm and make our home livable during the colder months of the winter. Little things like putting foam padding against the single-paned glass does wonders. 

Many people have asked how we celebrate Christmas around here, which is a great question. The Chinese use Christmas as an excuse to boost sales, but they don't actually celebrate it. If the 25th hadn't fallen on a Tuesday, chances are we wouldn't have even gotten the day off. We certainly used the time we had, though. Christmas morning was spent celebrating the wedding of one of our co-workers. Experiencing a Chinese wedding is not too unusual we found-- you just go out to eat a huge meal with the other friends and family of the bride or groom. Other than a few more fireworks and the bride's white dress, it would be hard to tell it was a wedding! Afterward, Jeremy & I began preparing for Christmas dinner. Thirteen of our Chinese friends and co-workers came over to Tim & Mabel's where we fed them a full American spread. Jeremy did a terrific job of creating American dishes with Chinese ingredients! He managed to make mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, pineapple pork (since they didn't have ham readily available at the market), dinner rolls, baked chicken & rice casserole and coleslaw. For dinner, we served banana muffins and apple pie. It was quite a feast, especially for people with Chinese-sized appetites. Our favorite part of the evening was probably watching the Chinese eat gravy, as strange as that might sound. Since they thought it was soup, a couple of them drank it by the bowlful! 

As the calendar moves closer and closer to 2013, Jeremy & I (Rachel) have taken time to reflect on everything we've done this year. I am overwhelmed by the grace we have received through this year; there is no way we could accomplish everything without it. Here's a brief sketch of what all has happened: 

• Rachel's South Africa trip with Chamber Singers (March 10-17)
• Rachel's performance of "A Shayna Maidel", a play set after World War II (March 1-3)
• Jeremy's completion of CVC internship in Ohio
• Rachel's senior voice recital (May 3) 
• College Graduation (May 5)
• Rachel's last summer home
• Rachel's 3 months of employment at Moriarty Community Library
• Jeremy's 3 months of working 3 jobs
• Pre-wedding reception & China announcement in New Mexico (June 9)
• Rachel's 22nd birthday (July 25) 
• Our wedding (August 11) 
• Move to China (August 23)
• Employment at Apple Tree English Training Center
• Our best friends from college were married; week in the USA (September 8)
• Jeremy's 23rd birthday (September 22) 
• First Thanksgiving as a married couple (November 22)
• First Christmas as a married couple (December 25)
• Childhood best friend's wedding (December 28) 

During such a great amount of changes in a small amount of time, we're grateful for your friendship and support. We need people around us, and we appreciate all of you who continue to do that from far away. 

 

Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year from the VanStriens :)

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving - Chinese edition

Blessings from some rice stuffed pilgrims

~Jeremy and Rachel VanStrien

"Grocery" List Update - Nov

Dear friends and family,

The last few weeks have been anything but boring, and the past couple of days are no exception. Rachel and I continue to rack up new experiences together, some good and some not so good. We trust that the bad things are molding and shaping us into the people we need to be. As for the good things, we just sit back and enjoy them.

This section is just for those that want to know the basics of how we are doing and get on with other things. So, without delay: Rachel and I have experienced everything from eating Chinese take-out for a date, to being taken out for Chinese with company owners and everything between. We are constantly surprised at how many things a person can experience in the matter of two weeks. We are doing better even with Rachel taking her turn at being sick and losing her voice. Next week is inspection, that really shapes what the next few months look like for us.

Now for those that want the details. Rachel and I are doing well and adapting to our "schedule" as best as we can given the nature of it. We have a good idea what to expect each week, and are getting more comfortable with doing things outside of just class. The past weekend we decided to take advantage of an evening off and get some Chinese for dinner instead of making it ourselves. It was surprisingly easy, but the whole idea just made us laugh. Americans ordering Chinese takeout... in China. I hope you appreciate the humor as much as we did. Maybe the next time we go out we can order some American take-out. They have something that looks like a mix between KFC and Burger King. Still not sure what I think of it.

On the subject of food. Surprisingly, that is something we have adapted to quite well. Even an ever-changing teaching schedule is something we got used to pretty quickly, but the changes taking place in the states are the ones getting to us. We hear about people graduating from colleges, starting new jobs, or celebrating birthdays. Those are the kinds of things that I cannot get used to hearing while being a world away. Those are the things that just get harder each time. Missing thanksgiving at my house with the family, not making a Christmas tree with Rachel's family. Those are the real sacrifices. I personally can live on rice just fine, and being cold is bearable, but being away from family and friends is the hard part. Especially during the holidays, keep us in mind.

It isn't all sacrifice though, that much is for sure. Especially when you are one of the only Americans in the city - It comes with some perks. Pretty much everyone wants to be your friend, take you out to dinner or invite you to your home so they can practice their English. We are now friends with a Chinese millionaire, the chief of police, the owner of a beauty salon, and a few other people. I don't have a clue what their names are, but they say "We be friends" so that is good enough for me.

Now, you might be wondering, "How did they get in contact with the chief of police?" So I'll tell you the short version of a long story.
Because we are foreign teachers in a private training school, there is a lot of paper work involved on a multitude of different levels. This is especially true when our competing schools complain about how we operate. One that we have dealt with a few different times is registering with the local police station. And since the chief's daughter wants to learn English, guess who he wants to befriend? Us.
And that is the short story of how we know the chief of police.

Now, on to the business side of this email. People have been asking about how they can help and what ways we need support. As much as we encourage them to support other ministries, they continue to ask. So, to follow the advice of a man with whom I am very close, I am making a wish list of all the things we need or could use. Most items on the list do not need to be bought, only funded. With shipping and exchange rates, the best thing is for us to buy from companies within China. There are only a few American items that will need to be brought or shipped over. If there is anything you would be willing to help with, shoot me an email.

For the school.

1. Foreign Teacher(s) - Granted, this cannot be bought at the store, but it is a financial need. Having another foreign teacher will allow the school to expand and give the current teachers a lighter load all around. To hire another teacher, the school needs to raise roughly $800/Month.
2. Photo copier - ours only works 50% of them time.
3. School Supplies - Pencils, colored pencils, colored markers, glue sticks, and cheap paper plates for crafts.
4. Give away prizes for students: Hot wheel cars, American candy and anything small that is clearly made in America. 
5. Games - Bananagrams, Jenga, Boggle, letter/spelling/grammar games. 

For Jeremy and Rachel

1. iPad - I know, I am being ridiculous, it is definitely a wishlist item. But when I am looking at the options for replacing my computer, it is the most logical. It can function in a class room or at home, and there are thousands of free apps for learning and for organizing. 
2. Dishes - We want to be hospitable to our Chinese friends; however, we currently have two small bowls... which makes it difficult to host people. We need a few plates and bowls for the people we invite over for dinner. Dinner items for 6 people would cost about $25 with enough left over for food to feed them.
3. Recipes - This is an easy one and it's free: Good and easy recipes for classic American food. Rachel and I cook for our study group Monday mornings and our Chinese friends want to learn to cook different American dishes. Soups, stews, and different ways to cook meat are things they really want to know.
4. American spices - China has red pepper, white pepper, black pepper and chili pepper. Oh, and ginger. We could use some more.

With much love and appreciation from some spice-less pilgrims,

Jeremy and Rachel

"Typical" - End of October Update

Throughout all the updates, pictures and phone calls that I have made, I don't think I have really described life in China as an ESL teacher. You may have an idea of the bigger events that are happening in our lives, but the real experience is in the daily living and moment to moment lifestyle of China. This isn't to say that the big events of our lives aren't important, but only that they are made up of lots of smaller ones along the way.

Since there's no such thing as a truly "typical" week, I'll just write about last week to give you an idea of what life here is like.

Monday
For Rachel and I, our teaching schedules runs from Tuesday through Sunday, so what better way to start the week than with a day off? Never looked forward to Mondays so much in my life. Tuesday isn't bad either, mostly because I only have to teach for three hours and the classes don't start before lunch. A typical Monday is spent sleeping in and eating a homemade breakfast. Pancakes and oatmeal are among our favorites. Then we either sit around and read or go explore the 'small' city of 1.8 million people. To end the day we have friends over and spend time reading and discussing a certain Book. This week was a little different because we started our day with reading together. I believe that will be the new "normal."

Our reading group consists of 5 people, three of which are Chinese. We are on rotation for leading discussion, but are never quite sure which way we are rotating. The first time I led discussion, I was only given one day notice. Turned out well enough though. I don't have to prepare as much as an American meeting because I must speak slowly in order to be understood. Discussion also involves a lot of questions, which also makes the time pass quickly. As long as I have information about my topic, the questions are really what lead the discussion. I personally enjoy that much more than a lecture or hearing one person's opinion.

The same goes for when one of the Chinese lead the discussion. They are responsible to bring a discussion topic, though the questions are really what control the conversation. I think it's absolutely great that they can lead a discussion in a foreign language though, I certainly would not be able to do that.


Tuesday
As I said before, Tuesday is my second favorite day of the week. Classes are late enough that we are able to sleep in and still get to work well before classes actually start. I teach 3 classes, but only 6 students. Rachel teaches one class of two students. The interesting part of this particular Tuesday involved construction. Over the holiday, they began remodeling the entire school and they were still working on it when we returned to classes. They were just finishing the offices around lunch time, but until then Rachel and I worked with our laptops on a sofa in the hall. For my first class, we met in the almost completed offices. After lunch, they finished two more class rooms just in time for Rachel and I to teach.

Operating a school building while its being remodeled is very interesting. It would be one thing if it was one room at a time, or if the mess was contained even slightly, but that's not what happened. As students came in for class they had to step over power cords, climb over furniture and avoid wet glue on the floor. Even during my class I had to keep the fan on so to keep the room from filling with dust. I know that I wouldn't be sending my child to a school building under construction in America, but to them it seemed normal.

Wednesday - Friday
Rachel and I woke up Wednesday to start the more aggressive part of our week, only to find that we didn't have any running water. At first I thought we just didn't have any pressure built up, then it turns out we had no water at all. Couldn't wash the dishes, take a shower or even brush our teeth in the sink. Then, right before we leave for the school, it turns back on. I figured they must have been doing something with the water line and had to turn off power for a little while.

The next day we wake up and I try to make breakfast and I notice our electric stove isn't working. It doesn't work 100% to begin with, this time it wouldn't even turn on. Neither would the kitchen light, or the fan. We had lost power. The curious thing was, we still had all the running water. I would have thought that one would have determined the other. I am finding that isn't the case.

On Friday, and the power was back on, but the water was off again. When I got to the school, I mentioned these things to Tim, who is responsible for our living conditions. "Yes, this happens often. It is normal, we did not have power either. You get used to it," he said with a nervous grin.

Saturday -Sunday
By Saturday construction on the school was finished and we could prepare for classes properly. At least, that is what I would have thought. This weekend we had a few demo classes, which means the schedule got changed around a dozen different times and Rachel and I didn't even know what classes we taught until a few hours before they began. When I consider that I have to be at different schools to teach demo classes, it is amazing I made it to all my classes this week at all!

For example, I taught a demo class at another school this Sunday. The class turned out to be a single student three years old and as spoiled as they come. She was determined that she wouldn't learn any English until she got some cake. Instead of giving in, this three year old little girl got up and walked down the street to find some cake - right in the middle of class. Tim stopped her and told her she had to study first before she could get cake. After much crying and arguing between Tim and this 3 year old girl, Tim presented her with two options. She could either study English or she could walk home. She chose to walk - nearly 3 miles. The parent was so impressed by how Tim handled the situation, they they signed her up for classes! Even if she doesn't learn any of the language, they are hoping she will learn some good character.

End of October
Since writing this, the co-founders of the school, Kurt and Cathy, have come for a visit. Although they only stayed for two days, they were a huge encouragement to all of us teachers at Apple Tree. They had to continue on to a conference down in Hong Kong (all the pastors in mainland China travel to Hong Kong where they can meet freely before returning to their homes.) While they were here, we had a chance to host a young Chinese lady named Penny. She is tentatively planning to open an Apple Tree in her home town, so she saw everything we are doing here at our school. In between touring our three Apple Tree locations here in Pingxiang, Kurt & Cathy & Penny joined our discussion group for a total of 8! We were blessed to have them.

While they were here, Kurt and Cathy also encouraged us strongly to continue learning Mandarin. Since then, we have had more lessons and have tried to pick up more of the language around us. It's slow going, but we are getting better at it.

That's it for now! Please continue to write to us when you can and keep us "in mind!"

The "Average" week of some pilgrims,
Jeremy and Rachel VanStrien

Post Holiday Update

In China, the first week of October is the Mid-Autumn Festival. It began with the Moon Festival on Sunday and Monday was a national holiday, much like our 4^th of July. Unlike our 4^th of July, we got a whole week off of school and work-related responsibilities. Almost everyone takes the opportunity to travel or at least take some time off during this holiday. Rachel and I definitely followed suit, even if we didn't have the most restful vacation. Only a few days ago, Rachel and I were camping up in the mountains of China with friends of ours. With little Chinese, no map and only an hour to prepare, we spent 4 days in the Wu Gong Mountains (literally “The Kung-Fu Mountains”) and had a great time.

The idea started out great, then quickly changed when our host wanted to leave a day earlier than we originally planned. I bought our sleeping bags and backpack the same morning we left, and our friends arrived only 2 hours prior to leaving for the mountains. They had just gotten off the train when we had to pack up and leave again. We still managed to get everything we needed and leave only a few minutes late.

The mountains were breathtaking in more ways than one. They were some of the steepest climbs and highest mountains I have ever climbed. At times we found ourselves climbing nearly straight up for what seemed like miles. And just when it like we reached the peak of the mountain we would start climbing again. Or if weren't going up, we would be going down at a similar angle for a similar distance. By day two, my legs were hurting so bad I had to make a knee brace for my left leg.

All these things were more than worth it when we turned around and looked over the mountain range. Stretching far above the city smog line, countless mountain tops were spread as far as the eye could see. Deep lush valleys filled with trees and bamboo lay below us, and rocky cliffs hundreds of feet down. I couldn't help but stand and wonder at the beauty of the creation.

I could write another page's worth of information about what we saw and experienced, but that isn't what I think is most important. The best part of the whole trip was spending time with our English friends and being able to have real conversations about life. Getting the chance to catch up on life and talk about what really matters was so refreshing, even more than getting above the smog of the city.

It was very valuable for me to hear a different perspective from someone in the same position as me, teaching ESL in China. It made me begin to think of my own feelings toward my situation and my plans for the future. Since the trip, I have been asking questions like, “How is China playing into my life long goals?” “How can I make the most of my time in China?” Not only that, but “How can I be the greatest blessing to the people around me?” and “How do I use this opportunity to the greatest extent?” Questions like these have been screaming through my head ever since we had lunch on the mountain top. Now I just need to start finding the answers.

The spiritual encouragement was the most valuable to me. Friends of a common belief and culture are able to challenge us in ways we really needed. It has been an answer to pray to have them around and spend time with them. I only hope that we were the same to them during their stay. I also hope we are able to be that kind of blessing to the people around us on a daily basis. That is one of the big areas of concern for Rachel and I as we continue to teach in China: How can we be a blessing to people in a culture we don't understand?

On a more official note, things at the school are going well. Just before the holiday, they began remodeling and upgrading the building. They are replacing all the old windows, putting in new floor, repainting all the walls, changing out the doors and moving other doors entirely. They started two days before the holiday and they will finish just before school starts on Tuesday... hopefully. When it is all said and done, it should look great. However, now it just looks like a mess. Just when Rachel got most of the books organized, we had to put them in storage so they could remodel. That means doing a lot of work to reorganize them once we get back to teaching. Of course, we will also be jumping back into lesson planning and other areas of responsibility.

Keep us in mind as we continue to learn how to be good English teachers. Especially for myself, because they gave me all the “naughty” students. We desire to do a good job, but we can teach only as much as students want to learn – which isn't always a whole lot. Another thing to keep in mind is our growing understanding of the Chinese culture and adapting to life here. We want to be accepted as much as possible, but we don't want to lose our identity or our own culture.

Blessings from some sore-from-backpacking pilgrims

Later

(Late) September Update

Dear friends and family,

I regret that this update is coming so late. So much has happened this month, I would have liked to write an update earlier. However, because so much has happened I haven't gotten around to it until now. I keep thinking that things will slow down once we have been here a while, or after we get used to teaching. That isn't the case. Earlier this month Rachel and I finished up trial classes with the school, then we left and returned for a wedding in the United States, and now we are back to teaching again. Even now, we 're keeping busy with advertising and promoting the school.

To give you an idea of something interesting that has happened... During the trial classes, Rachel and I had the opportunity to teach a trial class on the different English names for fruits. We used real fruits like apples, oranges and pears as a visual aid.

After class was over, I split a pear with Rachel in front of one of the Chinese teachers. He promptly told me not to cut the fruit. “Don't cut fruit, don't cut fruit!” he said to me. I thought he wanted it or we were going to use it later, but it turns out that cutting fruit is a bad symbol in China. To cut fruit in fruit of someone means that you want to divide the relationship. “Cut fruit in China means, no friends. Not good,” the Chinese teacher said.

Rachel and I couldn't help but laugh at our situation. No one would think twice about something so innocent in America, but cutting fruit has a lot of significance in China. A friendly act back in the states means “to divide friends” in China. Even still, we ate the pear.

One thing we have noticed more and more involves the joys and struggles of teaching. The funny part is, those joys and struggles have very little to do with teaching ESL. They depend on whether we have a good student or a bad student. I know that my teaching friends will appreciate this fact. I could be teaching something as boring as the physics behind the atomic bomb, but if I had good students I think even that would be enjoyable. :)

Monday is our weekend out here. Only once in a great while will we have to teach on Monday, and this week was not the case. We had the whole day to ourselves and we decided to make the most of it and throw a party (Not even joking). Rachel threw me a birthday party and invited all the other teachers over to eat cake and play games, and we all had a great time. I will admit though, it was strange to host a party where I did not speak the dominate language.

In China fruit is the main snack of choice, so I went and bought a bunch of fruit as well as some soda. Then comes my favorite party, Peanut butter and jelly. Instead of the normal America meal to go with cake, I made everyone a PB and J sandwich. My favorite food ever – just ask my dad!

The party went great and I got some wonderful presents. All very culturally Chinese. The best part though was having people over and not having to think about work or the different stresses of teaching. It has been the best day off so far!

Since we are done with all of our major traveling we have been able to slow down in some areas and get more involved in other areas. One of the bigger areas is the Christmas program. (It has nothing to do with Christmas other than when it takes place.) Rachel and one of the other teachers are heading up all the program planning and Tim is doing the promoting. We are hoping to get media attention, the press, and all the schools aware of what we are doing. If we succeed it will be great publicity for our school!

Next week is holiday. All the teachers get the whole week off for mid-autumn festival. Tim and Mabel are planning to take us up to the mountains for a day and go camping. We wanted to stay longer, so invited some other friends to come down from Northern China to do some hiking for a few days. It is going to be a great time!

Thanks to all the friends and family that read this and keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Rachel and I are realizing more and more how important that is for us. We will only need them more the longer we are here. We also have a growing appreciation for emails sent from home, even if only to talk about the random events of your day.

Blessings from some pilgrims,

Later  

End of August China Update

Greetings from the East,

As I look back on our first week in China, all I can really do is laugh at everything that has happened. So many different and new experiences! Rachel and I are without a doubt on the other side of the world. We are not in America anymore, that much is for sure!

I have no clue where to start, everything is so different that is it worth mentioning. Everything from how the Chinese drive and dress to what they eat and how they shop. It is so vastly different. I suppose the best way to explain everything is chronologically.

Our first night in China we stayed at a hotel in Shanghai. It was one of the better ones, with more of a western feel to it. Even with that being said, it hardly felt western. In China we have yet to find a soft bed, most of them feel like padded boards with very little give to them. Surprisingly, we are grown to find them a great comfort at the end of the day.

The Hotel we stayed at was the last place with a western toilet. Unless you buy something different, all the toilets we have seen have been squat potties (pretty self-explanatory). Put simply, it is a hole in the ground/tile. And you don't flush the TP, that goes in a waste basket. Very different than what we're used to! :)

After a 8 hour train ride, we were greeted by Tim - who is able to speak fairly good English. After saying "Xie Xie" (Thank you) most of the day, it was a complete shock when he replied with "You're welcome". I have have a much greater appreciation for people who speak English now. They are immediate friends!

So, we get stuffed into a tiny car and are driven to our first apartment. The question is which is more exciting: the driving or getting to the apartment? At the time, I would have to say driving. Imagine a city about as busy as NYC, and then get ride of 90% of the traffic laws and that is about what we experienced. Cars passing in the intersections, others running red lights, the more adventurous ones drove on the sidewalk, every now and again you would see someone driving the wrong direction and blaring the horn. Then you have the pedestrians and bikers to thrown in the mix, they would basically walk or bike wherever was easiest for them. The best way to explain it is, there is an equal responsibility given to everyone on the roads and sidewalks not to hit anyone or get hit by anyone. Everything else is free game!

Tim drives us through the crazy streets and takes us down some seemingly random back ally where the car barely fit and while pointing to ahead says, "Your apartment." Most of the other building around weren't in the best of shape, so I was very thankful when Tim showed us our place. Third floor of the nicest building in the square. And since we are on the third floor, we also get the whole roof to ourselves!



We hall our luggage up the stairs and open the door to our apartment and brace ourselves for what awaits....


First words about the apartment... "They left the windows open!" It had been raining hard all day and we were welcomed with a flood a water throughout most of the house save the bedroom and "Kitchen". Even with the water, we were very impressed by the size and everything that came with the apartment. A "Spinner" (Washer), two beds (both very hard), a fridge, a water cooler, a mobile closet for clothes, some couches, a few cooking items (Ricer cooker, stove, wok, etc), and that was about it. We didn't have a lot, not even a kitchen sink... but it was home, finally.

Tim took me to the "Supermarket" and Rachel stayed to clean the flood of water (First time we had really been separated since the wedding - strange feeling). We had to buy some water (You cannot drink the tap water in China), toilet paper and toothpaste (ours got tossed coming on the plane). Finding everything was easy enough, but knowing exactly what I was buying was something else. Everything is written in Chinese, only the logos look similar. Then we went to a separate side shop to buy water - it was the only thing the man sold. Large jugs of water, bottled water, water dispenses, small bottled water, different brands of water, and anything else related to water. Then the man delivered the large jug of water to our house and installed it for us. In America I would have been grateful to have someone show me where to find it, this was something else.

Rachel and I start to unpack and get settled into our apartment when we hear a knock on the door. I think/hope it is Tim or Mabel, maybe they forgot something. It is neither of them! The lady from the second floor, whom we named Maggie (who I believe is our landlord), decided to come pay us a visit. Only one problem, we don't speak Chinese yet... She is talking a mile a minute and we can only look and smile :] lucky for me, I could just call Mabel and have her translate for me. It was by far the funniest situation I have found myself in yet. Women yelling at me - I don't understand - Smile and wave...

We shut the door and could finally go to sleep after a long two days of traveling and adjusting to culture. So ends day two.

Things that we are thankful for:

• Tim had someone install a kitchen sink for us, and it should be operational by the end of the week. 
• Jeremy managed to find a pair of shoes in his size - much harder than it sounds in China 
• Walmart sells peanut butter and jelly! 
• We are beginning to get to know the other teachers more, despite the language barrier. 
• Interactions with and visits to the local kindergartens for advertising (They say it is work, but it is our favorite part of the week so far!). 
• Contact from friends and family back home! Please continue :) 

Things we miss:

• A Normal American Sunday spent with friends and family 
• A toilet we can sit on. 

Blessings from some grateful pilgrims,

Jeremy and Rachel

Ni Hao (Hello) From China!

Hello Everyone!

Rachel and I have made it safely to Shanghai! Mabel met us at the airport and we are on our way to Pingxiang to move into our apartment. Once we get to the train station we have at least another 8 hours of travel. It will not seem long at all though, we are taking the fast train and Mabel and her son David provide excellent company.

Some quick highlights from our travel and first day in Shanghai:

• The closer we got to China, the more we noticed how out-numbered we were. Once we got on the plane, we just assumed that no one would speak english anymore. If they did, it was a nice treat.
• The 12 hour plane ride wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. It was very confusing though. I never new what time it was or how much longer we had before we arrived. They fed us three different times, so I couldn't even base it off when I ate. I will say though, after about 6 hours in a small seat I got real jealous of first class seats.
• After we landed we went though customs - much easier getting into China than the USA. At least that is what Rachel has told me. I would believe her.
• Mabel and David pick us up and we went out to eat - Incredible. If you think you have had good Chinese food you are very wrong. I had to eat with chop-sticks and I still stuffed myself it was so good. We ordered a dish that had bacon in it - my word! Our favorite so far.
• David, who is about 8 years old, just after meeting me threatened to put me in a coffin! (Rachel thinks we'll get along great... :] ). Turns out that was a new vocabulary word and he was practicing. Whatever the case, it was real funny.
• Mabel's first impression of us was amusing. When she saw all of our bags (3 each!) she called us camels! :]
  

Please spread the word that we have arrived safely. We no longer have the use of social media to help us. Also, if you wish to receive regular updates about our adventures and are not already on the list just let us know. (To those whom it may concern: if you have a super secret job such as running the youth group or saving the world before breakfast, you may want to have someone forward these updates to you. Not sure what they filter or what is safe.)

Blessings from some international pilgrims,

Later

Now Boarding for... China

Dear friends, family and blog stalkers,

Four months and four days ago I received my first email concerning China. Hard to believe that Rachel and I will be boarding our flight to the Republic of China in roughly 12 hours.

Both Rachel and I are overwhelmed by how gracious people have been and how God has supplied everything we need and more. The wedding went amazing, the honeymoon was perfect, everything is in order for China and we still have time to enjoy a good American meal before we leave. It is so wonderful to see everything coming together. We have everyone to thank for that!

Thanks go to all those involved in the wedding, those who gave gifts, friends and family that supported this whole crazy idea, and so many others than made this marriage and going to China possible. Thank you!

Right now, Rachel and I are repacking to ensure we have everything and nothing is overweight. We had to send a few things to our parents because we don't have room, but for the most part we are ready to go. I am filling out the last of the paper work, Rachel is working on thank-you notes, and that is about it. We're ready to leave.

Crazy!

Praises:

• We received an overwhelming amount of support toward our marriage and our efforts in China
• All the required paper work for China, Visas and travel is in our hands. Finally.
• Rachel and Jeremy are married - that is pretty darn sweet!
• Waiting for marriage has been totally worth it!

Please Pray for:

• Safe travels to China, an uneventful flight and arrival.
• Jeremy and Rachel would adapt to China, the Chinese culture, and the major time change quickly
• Good communication with friends and family back home. We miss them already.
• Jeremy and Rachel to constantly remember why they left for China in the first place. To serve the Lord!

Thank you so much for reading and following us on our adventures to China and wherever God would lead us. It is our greatest joy and highest honor to serve the only King.

Blessings from some married(!!!!) pilgrims,

Later

Jeremy and Rachel

Crunch Time - End of July update

4 days until Rachel is here, 5 more days until I finish work, 10 days until the Family is here, 12 days until the wedding and 21 days until we leave for China!

It is really crunch time right now. And it isn't like college were you can turn in a paper late or ask for an extension. This is it. Ready or not, we are getting married and leaving for China! Pray that God would allow everything to be ready on time.

By God's grace, the more important things are nearly all here and ready. My Visa has come in already and Rachel's is "in-transit" which means that it could be here any day. Hopefully today, since it was scheduled for Saturday or Monday delivery. There is a long story behind her Visa and how it is a miracle that we are getting it so soon, but I'll save that for another day. The important part is, God is watching out for us and making sure everything happens according to His plan. We are learning more and more that He is in control and we have to go by His plan.

Cool thing happened with my Visa that I had not planned for. Even though I applied for only a double entry Visa, they sent me a "M" visa, which stands for "multiple entry". This is very good because after I applied I realized that I would need to re-enter the country more than twice. God for the win!

Another cool thing, although it might result in a few problems, we have way more children's books than we estimated. God has surely blessed us in our efforts to help others in need. We were thinking of grabbing a couple dozen just to get the children's library started for the school, but it turns out we might bring over a whole library with us. It is so cool to see how God provides over and above what we would ever expect as we seek to do His will. The one setback - It is going to cost a fortune in luggage/shipping fees!

Even with that one setback, I do not see God having a problem with it. Rachel and I are already experiencing the blessings of friends and family as gifts and cards come in the mail. Friend from Church have already offered to help pay for shipping, get us even more BOOKS and do whatever else they can. Either they are really excited about missions, or about getting us out of the country. (joking, but seriously). Either way, I am blown away when I think about all that God is doing as we prepare for both the wedding and China. It is going to be one crazy adventure, that is for certain.

Celebrate with us...

• Jeremy's Visa came in with "M" status
• Birthday week for Rachel, her and her sisters got to celebrate with friends and family at home.
• Jeremy and Rachel have way more book than estimated!
• Jeremy will get to see his family soon. He misses them a whole lot.
• God is leading and providing in ways we never imagined. Praise the Lord.

Continue to pray with us for...

• Rachel - Finishing up the final touches on the wedding and putting everything together.
• Jeremy - Wisdom to figure out how to get all the books over to China
• Rachel - Her Visa would arrive sooner rather than later.
• Jeremy - Last full week of work, and it is going to be very full.
• Jeremy and Rachel - God would prepare us, as only he can, for what is going to take place over the next month and coming year.

Blessings from a pilgrim

Later

China/Wedding update July

Just over five weeks and Rachel and I will be arriving in Shanghai, China. Just under four weeks and Rachel and I will be married. A little more than two weeks and Rachel will be here! There is so much to do, and time is moving so quickly!

I'll be honest, whenever I attended a wedding before, I thought they were all that complex. Now I have a whole new appreciation for everything that takes place leading up to and during a wedding. I am not even planning that much of it and I feel the stress of it all. It just keeps building and building... It is like a test that you just keep studying and studying for and are still never ready. Pray for Rachel and I as things get closer and more stressful.

With that said, we are still both really excited about the wedding and everything that has gone into it. I know that she has done a lot of planning and it is going to be great. Slowly but surely, everything is getting done and things are being checked off the list. The crazy part is just how much we have to get done with the little time that we have.

In addition to all the wedding planning that is happening, I am getting everything together to leave for china. Not nearly as complex as a wedding, but just as important at this point. Visa, flight details, packing list, paper work and more paper work!

Last time I updated I mentioned the concern for our Visas. Sure enough, we aren't going to be able to get the work Visas on time and will have some added complications. We're going to apply for our tourist Visa at some point this week (hopefully today or tomorrow) and then reapply for work Visas when we get to China. It required more paper work than we thought and didn't get it all in on time. So, now we are going to have to take a trip to the Chinese Embassy in China to apply for our work Visa directly. Pray that there is not added complications to the Visa process - we don't have a lot of time to make mistakes at this point.

Speaking of China. This weekend I met up with Andrea, the English teacher who just came back from China. Strange to finally meet her in person. I got our Chinese cell phone from her along with a lot of Children books for the library. When those things went into my car it became more of a reality that this is all really happening. I have a Chinese cell phone. I have children's books in my trunk. I am going to China!

The hardest and nicest part right now is being apart from each other. On the one hand, we have so much to do that we are having a hard time finding time to talk and keep up with communication. It has been a couple days since I have heard from Rachel, and with being this close to the wedding it is hard. On the other hand, being away from each other makes things easier when it comes to waiting making productive use of our time.  We'll both be glad to be together again though, it has been a hard and long journey.

A few people have contacted me about supporting us on our way to China. As I have mentioned, the best way to help us out is financially. If you need an address to send gifts, shoot me an email and I will explain the process. Most gifts are coming directly to us right now because we haven't set up anything to support the school, hopefully that will change soon.

Thanks for reading an praying, we appreciate it!

Blessings
Later

End of June

It is hard to believe it is the end of June already. Only 43 more days until Rachel and I get married, and only 53 more days until we fly off to China. It is coming so fast, or at least it seems like it since we still have so much to do before we are ready.

The wedding planning is coming along nicely enough, though Rachel is more stressed than I would like. Pray for her as she plans that she would remain calm and use her time effectively. She is getting everything done, but it is hard for me because there is little I can do to help. On the other hand, we have been reminded more than once that "at the end of the day you will be man and wife, and that is what is important." And it is so true—we want to honor God and our parents in the process, but we'll honestly be glad when we're married.

A few people have wanted to know how they can best support us financially, both for the wedding and China. Since we are leaving for China, we are not registering for traditional wedding gifts. Therefore, the most helpful thing for us would be monetary gifts and very specific gifts. (If you absolutely must give us something other than money, let me know and I can tell you what we need). Money will be useful for the following:

• Giving Rachel and I something to live off while in China until we start getting paid
• Allowing us the financial freedom to serve others, such as building the children's library
• Helping us create an emergency fund if anything goes wrong
• Blessing us by caring for our daily needs
• Honestly, only God knows how your money might bless us or others!
  

Planning and preparation for China is coming along very well. Rachel is working on a collection of children's books to bring over with us to build their library. We got some language CDs and we are both working to learn a little Mandarin before we get over there. Considering we only practice a few hours a week, we are learning very quickly. We’re praising God for that!

Early this month, we met with a man that spends more than half the year over in China. He provided a lot of helpful insight and information. He is also the one that suggested we start learning the language before we arrive. He is very excited for us and also gave us some contacts of others who might be able to join us in the future. Talking about China with someone who has been there and enjoyed the experience rekindled our excitement!

Prayer Requests:

• Rachel - as she continues to plan to wedding, build a children's library and prepare to leave for China. Jeremy - as he continue with China preparations, working this summer and anything else that comes at him
• Work Visas - We are still waiting on our invitation letter from China to apply for our work visas. Pray that God would give us enough time
• Learning the language. Rachel is doing very well, but Jeremy is having a hard time with the tones and pronunciations. It is slow going.
• Spiritual preparations - we're sure there are drastic changes between Church/Christianity here and over there. Also, Rachel and Jeremy will play a large roll in the Bible studies that take place and other ministry opportunities.
• Our teaching ability –How well we teach English will greatly determine how much influence we have while over there.
  

That is all for now, but I am certain God has much more in store for all of us. Thank you for your care and support, we cannot thank you enough!

Jeremy and Rachel

Update - June 7th

As I write this update I am sitting at the Atlanta Airport waiting for my flight into New Mexico to see Rachel. I have to say, after about a month without seeing her, I am fairly excited to see her in person. It just isn't the same as Skype or talking on the phone. One month is the shorter of the two times we'll be apart. The longer one takes place once I leave New Mexico - seven weeks. After that though, things change.

This weekend we're having a pre-wedding reception for our New Mexico guest. We and the guest will celebrate with friends and family as if we are married, but we won't be. This is going to be both hilarious, awkward and just weird. People are going to be expecting all kinds of affection from us, asking us to act like we are married - "we're not married though!" I imagine this situation and many other awkward things taking place this weekend. The danger comes because of what it will do to our minds. It will be very easy for Rachel and I to get sucked into the idea that we are married, we could let our guards down and ignore the reality that there is 9 more weeks. We have to be so careful.

Now, about leaving the country. One thing I am very glad for is God's evident involvement in everything. Both the big concerns and the little ones that escape my mind - God has in mind. It would be so easy to become stressed at all that still needs to take place before we can leave, there are just so many details that I haven't even begone to consider. Though stress would be easy, we can instead rest easy knowing that God has everything - including us - in mind as we head to China.

One really cool thing that has happened the last couple weeks is God's continue provision for our financial needs. Our needs aren't much, but the budget is going to be pretty close. With that in mind, the amount that I tithe at church is something I consider more closely. And when I didn't have small bills this past weekend, I had a decision to make. Do I continue to trust God with my financial concerns, or do I trust in my own abilities? Do I trust in God's promises? I decided to give a little more and trust that God would provide for the difference.

On my way out of church that day I was stopped by one of the mom's in the youth group. She gave me a card wishing me good luck in future ministries, my marriage and the trip to China. It contained more than the difference of what I gave. Only moments after I gave it - God gave it back! I think I have received more money not working, than working... This happened the following week as well. Both times it was almost exactly the amount that I gave if not more. I think it is God's way of (though it could mean something else) rewarding our trust in Him. Whatever the case - God is providing!

Earlier this week I met with my home church about going to China. I will also give a presentation this weekend to Rachel's church about our opportunity. One of the things that is becoming more of a reality as I talk about China, is how much I don't know about what we actually need. I can talk all day about what we'll be doing and how it is all going to work out, those are easy. When I struggle to articulate is when people ask how they can help us or about what we'll need when we get over there. I know that we need support of some kind, even if some of our needs are provided. So, I thought about it and came up with a few areas that we could use some support beyond what we'll receive from the school in China. As I could have guessed, almost all of the areas in one way or another could use financial support.

Here are some of the areas that I have thought of where you can partner in ministry - I am sure there is more:

• Your support will help us build the school's easy-reading library for the students
• Your support will assist us with inviting people into our apartment and building relationships for the Kingdom
• Your support may give us the chance to reach the needs of those in poverty around us
• Your support is a ministry directly to us with our own personal expenses.
• • Assist freeing us from debt for future opportunities. 
  • Build our emergency account.
  • Reduce the strain by providing a financial buffer. 

Thank you so much for your prayers and partnership with us as we head to China. It is not an endeavor we could do without the support of friends and family.

I keep adding new people to the mailing list. If you wish to see previous updates go to PBNJeremy.blogspot.com

Blessings from a pilgrim on the move

Later

Trusting and Following

A few days ago someone put me on the spot and asked me what my "Vision" for China is. They asked questions such as "What do you want to accomplish over there?", "Why China?" and others like it.

At a "end of school year" party. I had about 30 seconds to go from ultimate Frisbee to telling people about China.

What do I want to see accomplished in China? Whatever God desires for us to do. The last thing I want to do is accomplish something outside of God's will and plan. With that in mind, our vision for China is God's vision for China.

Why China? For Rachel and I, our going to China came primarily out of two things (in no particular order):

1. Following God where His Spirit is leading
2. Trusting God in faith to provide in His way

Just so we are all on the same page I'll give a little history up to recently.

During the previous year I have been involved in an internship program out in Cleveland Ohio. The program is designed to give practical, hands on experience to those who desire to learn more about full-time ministry. For everyone who came through their doors, it has provided a platform to move into a full-time ministry position based on the experience they have received. This trend changed when I came into the office.

As I finished up my second half of the internship, I began looking and apply for jobs. What seemed like hundreds of jobs (though I am sure that slightly exaggerated). Nothing came up. At least nothing Rachel and I could live off. The best were part-time pay with full-time work. Not something I really wanted to start out on with Rachel. I send out a networking letter to my friends to let me know if they found anything, but even this provided nothing. So, the search continued as the internship came closer and closer to an end.

I trusted God had a special job in plan for us, one that would fit our personalities and desires exactly, in only a way God could. Both of us had great desire to do ministry, but not be the up-front people that get all the attention. Neither of us had any ties besides family, so we could go anywhere God lead us. The possibilities were endless.

During this time I found myself reading in the about King Saul in the Old Testament. At this point in Biblical History he is doing pretty good for himself. Just got anointed first king over Israel, concurring the nations and has God's blessings in his life. Can't get much better than that, but it can get much much worse. It does.

Saul is about to go into war against one of the opposing nations and is waiting for the prophet, Samuel, to make the sacrifice to obtain God's blessing before the fight. Samuel says he will be there on the seventh day to make the sacrifice and that Saul should wait for him. He doesn't. Saul becomes fearful and makes the sacrifice himself. He figured he couldn't wait any longer. Just as he finished the sacrifice, Samuel walk up outraged at what has taken place, and so is God. Though Saul was king over Israel, he was not qualified to make such a sacrifice to God. What did this lack of trust cost king Saul? How did God deal with someone who did not follow God's plan? The Lord took away the kingdom and His own blessing from the king. Through obedience, the decedents of Saul could have maintained the royal line. If Saul only waited and obeyed God's plan.

There are a few parallels that I would like to make, even though the principles aren't exactly the same.

As I continued to look for a job, I was getting worried and impatient about how God would provide - if he would at all. It became very tempting to just find any job that would put food on the table or something that "would work". This would be acting out of self-reliance and lack of faith  - the same attitude that Saul had when God ripped the kingdom from him. So, instead of trying to just find something and make it work, Rachel and I began to pray that we wouldn't find anything except the Job that God would have for us. We wanted to act in faith and trust in God's timing. Sure enough, we continued to find nothing. (hahaha, never thought I would have been excited about this answered prayer.)

A few weeks went by and a potential job with a catering company came up with high possibility. Even more, it seemed I could really enjoy the position. It is a catering company for faith-based colleges and universities and I would work directly with students, which is something I wanted to do. I pursued this position with hopes that something might happen with it, but still waiting. (I'll admit though, one of the big reasons I wanted the job was because it provided enough money for Rachel and I to go on missions trips and serve people.)

About two weeks after I applied for the catering position, I received an email from a friend who is teaching in China. He went down to another part of China to visit his fiancee's cousin who teaches English at another school. He told me that they are in need of teachers with another school opening up and that if we were interested, we should contact them. To be honest, I did not know I was interested in teaching in China until this point. I didn't think I was qualified for something like that - I requested more information anyways.

What happened next can only be described as a blur. We exchanged nearly 20 emails over the weekend and I learned the job had everything we wanted... and needed. The only requirements were that we graduated college, speak English and are US residents - Check. (I guess I am qualified after all.) It would provide everything Rachel and I would need to live - food, a furnished apartment, and even enough of an income to start cracking away at my debt. In some areas the benefits were greater than those of the catering job. On the other side, it would mean leaving everything we know - including the English language - and going into something complete unknown. It would mean only taking four bags of personal belongings for a whole year. There would be risk, danger, and situations that we aren't qualified for. 

One of my favorite Old Testament stories is of Joshua entering the promise land. He faced a situation much like that one that we faced as we considered China. Though we aren't leading an entire nation into a new land with nations bigger than us, we do have a decision to make. We could make the decision off what we could see, or we could make it based on what God can do. If you think about it, Joshua didn't really do much at all - other than trust and follow the God would led the nation through the desert. As Joshua trusted, God moved through him and lead a nation into the promise land!

Rachel and I could run scared at the thought of going to China, and we could also end up like the first round of Hebrews that didn't trust God when He said not to be afraid. Though I do not think we will die, I do believe if we did not take this position we would miss out on the opportunity of a life time and the chance to show that we trust God with our future and therefore our lives. 

We decided to trust God and move forward, set up an interview and said we would take the position if they would be willing to have us. That Monday, less than two weeks from the first email, they offered us the position. They even offered it with us having to take two weeks off for a friend's wedding. We accept!

People have asked, "Why China?" and the answer is simple. It is where God is leading us and where we can show we are trusting Him with everything. God leads and we follow. It's just what we do.

Blessings from a pilgrim

Later