So, brace yourselves . . . it has been . . . almost A YEAR since I came home from China. A whole year! Okay, maybe I find that more shocking than anyone else, but it is crazy to me. I'm telling you- complete madess! It is amazing how time flies by once you start getting older. So in honor of my year mark and also the Olympics being held in China, I decided to do some thinking out loud. Hopefully it makes sense.
Basically, China changed my life. I know that so many missionaries can say the same thing about wherever they served, but until I experienced my own extreme adventure, I never really understood how a place can change who you are. I cherish so many tid bits of funny or scary times. I could talk about the time when I almost died in a flash flood, or the times when I came close to barfing from the smell of rancid urine and steaming animal parts that were constantly polluting my friendly sidewalk. I could also ramble on and explain how crazy it is to hear a language that you can't understand. Or how I laughed until my side ached while singing karaoke with my new friend Alison. All of that makes up so much of my Chinese experience, but the part that really changed me wasn't in one lavish restaraunt or a crowded classroom. It's hard to explain. I believe I am talking about the times when I realized who I was becoming and who I wanted to be. There were so many crazy things going on back home that were honestly stressing me out. I don't think I could have dealt with those things had I been home and near them. It was a discouraging and lonely time, but I was so distant from that world. The only person I could turn to for a confidant was my Savior. I learned how to pour my heart out in prayer. He really knew what I was going through, and I felt myself gaining strength because of my newfound faith in Him. My own worries and problems just melted as He somehow put the pieces back together. The best part was that once I understood who I could be, He helped me to see outside myself. My eyes were opened to the people who literally had nothing, yet they had the brightest smiles from ear to ear. How I miss those squinty eyes! I watched as those tedious things that would make me frustrated just rolled off their skinny backs. I saw the way I wanted to live my life. For the rest of my time in China, I felt peace and knew that I was being blessed to learn and grow. Because I recognized that I needed to rely on my older brother, I was able to be blessed beyond my capacity to understand. China became a part of who I am, and I was able to enjoy the beautiful culture. I loved my humble apartment and formed a deep bond with so many of my students. I guess all I'm trying to say that being in China helped me to see the bigger picture. And I mean big. Whopping huge. Not only because of my spiritual experience, but also from the sweet, sweet people and breath-taking sights. I miss those remarkable people more than I could ever describe, but I can only wish the best for them and do my part to encourage everyone to get out there and experience it for yourself! So there you have it my friends! My true wish for you: Go and see the world. Make a difference. Find yourself. See the people. Trust God to help you open your eyes. And then, young grasshopper, you will know . . .
