OTR 1/2 - July 28

Hey y'all,

So, we are still awaiting an update from our Cincinnati team, but in the meantime, you can check out an update from Grace Covenant Church's team here. It's from July 26th.

Thanks for reading thus far and supporting our workers through prayer :) Keep your eyes open for more updates!!

Asia #10 - July 27

What are the things I am sure of?

This is our last week here and looking back on this week and even this entire trip, the question that keeps coming up is, what are the things I am sure of? The obvious answer is G, but really, I don't think I had actually lived my life as if that was the one thing I was certain of.

Now that we've spent some time with our roommates, we've been having opportunities to talk about deeper topics. One of the English teachers here keeps assigning students to answer difficult questions like, what is happiness? what is true love? what is success? so it's been on students' minds. Our roommates have been talking about these questions to us. The conversation I had with my roommates about whether or not there is a heaven reminded me again of how hard it can be to be in a place of uncertainty. One of my roommates asked me how people know what the truth is and how they know when G has spoken to them. It was not easy to answer. And it made me wonder. . .do I live like I really believe there is something past this life? Do I live like I truly believe in G's promises?

Throughout this time, I think G has been allowing me to let go of the things that define me. One example is location. I was always opposed to living anywhere but in New York. I see now that's silly. I am not defined by location. If I know my G is with me, what does it matter where I am? I'll go wherever He wants me to be. And I'll do whatever it is He wants me to do. Every skill and talent and interest I possess, I think G can use it if He wants to. Why do I fear? G has shown all of us how every skill and talent and interest can be used for G's work. . .for His redemp--e plan. The professors here have specializations and it's their very specialization and passion that brought them here to do G's work. And they live a lifestyle that is so amazing in its commitment to G. It's that lifestyle that I want to emulate: whatever I'm doing to be doing it for Him.

As our date to go home looms closer and closer, we're beginning to think about how we can apply the lessons that we've learned here back at home. Personally, I've been thinking about how to build relationships and community. I've never really been so focused on relationships as I have been here. How can I love the people around me? All of the volunteers here have devoted most of our time to thinking about how to love our roommates. Do I have that same attitude at home with the people around me? And the atmosphere in our office here is so encouraging. Am I encouraging my fellow brothers and sisters in that same way? Do we encourage each other in our walks? Do we all live like we're certain of the future and G's promises, instead of living like we're being chased by some invisible force? The latter is what I usually feel like. I hope I can live differently when I come back.

As for p requests, please continue asking for opportunities. This is our last week, but it's probably also the best time for people to ask questions and for us to probe deeper. P that we would be bold and truthful and even radical in how we share what we've experienced of G, but that we would also be wise, gentle, and considerate. Please also p that we would begin to think about home and how we can bring the things we've learned here back home with us. Thank you all for your constant conversations with our father on our behalf.

-Michelle

Japan #4 w/ photos - July 24

Time moves faster than expected when you're being blessed beyond imagination.

It's difficult to grasp the fact that a week has now gone by. 1/3 of our time here is done, and as one member of the team has said it, "I wish we could stay here longer." I believe this is the sentiment of the team as a whole.

It's extremely easy to love a lot of the people here. When we talk to them (try to at least), play with them, and are generally around them, it's so easy to really love them. Yet, Young (the team leader) challenged all of us by saying, "Beyond having a good time, getting to know them, and just having fun... does your heart break for them like God's heart breaks for them?" This is something that we as a team are striving for.

Does it upset us if we leave and the people we met aren't changed, grown, restored, saved, encouraged? Does it bother if we just have good times and that's it? Are we truly praying for these people and asking God to show more of Himself to them?

It's a challenge. It's feels so difficult. Yet, that's why we need to pray so much more.

So please pray with us that our hearts wold break for these people as God heart breaks for them.

-In Him-

Japan 09

Asia (Video!) #9 - July 24

A video update from Julia. Enjoy!

Japan Picture Update #1 - July 23

Pictures sent over from Young in no particular order. Enjoy!

Asia #8 - July 23

God is good.

It's amazing how in our attempt to understand Him, we package Him into our neat understanding, and, of course, God is bigger and better than what our understanding will ever comprehend, leaving us in complete awe of Him when we FINALLY realize just how the more you understand Him, the more you realize how little that understanding is. In China, this was a repeated theme. (please excuse my terrible English - all of our English has deteriorated considerably....and we're teaching English....please pray for us....)

We go to China to teach but of course He teaches us. [Knew this but really realized that] Short Term M work is really more for those going on the trip than those we are reaching out to. Hopefully, those we are reaching out to are blessed, but truly, those going on the trip learn so much more. It's really those who labor full-time that are truly the hands and feet of Him. We (short term folks) are just the occasional hand moisturizer or feet cooler.

We thought we'd go and teach and maybe get a perspective on how things are going in the city. Instead, we were privileged to speak to several Ms and even, through a series of obvious, God-appointed ways, met a random NK M (not part of YUST). She really confirmed what many of us were already thinking, articulated what was already on our minds. We were immensely encouraged by this woman. It was through her that we realized why our team was an all-women's team.

We didn't realize all the other volunteers who were going to be there. They were all truly a blessing. I could not have imagined this trip without them. They added a whole other level of perspective and understanding as well as encouragment.

And to us individually, we think we know the lessons we are being taught. Then He teaches us something way beyond it all. Or He reminds us of things that are so obvious but have not been at the forefront - for me it's love. Several times before and during this trip, I have been reminded of the importance of love (Matt 22 and 1 Cor 13). Loving God and loving others....everything else will fall into place from there.

For us 2-weekers, our last few days in China were complete whirlwinds. Thursday we met the NK M who gave such insight and shared her story. Unfortuantely, for the 3 of us, we had to leave that meeting half an hour early to make it to another meeting, a dinner that one of our "students" made for us. It was amazing. We definitely missed home cooked meals. When it was time to eat, we just sat in silence and ate. It was so good. It was also real great hearing the testimony of that "student." She really loves her life and has given it all to Him. Those 4 hours (NK M's and our student's testimonies) were probably the 4 most intense hours on the trip.

Friday was our last class. It was great to have been in this privileged position to come in and talk to them about the little we know about "business writing." They were so kind, humble and grew tremendously in their English writing skills. We were planning to have a picnic, but that was the one day it decided to rain. Ergo, we enjoyed some snacks in our classroom. We will miss them. They were so eager and patient, with themselves and with us. And while we were a good 15-25 years younger than most of them, they were so kind and humble; we were definitely moved by them.

After our class, our host took the 3 of us to the NK border. Surreal. It was so close. We actually got to go on a boat onto the river that separates the two countries. We found a resting point off a road that gave us a clear view of NK people on a old, quasi-train car returning from work. There was such a stark difference between the two countries; looking down the river, you can clearly tell which side was that of NK and which was China. The condition of the buildings in NK were more like unfinished structures.

When we returned to YUST, we said our goodbyes, hanging out with students, other volunteers, other M's, staff. And before we left on Saturday, our team got together one last time to pray. Prayer is amazing.

Us, two-weekers, have been back now for a few days. Not going to lie - definitely missed the comforts of home - I sat on my toilet for a good 10 minutes, just because I could ; ). But on this trip, another thing we were reminded of was that with all the blessings He's given us ('comforts,' ability to speak English, our education, our families, our church, abundant resources, understanding of multicultures, etc), that much more is required of us ('with great power comes great responsibility' - oh wise uncle ben). nevertheless, the moment the three of us arrived in Incheon, Seoul, South Korea, we're were blabbering "mission mission mission church church church" just because we could. we truly are so blessed.

To you all, thank you for praying with us Not only are you a part of what is going on in China and NK but you guys are also part of what's going on in New York or wherever God has called you NOW. Even though what you're called to NOW may not be the end-of-all-callings, one thing we've learned is that THIS, NOW is also our calling.

Please continue to pray for us 2-weekers, that what we've learned, experienced in China will be protected and become foundational to the rest of our lives. Please pray that we'd continue to prepare our testimonies and to be humble, giving due praise and honor to Him. As for the 5-weekers, please pray that they will use the additional 2 weeks for His purpose, that they'd be oblivious of the obvious fruits men desire but will truly store up treasures in Heaven. Please pray for physical protection and for strength to finish strong.

To God be the glory.....

loving God & loving others (or at least trying to),

susan

Japan #3 - July 22

Hello from Toyohashi, Japan.

It's Wednesday night here, and we finished a long few days of English classes. Tonight, we participated in THCC's weekly Wednesday prayer meeting. There was an amazing cross section of the church represented there. Young and old alike gathered to pray. It was an awesome experience that really gave us a glimpse of the beauty of a family church.

This morning, we shared two things: "In what ways do you see God moving", and "How is God calling you to move alongside Him?" The things people shared are definitely encouraging. It's amazing the breadth of ways we have seen God moving in our midst and especially in THCC. Again, we look in anticipation for the amazing things He will do and is doing.

John Wei also arrived and joined us today. It's definitely good to have him back with the team. It eases some of the pressure from other people, and it makes the team feel... complete.

Yeah, I have to keep this one short. It's going to be a long day tomorrow. Keep praying for us. God is so amazing.

-In Him-

Japan 09

Asia #7 - July 22

(from Nancy)

Nihao and Ahnyounghasehyoh to everyone!

Thanks so much for Pr_ying for us throughout our entire journey. Our whole team is very grateful for the brothers and sisters who are fighting alongside us around the world, and we know that G is listening to your pr_yers, so keep 'em coming -- especially in these last two weeks!

The two-weekers left on Saturday, and it was a bittersweet departure as we sent them off back home to tell the many test*monies of how G is working in China and NK. We really P that they will hold onto their convict*ons and that G will use their stories to encourage and ed*fy the ch*rch back home!

Since the last update that Michelle sent out, we have busied ourselves with a volleyball and badminton tournament (both of which English House dominated), a presentation by an M in NK about her work there and her life story, many hangouts with our roommates playing games or going out to Karaoke, watching the YUST dance team's showcase, and so much more. On Sunday, we had a joint s*rvice with the Korean professors, and it was really powerful worsh*pping with them, singing songs like "Sh*pherd of my soul / I give you full control / Wherever you lead I will follow" and knowing that these Ms have listened to G's voice and ob*yed and followed. Worsh*pping with them gave my heart a boost to genuinely desire those things for my own life. Also, on Sunday they announced that PUST (the YUST branch in NK) will officially open on Aug 27! All of us were so happy to hear that this dream is finally becoming a reality. After 13 years of pr_yer and preparation later, G has finally opened the door and is preparing His work in NK!!!!

Regarding the M from NK, I wish I could adequately tell you what an encourag*ment it was to hear her stories of G's fa*thfulness and how He is actively and powerfully moving in places like NK and Yanji. So many doors are opening, and so many K*ngdom workers are being raised up to be sent -- this truly is the time for the J*shua generation! Let us continue to P that G would send his workers into the field, for G has so much in store, if only we would respond to His calling.

On Monday night, one of the full-time staff invited all us volunteers to his house and his wife cooked us Mexican food, full with tortillas made from scratch and sour cream from scratch!! When I bit into the soft chocolate peanut butter cookie that she made, I almost teared because I was so happy! We all devoured the food like ravenous wolves and were immensely grateful for their hospitality and for a taste of home :) It was really awesome being able to fellowship with the other volunteers and the families, playing the Wii, DDR, and Settlers. Yesterday, Michelle and I gave a presentation about Australia and NZ. Karen helped us make costumes for different animals, such as the koala or the kangaroo. The students loved the costumes and are all now aching to visit Aus/NZ! Awesome! Or should I say, "AUSome". Puahaha. :D

We have our English House talent show on Thursday night, and on Saturday we are planning a trip to the China/NK border! I hope everything works out and that we are safe....

In terms of what I am learning, I think G is really challenging me to stand firm and give myself fully to the work of the L*rd, because I know that my labor in the L*rd is not in vain. (1 C*r 15:58) Sometimes I may get discouraged when my roommates are never in the room or that I haven't had B studies with my students like other volunteers have had the privilege of doing. But, G is telling me to be obed*ent and fa*thful with what He has entrusted to me. Even though the four of us are doing essentially the same things, we are going through completely different experiences and learning very different things. It's always cool hearing about what G is doing in their lives!

Please continue to P for our team that we will run hard these last few weeks. Time is so short and there seems like so much more work can be done. We are all growing to love our students more and more, so please really P for more opportunities to share our lives and our fa*th! Thanks!

Japan #2 - July 19

Hello again!

We finished our first full day here in Japan. It was Sunday, so the team dressed up and headed into a full day of events. We attended youth service, the second adult service, a welcome party, and the evening dinner/welcome party. It's amazing how hospitable and friendly the people of Toyohashi Hosanna Christ Church are.

There were some worries as to the difficulties in the language barriers, but God definitely provided. There were enough people who spoke at least a modicum of English. This is definitely a blessing for us in the midst of this mission.

One of the questions we had to answer through journaling, after everything was done, is the question, "What is one thing that God taught you today?" One thing God taught is that He transcends boundaries.During the various times of service, we would worship with THCC. We sang the song, "I can sing of your love forever". It was a surreal moment where we saw the kingdom of God move. Beyond culture, language, age, size, and so forth, the people of God worshipped the living God.

Another prayer request is definitely needed. In the midst of all that is going on and how hospitable and great this church is, pray that we would be focused with a missions mentality. Pray that we would seek to preach the gospel in any and all circumstances and that we would be bold in doing so. Please pray for fertile ground during the English classes, that those can be used as a spring board to bring people closer to Christ.

In Him,

Japan 09

Japan #1 - July 18

Hello from Toyohashi Japan.

First off, we'd like to thank everyone who has been praying or us and the mission in general. It's a comfort in knowing that we're not endeavoring in the move of God on our own, but that we have a family that is working with us through prayer.

It has been quite a rollercoaster ride for us these past couple of days. One of our team members had an issue with his visa and had to be left behind. Not to worry though, he will be joining us in a couple of days. Also, when we arrived to Nagoya, there seemed to be some issues with another one of our teammates' passport. It was all worked out and the delay lasted only 40 minutes.

Through all this, we're being reminded that patience, trust in God, and faith need to be built. This is God's mission and we're just participants in it. If it is His will that our ministry here is to be fulfilled then He will be faithful to carry it through. All we have to do is discern His voice and submit to His will.

We're looking ahead to see what God will do among us, through us, and with us. It's exciting because we literally have no idea how it's going to look. Even today, with our first church service about 2 hours away will be something new for everyone.

Well, that's about it for now. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Remember, the prayers of a righteous man (and woman) are strong and effective. Please pray that we will grow in: Discernment, unity, submission, and joy... within the team itself and with the people of Toyohashi Hosanna Christ Church.

In Him,

Japan 09

Asia #6 - July 16

(From Yin)

Hi everyone!

The 2 weekers have one more day of teaching and we are about to head back to the States. The 5 weekers have made it to their half way point. Our days are eventful with a combination of hard work and having fun.

Each morning we wake up and talk to our Dad and think about our students and our surroundings. Then we teach our classes in the morning until lunch. After lunch we usually lesson plan. English House teachers sometimes spend time with their roommates and students, but our Business Writing students are more difficult to meet with since all of them are full time employees of this school. It is still really exciting though, because they all have different backgrounds.

Last Friday we were able to go to an orphanage called the House of Sarang. We were only able to stay for a short period of time, so we were not able to really interact with the kids. Some of us were able to work with some children that had various disabilities while others helped with the new building they are in the process of making, by transporting brick to a desired location. When we got back, we had Chinese food take out for dinner, it was delicious! After dinner, we went to this thing called PAW, where we sang songs and were refreshed in our love. We also had a separate time with our team to talk together about our deep thoughts.

On Saturday, all the summer volunteers went to Baekdusan (name in Korean), or Tzang Bai San (Chinese). It was beautiful, but it truly was an adventure and a long journey to get there. We rode a bus for 5 hours, then went through a line that made us feel like cattle, then a crazy jeep ride of death, and then we climbed a little bit to see the moutain lake. It was worth the trip, but really draining. It was a really great time of bonding with other teams as well as bonding within our own teams.

On Sunday, all the volunteers had dinner with the president of the university. He is a very passionate, kind, and challenging man. He told us about future plans for this school as well. It was really great to be able to meet him, the Vice President and other teachers/staff who are here all the time.

For the 2 weekers, this was our last week of teaching. It has been going by really fast, and we all want to stay longer. At the same time, it has been challenging to not lose focus, not wanting to feel too routine and/or think about home too much. It also seems like our students are more disinterested, but we are trying to bond more with them, since our 3 hour class is so important in using each opportunity to get involved in building relationships with our students. We did however go out to dinner with our class two nights ago. We all went out to eat hot pot. It was fun spending time with our students and getting to know them better.

We also had dinner with some of the full time staff of the English department. It was really nice hearing different perspectives and different challenges in all that is happening here. It has also been interesting hearing each of their stories about how each were brought here. It is interesting to hear about how everyone has arrived at this school, whether through a sibling or friend that has previously graduated from this school or through one person saying something at the right time.

We are really sad to have to say goodbye to each other in a couple of days. We definitely want to spend each moment we are given in the most effective way.

Tonight the 2 weekers are eating dinner with one of our students and her husband. Both are teachers during the school year. Afterwards, we are eating another dinner with these two students we have met randomly in the dorm we shower in.

Tomorrow we plan to go on another trip. We are all really excited.

Asia Picture Update!

Check previous post for reference.

Asia #5 - July 13

The days seem to just fly by these days, though every day is packed with activity. This Friday, we visited a nearby orphanage. The orphanage is such a witness of G's power. The "mother" and "father" have so much trust. They don't ask for support because they trust in the Father's power to provide. They have expanded their facilities to include a center for those with disabilities, a center to feed the poor and help the sick of surrounding community, and they have even more plans. The government brings abandoned children to them. They build their facilities themselves, with the help of volunteers. When there are volunteers to help, the work goes forward. When there are not, the work stops. We couldn't spend much time there, but we were all moved by the experiences of the people there and how much G has provided for them. They really have so much work to do. . . it's not easy raising so many chidren, but they shared how G has transformed them through the work. How living with the children, they see every day their own limitations and their inability to love. Every day, they must come before G, admit their failures, and ask for strength from Him.

On Saturday, we went to Mt. Baekdu, or Chang Bai Shan as they say here. It was amazing. We were pushed and squeezed as we fought through a crazy line steered by a zig-zag fence formation, all to get on the "jeeps of death" that went speeding through the twisty curves of the mountain road, but the trouble was worth it to see the lake on top of the mountain. It was a beautiful blue, peaceful lake, the other side of which belongs to NK. Even on the ride up the mountain, the many cliffs and fields, with the clouds casting shadows on different portions, was a beautiful sight to behold (if you could bear to look out). We also saw a waterfall and some people got to wade in the cool water. It was a tiring day: we left at 4am and drove 4 hours each way and some of us got a little lost at one point. . .but in the end, it was an experience we would never forget. Hopefully, I will be able to send some pictures of it soon.

Sunday evening, we had dinner with the president of the university. He is a remarkable man, fully of energy. Also very funny. He encouraged us the same way he encourages his students: to have vision. He told us that vision is what allows us to keep going despite failures and to keep challenging the world around us. As long as we are humans, we will fail and we will encounter suffering, but we must keep going to do G's work. It was all re-emphasizing what I had already experienced so far. That the dreams and visions I had previously were so small and uninformed. I had no idea of all the things that G is doing in this place and now that I see a little more, I realize I need to adjust my perspective. Perhaps we all need to attempt greater things for the kingdom. . .which necessarily means being better listeners. I don't think I was good at listening to Him. We also heard from other volunteers about their experiences so far, which was encouraging and fun.

I think all of us have been thinking about vision and about the future: how to serve. Not just because of the president's words to us, but just because of everything we have been experiencing. Please ask Dad to help us hear His voice and to dream greater dreams for Him. We're all working on being sensitive to His voice, both for the near future, and for the farther future as well. Please also ask our father to preserve our health. Nancy's been trying to shake off a cold for a week now, and Julia and Karen have been feeling the signs of an oncoming cold. Also ask that we would give our best as our schedules get busier and to guard our times with Him.

Thanks, everyone!

-Michelle

Asia #4 - July 9

(from Linda)

Greetings from Asia!

Susan, Yin, and I have only been here for 6 days but have already been experiencing so much its been AMAZING! The M's picked us up from the airport and gave us a tour of the school. We were amazed of how the school was built, and how evident it was that it was founded on love for the students and for this area. They have art pieces around the campus and some of them have obvious messages that these artists wanted to communicate. I was deeply moved by the fact that every where around me, every C was living with such intention and purpose. They are always thinking of ways to reach hearts in all types of ways.

What we would be doing here is different than the other girls, so at first, we felt a little out of place. We were told to teach business English to the faculty and staff of the school. Even when we arrived, we were unprepared and wasn't sure where to even begin. But then we met with one of the professors who shared their heart for the staff members. She was sharing how there are many staff members of this school (i.e. Administrative staff) that were not believers. Most if not all of the attention is often given to the students but none to the staff, and they were hungry too to learn English and to receive love. This was the first time the staff would be receiving a class of their own, and volunteers to give them attention and care. When we heard that, our hearts were really burdened and we knew that G had a place for us here afterall, even if it wasn't in ways that we expected.

Our class is made up of about 12 students, ages ranging from 25-50+. They all work in various departments throughout the school, doing the administrative work of the university. Although we first felt awkward about being the teachers, our hearts grew quickly for them as we saw their eagerness to learn. Personally, it made me think about how few little outreach programs there are out there for this age group, yet they have the same innate needs and desires as anybody. After getting to know them, we learned that many of them were Cs, but few of them were not. We were blessed to see the fruit of this school, as many of them were once students and became Cs because of the love and relationships with their professors. Now they are alumnis wanting to work and serve at this school and community. I learned that reaching out can look very different on the outside, but it all ultimately comes down to love and having confidence in the work of the H.S. As someone who teaches for a living, it really rebuked and challenged me to have this same heart for my students back at home. 2 weeks is so very short and sometimes frustrating to think about because we have so much we want to give them. But this school and what is going on here is amazing, and our Dad is truly at work here and will take care of them.

Our team has been learning a great deal about this school and what is going on in the world through the professors that have been watching over us. Yesterday, this M couple gave us a presentation about the school and their future plans. They want to create another school with the same vision as them and words cannot describe the historymaking work they are going to do. Dad is working in this country and there is much work to be done here. I feel flustered right now because I really wish to share and express how amazing this place is but I am not eloquent enough! I think this is been said before but I will say it again: everyone must come here and see it for themselves!

We also do fun stuff too! We tried to naenmyun here yesterday and my personal favorite, Gobarro (fried chicken). Today I got a free massage and hand therapy from some of the students who need to learn how to do it, and I know the other team members are really enjoying the culture and city here. We also plan on going to an orphanage, visiting Baekdu San (sp?) mountains, and trying different food.

Personally, Dad is teaching me different lessons on love and how very little I know about it. The Ms here speak of him with such confidence and assurance, it felt silly to even question his strength and ability to work in any circumstance. I see that I have a lot to change about myself and how I am towards others, but most of all, I see that I need to change the way I view him. A lot of things are going on in this world, and he wants us to be a part of it!

I truly miss home and I miss my family in new york. We all joke about how the days go by so fast and yet so slow. I've only been gone a few days, but it seriously feels like a month or more! Thank you for reading and for support! Please ask Dad to continue to help us and may he help our family to be more of a part of what he is doing everywhere!

July 6 - Asia #3

Have I mentioned how beautiful it is here? Ya* is a pretty bustling city, compared to what we had expected. But if you look out from the windows of our school, the city is just a small part of what you see. Beyond, you can see fields and farms and mountains. It's like a painting. All these different shades of green, and different patterns. There's a patch of trees that look so picturesque and when it's windy, they're all leaning one way, like a painting of a windy landscape.

Everyone should come here. I really think so. I've really been convicted that we all need to be freed from our schedules. Hehe. Originally, when PB and Jooho talked about going to Ch* this year, I didn't want to. I thought I would start my internship so that I could finish my degree in 2 years instead of 3. That plan quickly fizzled out when I couldn't register for the right classes and I'm so glad. We're such slaves to our schedules and plans and whatnot. If I had stubbornly followed that plan, I would have completely missed out on this experience. Life here is so focused: it's all about Him. There is nothing else to worry about and everything we do revolves around Him. It's been so good for me to see what that's like. Things that are foreign have always scared me: I want to stay with what's comfortable and with what I know. But I'm beginning to realize how limiting that is. G is working mightily in other places and it is so worth it to ditch my own plans and ideas to see what He is doing elsewhere. I think everyone should experience what it's like to leave the everyday grind for a few weeks, months, years, and to just take a leap of faith. It may seem like so many important things prevent us from leaving for such a long period of time, but I would challenge that. I am being transformed in ways I could not be if I had stayed in New York. It's so worth it.

We're all enjoying it so much here. In fact, some of us may not come back. Hahaha. Just kidding. . .

Saturday was a crazy scavenger hunt with our roommates, which had us climbing mountains and seeing all the sights. Sunday was a quiet day. After lunch, I walked around the campus (it was a sunny, beautiful day) and just sat by myself and spent some time with G. Today, now that our whole team is here, we'll have our first team meeting.

Please ask our father to continue to transform us, from the very core of our beings. Ask that we would form deeper relationships with our roommates and fellow teammates (both of Remnant and from other ch-ches.) Also, that we would be sensitive to His voice.

Thanks for reading!

-Michelle

July 3 - Asia #2 (edited)

Apologies, but the last update was cut off; rather than editing the previous post I thought it'd make more sense to just make a new one, since more people might read it this way (and it'll show up on google reader!). Below is the *full* body.

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It’s hard to believe it’s only been one week that we’ve been here. Life in New York seems so far away and many of us are finding life here fulfilling and exciting. This was our first full week here.

We’ve met and gotten to know our roommates better. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, we’ve had English House activities to just hang out with our roommates. This Saturday, we will have a scavenger hunt around Ya*.

I have 5 roommates, most of whom are rising sophomore English majors. There are also 2 C’s in my room, which is definitely encouraging to see. They are the upperclassmen. The policy here is not to e- to freshman, so it makes sense that only the upperclassmen are C’s. I am looking forward to meeting with each of my roommates and getting to hear their stories.

We had dinner with a professor here, and her explanation of life here struck us all in a very positive way. The professors here go out of their way to p- for and love the students. Some are pretty antagonistic, but the staff don’t give up and they keep pleading with Dad on behalf of these students. As I mentioned in my last update, the students notice the extra effort the professors make and that the atmosphere of this school is unique.

I’ve realized that people here are single-minded in their desire to serve. Every part of their days and their lives are devoted to being a servant. Academic excellence is of equal importance because the teachers here believe that that is a necessary part of the work. Meeting with students, planning lessons, encouraging other teachers—this is all part and parcel with being an M here. Life in New York can be so busy and so scattered, that even while doing G’s work, it’s hard to see what’s really important. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time and I feel like I’m always moving to the next thing on my to-do list. I’ve had so much more time here to meditate and talk to G. I’ve had to really think about what it means to love people. To be a witness in the classroom and in the way I live my life. It’s also so encouraging to be surrounded by people who are doing the same thing. We share our struggles and thoughts together and it’s really nice. Our fellow summer volunteers, as well as the other teachers here are having a lot of fun together.

Tomorrow, the two-weekers will be arriving. We’re very excited to welcome them. Please request a safe and smooth trip for them as well. Also, request that our relationships would go deeper than just fun and we would be able to share about the things that are really near to our hearts.

July 3 - Asia #2

Update 2

It’s hard to believe it’s only been one week that we’ve been here. Life in New York seems so far away and many of us are finding life here fulfilling and exciting. This was our first full week here. We’ve met and gotten to know our roommates better. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, we’ve had English House activities to just hang out with our roommates. This Saturday, we will have a scavenger hunt around the city.

I have 5 roommates, most of whom are rising sophomore English majors. There are also 2 C’s in my room, which is definitely encouraging to see. They are the upperclassmen. The policy here is not to e- to freshman, so it makes sense that only the upperclassmen are C’s. I am looking forward to meeting with each of my roommates and getting to hear their stories.