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