When I have these huge gaps in blogging I find it difficult to even know where to start... so I saw that I actually took some photos this week and wanted to share them (and of course they also are a great tool to show you a bit of my life here). On a random note, Malorie and I have been dreaming about these...And now that we have an oven (most HK kitchens to not come with one, so we invested in a mini one. So far i know it can at least bake cookies!) It might be a real possibility to have biscuits!! It's always fun to take the challenge on of "can we make this like we do at home". If anyone has any great biscuit recipes, send 'em our way.
That "W" word at the right side of the screen still defines our time here. I am able to be thankful for this word and what it means in my life because it has broken my own will again, brought me to surrender... again.... and opened my heart and hands to receive what the Lord has for me. Join me in praying for vision and clarity in these days. I want to see what Father is already doing around me and simply do that wholeheartedly. I like the mission statement of Oak Mountain Church in Birmingham... that they desire to be a people who "seek grace from God, share grace in community, and show grace to all." Not only in the meantime, but for all I do I pray pray pray that this emanates from my life in such a way that is transforming to myself, my community, and all that I meet. Waiting on Him for my every next step has been an amazing discipline of listening, walking by the Spirit, and choosing to love what and who He loves.
Next is a snap of [some] of our lovely staff team.... sitting at the kids table. Ready to take our spiritual gifts and personality inventories. We meet each Monday morning to plan, pray, dream, and scheme of what He has for us each week, and let me tell you, He has assembled some amazing people. It's always a beautiful thing to see how God has given people each a unique gift and passion. I am humbled and blessed to be a part of the work of art He is creating in and through our team. I don't have a picture, but you can check out the ones of my more diligent photo taker teammates. I got to spend some time waiting on a delivery from the lovely IKEA (cheap quick furniture that we are so thankful for) and praying for a friend whom I met for lunch. Think of her as I got the chance later that afternoon to share about His love and purpose for life and that He would do a work in her heart.
Here is the window in the chapel at Chinese U. Historically, it was made of some Christian colleges that originated in mainland. We were told that the curtains are pulled back at the end of the service, illuminating this cross and reminding the people that the Light is Coming! This idea that Christ WILL return stirs my heart in a way that few things do. I long for Him to do so, and may we live like it's about to happen tomorrow... Revelation 22-17The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.Stanley Market is one of my favorite places that I got to share with these fine friends:
The weather in HK is finally at the little-to-no-sweat level for the most part. Mid to high 80's/mid to low 70's... that's 31-22 Celcius for you metric system people. (I am trying to get used to that...) You will also see the "Three Lucky Guys" in this other picture. They are part of a great group of friends we have met. We called them this because of a Chinese belief:
The symbolic Three Star Gods- Fu Lu Shou signifies the importance of Good Fortune, Prosperity and Longevity in the Taoist aspirations and traditions. With rich cultural roots, Taoist concept goes back to the age of the Ming Dynasty and the deities of Fu Lu and Shou were considered to represent these attributes and are today equally revered. Today Fu Lu Shou is considered as a single term to represent these three attributes to living a good life.
And it truly is a good life here- I wouldn't trade it for anything. I hope to share more soon, but for now, enjoy the photos!
Pictures with your words make the story perfect~ It's nice to share your wonderful life in HK, and i am so glad to be part of it:)
i realize my name is in chinese... by the way, this is Chris,haha
So glad to get to see a small part of what ya'll are doing so far away. Praying for ya'll! Amber