Hudson Taylor

I've been learning a little bit about Hudson Taylor since I've been at Orientation.  Hudson spent over 50 years in China and made a huge impact on the people there.  Here are a few of my favorite quotes from him:

I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize the Lord is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine. It makes no matter where He places me, or how. That is rather for Him to consider than for me; for in the easiest positions He must give me His grace, and in the most difficult, His grace is sufficient.

 The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.

Many Christians estimate difficulty in the light of their own resources, and thus they attempt very little and they always fail. All giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and presence to be with them.


As our Father makes many a flower to bloom unseen in the lonely desert, [let us] do all that we can do, as under God's eye, though no other eye ever take note of it.

One Month and Counting

I leave for China in ONE MONTH!  I can't believe it! I've spent the past few days at New Staff Orientation for the organization I'll be working for.  I am so impressed with the leadership and their vision...they have far exceeded my expectations.  We have heard story after story of students, staff, and community members who have been touched by these schools.  I was a little apprehensive about Orientation, but it has been wonderful so far.  I've been able to connect with other people who are also going to China.  It's been such a huge encouragement to meet other people who not only share my passion for teaching but also my love for the Chinese people.  It's also a relief to know that I'm not the only one who is feeling completely overwhelmed and anxious (although my anxiety is much less than it was a week ago).  Some of the girls I've met are going to different cities, so it's a little bit sad that I won't be working with them but a little bit exciting because it will give me an excuse to get out and do some traveling in China!

Starting today, there are people here for Pre-Field Orientation who are going all over the world to teach, not just to China.  One thing that has struck me is the wide range of people who are going overseas to teach.  There are actually a lot of single girls my age who are going.  There are also several young couples, families with small children, families with older children, and older couples whose children are grown.  It just shows that God can call anyone to serve Him in other parts of the world.

Here are some answers to questions I've had: 

-My Visa paperwork is moving (slowly) and should be in on time.
-Someone will come get me from the airport and take me home to my new apartment.
-People from the school will take me to get a phone, bike, internet, stuff for my apartment, etc. the first week I'm there.
-My apartment will be furnished when I get there and there will be food in the fridge and sheets on the bed.  Praise the Lord for that!
-I have a roommate!  She's amazing!


2 weeks of training left...

Overwhelmed

My heart is just so overwhelmed today... 

I'm moving out of the house I call "home" tomorrow.  The Lord closed the door on me selling it, at least for now, so I'm moving out and three wonderful women have agreed to rent it for 2 years while I'm gone.  It's not ideal, but it's an answer to prayer nonetheless.  My brother has been so incredibly helpful - such a servant.  He's offered to help me move and to look after the house while I'm gone.  What a huge blessing! 

Getting ready to move across the world is a weird feeling.  I'm here, but my heart is there. I can't wait to start my life in China!  At the same time, saying goodbye to the people and things I love is so sad. 

I'm leaving for Orientation this Thursday, so I'm praying God gives me so much peace and helps focus my overwhelmed, mile-a-minute mind for the ministry He has prepared for me!

A Father to the Fatherless...

photo taken from avoiceforhischildren.blogspot.com

Recently I've been very burdened for orphans, especially those in China.  I've spent quite a bit of time in the Word, praying for orphans and praying for opportunities to share the love of Christ with them.  Here is some scripture I have been praying through:

James 1:27 - Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

John 14:18 - I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Matthew 25:35-40 - For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Micah 6:8 - He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Psalm 68:5 - A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

Please join me in praying for the sweet children in China, and pray that God will open doors for me to love on them and reflect Christ to them.