Ready for some transparency? Ok, here we go:
When i think about my time in America this Summer the feeling that i feel more than anything else is nervousness. How will i respond when i start to miss my friends from China? How will people react when i’m not interested in American things like The Bachelorette and ESPN? Will i be that guy that tells too many China stories during lunch? After a week of seeing my friends and we’re all hugged out i think i’ll find myself sitting alone wishing i was on the crowded buses and streets of Beijing. After we’ve eaten at all the best restaurants and we’ve talked about all that is new i think i’ll be ready for China and for her dirty restaurants and street foods. When we go to church together and everyone smiles and waves i think i’ll desire my church in China where the homeless are your greeters and if you don’t arrive early enough then you might be standing outside without a seat.
I think going to America this Summer will be hard. I think there are many great things about it as well, like friends, family, clean air, and opportunities to share this remarkable experience. However, i would be lying to you if i told you that i’m looking forward to it. Yes, i am looking forward to seeing people i haven’t seen in a long time. No, i am not looking forward to everything else that comes with visiting America (i’m trying to leave out cynical remarks).
So, put all of that in a stew pot and mix it up and out comes my feelings of nervousness. People that i love and care about (that’s you) are the only thing that is going to make my time in America worthwhile so please find a way to get in touch with me so that we can share a cup of coffee together and talk about the finer things in life.
My Summer dates will be announced soon when i finally book my flights. Also, i’ll be talking about speaking dates and locations soon so be sure to stay tuned because those are great opportunities for you to hear about what’s going on in my life and in China.
Mom
June 9th, 2009
Put aside your nervousness and come to a place you can always call home, where friends and family greet you with open arms, where people love you unconditionally and are anxious to spend some precious long awaited time with you. Will you miss China? Absolutely!, because that is where God has planted you and being at the center of His Will makes you long to return. Enjoy this few weeks that He has given you- renew your strength, tell His story, regroup your thoughts and get ready for the next adventure. See you soon, Love you forever, Mom
Amanda
June 10th, 2009
*phew*
Glad I’m not the only one.
proctor
June 10th, 2009
you mean i’m not the only one?!?!?
i caught myself ordering an asian dish at dinner last night, even used chopsticks.
i miss HK terribly. probably not the same as you’re going to miss Beijing, but i am experiencing just a small taste of what you’re talking about, soy sauce included.
can’t wait to see you and we can talk China all day long, as far as i’m concerned.
Dalila
June 11th, 2009
Dude… I totally understand your apprehension. My husband and I don’t leave for China until later this summer but I totally understand your apprehension about certain experiences in America.
America/ Americans need a wake up call. I live in what they call the buckle of the Bible belt. There are churches on every street corner and few of them have people standing outside wanting to get inside. Oh, but let some major motion picture come out, some concert or sporting event occur and people are all over themselves to go see whoever or whatever. Sad.