Biscuet.com

I have creative tendencies.  I think in pictures and i can see the unseen.  But i think i’d argue that we all have creative tendencies somewhere inside of us.  You don’t have to be a wild-haired, ripped-jeans painter to think creatively.  There’s creativity in us all.  But i digress.  The point here is that today my creative tank feels empty.  I wanted to write something witty or compelling.  I wanted you to smile when you read whatever it is that i was going to write.  Or maybe, just maybe, i’d write something that would slowly pull a tear out of your eye.  You’d leave a comment about how moving this was and how much you learned.  Or, if i wrote something funny, you’d write about how funny i am and then i’d feel good about myself.  The good news for you is that none of that is going to happen because my creativity tank is empty.  A lot has happened in my life, but i don’t know what to say about it or how to say it.  I did just remember, as i was writing that last sentence, that today i was supposed to go buy a new-used bike.  The guy selling the bikes sits on this old alley near my house.  He sits there everyday and as my roommate would say, “He’s always there pushing, selling, stealing, wheeling and dealing.”  From what i gather, the guy steals bikes and then sells them.  You can’t judge me.  My bike was stolen a long time ago and now i’m just buying it back – sorta.  Anyway, i need something to help me cruise the streets of Beijing now that it’s starting to warm up a bit.  Speaking of which, today was in the 70′s and yesterday was too.  It’s a holiday here (Tomb Sweeping Day) so there are hordes of people out and about.  Tomb Sweeping Day basically means everyone is off paying homage to their ancestors and burning stuff on the side of the road.  All over the city you can see people lighting up their miniature bonfires to send necessary goods to their ancestors in the afterlife.  I digressed again, but for a long time that time.  And just as i wrote that last sentence i caught a guy taking my picture here in the cafe with his fake iPad.  Yes, a fake iPad.  He looked like he was holding up a clipboard to take my photo.

So how do you find fresh creativity?  Usually for me it comes when i’m listening to music and walking through the city.  I can feel the thoughts brewing inside me like coffee in a percolator.  First a few bubbles and drops, then more and more and more.  Then before long i’m overflowing with fresh ideas and i better write them down quick or else they’ll all fall to the floor and be trampled on by everyone’s dirty shoes.  They’ll go forgotten and they’ll dry up to never be seen or used again.  Lately the percolator has been off and i’m trying to get it back on.

So, where does your creativity come from?  When do you feel most inspired?

I got to Hanoi, Vietnam a few days ago and am working on a new project that’s going to help bring new teachers to Vietnam.  Even though i’ve been here before it was hard to know what to expect until we got our feet on the ground.  So after our arrival i started to get really excited for what we’re going to share with the world.  Vietnam is a special place.  The food is unlike any other i’ve ever had, the traffic will make your head spin, and the people are so kind with a special love for smiling and a love for foreigners.  I’m looking forward to sharing more glimpses of what life here is like and why we believe it’s important for us to educate the future leaders of this beautiful country.  Here are a couple of photos:

Shooting photos around Beijing and on university campuses hasn’t been an easy task with the recent boost of security around the city.  Although we aren’t journalist or foreign media, we are still greatly looked down on when the camera comes out to take pictures.  We were rejected entrance to a university campus where we were supposed to shoot a few teachers teaching in their classes.  So, we tried to make the most of our day by shooting various scenes around the city that remind me of China.

Here are some more of the random/fun shots from around Beijing. Again, click the image to see the whole thing:

My friend, Stephen, is here in Beijing with me for a few days shooting some photos to help us illustrate what China looks like and feels like.  So far so good as we make our way around the city.  Tomorrow we’ll spend almost the whole day on various university campuses shooting students and teachers in their element.  Here are some fun photos from today (click the image to see the full version):

Here’s a small glimpse of what i’ve been reading and watching around the interwebs ::

• Human Planet : Audio Slideshow.  WOW!  Beautiful photography and equally beautiful storytelling.
• Why Evangelicals Hate Jesus.  An interesting article that should convict many Christians and make you think.
• I wish i had been at this conference last weekend. Several friends were there and i’ve heard wonderful things so far!
• I received an invitation to this conference, but not sure if i can afford to go.
• My friends Katie and Maik are engaged.
• I’m looking forward to watching this film about China’s migrant workers.
• If i were just moving to China and needed some survival Chinese language, then i would definitely get this book from my friend, Joann.

At breakfast this morning a friend said the following sentence to me as he was referencing a quote that someone told him once:

“Live overseas for a month and you’ll want to write an article about it.  Live overseas for a year and you’ll want to write a book about it.  Live overseas for a few years and you won’t want to talk about it.”

I haven’t decided what i think about it.  I see some truths in that statement.  The truth i see is that life overseas isn’t an extended vacation anymore that you write to tell all your friends about.  It’s not that wild adventure of backpacking around the world that makes a compelling book.  It’s just life.  It’s just my life like your life is what it is in Atlanta or Nashville or Dubai.

But on the other hand, the statement above doesn’t speak at all about the miraculous, life-changing, incredibly awesome things we see happen all the time!  In some ways, i’m excited that seeing the extraordinary has become my normal.

Leaving Chiang Mai today felt like i was leaving behind an old friend.  We shared so many unforgettable moments.  Just like every friendship, there were moments of deep connection and there were moments where we wanted to rip each other to pieces.  Chiang Mai treated me well, took care of me, and renewed so much of my spirit.  I’m grateful for everything that the last month has meant.

Today i’ll step back into the life of my other very good friend – Beijing.  I’m sure we’ll bicker and argue again, but deep down we care for each other dearly.  There’s no doubt that Beijing will throw its harsh winter winds into my face, but soon the city will give way to the warmth of spring.  I feel like Beijing and i have been in a winter season together in more ways than one, but just like with every winter, spring is near.  The deep part of me that loves Beijing is hoping for the spring to come quickly.  I’m not just waiting for the physical season of warmth, but the deep warmth in our hearts as the city and i look ahead to another season of deepening our friendship.

Pad Thai.
Sun.
Warmth.
Cool breeze.
Morning coffee.
Watermelon shake.
Motorbike riding.
Late night movies.
Outdoor restaurants.
Shorts.
Flip flops.
New office.
Old friends.
Encouragement.
Listening.
Talking.
New Friends.
Conference.
Stomach Flu.
Refreshing vision.
Fresh excitement.
New directions.
Glass bottle Coke.
Ribs and Fries.
Stories.
Dreams.
Overwhelmed.
Exhausted.
Rejuvenated.
Ready for what’s next.

I have some of the coolest friends in the world.  I woke up this morning and when i checked my email i found two photos from some very special friends.  I’d like to know the conversation that took place before they decided to take these photos and why they were thinking of me.  They are hilarious!

(and if you want to take similar creative pictures and send them to me then no doubt it will make my day!)

Have i ever told you how thankful i am that you read my blog?  It’s easy for me to think my thoughts, experiences, and the written expression of them is just silly and fun, but no one should care.  However… somehow you care and you come back and keep reading.  Thanks for that.  It really means a lot to me!

During these next several days i’ll be in the middle of some very strategic and meaningful days in Thailand.  I’m focusing an enormous amount of time, energy, heart, and passion into the people who are here to share in these special days with me.  There are roughly 600 of us all together to share some of the most massive stories you’ve ever heard.  Stories that words don’t do justice.  These are stories that are not even worthy to be written on the pages of books, much less blogs.  These are stories that are truly earth-shaking, light-sending, and heaven-bringing.

With that in mind, i trust that you’ll give me the grace to slow down on the blog and pour my energy and intentionality into these days that are ahead.  There’s not a set amount of time that i’ll be away.  I’ll write as i feel it’s appropriate or when i feel that there’s no other outlet for what’s in my head.  However, if several days go by without a peep from me then i don’t want you to feel like i’ve packed up and left.  I’m here, present and engaged.

Some of you who read this blog believe in a God who listens to our prayers and responds with grace and generosity.  If you fall into that category then pray for the 600 of us during these moments that we’re sharing together that encouragement will happen, hope will endure, healing will come, and passion will be restored.  If you don’t fall into that category as a person of prayer then just sit tight for a while and know that my time in Thailand is being well spent and these friendships here mean so much to me.

Much love from Thailand.

-Biscuet.