6-9-08

Hey Family and Friends!

We just got back from Taishan and Qufu. We had a great trip and I learned so much, but now I am really tired and ready for some email time.

You know, I am still not sure of the reasons that I am in China.

• · It may involve my team members. Tory and I get along really well. We been able to encourage each other a lot. We have been talking a lot about relationships. Because of my experience with B.J. I have been able to tell her about some things she should look for. WE are soooooo similar. We both love onions and french fries and we love to dance. WE laugh at the same jokes and appreciate similar things. The boys also need someone to be an example of how to treat women. Perhaps they will see that.

• · It may be for some of the workers here. I am going with one of my professors Tuesday night to meet a worker here. I want to find out how I can be a part of what is going on here in this city.

• · It may be for Cissy. I am going to see her in about two weeks. I can’t wait.

• · It may be for the locals. I have been doing my best to share with them through the little language I know. I have been paying more than most street vendors ask, just to brighten their day, I try to smile when I catch people staring at us.

• · It may be for my relationship with B.J. My friend Marylynn had a great point. Instead of being in the states getting frustrated with him and wedding plans, I am missing him terribly from China. We have been having some great chats and getting to know each other even better. He is doing great at wedding planning. I am so impressed.

• · It may be the same reason I have been sent before. C.S. Lewis said that some things “may be too familiar for recognition.” China always makes me appreciate the things that are familiar to me, like family and friends, and Mexican food. (P.S. I miss each one of you individually. I wish I had more internet time to write each one of you. I love YOU.)

• · It may involve learning. I have been learning a lot about Daoism and Buddhism. In Buddhism the end goal is to get rid of desire. Contrast that with Christianity, where the main goal is not to get rid of desire but to satisfy it. Read John 4 with the story of the woman at the well. The goal of drinking fro the water that Jesus offers is not that we might not thirst again, but rather that He would but a well spring of life within us.

• · It might be so that you could see these cool pictures. I love you!!