asia to alabama

To say my life as changed in the last couple months is an understatement. And with that said, it doesn't mean things are all bad...or all good either! From Asia to Alabama, it seems like life should be back to "normal" but usually I don't feel so normal. Of course I know my way around town, and I have my friends, but I don't always feel like I'm at home. Asia became my home for 2 years and now I'm seeking to find my home back in my hometown. Thankful for my roomies [my parents :) ] and my sweet [Auburn and HHS] friends. And now I am seeking out a strong community at church.

After my last post about Shanghai, I tried to remember what else I did in the last 2 weeks. Besides language classes, I can only remember saying goodbyes to my Asia community. I was an emotional wreck! But I'd rather be an emotional wreck than emotion-less. My tears reminded me how invested I became in these peoples' lives. And reminded me of the Lord's sweet blessings. In 2011 I walked off the plane in Asia feeling undeniably alone. And 2 years later, I was heart broken to leave my family.

can't get enough of these 3

Addie J started walking as soon as we left :(

Cat and Meredith, my mommy role models and BFFs

FaceTiming these beautiful people across the ocean

saying goodbye to two of our teachers, we love them!

my new (and original) roomies out at the Baron's baseball game

I spend my days nannying these 2 and their older sister

Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

These days I feel weak. But then I was reminded (by my good friend John Piper) that God ordained Paul to be weak. So that Christ would be seen as strong. When I feel (and maybe look) self-sufficient, I get the glory. Not Christ.

That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10

So I can start praying that I can take pleasure in my weaknesses. For God's glory.

streets of Shanghai

I am incredibly far behind. I'm already back in the states...and have been for about 3 weeks! But my last few weeks in Asia were hectic, in the best way possible. I was traveling a lot. Saying goodbyes. Eating everything in sight. Taking lots of pictures. And I never took time to blog. So I'm making myself catch up now.

And I'm writing this mostly for myself. I just want to recall everything I can from the last few weeks in Asia. My mind was so focused on appreciating every little thing about life in Asia. Everything was more intentional than before.

So I left off with debrief. And the next weekend we traveled to Shanghai. For a little more debriefing with our small group.

couldn't be more excited

It all started with the fast train from the airport to the city. It got up to 187 mph! A taxi from the airport would've taken an hour. But the Maglev, less than 10 minutes! 

the first stop of the trip

I was dying to go to Shanghai and it met all of my expectations. Parts of it really felt like America...but always with an Asian flair. We saw all of the sites. And even attended an international fellowship church! In 2 years I hadn't stepped foot inside a church in Asia. It seemed like they had such strong community of brothers and sisters in that city. We were gathered with other believers of all nationalities. What a beautiful picture of God's kingdom.

Popsicles are trendy in Shanghai too

the 4 enjoying our last few weeks together

is this Asia?!

Tyler and Scott eating some Korean snacks off the street

We spent time together in coffee shops and restaurants discussing the last year of our lives. Our favorite memories. The lessons we learned from the Lord. Our suggestions for next year's group. And our worries and hopes for the future. 

the view from one of the world's tallest buildings

101 floors high with my faves

The only way I'm surviving right now, is because of the way I forced myself to reflect and think ahead to my future while still in Asia. I'm thankful for the people in these pictures (and several others). They taught me about Biblical community and spurred me to explore the gospel in a deeper way than ever before. As I think over the last year, I remember seeking out God's spirit and asking the Lord how to walk in the spirit. His spirit has set me free from my old self. And allows me to be reborn every day. Again and again!

Okay, more to come later!

how to debrief

This past weekend we gathered with a bunch of friends as a farewell trip. This was a chance to tour a famous city, say goodbye to friends and receive some teaching too. I've been waiting to visit Guilin because I heard a rumor that the scenery from Avatar came from here! I think Guilin is the perfect city for several reasons...

• beautiful mountains, like nothing I've seen before!
• mango smoothies, they're everywhere. the smoothest texture EVER
• floating on a bamboo raft down the Li River
• perfect combination of ancient Chinese feel and western twist 
• cheap markets
• rooftop bars to overlook the city and mountains
• Guilin has it's own Tree of Life, the biggest/oldest tree I've ever seen!

I got 5 of these in 3 days

Nate and Tyler walking around the town

my cute roomie

Liz, probably looking for a good Instagram

the 4 best friends

Sean and Liz in a short dance session on the street

What did I learn to prepare me for this huge life change? I've got to start processing it now. How do I answer the question "how was your time in Asia?" I've got to start thinking through those things now!

I have to guard my heart from becoming critical or judgmental (toward China OR America!) but instead remember every culture has its own redemptive points. I've got to learn how to grieve my losses... But how do I do that?! All I know is that God knows. He is the God who provides and the God who sees. He sees me and my circumstances and he knows exactly how much he's asking of me. He's not asking too much. Oh I just desire that my faith roots are deepened. 

50 cents for these flower headbands, great choice

all I could think about was Avatar

our friends floating down the river beside us

i've been waiting for months to take this picture!

dressing up in traditional minority group clothing

exploring a cave that was lit up like Disneyworld

after climbing up a slippery hike I thought I might not survive...

"But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works." 

Psalms 77:11-12

world tour

I had heard that several years ago Avril Lavigne toured around Asia. (Asian people REALLY love her, especially "Sk8er Boi") And I knew some Americans who went to the concert. They dressed goth and joined in the mob of thousands of screaming fans. So last year we continually talked about how much fun it would be to go to a concert in China.

My roommate and I couldn't have been happier when we received news that Backstreet Boys were touring China for their 20th anniversary. Attending their concert in 5th grade was magical, and I was ready for a blast from the past.

I can't take credit for this one, it was all Sam's idea!

At least 3 of them are 40 (or over) so the concert definitely had a different vibe than it did 15 years ago. All of the BSB guys were being goofy with their free style dance skills and their attempts to speak Chinese. Either way, the crowd went wild. I was disappointed to see they only choreographed a couple songs but what can you expect from some dads?!

all neon and China style with no lens glasses

I would've added some videos but it's embarrassing how much the camera picked up on my singing, instead of theirs. My throat was sore the next day...I definitely hadn't forgotten any of the lyrics. Oh and good news, they're making a movie about the last 20 years. They act as though they've been together the whole time, but I'm fairly sure Brian pursued a gospel career on his own at some point. Either way, I hope it comes out in 3D!

here they are, holding PANDAs...with bottles

AJ definitely stole the show

spirit of adoption

Today was a day I'll never forget! My sister connected me with one of her friends who is adopting a baby from my city. The Sanders contacted me asking if I would be willing to travel to their hotel for "Gotcha Day." The husband and wife were in need of a photographer/videographer for this special day. Of course I said yes! What an incredible experience. I was able to jump into one of the most meaningful days of their life as a family.

the Sanders with their two sons in America

This would be the first time they could hold their daughter, Allie Ruth. It was the first day to officially welcome her into their family with open arms... the first time to meet her caretakers and learn her routine... the first time to give her new clothes and toys. Allie Ruth is albino which is often looked down upon in this country. The Sanders believe her blonde hair will fit right in with their 2 blonde sons.

Two-year-old Allie Ruth (or "Shu Shu" as her caretakers called her) didn't cry throughout the process. She was curious and excited to see new faces. Her caretakers from the orphanage said she's adventurous  smart and there isn't anything she doesn't like.

"God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure." 

Ephesians 1:5

This day painted such a beautiful picture of our father in my mind. Just like the Sanders, he decided in advance to adopt us!  Just like the Sanders, God wanted to do this. And it made him overjoyed. I can't wait to see this family in Dothan when I'm back in the states!

Allie Ruth after a bath and new clothes!

end of the year goggles

How can I sum up my life lately? It's crazy fun but also a time of introspection and processing. My schedule has been steady but it's getting hectic for my last 2 months. Lots of traveling and lots of visitors. I'm thankful for these things but mostly thankful for what the Lord is teaching me in this precious time. He only allows me to understand a little more of his grace each day and only gives me what I can bear.

a bucket list day in sunny block (see video below!)

My friend Sean said "We've had end of the year goggles. Now we're trying everything we've passed by for a year looks really fun." So we made a bucket list...

1. ride the "carnival" rides (carousel, swings, spinny ride)
2. rent a double bike for an hour
3. pretend to make a music video and have no shame
4. compile it all for a montage

best fried rice so far

traveling around our huge, huge city

throwing rocks with Noah in our neighborhood

the only people celebrating Cinco de Mayo

the one Tex Mex restaurant in our city

capturing our art school

doing as the chinese do, taking solo shots in flower fields

Sam and Adelaide, ready for summer weather

Shout to Charla- I hope you read this at some point! Hoping you had the happiest Mother's Day. Even though it was filled with a boxes and moving vans. Wish I could have been there to help you on such an important day. Thankful for your example as a wife and mother and as a woman who loves the Lord with her whole heart. You continually teach me through your words of encouragement and wisdom but even more through your actions. Thanks for loving me and supporting me, especially these past 2 years away from home in China.

thankful for the China moms in my life