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