How are all of you? I hope all is well.
I have been so excited to write to you all to share how my trip to China went. It was seriously such a divine time and I was so thankful that I was given the opportunity to go.
We flew out of Newwark, NJ on January 28, 2013. We had spent time previously doing in-depth studies of the culture, the people, the main belief, educate, language, and much much more. My team and I were really excited to start our new experience. From the time we left the air port to the time we returned we all felt that this trip was a divine appointment from God. The enemy tried all he could to cause trouble from loosing one of my team member's passport somewhere in the mail, to some of us trying to come up with finances, to causing sickness spread through my group, but through it all, even up to the very night before we left God was so good and so faithful and provided for us all.
We had a pretty good idea of what we would be doing while we were in Shanghai, but really it was up to God. We went to China with hands wide open ready to do whatever God put on our plate. When we first arrived we met a group of people very eager to show us around the city and get us connected and involved. After a three day orientation we started our work time.
Are week started bright and early monday morning. We met in the foyer of our temporary home and the staff split us up into small groups of 4-5 members. That was our assigned group for the remaining duration of our stay. In our groups we spent much time getting to know people around town and building relationships with the chinese people. We worked with many different organizations all the way from small children to the homeless community.
I was so thankful for all that God had done on this trip. My perspective of China had completely changed. God did so much and it was so powerful.
We did most of our travel through taxes and the Shanghai metro. The food was so good. I did finally by the end of the trip learn how to eat with chop sticks, it was great. The language was at times difficult to understand but I was able to learn a little bit. The weather was pretty overcast and warm on some days. However, we did experience a little bit of snow and some rain. But all in all it was good.
Chinese New Year was incredible. I have never seen such a festive time. Between lights, decorations, dancing, singing, fire works, LOTS OF FIREWORKS, and family traditions the Chinese culture spends over a month for the New Year celebration. I loved every minute of it.
We flew back to Newwark, NJ on March 2, 2013
People have often asked me since I have been home, "Would you ever go back?" and with out question my answer is yes. Living in China for a little over a month was such a great experience and someday I would love to go back. But in the mean time, I am focusing on where God is taking me as of now.
Thank you all so much for all you have done. All your support has seriously been such a blessing!
Love you all!
<>< Shelby ><>
No comments:
Post a Comment