Maidao Island
Paintball
Hospital Visit
Game Night
We had four countries represented in the seven friends at game night. China, America, Slovakia, and Korea! It's so fun to have friends from all over the world!
Weifang Day Trip
Kite Flying
Other Spring Break Highlights
HOW ARE YOU?
and other questions that are hard to answer right now
The short answer is, "Guys, I am not okay." This semester has turned into one of the most difficult seasons of my life. I am so blessed here in China, I know this. I have a home, a good job, amazing opportunities, a loyal support system, and a life so blessed some people can't even imagine. That's probably why I find myself feeing it guilty to admit that I am disheartened, discontent, and really struggling right now. The simple conclusion is that I need pr-y-r desperately.
This semester (January on), I have faced battles in every portion of my life. Work, extracurricular, and personal relationships... you name it, it's been a trial. The theatrical show I am currently directing (an original adaptation of "Robin Hood") has been a nightmare to get off the ground - we open next week - May 9, 10, 11. I have come in conflict with people in my immediate circle due to a number of unfortunate circumstances and distressing situations. I have faced major personal crisis in response to false rumors and accusations. There are drastic changes coming to our school next year - including significant changes in scheduling that have resulted in the cutting of certain programs that are my greatest love - and change has always been something I've found difficult to face (kind of ironic coming from a TCK, I know). Meanwhile, an overwhelming sense of loneliness and being misunderstood whilst crawling through the messiness of having your coworkers, also be your community of friends and family (not to mention be the parents of some of your students) has pounded an enormous amount of energy and joy out of me. Honestly friends... the world is looking more than a little ugly from where I am standing at the moment.
My fa-th... while I tried to keep it strong amidst the hurt, hardship, and confusion... I have found to be far too easily weakened. The Father has been asking me, "Do you trust me?" I've come to face some truths to that question that haven't been easy. I feel a little as though as I have lost sight of my calling and my joy. I have the knowledge and the foundation, but my belief - and the action to live in response to that belief - is lacking. I am holding onto the hope that I serve a good G-d, but I am full of fears, insecurities and doubts. And so, I am calling on you, people who for some strange reason are reading this blog and invested in my life.
PLEASE PR-Y FOR ME. Not only for me though, but also for my school, my students, and at the present moment our middle school's production of "Robin Hood".
Thank you for waiting for an update. Thank you for your pr-y-rs. And thank you for following along on this written diary of honesty and imperfection.
when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect,
that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4