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August 08, 2005
Perspectives
I'm back! *sheepish grin* I took over 1800 pictures, which I cut down to about 500 for my personal album (yep! I actually made *gasp* paper prints of my pictures!), which I'll need to cut down again for your online viewing pleasure!
Teaching English in East Asia was one of the most awesome and life-changing experiences in my life! I learned so much about myself and God's character that I can't help but be humbled and broken as I reflect back.
Going into this trip, I had many fears and self-doubts... including my ability to teach and speak in front of a group, and how I would handle interacting with the other team members 24-7 for such an extended period of time. But God truly has blessed and gifted me beyond anything I could ask for -- I'm still amazed by how well my students and I connected; by the end of the (too short!) program, even the guys were getting teary-eyed that I was leaving!
God's presence is very much alive in East Asia, and amazing things are happening there! When I went to a certain church, the Holy Spirit was truly moving through the congregation -- their cries of thankfulness for salvation, and tears for the unsaved moved all of us (and reminded me of how so many people here take salvation for granted).
I went to my church's retreat this past weekend and shared about how one thing God taught me during the East Asia trip was love. I completely broke down as I shared about how in East Asia -- a place where I could not even openly share my faith -- I had the greatest desire to share salvation, but I never felt the same back at home. Did that mean I didn't care as much for the people back home as I did in East Asia? I'm still processing and praying about this...
As a final note of perspective, especially for those who believe that the US is "God's favored country" or a "Christian nation": did you know that even though the United States is the most evangelized country in the world, it's the 4th largest unsaved country? Or that there are as many Christians in China as there are in the United States?
If you're Christian, check out Perspectives.
I wish I could share more about my trip... but, for the rest of the story, you'll have to talk with me in person. =)
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On a less spiritual note: other than trying to adjust from 30-40 degree celsius weather (and HIGH humidity), it's good to be back home! I miss my family and friends, as well as the clean air! =)
Work's already kicking my butt, but I'm thankful for my job... after all, how many other places pay you good money to surf the internet all day long?? (haha, just kidding boss!)
Plus, FANTASY FOOTBALL IS BACK, BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dude, if you thought I was a a trash-talker before, fantasy football season always brings out the best (or worst, depending on how you look at it ;))!
Finally... dude, GO A'S!!! Man, I come back home to find the A's almost 20 games above .500 and contending for first place in the AL West! Yeahhhh, boy! Talk about a warm welcome home for me! Hahaha... I'm soooo tempted to rub it in the face of my co-workers (whom are Giants fans) who gave me so much grief in the beginning of the season! I kept on telling them: the season's still young, wait until after the All-Star break before you start talking!
Posted by stevelee at August 8, 2005 09:10 PM
Comments
welcome back! glad you had such an awesome experience. and oh, ever heard of flickr? ;)
Posted by: gg at August 10, 2005 11:16 AM
Thanks for the welcome, gg! =)
As for flickr: it's really cool but doesn't have the flexibility I want (like displaying EXIF info). =/
Plus, I don't like having to depend on things outside of my server. =)
Posted by: steve at August 10, 2005 11:31 AM
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