On my way!

Good afternoon!!

I’m currently chilling in a Mariott a few blocks from LAX.  I met up with another girl (from Springfield, Ill.) who had an earlier flight, and we decided to take a tour of LA together--see Hollywood, a beach, etc... It's not every day we'll have 10 hours of a layover in LA!  We just met and have hit it off well so far! We've been chatting with our moms on the phone, sending updates, and talking to the nice hotel workers.  

We have to meet in the airport with all of the other China-bound college students at 10 PM.  I’ll take off for LAX in a few hours, and I have to check in at 9 PM for my flight to Hong Kong.  I’ll arrive early Saturday morning China time, or around 6-7 PM on Friday night Iowa time.

Now that that little update's said... The purpose of this update is to let you know about communication guidelines—if you’ve received my support letter in the mail, there was an insert regarding them enclosed in the envelope.  However, if you didn’t get one or misplaced it, here’s a refresher:

• ·      Don’t mention anything about evangelism in China.  A big no-no for their government.
• ·      Limit the use of “Christian words” (God, Jesus, Bible, etc…).  Example:  Replace God with Him or Father and Bible with Word.
• ·      You’re more than welcome to use Bible verses, but keep them to a minimum.  Including references to passages without actually citing the verse is the best way to do this.

I would LOVE to receive emails and comments on my blog, especially in these first couple weeks.  My team leader told me the first two weeks are the hardest.  She says it’s exciting for about two days, then most people start missing home and feeling the cultural differences the most.  Sometimes it’s like that for a week or two, but usually students settle in by week two or three.

Thanks for all of the encouragement and prayers so far.  As I was finishing up some packing last night, I was thinking about all of my supporters praying for me, then realized that with every other student having prayer supporters too, that’s thousands upon thousands of people lifting our summer in China up to the Lord.  That realization was a great reminder.  All over the country (and in Asia too!), people I don’t even know are praying for my next five weeks in China. Wow.

That all being said, keep praying! Pray for my team leader as she completes her leader training today.  Pray for my team and the rest of the college students as they’re all traveling to meet at LAX tonight! Pray for safe travels, successful luggage transport, and our much needed rest on the 14-hour flight.  Finally, pray that God will provide us with the energy and wisdom to begin our full week of training.

Reality is slowly hitting me that I’ll be in Asia SO SOON. I think it’ll come crashing in when I step off the plane in HK for sure.

Have an enjoyable Thursday!

Kristin