Campus Target

Today, my group had a Thanksgiving party for our Asian friends. I thought my apartment was big, but seeing it full of thirty people made me reconsider its size. What a fantastic turnout!

As we all sat in the café talking, it became evident that Angela was aware of the God-shaped hole in her heart. She shared that she does not have any beliefs, but she would like to. The door was wide open for me to suggest that we meet later to talk about what I believe, but I almost missed the opportunity – it’s a good thing Enrique nudged me!

I was at the English Corner near my apartment, where students come to practice their English every Thursday. I saw the big group of people just standing around outside the park, lit by the streetlights. I walked up to them slowly, not knowing exactly if I would like this experience.

I lifted my chopsticks and skeptically picked up the cube of coagulated chicken’s blood from my bowl. I was having hot pot, which is a glorified DIY soup you can get at restaurants here. They provide the pot, fire and water, and you put in the veggies and meat and wait for it to cook. My Asian friend, Ellen, had scooped the jiggly cube it out of the pot and put it in my bowl of dipping sauce, saying, “Have a try!”

Duke and I entered the south gate of campus. A group of students was already there, talking amongst themselves in a clump, not moving any further into the campus. “I wonder what they’re waiting for?” Duke said to me, and we soon found out. They came over to us, all asking, “Can I take a picture of you?” Suddenly we were surrounded by about a dozen Asian students and their camera phones.

Getting used to Asian culture is difficult for me right now. Everything is just SO different – even the flow of traffic is not the same as it is in the States. My body is still getting used to the time zone, altitude, and food, and my mind is trying to grasp the culture. But I’m trying to see it all as an opportunity for God to make me into the person I’m becoming.

For those who have been praying for my money situation, I just want to let you know that God’s been good! He’s continued to be faithful, even when I have doubts that He will. It’s really great to see what happens when I put everything into His hands!

I am so excited to go now! I have a far better idea now of exactly what I’m going to be doing once I get there, and I am almost ready to go! God has provided so much support for me – it’s amazing to see His faithfulness, even in spite of my doubt and anxiety.