Campus Target

Dr. Seuss once wrote, “How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before its afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness, how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?” I can’t help but empathize with Dr. Seuss. As the year draws to a close, it’s hard to believe it’s already over! It feels as though we’ve only just arrived and have so much work to do. Alas, we’re wrapping things up and preparing to return home.

The first girl we met on campus in August was named Linda. When we made dinner plans for later in the week, she asked if she could bring her friend Sylvia. That was the beginning of a fantastic friendship with Sylvia that has lasted the whole year.

Lately, I’ve found myself talking with my Chinese friends about what their hopes and dreams are for the future. Instead of just hearing the typical, “I want to make money, get married, and have a child,” my friends have been surprising me.

Yolanda is one of my Chinese friends, and sophomore in school. Right before we met for lunch I simply asked God for an open door to share the Gospel with her, and He did not disappoint!

On our last day in Thailand, we had an opportunity to go white water rafting! It was amazing!! At one point, our guide tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Can you swim?” When I responded to the affirmative, he promptly pushed me out of the boat!

Imagine a stadium filled with 3,000 Asian people praising God. “Impossible!” you say. A few months ago, I would have agreed that it was highly improbable — it just doesn’t sound like the Asia I know. However, two days ago, the “impossible” happened. I stood on a stage facing thousands of Asian believers freely praising God!

Studying a new language can be frustrating, difficult, and confusing at times. However, there are other moments that are enlightening, rewarding, and fun. My favorite part of studying a new language is not the grammar, but the vocabulary and the characters. My favorite word to say right now is “hungry” because it’s just one letter!

Looking out the bus window a few days before our Thanksgiving party, I saw a man driving his car with a passenger in the front seat. The passenger was leaning over and trying to help the driver steer! It was an instant reminder to me about our walk with God.

Knock knock knock.

We all looked at each other, wondering who it could be. Our Bible study had started an hour before, and we weren’t expecting anyone else to arrive. I looked through the peep hole, and to my surprise, a police officer stood outside. I breathed a quick prayer, and opened the door…

Wobbling at the rainy bus stop, I slipped and lost my balance. Powerless to stop myself, I came within inches of falling in front of a fast approaching bus!