Fish Heads and Paparazzi and People… Oh My!

Our team upon arrival in Shenzhen

It is amazing the time it takes to truly process a trip like China. So much occurs in such a short time that you wonder what to share with everyone. I am going to do my best to share the amazing experience that God blessed us with while in China.

Some highlights for me were:

-Arriving in Hong Kong, we dropped off my bags and I was finally able to join the amazing family that God blessed me with for the past few weeks. We bonded in the lights of the harbor and over some amazing mango drinks!

-We had the opportunity to go to church in Hong Kong. It is so cool to see the church in Asia so on fire for God and to share Him with those around them. Even at the end of the service there were multiple hands raised at the call to accept the sacrifice that Jesus gave for them. 

 

One of my favourite little guys in yellow!

-Visiting the two factories that we would be serving at the following days. One factory made switches and plugs while the other made lingerie and sleep wear. We were also scheduled to play some basketball at the factories as well. They had initially thought we were team Canada, which scared me a lot, seeing as I had never played a real game of basketball.  Our first night of playing I did not head out on the court very much as I was pretty intimidated. The next game, with some encouragement from my teammates I played a bit more and by the time our third game rolled around I played most of the game as our runner and even scored some points. 

Our time in the factories gave me some insight into the culture in China and why people do what they do. Now being in South Africa, it sure feels like there is a lot more room to breathe here!

Playing Stella-Ella-ola

-Playing with the kids at the factories, leading some soccer, some crazy indoor games and even a rousing round of Stella-ella- ola… Many of you will probably remember that one from elementary school. Haha.  

 

-The skit and songs, and testimonies that we shared at the second factory were special. It was cool to see the messages that the kids pulled from it. Thin included things are not always solved best through violence and that pride often leads to failure. God is moving in the lives of these kids and it is exciting to see!

 

-Oh and the dance from the garment factory. Love this... I hope to keep in shape by performing it daily!! Haha.

Can 2 On the beach!

-Cheering on Team Canada in soccer, beach volleyball and indoor volleyball! I am so proud of all of our athletes that left it all on the pitch, sand or court.

 

 

-Attempting to find the China Sea!!!

-Catching up with Sam in China!

-Some amazing Chinese food… and some really interesting food. 

For more details about the things that we did you can check out our blog. The information is on my pre-China blog and you can email me to get the password.

One of the things that I learned more about over this trip is that everyone has a kind of sweet spot when it comes to serving God. When they are outside of this spot serving is really draining and although it is rewarding they are not able to keep it up too long. However, when they are serving in their sweet spot the time is actually almost refreshing and refilling for them.  I am not positive where my sweet spot is yet but I am excited for this journey to find out.

Hong Kong university students converted to cheer for Canada

One of my greatest challenges on this trip came after our first day in the Athletes Village.  The morning started great. Jess and I were able to walk right in to the dining hall despite not having the correct passes and the first girl we talk to is a South African soccer player. She told us where the girls were sitting and I reunited with Shorty and Noko, (two of the athletes we were at camp with) among other girls. After that, we went into the other dining hall and I tried to start some conversations with some of the other athletes. These were fine but had no depth to them. I realized at that point how completely unprepared I was to be in China and even more so South Africa.However, God is so faithful and two of my teammates really encouraged me. They reminded me firstly that God did not call some me of the future who was fully prepared and some super speaker and ultra wise. He called me, as I am, and all He wants from is to step out in faith and go. They also reminded me that God is made so much stronger in my weakness; because it is there, in my brokenness, that there is no room for doubt of who is in control and making the extraordinary happen.  

 The next time we were in the village the morning was tough as we hit many language barriers, but I felt God calling me to stay with a small group that was going to stick around the village longer while the rest of our team went to watch track. 

God blessed the time and I went forward trusting in Him. I had a few great conversations. First, I connected with a bunch of South African track athletes; it was neat to get a different perspective on South Africa because of their cultural upbringing compared to the soccer girls. The next course (dessert :) ) was shared with a rhythmic gymnastics coach from Finland. She was a special woman with such a heart for her team. We talked a lot about identity and worth and ways we can help athletes find these values outside of the podium. We also spoke about burnout and the impact it has on athletes and about her own experiences with it. Lastly, we began to talk about the importance of full round coaching, including the value of spiritual support. We then spoke about the church in Finland and I think we both left feeling encouraged and challenged.

Our constant friends in the Paparazzi

 God provided many opportunities to learn a lot from the athletes and staff at these games and many chances to step out and trust Him. I relearned in a better way that God does not need me to know everything, instead to just be willing and open to learning and trusting Him to lead. Also, just to spend time getting to know Him and His word better. It is not complicated, but not always easy either. I thank God for this experience in China and for all of you that are uplifting me in your thoughts and prayers!