I have also heard many people say that they would like to help me financially, and I am thoroughly blessed! God works in wonderful ways! Speaking of helping out financially, I am currently fundraising! Right now I am in Wisconsin for various reasons, one of them to get my diploma (which I got today!) and another is to get the word out about my missionary call to Macau. I want to share my excitement with as many people as possible, and to spend some time with friends in the process.
My trip to Wisconsin yesterday was not uneventful. For those who do not know, 6 years ago (in February) I was involved in a roll-over van accident with my youth group. This was at mile marker 11 on I90 in Minnesota. We were on our way home from a ski trip in Minnesota, and we hit a patch of black ice sending us spinning and into the ditch. Everyone was alright, but we were all shaken. So: back to yesterday. I watched a van roll onto its side on that exact patch of interstate. It was very close to the same date, too. It was scary for me to watch, and I stopped to help them out. Turns out there was nothing I could do to help, because nobody was hurt (thankfully!!), and all they had to do was figure out how to get out of their seat belts without falling, and to get out of the van. There were multiple vehicles that stopped to help, and eventually they got into someone's truck to wait for the tow truck, and the rest of us were on our way. I said a prayer of thanks to God for their safety, and literally thought about it for the next hour or two. It made me think: wow. God has us here for a purpose. The car accident that I was in 6 years ago could have taken my life: but it didn't. God has a greater plan. I don't know what this plan is, but it's something! I am excited to be a part of God's plan, whatever it may be. Right now, I think it is to be a missionary in China, and I am ecstatic to take part of this adventure!
Now that I have some information about this adventure, people are asking me all sorts of questions! Here is a list of some of the frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions, post it as a comment and I will answer!
FAQ
Q: How long will you be in Wisconsin?
A: Well, I am here for sure until February 27. (I will be gone from the 16th through the 22nd, but will be back from the 22nd-27). On that day, I am leading a bible study at one of the local churches, and am going to stay until then, possibly longer if the opportunity arises for me to fundraise more.
Q: When are you leaving for China, and for how long?
I am going in August 2011, and will stay there for 1 year. I may choose to extend, and if the field accepts, then I will come back for a month (around July) to raise funds once again so that I can return to China the next year.
Q: Is there any training you will go through?
Yes. LCMS-World Missions has orientation for all of their GEO missionaries in June. I will be going through that, and learning how to teach English as a foreign language.
Q: What can I do to keep in touch and "join" you in China?
A: To extend the opportunity to join in this adventure with me. You have already joined me in one way by reading my blog! Another way to join me is through prayer--I will need a lot of it!! (See prayer requests at the bottom). Finally, please pray about becoming a financial partner with me. If you feel that God is leading you to share in this way, let me know, and I will get a fundraising letter to you, and/or visit you in person! I will be updating my blog both before my trip and during my missionary service, keeping you up dated constantly.
Q: What are you going to do in China?
A: My title is a Relationship Builder through EFL. I will be teaching English as a Foreign Language to the Chinese speakers. The age levels will vary, as will the class sizes. It will range from kids to adults, and 1-2 person tutoring sessions to larger classes. This will account for about 15 hours a week. I will spend another 25-30 hours a week leading Bible studies, spending time with students, helping out with various activities, and doing...well...relationship building! I hope to take Chinese classes while I am there as well.
Q: Do you speak Chinese?
A: Not yet! I am learning slowly. I need to learn Cantonese and Mandarin...not sure which I should learn first. Mandarin is more useful in China as a whole, but Cantonese is the main language in Macau and the Guangdong province. All students supposedly learn Mandarin in school, but I don't know how well they know it, or if vendors and others around will know it for me to use in daily life.
Q: Do you know people over there?
A: Yes! I know a couple people over there currently! Some are returning to the states (or other locations) before I get there, but I believe there are some that I know who will be there when I am.
Q: Do you have any prayer requests?
A: YES!!!!!
Prayer Requests:
- For the fundraising process to go well, and for my needed support to be raised.
- For the people and missionaries in Macau.
- For my safety as I plan to travel a lot: both fundraising and actually going to China in August.
- For my heart to be open to doing the work that God has planned for me.
- For there to be ample opportunities for me to share God's love, both at home and abroad.
God does great things, The joy is in the telling!
ReplyDeleteIm glad you are sharing your wonderful journey :)