What did God do for you in 2017 and who are you going to tell?
This was the challenge that the speaker gave to us during the last church service of 2017 at Guangzhou International Christian Fellowship (GICF). And, as you can imagine, with our move to China just over one year ago, we have a lot to reflect on from this past year. So, this first post of 2018 is simply a testimony. It’s a testimony of what we’re thankful for in 2017, in no particular order, and and thank you for reading and letting me tell you :).
Exposure
This past year living in China has exposed us to more things that we could have ever imagined. We’ve travelled to unique places, (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Singapore) many of which I would not have been able to find a map a year ago. We’ve tried new foods (dim sum anyone?), learned about new customs and experienced foreign cultures – the good and the bad. I could have never dreamed how different and how similar people all over the world can be. The four of us all agree that this exposure is shaping us into better people.
Perseverance
There were times over the past year when I think we were all ready to book the next flight back to the US and call this whole thing off. There have definitely been challenges. Rob had to acclimate to a work environment where he is often the ‘only’ in so many ways (the only Black, the only American, the only R&D guy). I’ve had to figure out what on earth to do with my days after everyone scurries off to their routine days. The kids have had to figure out how to adapt to a different set of friends, school norms and activities. But through it all, we have persevered. Admittedly, we didn’t all have gumption to endure all the time. But at least one of us had the grit during the tough times, and that in itself brought us all through.
Family Time
When we signed on to come to China we had been warned that an international assignment will make your family ‘more of’ whatever your family is, due in part to the amount of time you end up spending together. So, if your family is crazy, this experience will make you crazier. If your family is emotional – you will be more emotional at the end. If your family is closer, this will bring you closer. Well, we found this to be absolutely true and we have been all of those things at some point during this journey. We’ve grown closer as a unit, spend more time together, have found more things we enjoy, and for that I’m thankful.
Community
The move to China has been made easier with the help of a supportive community of foreigners here in Guangzhou. The school, church, our apartment complex and women’s groups have all been critical in ensuring that we didn’t lose our way. These communities have not only helped us learn the ropes, but they have kept us sane even when they didn’t know it. I don’t typically make New Year’s resolutions, but I have resolved in the coming year to push even harder for community in 2018.
Happy New Year – I’m wishing you all a great 2018.
Thanks again for taking this journey with us!
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