John's First Letter
todd.ho...@gmail.com
My life-long dream of being in the Summer Olympic Games has slowly
faded away, but I figured that I'd go to China anyway. I won't make it
into the Beijing Olympics next summer, but here I am.
I arrived Friday night after a twenty-hour commute. A delayed flight
got me in late, and to the flat where I stayed the first night at 2:00
in the morning. I slept well that first night and the next morning
made my way to Chung Cheau Island where the team here was off on their
annual retreat. After working my way along on the train and winding my
way through Kowloon, I found the Star Ferry and off I went. The smog
has completely enveloped the city here and was especially noticeable
from the ferry. I watched as skyscrapers, cargo ships, and small
fishing boats were slowly engulfed and vanished like ghosts. Brad met
me on the other side and gave me a warm welcome. I joined the team at
the tail end of lunch and reunited with some familiar friends. Carol,
Matthew, Ben and Sophie were all there for the retreat and good to
have as anchor points while my head was still spinning from the long
travel. Some good time sitting on the beach listening to the waves
gently lap against the brown sandy shore provided a much needed
respite from the constant noise and moving around of the previous 24
hours.
While at the retreat I had the opportunity to chat with one of the
retreat leaders who was brought in from the US. His "work" involves
traveling around the world to encourage friends who are working "out
in the field." He provides workshops, support, and long-term
relationships for those who often feel isolated where they are working
for the Father. As these things have been in my thoughts and heart
lately, I was encouraged by this "chance" encounter and enjoyed asking
questions and learning more about his experience in this kind of work.
Being invited to the retreat proved to be key, as it allowed me more
opportunity to connect with the volunteers, meet new folks, and begin
deepening relationships with the folks here. Brandy, one of the key
leaders here, expressed her thankfulness that I am here, to help with
the work that they are doing (it is a very busy week), but also (and
especially) to spend time with the young men that are currently
volunteering. On the way home from the island we arranged to have me
stay with three of the guys out at their flat just a few minutes from
the office. I had been praying that the Lord would open up
opportunities for me to connect with these guys. Four of the women
volunteers live two floors down from this flat and so it's kinda like
summer camp with the girls in their cabin and the guys upstairs, with
lots of back and forth visits. Last night everyone was over for Pizza
Hut (yes there is pizza here) and zombie movies. It was a fun night to
hang out, become one of the gang, and observe how this little
community works.
Today was my first real day of work. Since I'm here alone, I'm being
included in more of the behind-the-scenes work. This morning it was
hauling boxes of "books" up to the office. I get to see how schedules
are set, and help get folks around who are here for the first time
(funny, because I'm not the best person here at finding my way
around). It was a bit of a frustrating day. Because of scheduling I
missed all meals until 3:00, I had an unsuccessful first crossing, and
the ATM machine didn't spit out the correct number of bills ($25 USD
isn't a lot of money, but it's just the principle of it all). It
reminded me that perhaps there was more against me than what was
visible on the surface. And so we do a lot of "thinking" here,
recognizing that all we do and accomplish is a gift from Father.
Tonight I'm heading downtown with a couple of the young guys here.
We're meeting up with Matthew J for dinner at the Chung King Mansion
for some of the best Indian food in town. Brad took our team there in
June and we all loved it. The CKM is a little sketchy...Well, a lot
sketchy really, full of shops and "restaurants" and housing
accommodations. Criminals hide out in this old dilapidated monster of
a building. Don't worry, we have a wise and responsible guide.
I leave for mainland on Friday with a team of four from Detroit. I'm
tagging along on their flight to YS. I'll be staying around a week,
and hope to connect with some of our "friends" there. Please keep this
in your thoughts,especially that opportunities would present
themselves. Safety is always an issue, as well as timing. I'm
traveling there open-handed, trusting that Father has some plans
worked out for me. While there I will have daily access to email, but
need to be cautious about what gets sent back and forth. Please feel
free to write, but follow the basic guidelines and cautions of the
note that I recently sent out.
Well friends, I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be here, and for
all of your support and thoughts. Time to get ready for the Chung King
Mansion and Indian food!.
Stay tuned for more, and please feel free to write. It is encouraging
to hear from you. I even had the chance to instant message with one of
you this afternoon! Isn't technology something?
Looking forward to sharing more and hearing from you!
John