I have not been transparent with my plans for China. It was happening incredibly fast. I was so excited and eager that I was willing to neglect some very important details. However, I have a church body that cares about me so deeply to tell me to slow down and think about the situation more rationally. I am so thankful for this leadership I have at Grace Fellowship to guide me and support me even in these moments that I fail. I want you to know the entire story of my journey to get back to China.
When I first inquired about Shepherds Field I became overwhelmed by the amount of support I'd need just to stay at Shepherds Field. So I was going to give myself a year to support raise. That would bring me to the summer of 2016. But God provided the major cost of living there. He provided my lodging which includes one meal a day. This is the biggest part of what I needed so I became so overjoyed. When this happened I thought all I'd need was a plane ticket. I messaged my coordinator and asked if it was possible to come this summer instead. We made plans for me to come July-January. In a haste, I tried to get the $1,900 for my plane ticket so that I could leave immediately.
The loving leadership I have at Grace Fellowship encouraged me to slow down and ask myself some important questions that I was neglecting. That was the last thing I wanted to hear. Slowing down was my biggest fear. I absolutely despised the thought. God softened my heart to hear the words my leader was saying. I asked my coordinator what expenses I should expect. Her response proved how thoughtless I was. To get by in China for six months I'd need double what I was planning for! I was broken. I felt completely shattered. I had missed so much in my haste. But I am thankful! God showed me so much and I'm glad I can see it now and not when I arrived in China.
When I first inquired about Shepherds Field I became overwhelmed by the amount of support I'd need just to stay at Shepherds Field. So I was going to give myself a year to support raise. That would bring me to the summer of 2016. But God provided the major cost of living there. He provided my lodging which includes one meal a day. This is the biggest part of what I needed so I became so overjoyed. When this happened I thought all I'd need was a plane ticket. I messaged my coordinator and asked if it was possible to come this summer instead. We made plans for me to come July-January. In a haste, I tried to get the $1,900 for my plane ticket so that I could leave immediately.
The loving leadership I have at Grace Fellowship encouraged me to slow down and ask myself some important questions that I was neglecting. That was the last thing I wanted to hear. Slowing down was my biggest fear. I absolutely despised the thought. God softened my heart to hear the words my leader was saying. I asked my coordinator what expenses I should expect. Her response proved how thoughtless I was. To get by in China for six months I'd need double what I was planning for! I was broken. I felt completely shattered. I had missed so much in my haste. But I am thankful! God showed me so much and I'm glad I can see it now and not when I arrived in China.
Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.
So to be completely transparent with all who are supporting me these are my needs:
- 2,000 RMB a month ($320) x 6 months = $1,920
- $1,900 for my round trip flight
- approximately $500 for a second flight in September to renew my visa in Hong Kong
The 2,000 RMB suggested by my coordinator covers the rest of my meals, travel between cities, and groceries/hygiene expenses.
Thank you guys for your forgiving me in my haste. If you want to join me in this mission to love the least of these and learn more about my upcoming trip you can email me. I would love to be able to email my supporters while I'm away or even Skype.
