I realized something while reading my previous post. I seemed I may have come across somewhat complaining about my lack of comfort in China. I wanted to make sure you all know that I absolutely loved every second I was in China. Even though some of my normal comforts were taken away, I would go back and would have stayed longer if possible.
A simple truth that I understand is best explained through this quote…
“MY COMFORT IS NOT GOD’S PRIORITY.”
I’ve finally realized that meaning.
I got home last night to homemade lasagna and salad i ate a whole row out of the pan, but as I was shoving the food into my mouth my mom wanted to show me something, she opened up her laptop and there was the picture you put on this website of me and the two chinese girls (morgan and ellen), and immediately, i felt like i was fixing to throw up there was so many tears, I miss them so much. Brian words cannot describe how much this trip really meant to me, yeah it was rough in the beginning but God got me through along with showing me what I’m supposed to do with the rest of my life. After I graduate, you better believe you’ll be seeing me go all over this world. I really appreciate you letting me go on this trip, I feel like I need to go back, that there is more to give them, I’m not done with them, and I never will be. I swore I’d be back for them, and I’m keeping that promise.
I love you guys, and thanks SOC for all your support on this trip.
-Mackenzie
sorry that was me, not my mom….
Thanks, Brian, for the opportunity of a lifetime. I LOVED the trip and LOVED getting to know the awesome SOC group better. They are an incredible group of young people and they owe that partially to an incredible leader. You are great and I’m blessed to have my girls be a part of SOC/SM.
God revealed many things to me through the Chinese students. My life will forever be changed by this experience. I love that I was able to watch change happen in my daughter and that we made those memories together.
Reading your blogs, I never heard a hint of complaining. I think being there, we realized how blessed we are. We noticed comforts that we take for granted everyday. But also saw that we can live without them too. They are just things. If we are where God wants us to be, we don’t have to have hot showers and toilets!! We have to find comfort in HIM. We so often loose sight of that surrounded by THINGS. HE IS ALL WE NEED.
That being said, the comforts I missed the most were (in no particular order):
MY BRIAN
EMALEE
MARY
JO
AND MY BED
Thanks a million, you guys!
Mackenzie & Janene – thanks for the powerful words. They were so good for me to hear. Thank you both.
I’m so happy for you guys! I missed Heather while you guys were gone and can’t wait to catch up on ALL the wonderful stories!!!
those are some powerful words
Amen that brother.