It was early and dark, with subtle hints that dawn would come. I was alone. The waves were gentle and barely made a sound; I knew they were there although I couldn't yet see them. The ocean had receded well over a hundred yards from where I walked. Only a few condos had lights on. A few lights scattered across the water indicated that some were fishing. It was quiet and still and a refreshing-but-infrequent breeze delighted me.
I cherish moments like these.
My friends in China are ending their day as we prepare to begin ours. The sun sets in the east as it rises in the west. I feel closer to them by being here. I wonder how my students are doing? Most have graduated now and are moving on with their lives. They write of the sorrow of college days ending. Some are studying furiously in preparation for post-graduate exams! Others have returned home to sort out the rest of their lives. Still others have found jobs in distant cities and are stretching their wings. A small fraction are already engaged in post-graduate studies.
My heart still frequently walks the streets of Changchun! I visit Yitong He where I walked so many times along the river! I hurry up the sidewalk along Weixing Liu as I did so many times on my way to classes. I wander down Vendor Street (my selected name) and smell the foods being prepared by the street vendors. I stop and peruse the items on their tables. I listen to the banter over prices for fruits and vegetables. I remember the feeling of adventure of being so far from home. I saunter down the long hall to our twelfth floor apartment and reflect on the comfort and simplicity of our China home! I look out our windows at the massive, red Chinese characters on the tops of the surrounding buildings. I see hundreds of older people walking and talking their way around South Campus in the early morning!
It's real to me.
How glad I am that we spent those years teaching in China. How much I appreciate the cultural experiences we had. I miss the food! I reflect on the challenges. I ponder our trips! I remember my classroom experiences and the relationships with students. I smile as I reflect on the animated discussions that took place during my morning 'Free-Talk' gatherings. I remember the passion and creativity of my students!
Going there was a huge and fearful adventure for us - but oh, how glad I am that we took the plunge! My life is so enriched.
We rarely talk of it now. Very few inquire of our experiences. We just passed a year of being back in the states. Our lives have acclimated through many painful experiences to our present state. We have a new home. I've been at my new job for a year. Life is different than its ever been before.
Because my work is over an hour away, building deep relationships is a huge challenge. Outside of family, we haven't really developed new friendships. Relationships with old friends are awkward and infrequent. In some ways, I feel like a transient; three days there and four days here. My life is new in ways I don't quite know how to handle.
I seem to be balancing between two worlds - both somewhat foreign to me. I'm struggling to find a new comfort zone. Home doesn't feel quite like home. My heart feels different than its ever felt before.
The early hints of dawn are now broadening into full cloud cover. No sunrise is visible this morning, but the light filters through. I find a porch swing at the beach entrance and mull over my thoughts and feelings............
I miss Travis more than I can describe!
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Thursday, September 8, 2016
A Family Tradition
When I was young, the church was like a second home to me. My family was there every Sunday morning for Sunday School and worship; and again for the Sunday evening service. Tuesday nights were for CYC (Christian Youth Crusaders). Wednesday nights were prayer meeting. Twice a year we would have a week-long revival - and we were there every night! Then there were Board meetings and Trustee meetings and WMS meetings and Missions rallies and District Youth Rallies and District Quarterly Conferences and Youth Camp and Family Camp and Annual conference - you get the idea!
On our way to church on Sundays we stopped to pick up Vint and Mae Baker and transport them to and from church. My Dad was a class leader for the 'Mercer Road' class. After class meeting (which was after prayer meeting on Wednesday) he would stop briefly at the homes of the people who had not attended the class. I remember sitting in the car and waiting for him to return. Mom was the local leader of the WMS (Women's Missionary Society). She was also the Cradle Roll Director for a while. She opened our home to bishops, evangelists, missionaries and other guests constantly. Our family's 'Guest Album' was a "Who's Who in Free Methodism". When the church had a work day, we all participated! I still remember Joe Douglas coaching me on painting the church basement with precision.
It was a family legacy of serving that was concentrated through the life of our local church! My parents chose to teach by example. I don't recall ever being taught or encouraged to serve; we just caught it through their persistent and committed example!
I smiled a few weeks ago when Troy told me he couldn't get together with me because he was working at his church! Just last week, he told me that he's working on repairing the outside cross on the church! When we visit Tracie and Jon, we notice that he leaves extra early on Sunday morning to lead the parking team! Often when we call them, they tell us of time spent working on the church property!
We visited them a couple of weeks ago. I'm an early riser and was up working on a message for Sunday at Kittanning Free Methodist Church. Our granddaughter, Rylie, (8 years old) is also an early riser. She snuggled up close to me and started reading what I was typing. That's when this conversation took place:
RYLIE: [Almost whispered] "Poppy, I serve at my church!"
POPPY: "You do?"
RYLIE: "Yes. I asked my Mom if I could serve and she talked to my teacher. Now I serve with the 2 and 3 year olds!"
POPPY: "Wow, Rylie, that's great! I'm so proud of you!" [Big hugs were exchanged.]
I later asked Tracie about Rylie's serving. She confirmed that Rylie indicated a desire to serve like her Mommy and Daddy. After speaking with her teacher, the leaders approved Rylie to work once-a-month with the 2&3 year olds. So, once-a-month, after attending her own Sunday School class, Rylie serves (alongside her Mom) during the next period with the younger children. Tracie reports that the younger children absolutely love her!
As a church leader for over forty years, I've faced repeated attempts to find people to serve in various roles in the church. It has, at times, been a discouraging task. Actually, we're facing this very need at the church I'm currently serving. I'm hoping for an influx of new people who are eager to contribute to the joy of ministry!
By the way, you're never too old or too young to serve! Rylie helps prove that! And don't you dare say, "I've done my time!" Serving is not a punishment! Serving is the key to joy! Serving puts a smile on Jesus' face! Serving puts others first!
And parents: Don't teach your children to serve - SHOW THEM HOW TO SERVE! Set an example that will stir their hearts and make them want to do the same!
On our way to church on Sundays we stopped to pick up Vint and Mae Baker and transport them to and from church. My Dad was a class leader for the 'Mercer Road' class. After class meeting (which was after prayer meeting on Wednesday) he would stop briefly at the homes of the people who had not attended the class. I remember sitting in the car and waiting for him to return. Mom was the local leader of the WMS (Women's Missionary Society). She was also the Cradle Roll Director for a while. She opened our home to bishops, evangelists, missionaries and other guests constantly. Our family's 'Guest Album' was a "Who's Who in Free Methodism". When the church had a work day, we all participated! I still remember Joe Douglas coaching me on painting the church basement with precision.
It was a family legacy of serving that was concentrated through the life of our local church! My parents chose to teach by example. I don't recall ever being taught or encouraged to serve; we just caught it through their persistent and committed example!
I smiled a few weeks ago when Troy told me he couldn't get together with me because he was working at his church! Just last week, he told me that he's working on repairing the outside cross on the church! When we visit Tracie and Jon, we notice that he leaves extra early on Sunday morning to lead the parking team! Often when we call them, they tell us of time spent working on the church property!
We visited them a couple of weeks ago. I'm an early riser and was up working on a message for Sunday at Kittanning Free Methodist Church. Our granddaughter, Rylie, (8 years old) is also an early riser. She snuggled up close to me and started reading what I was typing. That's when this conversation took place:
RYLIE: [Almost whispered] "Poppy, I serve at my church!"
POPPY: "You do?"
RYLIE: "Yes. I asked my Mom if I could serve and she talked to my teacher. Now I serve with the 2 and 3 year olds!"
POPPY: "Wow, Rylie, that's great! I'm so proud of you!" [Big hugs were exchanged.]
I later asked Tracie about Rylie's serving. She confirmed that Rylie indicated a desire to serve like her Mommy and Daddy. After speaking with her teacher, the leaders approved Rylie to work once-a-month with the 2&3 year olds. So, once-a-month, after attending her own Sunday School class, Rylie serves (alongside her Mom) during the next period with the younger children. Tracie reports that the younger children absolutely love her!
As a church leader for over forty years, I've faced repeated attempts to find people to serve in various roles in the church. It has, at times, been a discouraging task. Actually, we're facing this very need at the church I'm currently serving. I'm hoping for an influx of new people who are eager to contribute to the joy of ministry!
By the way, you're never too old or too young to serve! Rylie helps prove that! And don't you dare say, "I've done my time!" Serving is not a punishment! Serving is the key to joy! Serving puts a smile on Jesus' face! Serving puts others first!
And parents: Don't teach your children to serve - SHOW THEM HOW TO SERVE! Set an example that will stir their hearts and make them want to do the same!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)