Sunburn and Living Extraordinarily

Hello! Here comes another spew of thoughts, questions and daily happenings in my life here in Hong Kong...

It's almost been over six weeks that I have been here in Asia. The longest I've been away from home. For some it's a ridiculously short period of time since many of you have moved away for uni. But not me, no siree - I'm an in-towner, commuter, mum and pop's last kid to cling onto. So being away for the first (real) time has been quite the experience.

One huge lesson has got to be independence. It's never been more real to me than living over here. I feel as though I've gotten quite a good grip on how things are done here in HK. In terms of public transportation etiquette (which is non-existent), working in the 'cut-throat' business of trade shows (which really isn't so cut-throat when you get the hang of it), gross sticky weather (which I'm slowly adjusting to) and the ever so cheap food which can easily become your worst enemy when it comes to digestion. I'm really starting to love living here!

One of the reasons why I'm enjoying it so much over here is because of this family I've found at The Vine Christian Fellowship (the church Mike and I are currently attending). I've really never encountered a group of people who are so genuine and obvious in their love for God and for people. 'Friendly' is an understatement. Now, I've seen my fair share of churches during the YOAH days but this one truly stands out.

They are a body of believers who are not merely people of words but people of action.

A huge distinction that has humbled and led me to really re-think what 'church' should be about.

Yesterday I joined a bunch of them from 180 (the young adults fellowship) on a junk trip. (For those of you who have no idea what a 'junk' is - it's basically a yacht/boat - no idea why they call it a 'junk' though!) Mike has to work every other Saturday's so he couldn't join us. As silly as it may sound, it was a step for me to go when I don't really know a lot of people yet. Call me crazy, but I can be shy! Yet it's difficult to stay that way when everyone is just so...well, friendly! And I'm not talking about a simple 'hi and bye' kind of conversation. But sincere and meaningful conversations with perfect strangers.

We went to some beautiful beaches near Clear Water Bay and discovered that HK is actually quite amazing. We didn't find white sand beaches nor crystal clear waters but we were pretty darn close. I forgot my swimming gear (doh!) but some of the girls brought extra swim tops and shorts so I got the chance to swim in the abnormally warm and shark infested waters! It's been a while since I've swam, let alone in the sea - but I had a great time and also an awesome cardio workout!

After a fun morning/afternoon of meeting people, chatting, tanning and swimming we were back to HK for 180 later that evening. On our way back I got the chance to chat with Laura and Mark for a bit and it was so encouraging to hear what God's up to in HK. My heart races as I think about the Lord and His kingdom expanding in Asia. We were all so carried away in our talk that I neglected to re-apply sun screen to my already tanned upper body yet still pasty lower body.

By the time we reached the pier I was beginning to feel the affects of my absent-mindedness. When a few of us got to The Vine a bit earlier for prayer meeting everyone kept saying 'WOAH! You're so red!'. I didn't really get a chance to take a good look until later that night. And let's just say I've never seen this shade of red nor felt this perpetual burning sensation on my thighs and back every before. I have the worst sun burn EVER! And for all those pasty haters - I'm at least 10 shades darker than what I was when I got here! Hah!

180 has been such a powerful tool of ministry to me personally since I've been here. I totally believe in their vision of being a venue for young adults to meet with Jesus, to be equipped and sent out into the world (literally). People from all over the world attend this church from Europe to North America to Asia to Africa. And many of these individuals are here for different lengths of time and then return to their homeland. It's so mission oriented without necessarily saying it all the time. Once again - people of faith, vision and action.

As we were worshipping last night we sang 'Inside Out' one of my favs off the most recent United CD. The Lord has been using music, in particular, to speak to me here in Asia.

As we sang the bridge '...and the cry of my heart is to bring You praise from the inside out of my soul cries out...' my heart just birthed with renewed passion and vision for my life. That truly is my life's purpose - to bring Him praise - to make His Name and Renown spread on this earth!

Through the varying ministries at this church Dad's been speaking to me lots about re-learning everything I thought I knew about it means to be a disciple. He's teaching me that inward transformation is crucial for outward change. Character is more important than power. And the song 'Inside Out' couldn't be more timely and confirming.

Janice preached that night about people of faith. It really prompted something in my heart about what the Lord will be doing to me here in HK. I really do believe that He's raised me up for such a time as this. I don't say it lightly nor in a prideful way. Rather, I choose to walk and live in the calling I believe He's revealing to me day by day. Tom Read (the worship director of this church) began to sing 'History Maker'. My eyes filled with emotion and tears as I was reminded of all that Dad's called us to be - but oh how far I am from that!

I believe that we are destined for great things if we believe it. I believe that each day should be nothing less than extraordinary and supernatural. I believe that we ARE called to be 'speakers of Truth to all mankind'.

When I spent three weeks in China each day was so unpredictable. Unpredictable in the sense that no day was ordinary. Each new day brought with it new experiences and encounters. Divine appointments. Coming back to HK I feel as though I've slipped back into the routine of ordinary. Not that HK is deprived of supernatural encounters - there's just too much 'noise'. But last night at 180 I knew that isn't what God desires. We should expect nothing less than supernatural and extraordinary with Him. We're talking about 'nothing is impossible' JESUS! C'mon now!

Speaking of extraordinary, I mean that in every aspect of our lives. From our occupations to our relationships. Mike and I both caught onto that last night and spent an amazing time of prayer after the service for one another and our relationship. I really do believe that God's leading us to a new season in our relationship and I'm just SO excited! We're not satisfied with where we are right now but we desire further purging and growth in our lives! Our adventure is truly just beginning...



For all those reading, thank you so much for praying - for your prayers are moving mountains in my life here in HK. Keep those encouraging emails coming! I'm praying for all of you too :)

Until next time...

live extraordinarily.