Living in the Moment

So I have started reading a new book called Seizing your Divine Moment by Erwin McMannus.  In case you can’t tell by the title the book is about knowing your dreams and taking advantage of the moment to make them happen. 

It is an appropriate book to read this summer because China is a part of my dreams for my future.  Right now I have the opportunity to learn about the culture and learn the language.  I have the opportunity to develop my walk with the Lord, to prepare spiritually and physically for the school year.  I have the opportunity to learn more about being a parent as I live with a family.

This summer is a moment to prepare for the future, but it is also  a moment to seize itself.

Here are some quotes:

·         “Adventureà an undertaking or enterprise of a hazardous nature.”

·         “The quest is to live the life God created you to experience.  The journey begins now-in this moment. And whatever you do, don’t underestimate what you may find.”

·         “The most important moments rarely come at a convenient time.  Sometimes you wish that God would check your calendar first.  The ironic part is that our schedules get so packed with the mundane and ordinary, and we become irritated with God when He interrupts us with the miraculous and extraordinary.”    

·         “Moments carry the momentum of the past and fuel the momentum of the future.”

Switching Gears:

Anyway, I have been having a blast.  I have met hilarious people, and I live with adorable kids.  The best is when Gabriel, the 5 year old boy, gives me a kiss or something because I can tease him about how my boyfriend is going to be jealous.

Or when the kids play hid and seek, they don’t quite grasp the concept yet.  Especially not Abby, the 2 ½ year old who runs out of her hiding spot screaming. Lol.

How about the awesome “you lunatic foreigner” looks I get when I go running around the river outside my apartment?  I tell you what, the Chinese have that look mastered.  I thought I knew what it was to be stared at, but then I came to China, and then I went running in China. 

Great moments when I chase down a Chinese teenage and “ask” (in my non-existent Chinese) to play with their soccer ball or ride their ripstick around.  I love the look on their face… I can just hear their thoughts “Oh no the crazy foreigner is running up to us… wait, she wants what?  I can’t wait to see how this turns out…”

Laugh if you want, but that has happened many times.  One time I chased three teenage guys down the road at like 10 at night to juggle their soccer ball for a few seconds.  My friends were cracking up, and the three Chinese guys… they didn’t know what to think.  I bet they still look like a deer in the head lights.

Fun Fact:  you can ask my mom for confirmation, but I am forever getting something on myself.  I try to avoid wearing white because I know that item of clothing is doomed. 

SO, imagine me with chopsticks.  I mean I am fairly proficient, but still noodles and such are hard, and the spices turn everything red.  I made a bunch of tie dye for this trip… good thing, because the splash stains don’t show =). 

Right now, at this moment, I am trying to make the most of the little things because I am coming down off of literally climbing a mountain every day.  It is an interesting transition to make back into normal life, but the refreshment from the last few days is still with me.  God is good, and I am loving being here.

Well that is all for now, I will have tons to share after this weekend hopefully. =)

Over and Out,

Li Ai

Ps… if you like kettle corn, move to China.  The popcorn here has a nice sweet aftertaste. But if you are a fan of movie theater popcorn, then steer clear.