| Here I am again!
I haven't seen most of you guys for a long time. But everything's fine and well on this side here! I just have to say that THIS summer has been one of the craziest, weirdest, and is probably a life-changing summer for me. I've seen and experienced so many things here that I wouldn't have imagined I would do, or wouldn't have the chance to back in Vancouver. This is really all thanks to my uncle and aunt. I'm so grateful that they allow to participate in so many things, and never gave up on me even when I always hesitated or didn't want to do something.
I've been doing A LOT of things. During the middle of July, for a week, I was able to participate in Gateway camp, which is a camp for youth and families from ALL over the world to participate in to learn more about God and Jesus Christ. Not only that, it particularly aims for the spreading of Christianity in China, therefore Hong Kong was the gateway to China, hence the name. I know, some of you are already thinking, wow, how boring could that be. But I think this camp really had an impact on me. The lectures and discussions they had actually made me listen.
I mean, I was never really very religious. I only went to church when I was young, and in my mind, I had a preference for Christianity and knew there must be a God, but never really acted on it or tried to develop any spirituality or anything. There were some attempts. I didn't really pray either. Anyhow, it isn't that now I've suddenly turned all Christian and started preaching things. But I do believe. There's a lot of things I learned. So much information that I haven't time to digest all of it yet, but I have the urge to really try to let Him guide me. I guess having met so many different people of other nations all loving God in one place really affected something in me. I really think it's so good to believe, even though sometimes I'm really so lost, it's good to know there is someone watching you. Because He really DOES answer your prayers. At first I thought it was just coincidence. But there's SO many things that happens that really make it unbelieveable it can happen by itself. Even some of the smallest things I pray for. Actually I never thought I would be saying all this. Did any of you pray for me? Lol xD
And one new thing I learned: I cry A LOT during praise and worship. o_o I know I already cry easily, but when I'm or other people are singing either happy or sad worship songs, it's like non-stop river of tears during the whole thing. >.>;; but that's ok. Because all the people beside me are doing the same thing. hahaha!
Ok, and NOW, I'm doing a 2 weeks of English teaching camp in a church with 3 other girls from different nations (France, Japan, US, etc.) and many, many assistants who are locals of HK. It's REALLY fun. I met and made so many friends. They're really nice! And they are really tolerant of my half-Canto half-English speech. They treat us just like HKers XD Also they bring us out to so many places and almost everyday take us out to eat. Don't be surprised when I come back a little pudgier >.>
So I've already finished a week of the English camp. Over the weekend, I went to a village called He Yuan in China with my uncle's church for a short mission trip. Although the Gateway Camp was a new thing for me, this was a totally different experience for me. He Yuan is a very poor place. I don't think most of us could imagine how some of these people live. Sure, I've seen it on TV, but when you REALLY see their everyday lives, you really become speechless. This village was considered quite good actually, because some people did have TVs, and drainage, etc. However, that was only the richest of the villagers. One family I visited was so poor, they only lived in a 2 room brick/cement house with NO bathroom, windows, etc. (they use public one or go to river to take a bath...), and they make no money, because they farm for just enough for the family to eat. Obviously, they farm with the labour of a bull or hand. HOWEVER, even though they live in such poverty, I think they are so blessed. Because their whole family are Christian and believe in God. Even the 10 year old girl. She doesn't cry. But when I see her, she's always smiling. They don't compare themselves with others, even though they are poor, they don't think of themselves as wretched, or regret anything. I think it's such a miracle.
Anyhow, that's just what I want to say.
I took many many many pictures. Which I'm going to post later! |
