Turning 26

Having been born on November 24, 1982, 30 minutes after my twin sister, this year I look forward to being older than my sister for the first time as I celebrate our 26th birthday 14 hours ahead of her in China. Finally, I'm the jiejie- the older sister- which I'm pretty sure in China means I'm the boss. I'm not sure what happens when she crosses the international dateline 10 days later, though- does she catch up again? Let's pretend not.

There are other benefits to being in China for my birthday. Like I will get to eat the traditional birthday noodle that is something like a mile long, hopefully without breaking it or slurping too much soup in my eye. I also am looking forward to eating "Western food" at the Greenery cafe, which means some Chinese-version pizza and a selection of Korean dishes.

One tradition I'm not so keen on here is the one where the Birthday Kid takes all his/her friends out and pays for it. Anyone who knows my (or my dad's) spending habits knows why (though I think we're both getting better :)

Turning 26 so far from home is also a good chance to reflect on where I am in life. I'm living in Baoding, China. Sometimes I have to remind myself of that, out loud like this: "Linds, you're in China". Sometimes, this reminder is necessary to re-adjust my expectations, like, "Linds, you're in China. Of course the water is going to suddenly plumit to 40 degrees while you're in the middle of shampooing your hair." Or, "Linds, you're in China! Of course your boogers are black and you have a constant cough." It's a matter of accepting the state of things here and not being frustrated that this isn't America. I didn't sign up for America, and I think our Father likes to remind me of that sometimes.

More often, though, "Linds, you're in China!" is an exclamation of praise coming from the bottom of my soul. It's like the place at the bottom of the sea that is not moved or swayed by the currents of cultural frustrations or the waves of loneliness. I am in China, not because I set out to be here, but ultimately because our Lord faithfully lead me here. All along, He knew what would make me the most happy, and for right now, this is the place. I feel fortunate, no, abundantly blessed, to be in a place, that point of beautiful collision where passion and giftedness meet head on with opportunity, at the young age of 26. Daily, I teach the Word and spread the Good News to people who have never heard before! Could I have a greater joy? When I think of my life in these terms- of life's greatest pleasures and joys as Abba sees it- all the other things that I used to wish would be true for my life by the time I was 26 that aren't here, no longer have the power to taint the celebration of another year gone by.

My family visiting my sister at camp at Bass Lake. Such fun times!

Wow, a family picture with the whole family dressed up and smiling! A huge accomplishment since I'm pretty sure the last time this happened was like 1989. Mom is so proud :)
Me with my crazy, cute little kids in China this last summer. They are so hilarious- I miss them!

Trusting His Faithfulness in Uncertain Times

I thank God for musicians who are much more articulate than I am. It amazes me that such simple words can communicate such profound truth. And it's the truth that will get me through a time of loss and uncertainty. These words from Sarah Groves are helping me embrace the overwhelming unknowns in my future.

Morning by morning, I wake up to find
The power and comfort of God's hand in mine.
Season by season, I watch him amaze,
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways.
All I have need of, His hand will provide,
He's always been faithful to me.

I can't remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain.
I can't remember one single regret
In serving God only and trusting His hand.
All I have need of His hand will provide,
He's always been faithful to me.

This is my anthem, this is my song.
The theme of the stories I've heard for so long.
God has been faithful, He will be again.
His loving compassion, it knows no end.
All I have need of, His hand will provide,
He's always been faithful,
He'll always be faithful,
He's always been faithful to me.