Here on Kinmen there are very few things that can be a distraction, mainly because there is not much to do. I have learned to entertain myself through books, singing, being with other team members, and walking around. Another thing that I have been using to occupy my time, is a scrapbook. I am putting it together for my friends and family when I go home so they can all see what I've been doing right away. It’s been really fun putting it together and thinking of ideas to put into it. On Wednesday the sun was shinning, and we happen to have a beach very close to our dorms. Armed with my camera, I headed out to take some artistic pictures of the beach. It was so peaceful, taking pictures of the simple things I take for granted.
I have been reading a book called "Safely Home". Its about a business man who only cares about earthly success and money, he goes to China to visit his old roommate (a Chinese Christian). The whole book is mainly about how the Christians in China were (and maybe are) persecuted for their faith in God, this man's discovery of that, and his own lost faith. It’s really good! The man is a picture to me of how I can become when I see worshipping God as a routine instead of a privilege and freedom I might not always have. I hate the idea of getting stagnant in my faith in God, no longer getting excited about the things that I discover in my walk with him.
God is really teaching me to "fall in love with Him". The other day I was thinking about how young love acts. (You know, the girl that has stars in her eyes and can't stop talking about the man of her dreams.) I realized, that sometimes my focus gets on other things, not only guys, but school, music, church even. I start putting my time into things that seem more important then spending time with God. I asked Him "God, how do I get to the point that I can just simply focus on you?" He answered "Christine, you need to fall in love with me. A girl that has a man in her life, that's all she can think about, She is totally focused on him. Once you fall in love with me, I will be all that fills your mind, I will be all you can think about." I have known God as Jesus the Savior, God the Father, even the Holy Spirit, but I have never experienced God as my "lover". I guess I never thought it was possible to fall in love with someone so untouchable. Yet, That is exactly what He wants me to do. He has already "fallen in love" with me, and now He is in the process of wooing me. For example, the other day I was in the bookstore. I was at the register, and the two women behind the counter said something about me to each other (I don't know what it was cause I'm not very good at Chinese yet) But then one of them said in English "you are so beautiful". I felt like that was God's small way of telling me I am beautiful. That is just one example of how God has been showing His love for me as "His girl". I'm not there yet, I still have a long way to go, but I am excited about the journey with my God and newfound lover.
Today we celebrated Bonnie Jean's birthday! even though it is not until Saturday. We had some "cake" that tasted kind of umm, bland. It was ok though, because she was surprised and we had a wonderful time as a team. We also got a song together to sing at church this Sunday. I'm really excited, because I really like to sing, and its nice to be able to prepare something every month.
well I think that's everything!
Christine Jefferies, Kinmen Team ~James 1:2-5
