At this point I have been back from Beijing for a little over a month and what a whirlwind of a month it has been- touring the western United States, an amazing Cornerstone Festival, and moving to my new home in West Helena, Arkansas.
I have been asked a lot do I miss China, and yes I do. I miss the students, my coworkers, my church, Peking Duck, the Saddle Cantina (but not their prices!), my small apartment, the excitement of the big city...
A couple months ago my longtime friend Luke Kunefeke asked me what three things God had taught me living in a foreign country. I wasn't sure at the time but now think I am ready:
1. You can be friends with an atheist- most Chinese people are atheists just like most southerners say they are Christians, that is just the way it is.
2. Conversation and building relationships is the key to breaking down barriers and misunderstandings between cultures. Be a friend just for the sake of being a friend and great things will happen.
3. When interacting with another culture, try to put yourself into that culture and become a part of it. I must admit I failed miserably at this due to my American roots but the times I did become a part of the culture were amazing and some of the most memorable times of my year in Beijing.
So there you go, I mainly did this for me to reflect on the experience and bring some closure. This will be the last entry on this blog but it will still be up for awhile for reading. I will continue blogging on my experiences in Arkansas but rather than a blog they will be posted as facebook notes. Look for one some time tomorrow.
"It's difficult to say goodbye..."- Plankeye
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