Week 1

Wow, I can't believe it's been an entire week since I arrived in Kunming! God has done some amazing things! My heart has grown, been stretched, matured, and had a deeper faith level since being here. And my summer has only just begun!

Most mornings, when it is not down-pouring =), Amanda and I meet with Sunshine and Joyce in the local park to pray. It is so much fun to encounter God together and encourage one another! During the week days, Jason teaches a class to about 7 Chinese believers. In this class I have learned so much and grown immensely! One thing that has hit me in these teachings is that everyone is an image bearer of God. The Muslim, the terrorist, the white janitor, the island boy, the African mom, the Irish street vendor, the American business guy, the busboy, the South American girl stuck in human trafficking----they are all shangdi di xin xian (image bearers of God)! It is so cool to see people in this way. You end up viewing them as someone who is very special to God, and treat them as such. Another thing I learned is that we should not worry about our future but let God uphold everything in His hands because He truly has our best interest at heart. Another one was that we should pray continually......like all the time. That is crazy to think about! I got to lead the devotion for one of the classes this week and I did it on prayer.

We also got to go to a Mosque and pray for the people there. God has really burdened Amanda's and my heart for the Hui people and the minority groups in China. They are so open to the gospel and only need someone to just share with them! God, send me! I was also moved by the scripture, "Seek first the kingdom of God and righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." So if I follow God's will and His kingdom, then everything God wants to give me He will! I got to help teach English to some children at the EZ Talk school with Jason and Amanda. There was a little girl who was only 4 and could read and write English!!! That was amazing!

I've also been able to sit down and talk with both Jason and Felicia. It is so good to hear what is on their hearts and learn about the people around me! God has used, and is using them in amazing ways! On Saturday and Sunday I was sick, but I am feeling much better. I had dumplings (joutsa), the thing that I think made me sick the first time, again last night and it made me feel bad again. It is sooooo yummy though. I guess no more joutsa for me. =( Please pray my tummy keeps adjusting. Culture shock wise.....I'm doing really well. I am learning lots of Chinese and lots about Chinese culture. I am learning so much! And my jet lag is all gone now. =)

Some fun things I've gotten to do:
-I got to eat at the Grass restaurant...it was yummy!
-I have eaten lots of yummy Chinese food!
-I went to Walmart....it is kinda like USA Walmarts....but not really
-I've been to down-town Kunming and got to see many western stores and restaurants plus really cool old Chinese gates
-Go shopping at the Bird & Flower market---they sell squirrels for pets!
-Go to the Green Lake park---it was so beautiful!
-Have coffee and encourage a teenager of some missionaries here
-Meet lots of fellow Chinese believers and encourage them
-Eat arqui (a middle eastern breakfast burrito)
-Spend time with Joyce (one of my good Chinese friends here)


You can check out pictures on my facebook page! Thank you for praying!
Ashton

One of three old gates of the city in downtown Kunming.