What's up
Just a quick note, this category is being retired now...
Just a quick note, this category is being retired now...
Well, it's almost down to the wire... My last minute prep is underway. I still have lots of things to do, like purchase film, get a nice big backpacking sack from Craig, finish up my “homework”... *sigh* lots to do, but even more importantly, need just to be with God and rest in Him.
I'm getting more and more excited as each day passes, but I'm also getting tired, too. Little fears like, “What if I forget something big?!” are in the back of my mind... but I have plenty of time to think things through and check, check, and re-check. Thank goodness Caleb Project sent a packing list and guidelines to follow.
Finally, my missions update (prayer) letters are out! If you have any of the print versions, you can view (and print) the latest updated ones here.
So far the only additions to these updates are some photographic equipment that can be donated to me. Some accessories that would be benefitial include:
Of course I would literally be in tears if someone had the heart to donate a nice wide-angle zoom or a fast zoom lens. Yeah, so I dream big...
Dreaming big in other ways: God is slowly revealing to me how grand he is. Lots of thanks to those who have indicated to me your commitment to support me financially and through prayer. I am truly touched and blessed by your actions of faith.
I found out today that Caleb Project has accepted me to join their team to China. Yay!!!!
So now my search is over - but my preparation begins.
I'm amazed and thankful to God for the chain of events that has led to this. It has only been some two weeks that I have been searching seriously. As I was doing my search on the web, I noticed that Caleb Project's deadline for their Asia trip was June 14th. I made the inquiry, anyways. I was definitely the latecomer, but as Alan told me: when there are two committed parties - who match - it'll happen.
I'm still very amazed by all that has come to pass. The application forms were given to me on Friday, returned on Monday (with 3 references!) - and today I find out.
Well, all I can ask for now is for prayers (don't worry, I'll be asking for more later!). My research team will be going into China for almost three months. Obviously I cannot give out any more (sensitive) information here (on my soapbox), but there will be more information in my prayer letter. If you would like to receive (pre-order?) a prayer letter, email me, ok? (dan at tshin dot com)
So I'll catch my breath for a day or so (thank God I don't have classes tomorrow and Thursday! It is like it was predestined for me to do my prep work.) I'll head downtown with Jenne (who's back from China) to do some thrift shopping for books and stuff and just to catch up. There is also the WYD prep - I'll help lead a workshop for TIG volunteers for the University Café. Ooh ah.. it'll be an activity packed day tomorrow.
The mission search continues. I have so many forms to fill out, questionnaries to complete. This morning I just filled out all the forms that I have. I have forms for Pioneers, Habitat for Humanity's Global Village program, and my church's own application and waiver. Also, I'm following up with World Team, Interserve, and Caleb Project.
This whole search is exciting as it is exhausting. However, 1 Corinthians 15:18 sustains me: Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.
Combatting busy-ness is my greatest challenge right now. Sometimes it seems that I'm running around in circles, not being very productive (yes, procrastinating sometimes), and not being fully engaged in my quiet time. I wrote this an email to my friend Viv,
I'm looking forward to "escaping" for a good while this fall. I know I caught [Pastor] Sharon off-guard when I mentioned I will probably be gone for a good 4 months. I wonder how "guilty" ppl feel when asked to serve in JOY/church/committee stuff. I feel guilty for doing too much, because that's when I drop the ball. Then again, I continue to see how overworked and under appreciated Sharon, Rev. Yeung, and Paula are (not to mention other lay workers).
Well, this is really about trusting God to "be a lamp onto my path" - one step at a time.
"Say again?" C'mon, get your mind out of the gutter! I have Christian recording artist Carolyn Arends to blame for that phrase. In a verse in "Seize the Day" (album "I Can Hear You") she sings:
Well I know a doctor, a fine young physician Left his six figure job for a mission position He's healing the sick in an African clinic He works in the dirt and writes home to the cynics
A for rhyming, but F for connotation, don't you think?
As you may know, I'm searching for a short-term "mission position." I feel apprehension, excitement, some loss of control, a desire to be in full control - all sorts of emotions. This will be a big decision; my job search is also tied into this, so many things are on the line.
I finally caught up with Cat-Dan on Wednesday. I hadn't talked to her for a couple months, although I had promised to call some two months ago (ack!). It never ceases to amaze me hearing through another how God is working. We just fueled each other's fire for socially-conscious and holistic missions. I can't believe how much I've missed having conversations like this. This is how the Good News is coming alive to us - the Laws, Prophets, and Jesus' teachings are becoming more and more alive - relevant - and recognizing the urgent call to righteousness, justice, and compassion. The Bible as an onerous kill-joy manual yields to a book that reveals a transcendence which grows on me day by day. I wonder why I didn't consider applying for the Navigator's LeaderQuest program where Cat-Dan will be spending the next year. I don't have to search my soul too deep to find that in my priorities, career has been put ahead of ministry. More on that dilemma later. But I really do respect her (and other LeaderQuesters) who have made such a commitment to make this a priority over "settling down". Well, I'm totally looking forward to seeing her and a bunch of Navs ppl crash chez nous, next weekend.
Right now, I'm following up on an opportunity with Habitat for Humanity out in Central Asia. Currently it's only for a two week stay, which is shorter than what I'd like to do, but I'm investigating opportunities to hook up with other agencies afterwards - perhaps for a photojournalist spot.
I've also received emails from others (thanks Donna and Justin) with links and contacts. My heart is very glad, although I feel quite pressured knowing my time window is so small. Wherever I'm lead, I know the journey will be priceless.
Some of you know I'm pursuing serving in short term missions this fall. I've sent out an email to some people I've respected for their heart, their missions, their involvement.
Here is my story.