Deep Sorrow, Deep Joy
On the way to my graduation party, my parents and I listened to a podcast by John Piper on finding joy even during times of great sorrow. He talked about how, even when we are overcome with grief, there will always be reasons to celebrate, be thankful and even have great joy. Though smaller in comparison to the examples that Piper used, my trip to China is one in which I have found both deep sorrow and deep joy.
If you have bumped into me at any point during the past year, I have probably talked your ear off about Asia, the semester I spent over there and my dreams of going back.
If you have bumped into me at any point during the past six months, I have probably talked your ear off about how excited I am that my dreams of going back to China have become a reality. In fact, I probably said something along the lines of "I'm so excited I could throw up" because I can never seem to find the words to explain just how excited and happy and nervous I am to be going back.
If you have bumped into me at any point during the past few weeks, I probably said something along the lines of "wow, I didn't realize how long a year actually was" because I can never seem to find the words to express how sad I am that going back to China means leaving everything else behind.
It is in this postiion of transition that John Piper's words have proven true: I am both sad to be leaving and happy to be going. I am very thankful for the amazing opportunity that I have to go back to the place that I love so much, but I am very sad that it means being far from many of the people that I love so much.
This blog has been designed as a way to bridge the gap between the sorrow and the joy. It is a way of connecting the people I am leaving to the place that I am going. A way to share the adventure with the people who helped me get to it. I also hope that, through pictures and posts, everyone will get to experience the beautiful nation that is China and have a better understanding of why I love it so much (and hopefully make you want to visit!!).
