"It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm,
and the light of your face, for you loved them."
Our time in China has been a constant lesson in humility. Even after two years, there is so much that we do not understand, but we continue to lean on the love of the father. Our “sword” and strength have not brought us any success, but the father has already won this land with his love, and we are honored that he uses us in his victory story.
The blessings have been two-fold. First, it has been amazing to see the father work through our relationships, and second, it has been plainly obvious that our strength did not produce the victories!
We are grateful this week:
1. Friday's English club was amazing! There were fewer students than usual because of an exam on Saturday morning, but we still had about 125 excited students who were taking a break from their studies. We have been focusing on what it means to “love with all you heart, soul, mind, & strength,” and this week Shannon spoke articulately about the soul and mind.
2. I was extremely sick last Sunday and Monday nights. I didn't get more than a couple hours of sleep each of those nights. By Tuesday, I was feeling better but I was extremely dehydrated. We are not sure what brought it on, but I was the only member of our team who got sick. This might not sound like something to be grateful for, but it turned out to be perfect timing. Since I have no classes on Monday or Tuesday, I did not miss any time in the classroom. I felt anemic the rest of the week, but otherwise, I am better now.
Please think about us:
1. Monday night we will have our second English Club of the semester on the main campus. It will be the same as our club last Friday on the other campus. I am hoping to have some new videos ready next week.
2. Newt flies home tomorrow, and will be dealing with jet lag for about a week.
3. Next Saturday we will be taking students to visit the Philip Hayden Foundation again.
4. Jess has been teaching almost twice as many classes as normal for the past week, and she will continue to do so until the end of March. She is teaching extra classes now to make up for those she will miss during the month of June when we return home.
5. Jess is 26 weeks pregnant, which is about 6 ½ months! We know that our baby will definitely be a girl. She is completely healthy and getting bigger every day! She has a strong kick, and our friends in China enjoy feeling her movements.
Living outside the boat,
Brad
it was your right hand, your arm,
and the light of your face, for you loved them."
Our time in China has been a constant lesson in humility. Even after two years, there is so much that we do not understand, but we continue to lean on the love of the father. Our “sword” and strength have not brought us any success, but the father has already won this land with his love, and we are honored that he uses us in his victory story.
The blessings have been two-fold. First, it has been amazing to see the father work through our relationships, and second, it has been plainly obvious that our strength did not produce the victories!
We are grateful this week:
1. Friday's English club was amazing! There were fewer students than usual because of an exam on Saturday morning, but we still had about 125 excited students who were taking a break from their studies. We have been focusing on what it means to “love with all you heart, soul, mind, & strength,” and this week Shannon spoke articulately about the soul and mind.
2. I was extremely sick last Sunday and Monday nights. I didn't get more than a couple hours of sleep each of those nights. By Tuesday, I was feeling better but I was extremely dehydrated. We are not sure what brought it on, but I was the only member of our team who got sick. This might not sound like something to be grateful for, but it turned out to be perfect timing. Since I have no classes on Monday or Tuesday, I did not miss any time in the classroom. I felt anemic the rest of the week, but otherwise, I am better now.
Please think about us:
1. Monday night we will have our second English Club of the semester on the main campus. It will be the same as our club last Friday on the other campus. I am hoping to have some new videos ready next week.
2. Newt flies home tomorrow, and will be dealing with jet lag for about a week.
3. Next Saturday we will be taking students to visit the Philip Hayden Foundation again.
4. Jess has been teaching almost twice as many classes as normal for the past week, and she will continue to do so until the end of March. She is teaching extra classes now to make up for those she will miss during the month of June when we return home.
5. Jess is 26 weeks pregnant, which is about 6 ½ months! We know that our baby will definitely be a girl. She is completely healthy and getting bigger every day! She has a strong kick, and our friends in China enjoy feeling her movements.
Living outside the boat,
Brad
