Language break throughs!

Today I had two aha moments... First, I was able to order cold soy milk in a full sentence- "I want to buy one container of soy milk." I had a repeat part of it, but the lady understood me, and there was a connection as I was able to communicate!!! Yeah!!! I've felt so isolated at times not being able to explain what I want or to tell people simple greetings. It's exciting to be able to use what I'm learning and see it's practicality.

I met with my language partner today, and she actually commented on how well I pronounce some things - like a native Chinese speaker she said. I think she was stretching the truth, but encouraging none the less.... :)

We're using the book as our textbook, and we're in 1 John. I wanted her to start reading something important to her, and she suggested I also start reading Chinese words of Gd. So I started memorizing John 4:19 today - "We love because he first loved us." What power there is in those words - and to be able to say them in another language brought tears to my eyes and humility to my soul. I'm so excited to be able to together study the most important book in the languages we are learning - it's powerful and meaningful learning for us both. And I can't wait to see how He'll use this.

The biggest truth I've been learning lately has been to dwell. At our youth leaders meeting last night another leader shared Psalms 37:3-5 - that talks about dwelling in the land - to do good and prosper - committing our ways to the Lrd - trusting in him. I've been struggling in my attempt to fit in here, yet not let relationships with people at home dwindle. But the fact of the matter is that I'm here, in China, to be in China - to dwell here, to make the most of every opportunity here because the days are evil, to remain in Him, to trust, and to commit what I do to Him. I am so comforted by that fact.

Today as you serve go about your day and activities, work and school, may you dwell in the land he has given you - and enjoy the pasture he's brought to you!