The China Coaster

As always, just like every other year I have gone, this has been an up and down, roller coaster of a ride on my way back to China. And now, as the days tick down, now in the 30's before I take off to start BMH camp, there is a new road bump.

I had been concerned up until now mostly by the Visa situation. You see, I will enter the country on a tourist visa so that I can work at camp. Then, when school begins, I need to be on a student visa. This is done easiest from your home country, and applying for a student visa is not possible while still in {Mainland} China. Talking with many different people and doing my own research, I have found that I will need to fly to Hong Kong, Thailand, Korea, or some such nearby place in order to be outside of the country and then apply for a new visa. Though all the details and fine tuning things were not under control yet or sorted, I was more at peace about it all once again.

Every time that I get scared and worried, something happens to settle my spirit. God is so good. He knows just when I need a push, just when I need some struggles, when I need a friend or families encouragement. I know that He will provide for all of my  needs and concerns.

Than being said, it is no surprise that with this latest hiccup/bump, I have more peace and calm than might be expected.

I have just found that all of the bills for school are higher than I had anticipated/budgeted for. Even before this, I did not have the money for school and camp {Which I have to go to, given that my ticket had to be scheduled for long before school was in session and camp gives me a place to live and something to do and is a place that holds my heart.} and now even more so I do not have the money with the new prices.

Months ago when I contacted the school about returning, I had been told that I could have an internship that would provide me with a full tuition scholarship. I have not heard since then if that offer still stands, so I have tried to contact those that gave the initial offer, so I can see if that is still an option for me. {For various reasons I had been hoping that I would be able to pay for school on my own and not be in need of this internship.} That would greatly reduce my costs and help so much. {I just pray that, should I need to use it, I am not so busy with the internship that I have no time to do any orphanage visits. My hope is not to have my life be school, sleep, study,and office work.}


I have said it already, but it can never be said enough....God is good. I know that none of this has surprised Him like it has me.

Please pray with me that not only am I able to weather the bumps and continue on the ride no matter how up and down it gets, but also that I would never stop giving Him the glory and praise for it all. That I would always make sure my life is a reflection of His care and power. Pray that I have a peace in this.

And pray that I have the money when I need it, Visas when they are required, plane tickets to where I need to go when I need to go, and the ability to go see my kids and take part in the lives of lots of Chinese students and orphans!

Thank you all for the support and love you have been showing me!
:)