It's China...

There was one phrase we kept hearing throughout FOC training.  This phrase was supposed to sum up China in a nutshell.  And that phrase was, "It's China."  Whenever something crazy and hectic happened..."It's China."  Whenever something randomly happened with no normal explanation...."It's China."  Whenever something happened that would make an American chuckle or gasp or worry...."It's China."

Well, it's been 10 days or so in Beijing and it kind of feels like it's been 2 months...."It's China."  

I am man that doesn't handle gigantic changes very well.  I welcome change because it offers some excitement in life, but the transition period is usually when I feel like I'm losing my mind.  When I had to find a new apartment in Minneapolis and a new car at the same time, it was very stressful.  When I decided to change my whole career path and become a pastor, it was very stressful.  When I changed towns (to New Ulm) and knew exactly ZERO people, it was very stressful.  When I moved to Mequon and had to live in a dorm room again while starting a new part-time job, it was very stressful.

And now we get to Beijing, China--a place that seems surprisingly similar to a big city in the US.  Sure, there are differences (which I will blog about eventually), but for the most part it seems very much like going to another big US city.

That is, of course, not counting the LANGUAGE BARRIER!  If there is one thing that is driving me crazy it is the fact that I don't know Chinese.  That's why I've been doing Rosetta Stone and reading Chinese-character books like crazy.  I like talking to people, especially strangers....and I can't do that here.  I like trying to schmooze people I don't know....and I can't do that here.  And most of all, I like talking religion (especially Christ, obviously) with other people....and I can't do that here....yet.

We haven't started CSI classes yet or Bible studies, so I know it will change eventually, but I just want to talk Jesus with a Chinese person who needs Him.  Just once.  For now.  I just need something.  Something for motivation.  I feel bad for God because I am not a patient person and I keep praying for something to happen.  I know it will.  I know this culture shock will pass.  I know something crazy awesome will suddenly happen.  After all...."It's China."