I look at the world around me, the nation of China, and my heart aches. This country is incredibly lost. Lost in corruption, false gods, deception and complacency. I realize that most people around me here do not have what I have – an eternal outlook. This realization soothes my soul; I am reminded that this life is short and I continually look forward to eternity with my Jesus, with my Savior. At the same time, my spirit cries, cries for the lost souls around me. I pray to show the love of Jesus to those around me, but only with His strength, because I am so very weak.

This verse has been on my heart:

Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

-Al

On our way to HK and Yu-Lin, China we made a transfer stop at Newark airport. As Al and I were getting ready to head off the plane, someone scared us from behind…it was a very good friend, someone who I had not talked to in way too long! We live within 35 minutes of each other [in Ohio] but could never find the right time to hang out. What better way than to meet in another state, at the airport. So we sat and talked for a good couple of hours as we had a significant lay-over. It was such a good conversation; a much needed one. I hope there was a [big] purpose to our meeting. Even if there wasn’t, I at least got to talk to a brother I missed dearly. God is good, all the time. China, here we cooooooooome!!!

Just arrived in HK.

Looking up with great anticipation,
Dan

PS. Thank you to all those that donated to GivingBackLife (financially, physically, and spiritually) right up to when we left yesterday. You guys mean the world to us! Your outpouring of love and support touches us dearly!

So excited to see the kids in China. I feel so emotionally and spiritually refreshed every time I see the children there; I don’t know what it is. Pumped to be going on this journey/trip with my sister, Al! Hope to update you guys often with blogs and pictures!

Looking up,
Dan