Learning and Listening

I have been learning so much lately. I am sure you can guess some of what I am learning: how to cook with only 2 burners and how to grocery shop here in Asia. But some of my best learning is coming from an awareness of how I feel and what is going on around me. I am learning to be patient with myself and to be alright with not knowing. I am listening to people all around me, hearing the sounds but not knowing the language. I am starting to hear tones and numbers and recognizing a few simple words. I am learning how to get around and find what I need. I am learning that I need my friends and to rely completely on God.

We have experienced many new things lately. I have eaten my first chicken feet (and pigs ears and other unusual delicacies). We attended our first church service in Cantonese and met some wonderful new friends. We saw a parade for a festival in Shau Kei Wan.

I just want to soak it all in: the culture, the nuances of people. It is interesting that I am here for a purpose, but before I can do anything to teach, train, or even counsel anyone here, I need to learn and listen and absorb who they are now. My goal is not to change the people here to be more like me but to understand the culture and the people and help where I can be of help. How can I possibly help if I do not understand the history and reason behind the actions? I need to study and ask questions and build a relationship with people here. So much to learn and so for now I listen and soak in what I can; I make new friendships and spend time at the table eating dim sum and talking about everything.

At the same time I will stay grounded in God’s Word, learning and listening to all that He has to teach me. It is interesting how my Bible study has new depth as I experience this new culture. For instance, suddenly the Israelites in the wilderness finding manna and quail has more significance (I know. Another food reference. I am still learning.) God is good: he provides and teaches and stretches my thinking in so many new ways.