China
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Never Forgotten
A picture appeared on my social media feed a few weeks ago, part of a post from nearly ten years ago. In it, I’m surrounded by a small group of primary school children eagerly looking over my shoulder while I… Continue reading
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Never Abandoned
Throughout his growing up years, a friend’s son and I shared sweet interactions. All children in China learn English, but Malachi’s proficiency was better than most. At his dad’s urging, I primarily communicated with Malachi in English. He was shy,… Continue reading
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Taking the Long View
If I had first moved to China in the digital age, the face smack emoji would have punctuated many of my communications with people back home as I experienced a culture quite different from my own. At the outset, perhaps… Continue reading
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A Gaggle of Gigglers
The other day on my way to work, I passed a group of my elderly neighbors coming back from the morning market. They were so busy giggling that they didn’t notice me. With a big smile on my face, I… Continue reading
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Confusion, Hypocrisy, Hope
Over many years in China, helping people parse out what it means to be an American Christian has been challenging. Early in my time here, people assumed that all Americans were Christians. Since their contact with American society largely came… Continue reading
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The Joy of Fitting In
(A note about terminology: In China, people from other countries are referred to as “外国人,” “foreigners.” In English, people like me are comfortable calling ourselves “foreigners.” However, I would never use the English term to refer to someone else.) When… Continue reading
Water for the Weary 