Thriving in ______ [Insert Location]

We've been studying about "thriving in Babylon" with our team, and we had no idea when we started the study how much more meaningful this concept would become this semester. 

This school year has been much different from the last, with different teaching schedules and work roles, new teammates, and upcoming decisions to be made. Thankfully, we do have time to continue learning Chinese with a tutor, as you can see in the photo above. Since we are guests in this wonderful country, we think it's important that we understand the language because it can bring us closer to our friends. We want to show how much we appreciate our Chinese friends for letting us live and work here, and that means learning more about the culture here.

We also are growing closer to friends from last year and making new friends, which means more time spent getting closer to each other and having meals together. That also means many more dishes to wash, but every dish that brings about another meaningful conversation is worth the labor! While we're more busy than last year [in a good way], there are also greater changes being made in China, making it even more important and more urgent that we do the work He has called us to do.

The leaders of China recently released some new laws about nonprofit organizations working in the country. Other brothers and sisters may find it more difficult to abide by these new rules, but we're happy to say that our organization is taking the necessary steps to submit to the authority. In the midst of this time of change, we have many blessings to be thankful for. Because of these changes, we need to abide in Him even more and work together with our team to do our work well-- that's a good thing! 

He is also helping us thrive in this culture, making China more and more our home in many ways, even though we also consider America our home. It's an honor to call two different continents "home," and it reminds us even more that this world is NOT our ultimate goal. While it may seem chaotic on both sides of the world, we know that our King already has the victory, and He longs to take us home with Him in His perfect timing. 

In the end, His kingdom is our home. That makes us even more thankful to share that hope with those around us, both in America and in China. We encourage you to do the same, wherever you are. He will use you, especially if you're abiding in Him and seeking His will. "His way is perfect; His Word proves true; He is a shield for those who take REFUGE in Him [Ps. 18:30]."

~Jesse & Sara