i have no words to describe new york. so far, it has completely exceeded my expectations. God is so good; when you listen to His calling for you and obey Him. I love it. although our main work (teaching sunday school; public speaking: one of my worst fears i hope to improve on) hasn't started yet (we'll be working 5 days a week, morning to night; doing sunday school performances and then visitations), i'm having so much fun just having nail polish parties with my fellow interns and laughing and just enjoying new york.
they were SO thrilled when they found that i spoke mandarin chinese. on the way from the airport, they heard me speaking to grace and literally screamed with delight. apparently they're starting some new sunday school sites in chinatown and really are in need of a translator, as no one in the ministry is actually chinese. i prayed SO much about this; it was definitely a struggle to know that while other people might go to places like Harlem and the Bronx (my first choices), i had to go serve chinese kids. AGAIN.
but then i realized that it was my first test from God, testing me regarding my ability to submit to authority. i know that is a MAJOR, MAJOR problem for me. so i got down on my knees and just prayed for humility and ability to just take whatever they give me and run with it.
and the crazy thing is, God not ONLY gave me peace with it and even a sense of gratefulness that i can serve the ministry in such a unique way, He inflammed my heart with a passion for the upcoming generation of Chinese children; both in America and mainland China. i literally walked around on the verge of tears for hours because God put it so strongly on my heart. we'll have to see where that goes.
but overall, i have to say it. i know it's cliche, but: I LOVE NEW YORK