Sunday, February 23, 2014

Blowing in the wind

Why am I in the US?

Of course, I know the answer. If not for family medical needs, I'd still be in Changsha. Yet at the same time, it's a uniquely human quality to search for meaning in life's circumstances. We seek the greater "why" that goes beyond the surface cause.

Why a picture of two towels? The answers are blowing in the wind.
Approximately two years ago, Liao Sha and I were both under the distinct impression that we should have a "sabbatical" of sorts. We didn't know what form that should take. In China, the US or elsewhere? For study, training, or work? We pursued the idea for a while and had a few good leads. In the end, we did nothing, reasoning that we didn't really have a desire to go or do anything in particular.

Could this be a providence forcing its hand?

Liao Sha and I have both discussed adoption. I have long wanted to adopt. In the end, research into the process of adoption being in China and having two nationalities became too difficult, so we gave up the idea. We also never knew if we'd be able to afford it.

Could this be a providential blessing, one that will one day enable us to adopt?

The struggles and trials we go through in life ultimately can be and are used to aid others who go through similar struggles and trials. This is the most difficult time either of us has experienced, but in the experiences we're learning. We're learning about new aspects of life. Trials many never see or understand (or intentionally ignore).

Who will we meet in the future that will need to learn from our lessons? How should our experiences lead us to work for positive change for those in the future who may face the same difficulties?

Questions abound. Answers will become clear. ...in time. Now we wait and wonder.

2 comments:

  1. Hey Matt! I think your last couple posts have been full of interesting and well-articulated questions. It's clear that you've made way in processing and accepting your family's enormous change. When you first started writing this blog I wondered if it was going to be your outlet for bashing American culture and comparatively elevating Chinese culture -- but you haven't gone that way. In your writing you are honest and constructive, faith-informed and realistic. I think writing this blog is a really good for you as a person processing unexpected change, and as a reader I'm benefitting from your questions and story also. Please keep writing.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your encouraging words.

      I admit, it is sometimes difficult not to write in a way that "bashes" US culture. I try (not always successfully) to remember that cultural adjustment often left me unfairly critical of China in the beginning. So, I try to step back and remember the same is true while readjusting to this culture.

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