Dear 2021, not really sure where you went so fast but also a bit glad your coming to a close. My one last ask is please come to a close without too many cliffhangers, leave that to 2020 huh.
Wow 2021, this year has been a journey. Full of ups and downs, twist and turns, and all the in between. At times making the 3 mountain hike seem like a monthly journey and at others having to remind myself that this crazy life is reality. Reminded of my amazing community near and far.
Year end fundraising for my GBGM advance came through surpassing my goals. For everyone who donated, shared a post or told their friends about our work here in HK, I’m incredibly thankful. If you still want to donate so me and other UMC missionaries can stay in the mission field, you can do so here.
2021, thank you for the reminders to live in the moments. To make memories, try new experiences but not everything needs to be posted on social media. Some were the “slow down and smell the roses” kind of evenings with communities while others were stolen minutes in the midst of hectic schedules or #SundaySelfies with smiles hidden behind mask but the smiles seen in our eyes. There were adventures to HK tourist locations as they lowered their prices to make them affordable. Adjusting to having a camera following around as we upped our documentation and prop.
2021, you’ve made “tech” a verb. There’s been learning on the go and expanding knowledge collectively as zoom updates have added new abilities to the programs. Learning about the importance of updating, protecting our information online and training others along the way. Somewhere along the way 2021, I found confidence not only to tech in two languages but to train others as well. Building out our tech “bench” into next year. As we move toward mastering the hybrid reality of moving into the future.
2021, you’ve marked life events too. With a dear friends wedding as overseas tech support and relearning video editing skills because she asked (why i know 1/2 of what i know). Theres the new addition to our community, whose snuggles calm us all and bring so much joy and reminders for whom we are all organizing for.
2021, the ongoing pandemic has continued to force church people to get creative. Yet another series of online missionary trainings, at least training is finished. Reminded that while we’ll “eventually be commissioned”, community has already commissioned me for this ongoing ministry. 21 day quarantine at the borders of Hong Kong, has continued to make travel an unlikely reality for now. Thankful for creative online means as we still try to figure out the inperson commissioning
2021, trying to adapt and change with all your craziness. You’ve been a journey with pandemic protocols here in HK. Thankful to live in a city that takes this pandemic seriously and honestly has so many cute mask to choose from. In the midst of the craziness thankful for those with whom i call home and in our community here. Journeying together as we figure out how to support each other. Many migrants going on three years without visits to see their loved ones, the homesickness attacks are real.
2021, you’ve brought challenging news from other lands my heart calls home. Human rights violations in the Philippines have worsened, more friends are under attack and anniversary after anniversary has passed with no justice. Yet there is light along the path to justice, you’ve seen some victories with the junking of trumped up charges, the throwing out of search warrants and international bodies taking a stand. We finished 9 months of InvestigatePH with three powerful reports and back in my passport country the Philippine Human Rights Act continues to gain traction in an effort to stop all US military aid to the Philippines until such a time it can be proven no US aid is being used to commit human rights violations and PH state forces are held accountable.
But oh 2021, the one thing you have made clear. Is Im right where Im supposed to be serving and answering God’s call. From my missionary assignment to my Deaconess ministry. No one ever said following Jesus footsteps was easy but oh 2021 every challenge has been met with hugs and understanding from members of my community. Every “home sick attack” with reminders that Im not alone, and a text from my passport country. So no 2021, it still isn’t easy to transition countries during a pandemic, but 2021, thank you for constantly reminding me that it’s ok and to take each day as it comes.
So 2021, as I said in 2020 it still applies to you. 2021 Thank you, but Next please.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
Living by God's Grace: Serving God, serving the people 