When my brother was in college he observed that it was amazing how you could be in a room filled with good, loving Christians (such as Harding’s chapel or church), yet feel so alone. I have had similar experiences particularly when going through culture shock and feeling like no one knows, cares or can fathom where I’m coming from (...the plight of a third culture kid...). But as I have gotten older, I have also found this to be true — being in a room filled with complete strangers yet who share a common passion for the Lord paired with international experiences, and feeling quite at home. The Asian Mission Forum is an experience I tend to fit into the later category. Although this year there were far more people present that I actually knew as compared to previous years...giving it in many ways, more of a reunion feel.
The team in Chiang Mai, Thailand hosted an excellent 50th Annual Asian Mission Forum with a focus on the faithfulness of God throughout the years and the legacy of early missionaries that lead the way in Asian missions. This was the largest forum yet. I enjoyed the key notes (one of which was my father) and the classes, but my favorite part was the conversation and time spent with like-minded global nomads. It was refreshing to hear people share perspectives much like my own and be reminded that I am not alone, there are people that can relate to my story, there are people that share a global view of the world and understand what it means to have lived or grown up in another country. There were some present that my family has known from when I was very young, there were friends there that I had only just met last year, and there were new friends that I met for the first time this year. I cherish the time I was able to be in their presence and value the work that they are doing around the globe. To God be the glory!
Following AMF my parents and I, along with some good friends of ours traveled south to explore and vacation along Thailand’s coast. In our group we have four Chinese, four Americans and one stinkin’ cute Chinese-American baby...we are one big happy Chinese-American family! I am enjoying the time with both my parents and this “extended family” despite my limited Chinese. It is a blessing to have family around the globe and to get to spend time with them and travel with them.
The team in Chiang Mai, Thailand hosted an excellent 50th Annual Asian Mission Forum with a focus on the faithfulness of God throughout the years and the legacy of early missionaries that lead the way in Asian missions. This was the largest forum yet. I enjoyed the key notes (one of which was my father) and the classes, but my favorite part was the conversation and time spent with like-minded global nomads. It was refreshing to hear people share perspectives much like my own and be reminded that I am not alone, there are people that can relate to my story, there are people that share a global view of the world and understand what it means to have lived or grown up in another country. There were some present that my family has known from when I was very young, there were friends there that I had only just met last year, and there were new friends that I met for the first time this year. I cherish the time I was able to be in their presence and value the work that they are doing around the globe. To God be the glory!
Following AMF my parents and I, along with some good friends of ours traveled south to explore and vacation along Thailand’s coast. In our group we have four Chinese, four Americans and one stinkin’ cute Chinese-American baby...we are one big happy Chinese-American family! I am enjoying the time with both my parents and this “extended family” despite my limited Chinese. It is a blessing to have family around the globe and to get to spend time with them and travel with them.
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