The Journy of Paul

Yesterday, Friday June 27th, I meet my team for the first time. Things have been a bit crazy for this organization this year. They have been denied visa’s for several groups going into China due to increased security and new rules. One such team was divided up, with one girl being added to my team. My team now consists of four teachers and myself. Two of the team are older and married to one another. The third is 27 years old and has been to China several times. The new girl is of college age. This is her first time away from home, in fact she flew of the first time just coming out to California. We were assigned a team building project right off the bat. We had to come up with a skit, song or cheer that represented our team or where we were going. We didn’t do so well, but that is okay. Our goal isn’t to be the best performers here, but there in our host country. They seem to be a pretty good bunch of people. I talked to the lady who was in charge o...

Preface: Before leaving I had much consternation about this upcoming trip. Everything in me was saying “Don’t go.” But I had this push, this external shove forward. I did everything I could to sabotage this trip. Even fundraising was in fact, purposefully postponed. God on the other hand has the final say in all matters big and small. He said, “You’re going.” Why I am going is still unclear to me. Is it to spread the message? Is it guide the team? Or is it about me? Forgive me, I do not mean to sound self centered, “About me,” but rather, is there something I’ve lost and need to regain? Maybe it is all of the above. I am not sure, but we will march forward and see. Journal entry, June 24, 2008 I arrived in LA on the 23rd. All the way down here I kept asking myself, “What are you doing?” “Why are you going?” “You have so many things that need to be taken care of at home.” Furthermore, I kept reminding myself of the trials and tribulations I would be putting myself ...