What a fitting title for the first post! “Hello World!” Who knew that such a simple phrase could have such a profound meaning? Let me explain:
In the world of computer programming, getting your program to say “Hello World!” is typically the very first step in learning a new programming language. It’s usually not a difficult task, per se, but a significant one. A “Hello World!” shows you that everything is configured properly, let’s you know that you are understanding the basics of the language you are messing with, and gives those two friendly words give you some visual feedback on your screen to show you how everything is looking from the outside.
And yet here we are. Not only is this the first post on our first website, but this also marks the start of many firsts in our lives: This will be the first time I leave the States, the first time we’ll immerse ourselves in a foreign culture and language for two years, the first time we’ll be leaving behind friends and family for such a long period of time, and a first for serving in ministry as an occupation. Do we understand all the complexities of these ‘firsts’ yet? Absolutely not! But we are beginning to understand the basics of how this will all work together, and we are beginning to get some “outside visual feedback.” It’s going to be a complex experience, but one that will surely change our lives forever.
So, as God guides our footsteps, leads us outside our comfort zones, and teaches us further how to love on people, here we go: “HELLO WORLD!”
B & B
Excited for you guys as you follow God’s calling for your lives. You will be in our thoughts and prayers continually. We will really miss your presence within our community at Northridge, which is huge. Let us know if there is anything we can do to support you while you’re in China, especially any types of care packets for items you can’t get there.
Love you guys,
Andy & Donna.
Thanks Friends for the encouragement, we are certainly in need of it right now. I’m not really sure what we will need once we are there, but if you ever feel like sending a care package at some point (its kind of expensive to ship that far) cake mix, coffee, and candy are comfort things that will be hard for us to buy there. Apparently they don’t really bake in China, so I’m crossing my fingers that we will have an oven while we are there. The rest of the essentials we are going to do our best to bring. Thank you again!
Reading some of your post and sharing in your excitement and anxieties about the drivers in China. This seems to be normal in most countries other than the US. I especially like your analyst about the horn. Here in the US the horn is probably the most under use option on the vehicle. Used mainly by road raged drivers. In China and many other countries it’s used to safely navigate and warn others of your presents and intentions. Ecuador and Panama are extremely horn friendly. All I can say is get in and buckle up, if there’s a
seat belt, and enjoy the ride. Thinking and praying for you both.