Update on My Experience in China

Whew! I finally have a few minutes to catch everyone up on my life! Ever since I have been back from China I have been going non-stop! China was the MOST amazing experience I have ever had! I didn't really know what to expect before I went. I knew I had always had a heart for China but I never thought God could completely break my heart for a group of people. God really showed me how big He is while I was there. I never thought I could grow so close to people in just two to three weeks. It was so hard to leave those I met and I miss them terribly.

Our team had the opportunity to stay at the college in the town we were at. We took some Chinese classes and did some cultural exchanges. It was such a great experience to learn how Chinese people live. Remember, we were not in a big city so we got to really experience "China." There is so much to say that I don't even know how to put it into words! I think one of the biggest things I learned while in China is how awesome I have it at home in America. I really take for granted all that I have. My friend Katie introduced me to this blog by a girl named Katherine Wolf. Her last post talked about gratitude and being thankful. You should definitely read her blog, she is so encouraging! Here are the first couple of paragraphs from her post "Gratitude." This is definitely how I felt while in China:

"Gratitude is not a virtue our culture values these days. In fact, ingratitude is really the norm. We all have so much and think we deserve even more, so we tend to complain about every little thing and are almost never as thankful as we should be for all the good in our lives.

I have always appreciated gratitude. I think that is why I have always had an obsession with thank you notes. I think nothing should be taken for granted. Having been to remote villages in Africa and seen what true poverty looks like, I think Americans are largely ridiculously privileged and entitled."

I have so much I could talk about so I am just going to spend a couple of days posting pictures (since I have soooo many) and will describe some of my experiences.

Our last night eating meat sticks!

Out at Dicos, a Chinese version of an American fast food restaurant!

Beautiful sunset!

English Evening

Us with our friends at a park in the city

Jonathan and I floating on the clouds!

Us on our anniversary: Jonathan got me flowers and a jade bracelet!

Head massages!

Basketball game against the faculty!

Funny guy! Had to take this picture!

In the girls dorm room

Us with our new friends

A market in Zhaotong

Place where they make rice noodles

Some kids at an elementary school (So cute!)

Our first meal in China!

I'm Home!

Hey guys we made it back safely from China!! I can't wait to share with you all that happened! I am editing my pictures and will update soon!!

Wonderful weekend in El Dorado!

This was a wonderful weekend! I love my family!

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. My favorite book growing up was the Boxcar Children and Babysitter Club series

2. The funniest book I've ever read was: I don't ever read funny books so I have no idea!

3. The one book that has truly changed my life is When God Writes Your Love Story. I think every girl should read this book!

4. If you're looking for a real "tear jerker" you should probably read "Atonement Child" by Francine Rivers. One of the best books ever!

5. If I could meet any author living or dead I would want to meet Francine Rivers and Jane Austen! My two Favorites!

6. The next book on my "to read" list is "Little Women"

7. If I was snowed into remote cabin in the woods and could only choose three books to bring with me I'd bring Redeeming Love, The Atonement Child, and Pride and Prejudice

PS: I hope you have a great Friday and I can't believe I leave for China on Tuesday!!!!!!

Perfection is my Enemy

Have any of you ever truly listed to the lyrics of Free to Be Me by Francesca Battistelli? This song is so amazing. Here are some of my favorite parts:

But You've already won the battle

And You've got great plans for me

Though I can’t always see

Cause I got a couple dents in my fender

Got a couple rips in my jeans

Try to fit the pieces together

But PERFECTION is my ENEMY

On my own I'm so clumsy

But on Your shoulders I can see

I'm free to be me

Sometimes I believe that I can do anything

Yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring

But You look at my heart and You tell me

That I've got all You seek

Ok I know that was most of the song, but I think this is my life! I constantly strive to be perfect not remembering that I am trying to do it on my own. Satan knows he can attack me in that way. Sometimes I let him really get to me, then God ALWAYS brings me out of that pit. God already has my plans laid out for me. Sometimes I don't feel worthy enough to fulfill the plans he has laid out for me or I think there is someone better than me to do whatever it is God has planned. Why do I let Satan tell me these things? So many times, I get this attitude that "Brooke you aren't good enough for anything you should just give up." I am so thankful to have a perfect God that loves me and always has a shoulder for me to lean on. God reminds me everyday that I can do anything through him. I don't always listen. I let my own stupid insecurities get in the way....until I break down and realize again I didn't trust in God. Thank you God for never leaving me.

How awesome is this picture? It is a sunflower filed in Thailand. God you are awesome!

Two things i love...around my home

Sorry guys it's been a while! Not much going, except there is a lot going on, just nothing interesting! But it is Tuesday which means it is two things I love around my home day! This week I didn't choose things, I choose person/dog. My husband and dog are the two things I love around my home! I think we are just one little happy family!

Want to play along? Click on over to Bacwoods Fern!

Easter Weekend

Saturday consisted of me and three of my best friends hanging out in Little Rock. The best part was Cupcakes on Kavanaugh! No I didn't eat all three I saved some for Jonathan!

Easter Sunday we got up and went to church and then headed to Dardanelle to visit Jonathan's family. We had a great time and ate some great food!