Shanghai (Last Post)

I started this blog in Shanghai to remind myself to be thankful to God.

Yesterday was my last day in Shanghai. At least for the near foreseeable future.

And I am so thankful to God for everything He has done for me in Shanghai.  There were days, weeks, months, even years in Shanghai  were it felt like I was in the desert.  But God always led me and walked with me.

Loneliness is a very powerful depressant and, during my stay in Shanghai, its depressing effects were magnified in me for every one of the 25 million people in Shanghai that I felt disconnected from. But loneliness also created longing in me, a longing for me for a real, perfect, everlasting home, a longing that has informed my conviction and faith that the Kingdom of God exists and it will come to pass.

So the journey continues, 4 years and 9 months after first moving to Shanghai to start work.  And now the journey is much less lonely - because He has blessed me with His constant presence, an amazing community of believers, incredible family, and even a fiancee.  What can I do but give thanks and praise in response?

Thank You for (continuously) loving me.