Our drive to accomplish or “do” something is admirable. It is a common trait for Americans! On the other hand it can get us into trouble. What if we went on a trip to begin to learn how to simply “be” with a particular people in their context?
That’s what we want to attempt. You are invited to join us this spring we plan to visit 3 locations in China. There may be some “up front” time, and we will see some sites, but mostly we want to find ways to be with and make new Chinese friends. An occasional English lesson, a softball game, some side-by-side service, are just a few of the ways we hope to interact. But listening will be our primary task. Listening to our hosts, listening as God speaks to us about our experience, to each other, and to our own assumptions and expectations along this journey.
Some practical details you should know about the trip: It is for young adults (mostly GFU students) and is sponsored by the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends. You don’t have to be a Quaker to join. It will be for three weeks this May. Participant cost will be about $3,500. There will be two team leaders and room for between 12-16 participants. Deadline for application is: November 30, 2011.
