Why China?

When my plane landed in Kunming in 2006, marking the commencement of my first year of teaching at Kunming International Academy, numerous people had already questioned me on my plans to use my knowledge in literature to educate students on the other side of the world. After twelve years of teaching numerous youths in Whitefish, MT some of the finer points of soccer, the community with which I had surrounded myself wondered why I did not just stay in in the Flathead Valley and teach literature. They were excited for me, but they could not help themselves but ask, "Why China?" I always responded with a rehearsed answer, "Because I told God I would go wherever He asked." It sounded so holy, so selfless, so Christ-like. Plus, it usually ended a conversation I really did not want to discuss. Four years later, and I am still in Kunming. I still teach literature (and soccer), and people still ask me, "Why China," but now I believe my answer.

My students (and their parents) actually drew me to Kunming. In Acts 10, Peter explains why he has shown up at the home of Cornelius. It seems that both men, while living in very different regions of the Middle East, received an answer to prayer--an answer that brought the two men together. Similarly, I had been asking the Father for guidance in relation to my future. Meanwhile, in Kunming, an entire community was joined in asking for teachers for their children. This community is in Kunming to help the Chinese people. However, in order to do so, these expatriates need to make certain that their own families also receive the care they need. This includes a proper education for their children. That is where I come in; by providing these children with a proper education, the parents are more free to devote time to helping the various people groups in Yunnan Province. In turn, these students provide their own service to the people of Yunnan. (Pictured above, from left to right: Ryan, Daniel, Kamee, and Tim build a chicken coup for a family near LinCang.) Each year, the high school students of Kunming International Academy take a service trip to another community in the province. During my four years, we have taken students to DaHeBian in XiShuangBanNa (southwest Yunnan, near the Thailand border), GeJiu (a city four hours southeast of Kunming, halfway between Kunming and the Vietnam border), and LinCang (a city nine hours west of Kunming, halfway between Kunming and the Myanmar border). We have taken part in teaching English to local people, building desks for a school, helping with an addition to a school's kitchen, painted, taken care of special-needs orphans, performed various farming duties, and generally enjoyed ourselves. Our service has been as varied as the services provided by the parents of our students. (Pictured above from near to far: Tabitha, Tse Wei, Tim, and Jamie help dig a drainage trench in LinCang, in preparation for the upcoming rainy season.) I will admit that the service is not always without complaining. Each year, in order to serve, our students give up their own beds, their standard diet, and their standard routine, to spend a week on hard beds (sometimes the ground), limited food, and eight-hour days of work. As one might expect, the first day often sees the most work being accomplished, with each successive day realizing fewer objectives completed. However, even as the arms get tired and the nerves become frayed, these students have exhibited a joy in working with each other for the benefit of others. It has been my honor to be a part of these trips and a part of this service. (Pictured above: Wesley and June paint the ceiling of the dining area at our accommodations in LinCang.)
When it is time for our students to head back to Kunming, it is not unusual for tears to be shed. The gratefulness of those being served has led to tears of joy from their eyes. When our students see the tear-filled smiles of these people, the youths are often moved, knowing that what they have done is just a small part of what could be accomplished. They have not only given of their time and energy, they have given of their hearts, and leaving feels like part of their hearts are being forcibly taken from them. Of all the activities at KIA, the annual service trip is the one most students hold with the most anticipation, even though the pain of leaving is so great. It is a testament to these students' willingness to serve. (Pictured above: Camilla and Ryan work on cleaning a set of stairs and increasing the stairs' ability to drain during the rainy season.)
So why China? Well, I prayed about it; they prayed about it; and here I am. But the real answer is that I have come because of these students. As much as the youths in Whitefish may have needed me, these KIA students also need me. And you know what, I need them. Much like Peter and Cornelius needed each other in Acts, the Father has seen our needs and has brought us together for each other. The students' parents serve; the students serve; and I serve. We all just do it in the same place in different ways. However, it is for the same purpose (check out the top line of the lyrics on the screen in the picture above).