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LittleKarebear
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Name: Karen
Gender: Female
Interests: blowing bubbles, relaxing in gazebos, playing wii, cooking with new recipes, hanging out with my buddies, smiling and laughing, watching the clouds turn into animals, humming, gfc, ycf, bsf, cchc mac =)
Occupation: Graphic Artist
Message: message me
Member Since:
2/9/2007
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| Father’s Heart 1-25-08
Walking early Saturday morning was surprisingly refreshing. It was so peaceful to see the city asleep. I got to Father’s Heart Soup Kitchen around 8:30am, and quickly joined the assembly line of people lifting donated groceries. I hadn’t a clue of what God had in store for me later that day.
Our group (organized by Joanna) was made up of some people who had attended ECBC. We soon found out that we were assigned to be part of the ministry team. The lady who worked there gave us some instructions about what to do: to be welcoming, give eye contact, to talk to people and offer to pray for them, to go as the Holy Spirit leads.
I was hesitant, and pretty scared, never really doing anything like this before. By nature, I am usually a shy person. However, I was open to being used by God.
At first, it was very difficult. I could do the walking around part, saying good morning to strangers, but to strike up a conversation and ask can I pray for you, was hard. As time went on and I felt like I was walking in circles, I felt discouraged and kind of useless. So many were older Chinese people, who I could not communicate with. Remembering that if we have even a little faith, like that of a mustard seed, and if we are willing to take small steps of faith, God can use us in big ways, I prayed in my heart for God to show me at least one person to pray for.
I found myself at the pantry line, looking at an Asian woman with big glasses. I felt a connection to her, and started talking to her. Yay she spoke English! I finally asked if I could pray for her, and she said yes! I prayed for her health, and reminded her of how much God loves her. I was happy that God had so quickly answered my prayer, but little did I know was that He had bigger plans in store.
The pastor’s wife asked if I could help a partially blind older woman who was a regular there. I came to the unkempt woman with long hair and a ragged hat and greeted her. She had accidentally spilled ketchup on her tan puffy coat and was becoming quite upset. I tried to calm her, and carefully wiped the stains, slightly brushing against her hand. Perhaps surprising myself and her of this contact.
She ate her breakfast and fruit, and took the many pills she had for her pains. She explained how she lost her sight by a random evil man who had attacked her on the street in broad daylight. She told how she had fallen on the street and injured her back because of her lost vision. I listened as she told of the many family members who died, her sister who suddenly died at age 21, and her brother who was brain dead. To hear her stories, how could I relay some comfort? I just listened carefully to her. She questioned where God was, and how come He didn’t answer her prayers. She wondered why evil people could get away with such things. Tears flowed gently from her eyes. I didn’t have all the answers, but I asked if I could pray for her. I prayed, speaking closely to her ear, for a few moments escaping the chaos of the servers rushing about and the throngs of anxious, starving people around me. I asked for healing, for her to know God was available anytime and anywhere, for her to experience God who loves her tremendously, and about the hope of heaven. I think the Holy Spirit just poured words out of me because I can’t even remember all that I prayed.
As I finished, she thanked me for the prayers, saying that maybe God would hear me. She revealed to me that her name was Edith. I shared with her about my job, and why I was here. She explained that someone named Jason usually brings her home, but that he wasn’t here today. She told me the street that she lived on, and I offered to help take her home. Interestingly, my New Yorker cautiousness did not pop up. She told me to tell my group where I’d be going and to have them wait for me.
I told them, and Cristobal offered to come with me for which I was thankful for. So, the 3 of us walked in the brisk cold to Edith’s home. The stares of people passing by did not bother me. As we passed by certain streets, she mentioned where her friend got hit by a school bus, where she had been attacked, and where she had taken her nasty fall. She was becoming upset again, remembering her utter blindness and the tragic loss of family and friends. Then she remembered we were with her, and she said she was thankful to God for sending us to walk her home. We arrived at her apartment, and after climbing the 4 long flights of stairs we reached her door. She apologized for not having us come in, as it was too messy she explained. Edith thanked us again. As we said our goodbyes, I found myself hugging her.
God is truly amazing!!!
If you have read this, please pray for Edith.
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| Wow, I'm a tropical storm!
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| Last week, I taught drawing to kids aged 9-17 at CCHC Music and Art Camp. This is my 4th year, and every year is different, but always really fun and challenging. It’s amazing to see God at work in these young lives. During one of the workshops, we watched a video that was so engaging, it kept the kids’ short attention spans captivated. It was called, “Life without Limbs: From No Limbs to no Limits.” The story is about a man named Nick Vujicic, born without arms and legs, and how he learned to live independently, and how he came from wanting to die, to wanting to live for Christ. His story is awesome, seeing how he has overcome much struggle with the power of God. I hope that these kids are encouraged that God does indeed have a plan for them, even though they may be facing so many difficulties, especially those that come with adolescence.
Always towards the end of camp, a few kids open up more, and some shared with us. Such heavy burdens they carry on such young, small shoulders! They understand so much, probably even more than their parents realize. They see when their parents face financial problems, illnesses, and failures. Sometimes it is evident that our culture is so embedded in how we live, we don’t even realize it. Often Chinese parents have become so accustomed to talking about their kids in negative ways, and have put such pressure on them to excel, that many kids are overwhelmed with no one to talk to. The camp teachers/counselors were there to listen to the kids, and pray for them. The question we all face is who do we turn to when we feel so overwhelmed, so distraught, so confused. The answer is right there, but how often do we just try to keep on going with those huge burdens on our own small shoulders? There are times when all we can do is pour out all of our feelings to the one who truly understands us. The hurt, the pain, the joy, the confusion . . . Our God is the one who made us, and as our caring Father, will never fail to listen. May God teach us how to turn to Him at all times and especially how to pray to Him.
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| As most people know, my dad loves fishing. On Saturday, he caught 5 fish, and gave a medium-sized fishie to Becky and me. I had never cooked a whole fresh fish before, (sure I had cooked filets and sticks before), but never a whole one. It was a bit intimidating, staring right in the eye of the fish in my kitchen sink.
My dad gave me his official, "Chin's recipe for Poached Fish." I was quite excited about the Chinese-style recipe, especially the finishing touch of pouring sizzling hot oil over the garnished fish. Fortunately, I got over the idea that the fish was looking at me, and cooked it right up with scallions, pickled shallots, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (oops . . . forgot the ginger . . . for next time). It was quite yummy in our tummies! Hopefully I'll get to cook more new things this summer. Yay!  | | |
| haha . . . I've given in once again. First xanga, now facebook!  | | |
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