A royal diadem in the hand of God

This post is from Angelique:

As most people would agree, moving to a new place always comes with its challenges, dislikes and likes. With that said, moving here to Columbus, OH made me taste each one of the above-listed experiences.

To say the least, Columbus has been a self-discovery place in several ways. I moved up here feeling like some “damaged good” that needed to be either thrown away or kept in a place for it to regain “life”. But, over the course of the days, I have been getting made “brand new” in various ways; thanks to the wonderful people God has been surrounding me with since the first day I got here. I would like to thank God for providing me with a wonderful host family (David and Mai Duff and their lovely daughters Hannah and Sarah). Their home is been my home away from home. They are loving, caring and fun people. Their humility has personally touched me .Mai serves as an example to me in so many ways. She has infused my heart with compassion and love for others. I do not know what your story is but mine, in a nutshell, is that “I have experienced God’s greatness birthed in my brokenness and disappointments”. What I have often looked at as “hardest times of my life” have brought forth delight and a sweet-surrendered dependence on God’s unconditional love. I truly believe that my eyes would not have been opened to see God’s greatness had I not took off this year and invest it in the ISEED program. God is surely using this year to reveal his goodness to me.

I just cannot wait to see all the wonderful plans/things HE has in store for me unfold one by one. I can smell it already. Isaiah 62: 3-4 says “You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate”. This reminds me that I am a precious jewel of God, thus I encourage you (who is reading this) to see yourself as “a royal diadem in the hand of God”.

P.S If you are reading this and is feeling like God is telling you to pray for me, here is my prayer request: Pray that I learn to cope with some of the things that will require me to get out of my comfort zone and those which will challenge me.

First arrive at Columbus

“Yuemin, I will miss you! Take care of yourself!”

“Remember to call me when you feel lonely in Columbus!”

After my graduation from University of Cincinnati, with the fully blessings from my lovely friend, I start my IFI intern journey to Columbus. When I was heading to Columbus, there was a lot of uncertainty came up to my brain: What the life in Columbus will be? Will I get along with the people in Columbus? Will my host family accept my character? I drove on the I 71 highways with tons of question marks, excitement and a little doubt.

Once I arrived at Gene and Phyl’s house, they showed their hospitality to me and helped me to settle down. I felt full of welcome and it decreased my doubt. They just like my mom and dad. We had a wonderful potato and salad for our light dinner.

On the following two weeks, there are seven temporarily housing students living in Greene’s house. I assist Gene and Phyl to host them and help them as much as I can. I took one of the students Rui to purchase her laptop and also took all of them to Easton shopping center. I am so pleased that they feel welcome when they first came to United States, just like I feel welcome when I first arrived at Greene’s house.  I also appreciate Alan and he shows his huge interest in Bible study and Sunday church service.  I assure that God has his right timing to let Alan come to Christ someday in the future.

Throughout these hosting activities, I have learnt to show my mighty hospitality to the people to need it, especially the students who first come to another country. Warmly welcome will remit their insecure and help them adjust to a new environment. Just like God loves me unconditionally. 

First Hosting Experience

Assisting the host family with airport pickup/temporary housing is part of the ISEED training. Since I don't live in a host family's house, then I will be a host ;) It was a very exciting experience for me. The Bible said, "It is better to give than receive". I felt so blessed that I can put two more extra beds in my room and use them for hosting.

We picked up and hosted two Chinese girls and later on hosted a visiting scholar. Before they arrived, me and my two other roommates planned ahead and assigned the jobs of serving. 

I will share about my pickup experience.

On the Aug 17th, I went to the airport to pick up Linlin. Her flight was delayed until 1 AM so I went back home from the airport and then go back to the airport. It was quite a challenge for me since I started to get up early in the morning around that time. However, I can do all things through the One who strengthens us! I also met another guy who came with Linlin and he didn't request service. I offered to give him a ride to campus and help another guy (who also didn't request service) find a ride from a volunteer I met at the airport.

Here is some pictures, enjoy!

Before the school started, we hosted a hotpot party for these new comers. They love to have food from their home country!

My roommate Tuyata, me, Linlin, Junyan, Menghan, friend, Roommate Chen

Two ministry houses prepared a welcome dinner for the new students on the date before school started. After dinner, we watched the movie "God's Not Dead" together.

I am very glad that Menghan, the girl whom we hosted, is actively involved in an IFI bible study. She even cared for us and reminded us to wear more clothes when the weather got cold. 

Through the hosting experience, I come to realize that serving is really a choice! It can be challenging for lots of people but God will surprise us with either lessons or wonderful experience with the students. I will continue to show hospitality after I go back to China! >< So exciting!!!!