So it has been a long time since my last real update. I spent Christmas in Shanghai, but had a business trip to Cedar Rapids in January and spent an extra week in South Dakota during the Spring Festival holiday. The airplane has so far flown two more times since my last post, the most recent being this past Friday. 

But I suppose the biggest news, at least to me, is my plan to change jobs. I have informed my company that I do not plan to continue in my current position after August 14 of this year. I have felt the call to be more involved in the youth ministry with the international fellowship I have worked in during the past two and a half years. I want to spend more time helping with administrative things and, more importantly, spend time with the students. My current job makes it difficult to commit to specific times as I often have to work in the evenings or overnight. Also, I no longer find this job very enjoyable. 

I don’t have any job lined up after August, which is a concern as I will need a source if income and a visa to remain in Shanghai. While it is possible for me that I’ll work part time at my current position, it is not my preferred option and I will likely not be employed by Collins in any capacity after August. So this phase of my life appears to be coming to a close. 

After I talked to the church about my plans, an opportunity to lead a new group near several international schools appeared. This was presented to me, so this will be what I will be doing in four months. I am quite excited about this. After I agreed to lead this, they started a small group of students themselves, which I try to visit whenever I can. I am also starting planning for the next school year when I will be directly involved. I’m excited to see what God has in store!

The journey over the next few months will be interesting. The airplane will likely be transferred to Yanliang and I expect to spend some time there after that. I need to document a few things I know so that my coworkers have the information after I leave. I need to plan what I can for the upcoming youth ministry. I need to prepare for a significant lifestyle change. And possibly most importantly, I need to mature and develop into the person I need to be to be in this leadership position, focussing on what is important and leaving the rest to another time. But it will be a fun ride!