Divine Appointments

Learning to get around my new city, Shanghai!

Hey guys!

I have been really busy these past two weeks and have been neglecting my blog due to the activities here. I think I owe you guys two weeks of updates and I will catch you up with everything that has been happening in China.

Weston & Pastor Chan

I will start with the Shanghai Businessmen's Conference last weekend. It was an awesome experience. I spent the weekend at the Parkyard Hotel for the conference. The conference was called "Make Your Life Count" and the speaker was Edmund Chan. Pastor Chan talked about "divine appointments" and giving until it hurts. I was very intimidated on the first night because I was the youngest man by 20 years and every person attending the conference was a very successful businessman. It wasn't until the first night of worship that I began to realize I was on the same playing field as the other men and there was not any difference between these guys and me.

All and all, the weekend was great, but here is the best part about it. On the last day, I met Jonathan Shyu who was attending the conference. Jonathan work's for the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham) and he just happened to sit by me for lunch. I wore my Texans playoff shirt that day and we began talking about the NFL (thank you Alex for getting me into football). After a while, we began talking about deeper matters. Jonathan told me that he needed an intern for AmCham and he said I might be an answer to his prayers. I was skeptical at first, but I said if you’re sure I must tell you I am a student and I am looking to get involved with the childcare ministry at church. He continued to say that was perfect since he would need someone part-time. I gave him my email address after our conversation.

To make a long story short, I had an interview last Wednesday. And……I got the job! I start this Wednesday as the Business Projects Intern for the the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. I am very excited!

In honor of Mr. DeLape

I want to wish happy birthday to a dear friend and role model of mine, Mr. DeLape. Mr. DeLape, I want to let you know I had the chance to enjoy a Cohiba Behike in honor of your birthday! I hope you had a happy birthday.

Thank you everyone for the continuous love and support you have shown me. I want to leave you with a quote I have had in my mind these two weeks. "God just requires our obedience the results are up to him." Enjoy your week!

Love,
Weston

First Full Week of Classes

Hey Everyone!
Last week I had my first full week of classes and I am exhausted. Learning Chinese is very difficult and will take a lot of practice (especially writing). It is hard to make time to study when there is so much I want to see in this huge city. But, besides school, my week was great. 

It is still very cold in Shanghai, so cold my roommate's sox froze. Earlier this week my roommate took me to see a Shanghai Shark CBA basketball game. It was a lot of fun, but very different from a traditional NBA game. The players of course are not as good and they allowed smoking in the building. It was a great game and the Sharks won after trailing most of the game.

I have found myself playing a lot of basketball with the locals on the courts by the school. It is very nice being the tallest person on a basketball court for once. They gave me the nickname "Lebron James" because I wear a headband when I play. It is a lot of fun and the more I interact with them the more similar I find we are. 

I am still having a fantastic time (maybe even too good of a time) and still can't believe I am in China. I have been reading through Luke this week and chapter 14 (the cost of being a disciple) at the end stuck out to me when Jesus says, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” It has been on my mind a lot especially as I play basketball and interact with the Chinese. I have been thinking a lot about how I can let them hear without speaking. And it hit me as I was going home from church that my actions are a way to speak universally. A smile is the simplest way to show love to someone and the Chinese need it.

Here are some pictures of my teacher, the basketball game and some of the friends I have made. 

Sincerely,
Weston
(Wang Wei Di - king of the underground)

Shanghai Safe and Secure

Hey Everyone!

To begin this post I want to let everyone know I have made it to China safe and secure. Shanghai is awesome I am really having a good time. The food is unusual but I am applying a principle my dad has taught me "just tell me what it is tomorrow". My roommate arrived on Saturday and his name is Griffen and is a huge basketball fan. I enjoy Griffen's company. He teaches me Chinese and I help him with his English. I am learning the language quick and learning how to use the subway stations to get around. I found a church last Sunday. I was so excited to have found it. My biggest highlight so far is finding the church! All in all, I am having a great time and there is so much more to tell, but it would take hours to type. Here are a few photos to give you an idea of what my life is like in China. I love and miss everyone dearly. I will end this post with this song that has been on repeat on my iphone called "All Consuming Fire" by Kim Walker. The chorus is:

All consuming fire,

You’re our hearts’ desire,

Living flame of love,

Come baptize us, come baptize us.

SUFE's Sign

My Dorm

Inside my room

The view from my room's balcony

Packing

Hey Everyone,


This is the official blog for my experience in Shanghai. I intend to use this to keep everyone up to date on my experiences and adventures! I plan on posting pictures and just thoughts I had throughout my week. Since this website is banned in China I will be emailing my dad and he will be the one writing on this blog. I love you guys and I appreciate all of your prayers and support. (Thank you Mrs. D for the blog name sorry Seth)




Sincerely,
Weston