Thank God, we successfully moved from LA, California to Dallas, Texas, this August. In terms of distance, it’s like moving from Shanghai to Kunming. Looking back at the decision four months ago, I’m amazed at the courage and determination that sprang up. No hesitation, just certainty about moving. I know it was God’s guidance; like with many major decisions before, an unseen hand was leading us.
After deciding to move, between April 26 and May 29, we quickly checked out several U.S. cities (Tallahassee, Florida; Columbia, South Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas, Texas). Thank God for the churches and brothers and sisters in each city who took us in. Special thanks to brothers Tianfeng, Rick, Ashely, Lisa, and Lucas.
Moving was hard for our two older children. After two years in the U.S., just as things were settling down, their familiar environment, friends at school and church—they had to start all over again. My daughter spent a lot of effort preparing for high school, and moving meant doing it all again. I understand their complaints and resentment, but I’m powerless to help. Their breakdowns were mine too. All I could do was pray. Thank God, after moving, they adapted quickly, and I could see the change in their faces. My own stress and worries lifted completely.
Thank God for the care from the pastors and brothers and sisters of Rancho Cucamonga Covenant Church in Los Angeles. Once Eather asked us why so many people loved us. Yes, the love we received is far beyond what we deserve.
Thank God for keeping my wife and daughters safe and healthy on their trip back to China this July.
Thank God for leading us to a retreat in Malaysia in July, where we had wonderful fellowship and discussion with coworkers.
Thank God for a week in Malaysia with my parents and the kids spending time with their grandparents.
On returning from Malaysia to the U.S., we found a flight mistake. We needed a visa for a transfer between airlines in Taiwan, even with a U.S. green card. Thank God for keeping us calm, praying together, and rescheduling without panic.
Thank God, in August, Linda and Anran graduated smoothly from ALCS. May the Lord bless ALCS.
Thank God, for preserving me and Anran on our drive from LA to Dallas—about 2300 kilometers. We had lots of time for conversations, and I appreciate Anran’s help with car issues; not bad for a 9-year-old.
Thank God for preparing PCA schools for the two kids.
Thank God for the smooth buying and selling of houses. Thanks to Christian agent Annie in California and sister Zhang in Texas for their help.
Thank God for giving me a bit more courage this year to join school prayer meetings than in the past two years.
Thank God for leading us to TCC Church. The brothers and sisters here are lively and thriving. We’re still getting used to it, comparing it to our church in Shanghai in our hearts, though not aloud. May the Lord help us interact humbly with others and serve the church. May He also help our kids grow spiritually here.
Thankful for Yanbing, who loves me, helps me, accepts me, and looks after my needs (like allowing time for fishing). She’s caring for both our families too. Thank God for my wife.
Thank God for giving my daughter a diligent and disciplined spirit for learning and life. May the Lord teach her to pray and offload her burdens to Him.
Thank God for giving my son a heart that cares for family needs, often lending a hand. I also thank God for healing his eczema and making him healthier than before.
Thank God for Eather’s healthy growth and learning to walk. Her softness, innocence, and cuteness are our love’s reward as parents. Thank God for the joy and comfort she brings.
Thank God for my current job, income, and the chance to use my skills and interests. May the Lord help me stay God-fearing at work.
Thank God for providing all our family’s needs. Seventeen years ago, a child in a rural community in Hangzhou’s Gudang Bay, living in a less than 8-square-meter rental room, could hardly imagine today’s life. In that room, I often prayed Proverbs 30:7-9 over myself: “Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” God is faithful, and His provisions far exceed my imagination and need. May the Lord help me worship Him alone and not money or anything else, and guide us in stewardship.
Thank God for giving me two interests here: carpentry and fishing. Yet, I have little self-control over them (and often wonder how to not dive deep into what I enjoy fully). Lord, help me.
Two years in America, the external life is good without want. But spiritually, it’s like a wilderness. Often far from God, drawn by the world, unable to control temper at home or focus at work. Yet I thank God for His protection—not straying from His path through church support (now and past), peers at work, and the Spirit’s promptings in my heart. I’m reminded to return to Him when I feel distant.
Over the past few years, conflicts with the kids have been more intense. After each clash, it takes me a while to recover, and even when I do, I gain little insight. Thanks to the Lord, by year’s end, there’s a shift—I’ve decided to learn how to be a dad to teenagers. I need to change, can’t cling to my own ways (basically those of my parents and others). The conflicts mainly come down to outdated views and unpreparedness in communication and interaction. This change in perspective ties to fishing—a delicious North American fish called “Crappie,” or Pi Pi in vernacular. Stubbornly using my old methods and gear yields nothing. Eventually, I had to watch and learn from experts around me. Reality check: no change, no fish. After one clash with the kids, it struck me—if I’m willing to learn for fishing, why not for the kids? Thank God! The relationship with them is challenging and frustrating now, but with God, there’s hope, no despair.
Thank God in 2024, our marriage saw many changes, primarily focusing on “lack of communication” in our relationship. At a June marital retreat, I described us to the group as “two employees.” We hustle daily, align plans, collaborate on every family task, but like office coworkers. The family’s running fine, but we’re like business partners. Thanks to Ake’s reminders, we’ve acknowledged this issue and even had a few needed arguments. Thank God for safeguarding us.