This is the window that I usually am studying from. It is great with the light that it provides. Though, I think that I need something quieter. There is about 5 library rooms though a couple do not have such a great view. Sometimes, I have to find other rooms to study as students might choose this spot.
The tree is a great place to pray or meditate on the passages from the Bible. Other students might come out here to pray, play soccer, or enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Here is a way of living that I was saw and admired via T.V. shows and movies. One of my favourite T.V shows about Quincy and he lived on a boat. Truly, the sweetest home to have was a houseboat.

Though, I don't remember many of the movies where the boat was moving around. If these boats don't have a permanent mooring, then law requires moving every 14 days.

These are long and skinny and have most of the creature comforts of home. This noted by the spotting of T.V attenas and wood for the stove. So, what else could u need? Well, how about clean water for dishes or a shower. I might have to investigate further. You notice that these homes can be covered with emblems along the door entrance. Those mark the different places that they have travelled. Wherever they might travel, they find a place to dock along the edges of the canal. As well, the outer covering is decorated with the name of the boat and colourful patterns. Thanks.

Prayer

What is most important right now to be praying? Today, I was asked to praying when I got up and went to bed about what I am thankful for. Its a good idea and I think I should try it. One week, where I am thankful for everything that God has provided for us. The more I think about it, the more Im reminded that I owe God so much. The wording doesn't have to be complicated or anything like that but straight from the heart. What else is on my mind? Im really thinking about what I should be doing with my life. I believe that I want to return back to China but for what reasons am I returning? Hmmm, its a really good question. Is more empasis on being an ESL teacher or should I put more emphasis on how I serve the Lord? Right, I should integrate them by serving God through teaching ESL. What will be the new opportunities for teaching English when we return to China? My wife would feel more comfortable reaching out to people in poorer regions of China. She has the ability to live a frugal lifestyle. I just follow with the shopping basket. She is very good to me by finding items that I might like. Though, in China, we usually ate out because it would be cheaper than buying the food necessary to prepare it ourselves. I am thinking about living in a more populated area like megacity or something similiar. Either way, we hope to be teaching in the same University.

Dissertation

What do I write about that is going to be of help to me as well to other people? First, I was hoping to do something about Muslims, and yes, it is hard to think about how this will entertain me. I attended a class yesterday, and I am really interested in the idea of spiritual companioning. Its this idea of coming across friends whatever the cultural background may be and helping them reencounter the Universal God that we all serve. We don't serve a Western, Asian or European God but the one true God, who sent his Son down to die for our grievous sinful past, present and future. People, including myself, are struggling with this encounter even though is ever present. In discussing spiritual companioning, its important to note the small information found on cross-cultural spiritual companioning. So, my dissertation would focus on spiritual companioning in cross-cultural relationships in China. Well, more to come is it comes to me. Classes have started if you haven't already figured that out. So, I am thinking about the need, work load of each class. I hope that everthing is alright with everyone. Anyone else in school? I would love to hear from you.

I'm sitting or, when you think about it, slouching to be honest in a seat outside a library room next to an old window with some plants on the ledge. So, my purpose is not only studying but feeding plants, which still need water, with carbon dioxide and enjoying a cloudy view of the back yard of Redcliffe College. The books are scrambled around me and I pick one up and might put it right back down to pick up another as thoughts pressure me. For me, I want to study and grasp the material though my concentration is lacking. Questions are coming out onto the paper and hopefully a dissertion title will come out it all. For my dissertation, it suits me to do something on Muslims. Thoughts and reading about Muslims have been increasing since my involvement with them in Belfast. The first important book would be The Cross and the Crescent by Colin Chapan. And to be clear, I have been in connection with them before Belfast though more so now. There population is similiar to the Christian demographics. So, as I come into contact more often, I am going to spend more time about them for my dissertation. In fact, I might specifically look at the Sufis since they strive to be closer to God that the more traditional Muslim. This being said, it is important to know that Sufis affect more that 70% of all Muslims. Sufis are described as being the charistimatic of the Muslim world. Though, all this work needs guidance in filling the need of an applied theology degree and the mission God is leading my wife and I to after finishing here at Redcliffe college. Its just some thoughts and feel free to enter your own.