#iheartAPU

[poorboymo-blog1]

Holding on to summer. . . . #ladycougs #divas #californiagirls #summer #summer2019 #swimmerslife #diverlife #sunnydays #holdon #bleedBRICK #newyear #funinthesun #beach #beachday #beachvibes #BlessedLife #herewego #newbeginnings #newcollection #iheartapu #APU #southerncalifornia (at Huntington Beach, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B12ldzHhxgh/?igshid=1lf4or76cl9l3

[insideazusapacific]

Those Human Moments

I have become indebted to a good number of people around my university because of all their investment in me. This summer, I’m staying at my university, in part because of a job, but also because I’m taking a summer class with someone I am grateful to know.

I ran into him the other day as I was trying to take a picture for my university’s Instagram. He was sitting on a marble block and reading under the shade of a tree, preparing for our next discussion on the life and works of Kierkegaard.

To be honest, I don’t know if he would be on campus this summer if not for me. To the best of my knowledge, he has no summer classes apart from the one he’s teaching for me. But this past spring, after I received an email from our financial and academic service on campus informing me of the sheer impossibility of my graduating within four years, my professor found me sitting, shell-shocked, in the hallway on his way to class.

I felt the blood drain from my face as I finished reading the email. I thought I was on track. How did this happen?

My professor had just turned the corner when he saw me out of the corner of his eye. Turning, he paused and asked what happened. After informing him of my dilemma, he closed his eyes, thinking.  A few moments later, he looked up, spun on his heels and walked back down the hall to locate a form. Finding it, he returned and handed it to me.

“This is a form for an independent study and course replacement,” He said, “And, while I can’t teach every single one of those classes you need, I can teach your upper division philosophy course.”

“What?” I asked, still recovering from the email.

“I don’t have my summer plans firmly established yet, but it seems as though you need some help.” He prompted, still holding the form. “Let’s see if we can meet over coffee or something over the summer and talk about something you’re interested in. Let’s get you back on track for graduation.”

I blinked.

He smiled, “Well, do you want to talk philosophy or not? Come on, it’ll be fun.”

I took the sheet, folded it, and placed it in my bag.

“Sure,” I started. “I’d like that. Thanks!”

“Don’t mention it,” he said. “Besides, I’m late to class!”

And with that, he disappeared down the hall as if nothing happened.

I found out later that I received the email due to a mishap in the system that could easily be fixed. But by the time that happened, the deadline for dropping classes had already passed. Not that I would drop it if I could, because when a professor, err – when anyone – goes out of their way to help others I usually try to spend time with and become that type of person.

This story brings to mind a quote from one of my favorite shows. As the plot reaches its resolution the main protagonist, realizes that his companions won’t remember their previous adventures with him as history. As they begin to fall asleep, he remarks, “I’ll be a story in your head. But that’s OK: we’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?”[1]

The thing is, even after I graduate and move on to other things outside of college, I will still remember the people who have influenced the time I have spent here. These will become some of the stories that I will remember fondly when others’ stories have connected with mine.

Frederick Buechner writes “I not only have my secrets, I am my secrets. And you are yours. Our secrets are human secrets, and our trusting each other enough to share them with each other has much to do with the secret of what it means to be human.”[2]

Those moments of overlap, those moments of sharing our secrets in moments of vulnerability—  when a professor stops to help a student, when friends show up at three in the morning to support another, when strangers become family through the sharing of their lives over a fire—are the moments when we are most human.

For me, this professor helping me in a moment of need was just one example of numerous times someone has poured into me. I don’t know if it would be possible for me to recall them in their totality. At least, not in a reasonable amount of time.

I am grateful for them all.

-Tim E.

—

[1] Doctor Who (2005). “The Big Bang.” Episode 13. Directed by Toby Haynes. Written by Stephen Moffat. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), 26 June 2010.

[2] Frederick Buechner, Telling Secrets (HarperCollins e-books, March 17, 2009), 40, Kindle.

[mpence13-blog]

学然后知不足  -  To learn is to know one’s ignorance

~ Chinese Proverb

To learn is to know one’s ignorance. The more I walk the streets of Shanghai and engage with the people who live here, the more I discover the truth behind this simple Chinese proverb. 

Historically, China is a country that has been closed off to foreigners, and it is only in the last fifty years or so that the country has been re-opened to people from across the globe. Although there are a number of foreigners in Shanghai, frequent stares and faint whispers of, “Ta shi Meiguo ren” (American), remind me of the newness of foreign influence, at least in the modern era. Prior to the late 1800s, the country of China was home to many different people groups and, therefore, is certainly no stranger to foreign influence. The impact of these laowai (Foreigner) is especially prevalent in the architecture of Shanghai, much of which is representative of British influence as seen in the church above. 

And, yes, I did just say church. Contrary to popular belief, religion is allowed in China, even Christianity. A few days ago, I was able to visit the China Christian Council, which is the central hub for all Protestant/ Christian churches in China. The organization currently oversees support raising, administrative duties, and evangelism for each of the registered churches in China. One of the most interesting things I learned about was the Chinese Christian view of evangelism.  Evangelism is not just something you do occasionally, when you go to another country and spread the gospel, rather, it is a part of every day life; It is in the way a person works, engages others, and lives there life as a whole. If one is following Christ, then they will be set apart from others and that uniqueness will help draw others to Christ. This is something I believe to be a central calling to all Christians and I am grateful to be in a place where I am reminded of the importance of this calling. 

Zaijian!

Morgan Pence

[chismeandcrackers]

God sure knew what he was doing when he planned graduation to be on national nurses day with both rain AND shine. Nursing school was no walk in the park and I couldn't have made it without the endless love and support I received from family, friends, and faculty. To those who have been there since the start of this journey, to those I have met along the way, you hold a very special place in my heart and I will be forever grateful ❤ #iheartapu #iheartapuforever #bestfreakingnursingcohort #thezulu2016 #trinity5Nbeauties #nationalnursesday #bsn (at Azusa Pacific University)

[define-perception]

I feel like I don't give myself credit for the struggles I have conquered these past few years. In fact, I don't really take the time to reflect on them because this life is so fast-paced, suffocating, and overwhelming at times, but here I am; I'm somewhere I'd never thought I'd be and I am so excited. God has shown me through his grace that change doesn't have to be dreadful like all of the changes I have had to overcome. If you just give yourself a chance, you'd be pleasantly surprised at what the world has to offer you. You just have to open your eyes and your heart and let everything take its course. I think it's about time I let myself be me and be happy for once ❤ sorry for the long caption 🙈 #iheartapu (at Azusa Pacific University)

[angelinasalanoasagapolu-blog]

- Thanks for being my Home away from Home, Aunty 💕 Love You & Congratulations 😘#godisgood #aunty #iheartapu #angiesposterz (at Azusa Pacific University)

[sinking-not-standing]

And... we're out 💘🎓😍 #i138isprettygreat #iheartapu #classof2016 #feelingprettyBA (at Azusa Pacific University Felix Event Center)

[poorboymo-blog1]

Welcome back, Ladies! . . . #ladycougs #backtoschool #timeforfun #anotheryear #iheartapu #justkeepswimming #summer2019 #summertime #sumnerfun #bleedBRICK #makingmemories #apuathletesrock #apu #APUforlife #thenew #newbeginnings https://www.instagram.com/p/B1h95TjhHG5/?igshid=12uodntdikir3

[insideazusapacific]

                                                   The Descent

Graduation is right around the corner, can you believe it?! Four years at this amazing place is quickly coming to an end, and there are so many feelings running through me – excitement, fear, and joy. I am about to be launched out of this place that has been home, out of this place full of support, love, and friendship. I am about to return back to my island home, where so much has changed, and the uncertainty about the future and lack of jobs are frightening. In it all, I am leaving this place different. I am leaving grateful, knowing that God has used this place to change me, mold me, and deepen my roots. 

Coming to Azusa Pacific University, an ocean away and against all financial logic, has been the scariest, and best decision of my whole life. I have been immersed in a place where thousands of people my age are seeking Christ passionately, a place that is prayed over, and a place where God is present. Over the years, I have met intimately with tons of people, attended hundreds of chapels, and have prayed thousands of prayers. The last four years have been the best and most formative years of my life.

I think Oswald Chambers says it best in his book, My Utmost for His Highest, when he says “We have all experienced times of exaltation on the mountain, when we have seen things from God’s perspective and have wanted to stay there. But God will never allow us to stay there. The true test of our spiritual life is in exhibiting the power to descend from the mountain”. In this time of descent, there has been so much temptation to stay, but I know that I cannot. There is no doubt in my mind that this time in University has been a gift from God – a time to learn, and seek His face, and see the world. Now it is time to return home, and be a true APU difference maker, wherever I am placed. I am eternally grateful for Azusa Pacific University, and all that God is doing in and through this place. I will never be the same, forever.

With love,

-Caitee K.

[mpence13-blog]

“Don’t stand by the water and long for fish; go home and weave a net.”

~ Chinese Proverb

Doing business in China requires entrepreneurs to weave many different nets. The market for products is constantly changing and businesses in China must adapt to the changes at an even faster rate due to the density of the population and rotating government policies. 

One of the most important aspects of doing business in China is understanding the consumer market. Because China’s population is so large, the variety of tastes and preferences within the country is also large. Hands of Hope has a fairly broad target market,including Chinese locals as well as Shanghai expats. Products with traditional Chinese print are catered toward expats who might want to send a git home to their family that is representative of the unique cultural attributes of China, while products with a modern more Westernized look are catered toward local Chinese who might want something that looks a little different than traditional Chinese prints. Although these markets are still quite broad, adjusting the price also affects the attractiveness of the products within different markets. Most product lines at Hands of Hope are sold at higher prices to reflect their high-end value; these products sell well at international conventions or to local families with a middle class income in China. 

Another important aspect of running a successful business in China is the development of a marketing strategy. Aspects of a marketing plan might include brand colors, name, and symbolic elements, in addition to a specified target market. At Hands of Hope, all of the tags that accompany the products are red. This is a strategic decision on the part of the company because in China, red is the color of good luck and prosperity, which encourages those who purchase their products to have these characteristics associated with their brand. Additionally, the company is also working on developing social media sites for their US audiences. Stay updated by following them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handsofhopechina/ !

Zaijian!

Morgan P

[sincerely-steeny]

I have no pictures from this trip but things I will hold in my heart forever. All I have left are the faded entry stamps from the prison, a handmade ring from an inmate and a silver bracelet from a sassy woman who was a recovering heroin addict in a rehab center. This was my third and final trip to Mexicali with APU and once again it was life changing. #iheartapu #mexicooutreach #alleluuuuuuuujaaaahhhh

[angelinasalanoasagapolu-blog]

- Bummed that tonight was their Senior Night 😞🏈 but excited to see what God has in store for these fellas 💕 #godisgood #iheartapu #angiesposterz #staywithGOD (at Azusa Pacific University)

[sinking-not-standing]

One day to graduation 🎓💘 #peaceoutgirlscouts #iheartapu #classof2016 (at Azusa Pacific University Felix Event Center)

[poorboymo-blog1]

Lady Cougs changing lives in the off-season... . . . #ladycougs#divas #ministry #missionstrip #romania #APU #iheartapu #allaroundtheworld #theZU #allsmiles #strikeapose #diveteam #represent #bleedBRICK #youknowhowwedo #photogenic #CollegeLife #wehavemorefunthanyou #offseason #yolo #servingothers (at Romania) https://www.instagram.com/p/By_lM7OBsWq/?igshid=1qn6c2ipaqupk

[insideazusapacific]

Silver Linings

This morning, like every other weekday morning, I left my apartment in a rush carrying my ancient,  Schwinn road bike with me down the stairs. I recently purchased my first pair of prescription sunglasses and for the first time in weeks actually remembered to bring them with me. I’ve never been a sunglass wearer due to the fact that I don’t own contacts and prescription sunglasses have always been out of my budget (whoo graduation gifts and fathers-in-law), so I was overjoyed to be wearing them. To my surprise the sky was overcast and it remained rather dark outside. Running short on time I did not have enough time to reorganize my backpack and track down my regular glasses, so I biked to the metro stop amidst more darkness than was familiar. This early bike ride is consistently the highlight of my morning, I feel so free on two wheels and jam out pretty hard to my music as the flowing wind sends water streaming out of my open eyes. Yet this ride was much more pensive. Rather than attempting to stall without my feet touching the ground at red lights, I put my foot down, relaxed, and let my mind wander. Whether it was the dark hue cast on the world from my sunglasses, the overcast sky, or the caffeine from my coffee delaying to kick in, I don’t know, but this morning ride was different than the rest, I thought more intently than is usual. And what thought captivated my attention and slowed my commute? The concept of a silver lining.

I am an optimist, a dreamer, and an idealist. I am someone who fights tooth and nail to find the silver lining, someone who believes that there is good in all people, and I desperately try to help others understand that the glass is half-full, it just is! Yet, this morning I began to question my usual prevalence towards optimism. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that I felt my understanding of optimism challenged. Looking up I saw no break in the clouds, only continuous white and grey. There was literally no silver lining. And yet this did not bother me. I was comfortable with the dark sky made all the darker by my unnecessary sunglasses. In that moment I felt no need to tire myself in search of a brightness that was not to be found. I was content.

“Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3

In this powerful verse we see God in both the rising of the sun and the falling of rain. Through both natural phenomena the faithfulness of God is seen, and both serve as motivation to come to further know God. Seeing God in the rising sun has always been rather easy for me, it is seeing him in the rain that often leaves me confused. For much of my life I thought that this meant invalidating the rain, finding the silver lining and ignoring the clouds themselves. But this thought provoking bike ride had me wondering whether I ought to recognize the fact that the rain presents its hardships. Perhaps the good comes in the fact that God sustains us through the rainy days. Or maybe the rain ought to be celebrated because, like the rest of the natural world, we grow the most during these days. How exactly it is best interpreted I remain unsure, but one thought remains. When the sun rises I see God, and when it rains I will see him all the more.

-Blakelee E.

[mpence13-blog]

欲速则不达 yùsù zé bùdá (“You desire speed but cannot reach your destination.”)

~ Chinese Proverb

The Chinese culture is very different from that of the United States. For one, the people here tend to go about their days at a leisurely pace. Even in the modern city of Shanghai, people take their time to move around, eat meals, and visit with friends. I especially appreciate this when attempting to navigate through Shanghai because people are generally willing to stop for a few moments to offer some guidance; a helpful reality for the lost sheep. 

People here are also very friendly, and although most live very independently, they seem to never be afraid to approach a stranger even for the simple pleasure of inquiring, “Nǐ láizì nǎlǐ” (Where are you from)? Another fairly common occurrence, particularly for foreigners, is to be asked to take a picture with a local’s child. The top left picture is of me and my friend Cali participating in a mini photo shoot with a boy from Hongzhou. 

The economic situation in China is also very interesting. In the city of Shanghai, their are many business buildings and shopping malls that stand adjacent to long alleyways filled with mom and pop shops, crowded living spaces, and, in kinder words, different smells. Walks through these small roads in Shanghai give a small glimpse of the widening gap between the economic elite and the poor. Even still, the families who live in these alleyways are still in a far better circumstance than others who live in the rural areas of mainland China. 

Zaijian!

Morgan Pence