I Am From

People love to be known and understood. When we introduce ourselves to others, we often share our name and our occupation first. We try to place ourselves the best way we can to be understood. In the short amount of time that we have with the new person, we want to be able to answer the question,“Who am I?” 

"I am From" poems help us to begin thinking and seeing ourselves in a relational way. Rather than identifying ourselves by our occupation or location, "I am From" poems help us write our story in regard to our roots and our experiences. It can reveal where we are from, what culture(s) we come from, and also  how we relate to self, others, and God. The only rule is to make the beginning of every expression “I am from…” 

This is the original introduction to "I am From" poems. During summer mission, each member of our team wrote and shared his/her "I am From" poem with each other, allowing a little window for one another to peek into the past, and the influences that have shaped one another. 

"I am From" poems are not static; in fact, they can change as we learn more about ourselves and the stories that make us who we are today. Even so, I want to share my "I am From" poem. Some lines are more metaphorical and artistic than others, but if you have any questions, ask me! In the meantime, enjoy :) 

I Am From

I am from a politically controversial island, proud to be independent and longing to be acknowledged
I am from a hush-hush escape and mysterious family ties; a tight-knit sisterhood and generations of prayer warriors (and amazing cooks)
I am from mathematicians and engineers, prideful problem-solvers who don’t ask for help from man or manuals
I am from a lonely traveler, speaking many tongues but saying very little, weary of the worries of the world
I am from a responsible, high-strung student; sharp and blunt like a knife, wanderlust and hungry for a lost childhood
I am from blood bonds stronger than past pains, unspoken love marrying undying devotion;

I am from a quiet cul-de-sac amidst drought-resistant lawns and Google self-driving cars
I am from cats: copycat, curious cat, and the ones with a big red bow and a big white pouch
I am from “感謝主” [gan xie zhu] and “For God so loved the world”
I am from an open-minded palette, narrow-minded taste, and close-minded morals
I am from fist fights to verbal attacks to mutual respect to intentional depth
I am from open eyes and ears attentive to “來幫忙！” [lai bang mang], but mouth closed since “小孩不是人” [xiao hai bu shi ren]
I am from Sunday school, piano lessons, Awana, Bible Study Fellowship, and VBS
I am from dread of a dormant volcano: anxious of silent tension that gives way to sudden, unexpected explosions
I am from confusion and shame and pride in my mother tongue and heritage
I am from a frugal home that saves food, saves money, saves face — “不要浪費” [bu yao lang fei]
I am from late nights at church stacking chairs, only to return early the next day to cook rice
I am from hard work, discipline, excellence, conformity, and a belief in unlimited potential
I am from conservative Christian values and traditional Eastern ideals battling liberal, Western education
I am from suffocating under my “Yes”  
I am from endless math worksheets that evolved into rainbow tassels from application and art
I am from familiar faces in unexpected places to longing for familiarity in new environments;

I am from answered prayers that gave me child-like faith
I am from being scared to be alone in the dark but having Light within 
I am from leaving out of fear to leaving out of faith
I am from a Master who generously gives many talents as I wrestle not to bury or boast about them
I am from a head full of promises, slowly making their way down to my heart
I am from Martha’s personality practicing to be like Mary
I am from a doubting heart questioning the goodness of and freedom in His laws 
I am from a Father who lavishly showers me with grace and love, and gently leads me to still waters
I am from a restless soul searching the world for my place, only to find that home is simply in His presence
I am from a Savior who endured shame, humiliation, and death so I can live with confidence and hope
I am from a past molded by an intimate, infinite Creator God, who continues to hold me and shape me for His glory;

June 2021 Update (Final Prayer Letter)

 Hi everyone!

It is bittersweet to write my final prayer letter to you all. Endings are never fun, but as I close this chapter of my time with Cru, I am so thankful that you’ve accompanied me on this journey these past two years!

Answered Prayers

I said goodbye to our summer mission team a week ago, and there were a lot of tears! As I look back on a whirlwind of a month, I am in awe of what God did in and through our team. Last month, I asked for prayer for two things: 

1. For spiritual and gospel conversations between the US and Japanese students
2. For energy and love for our summer mission team as we remain flexible and dive deep into community, and wisdom in discipling the students

Praise God for answering both of these prayers, and more! This summer, our team initiated 189 conversations, had 35 spiritual conversations, and gave 7 gospel presentations. These numbers include numerous conversations with the Japanese students (via text and video) as well as with the local community in Little Tokyo through street evangelism.

 God also abundantly provided us with energy and love for each other. From 2am one-on-ones to group games, our team engaged intentionally with each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. We truly became like a family – we cooked together, pranked each other, even crammed everyone into a sedan (yes, all 13 of us…), in addition to engaging communally in the Word every day and doing ministry together. Through “I am From” poems, students told their stories with vulnerability and dove deep into community as they shared their fears and struggles with each other. I am thankful for your prayers, and how the Lord answers above and beyond what we ask or imagine.  

Our summer mission team

Full Circle

During one of our last trainings, I had the privilege of leading the students through the Faith Step Tool. It is a new tool my marketing team designed earlier this year, and its purpose is to guide students to discern their next best steps of faith in light of the gifts/resources, communities, and opportunities God has given them. It was so cool to be a part of the design / feedback process of the tool, and then see it in action! 

After the training, I sat with the girls I discipled and heard them share their next faith steps. It was encouraging to see their visions, from intentionally connecting with freshman and seniors in their movement to sharing resources with their church back home. I pray that they will continue to take these steps of faith throughout the summer and into the new semester!

~~

And I'm back in the Bay Area. If you are around, I would love to connect! My personal email and phone number are listed below, and I would be happy to catch up in person as you feel comfortable. If you are elsewhere in the world, let’s take advantage of technology and Zoom/FaceTime/call :) 

I am deeply grateful for your prayers and support; you have been an integral part of ministry these past two years. I pray that, 

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

- Numbers 6:24-26