Oh, Shanghai. It’s nice to finally meet you. We’ve been interceding and holding your people in our hearts for months. Thank you for letting us love you & for loving us right back.
I share these story snippets and photos to ensure that God gets all the glory, to reveal the seeds He is planting here and the revelations in our own hearts. What you see in the photos is the fruit that bears from what we did in private: the preparation in the throne room. The hours of prayer on our knees for our brothers and sisters in China, for the persecuted church, the lost, the broken, and the unreached: to let them know His love.
And, His love is here. His love is radical, uncompromising, undistracted and impossible to exhaust.
These photos depict a sliver of where my eyes have been opened to seeing His love; where I have inclined my heart to see His people the way He intended, full of love and light, too. I pray that as you see these photos, you join us in prayer. Pick a building, a puppy, a person, or a park, anything. Whatever moves your heart, hold it tightly as your own. Because, well, we’re all in His family.
Well fam, here we go!
After a long travel day from Atlanta, Georgia, we arrived at our beautiful host family’s home in a small town 17 miles outside of Shanghai. The six of us shared one room, sleeping like sardines and discovering ‘community living’ from day one.
I immediately felt at home due to our host family’s hospitality, kindness, and beautiful space. Here are Laura and Bella swinging on our patio.
We were absolutely spoiled: they shared traditional treats, let us use their washing machine, helped to register us with the police, and gave us a lift to the metro. It was nothing wildly extravagant, but the kindness surpassed all language barriers.
They even had the perfect little spot to read, write, and honestly, to look at + edit all these pictures.
This was our little street. Flags from all over the world signified we were home (both physically and emotionally).Truly, home.
This was our view walking out & about for some breakfast.
Prayers were answered: we found a lovely cafe with steamed pork buns & coffee, and made friends with the owner’s daughter, Sunyijia.
She was so proud to show us she could count to ten, and taught us this hand symbol which means ‘friendship’.
Then, we needed to go to the Bank of China, which was about 4 miles away. We walked there and intentionally prayed over everything in our path, knowing He goes before us and guides our steps.
We prayed over the streets.
Over the motorcycles, the shops, the owners, and the customers.
Over this cute little music school we stumbled into.
Over the locals we passed by and their families.
Over the sweet pups!
I prayed over my sweet team, to be clothed in the garmet of unity and bound together in love.
Over the buildings, the workers, and for an abundance of provision.
Over the people, that their steps be guided by discernment and led into salvation.
Over the cultural center, that they know all they are is because of all He is.
Over their houses, for protection and community.
Over the temples, that they know there is more, and as they seek ‘more’ they find Him.
And a blessing over our prayer walk, to continue to incline our hearts to His; may we see, hear, and know what breaks His heart and let it break ours, too.
THEN, we got caught in Typhoon Lekima. We were stuck inside for two days as the metro trains were cancelled, there was flooding in the streets, and wind that was unbearable to walk in. Originally a frustrating situation (I’m an enneagram 7) morphed into a beautiful opportunity to bond, share testimonies, and simply be with one another.
Finally, the weather cleared up and we were able to go outside again; the horrific storm turned into a beautiful sunny day. So, Hannah and I shared coffee on the patio as we read John 1 over our host family’s home.
We had to say goodbye to our beautiful host family, and left with them a polaroid of us all, until we meet again.
On our way out, we stopped downtown at the Bund before heading to the train station to board our 16 hour ride to Xi’an.
Well, if you made it this far, thank you. Thank you for investing in the ways God is working in and through us in Shanghai. Thank you for partnering with us in intercession for the unreached. Thank you for bearing witness to His love through my little eyes & lenses. His love is overwhelmingly evident here.
Now, we are off to Xi’an to partner with the good works He is doing there; to plant seeds for revival, to deepen intimacy with Him, to feed the life of Jesus in us, and be his hands & feet of salvation.
I absolutely adore this blog post, Kati! Your heart is such pure love. I feel that through your writing. Prayers for you and the team. May doors continue to open and your paths stay straight for the Lord to travel!????????????
Great story telling Kati! So fun and easy to read.
Thank YOU, Jane! I love the idea of choreographing writing and photography, as well as dancing. So grateful for the gift and ability to share creativity!
Thank you so much for following along our journey and for your endless support and prayers! Miss you, mama!
Catching up on blog posts! Your storytelling through photos is beautiful. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. Love you, sweet friend! I continue to lift you up to Jesus daily!
These photos are beautiful! So fun to see a sliver of your time in Shanghai!
Beautiful! Absolutely beautifully choreographed. We see and know through your eyes. Thank you!
Good stuff Kati !!! Keep it up
I’m a little late to the party – but these photos are amazing. It feels like we are there with you!