Moments.

Blue skies and beautiful rides. Green trees and joyful times. Times of solitude in the midst of a crowd, times when it seems like glory is raining down in the pouring rain, backed by the promise in the sky. A life bringing rain that revives what’s going to die.

Soaking up this breath-taking view of the mountians and the sky, I smile deeply as the nature whizzes by, feeling the peace pulse through my muscles as they move to move the bike.

Within a huge city full of empty life, there is a depth to be discovered, you just have to open your eyes. The willow trees contrasted against the blue sky, the sound of the dirty canal and the sight of the all the old people’s eyes as they watch me run by. The thrill of exploration, of being confronted by something new, of discovering a new point of view as I ride by the quiet river life. It’s a different world there, a place where people enjoy a slower pace, where the landscape is of trees and hutongs instead of buildings that scrape the heavens.

The joy of getting lost and discovering places you never thought you’d discover. The refreshment that comes from making dumplings in a simple apartment that is full of love. The excitement that comes from burgers at a pub. Karaoke painfully filling our ears as the first real burger fills our bodies.

The struggle of change that I may not like, but the new opportunities that come alongside it. The way  community can support each other. A dinner of stuffed crust pizza like no other in the middle of China. 

In the quiet moments on a long bus ride, playing with the little girl seated by my side and watching her smile and laugh as we attempt to chat in chinglish and englese.

The winding paths of the park tucked quietly behind the apartments, connected to the road of willows. The park that twists and turns and is full of quiet spots to go when burn out threatens. Two butterflies planted majestically in the middle for those who dare to explore to see.

A magnum at night, a conversation with a friend and the simple sight of their smile. Time talking with new people, exchanging honest words for a while.

There are moments like these that I hide away deep inside, and

It’s in these times I stop and remember the joy of being alive.