Ever wonder what it’s like to make a difference? To actually change someone’s thinking, to teach them a new skill, to open their eyes to a new concept, to touch a heart? To completely, truly, awesomely, amazingly CHANGE their present and effect their future?

I have found that it is a very addicting feeling.

One of my Chinese friends, Joy, has continued to correspond with me over the years that I’ve been gone from China. I met her in I-55, the most amazing coffee shop in Dalian – I’d almost go so far as to say that it is the best coffee shop in all of China. It was started by a man from Philly and feels like you’ve just crossed the international date line and stepped into preppy, hometown America. I loved that place… almost too much, actually! Joy (who was called Smile at that time) was a waitress and barista.

One of the special things about I-55 was that all employees were taught English through special English corners, using special “textbooks.” Joy came to know my Father through her English lessons… and became my special Chinese sister. If I'm ever down or discouraged, just the thought of my Chinese Joy is an encouragement. She is one of the most precious people I've ever met - and she truly loves to learn, grow, and pursue excellence. I count her as one of my dearest, most precious friends... and I love her as my sister.

She keeps in touch with me via Facebook, telling me all about how she is learning to grow, singing in a choir, and living each day as a gift. I love to think that I was a small part of her journey—a small “difference” in her life.

I want to do that again. Actually, I can’t WAIT to do that again! Working in China, touching lives, holding hands of those in need, and walking beside my team members changing futures.

I literally can’t wait.