June 2025: Building Toward A Greater Purpose

It's never what you think it will be.

I’ll never forget the feeling of finally standing on the Great Wall of China. I thought I would be awe-inspired by its majesty, feeling transcendent when actually touching a structure that is thousands of years older than my country. We have nothing like this in my country, a wonder of the world from ancient times that proved our ingenuity, artistry, and resilience in the face of danger. However, it was incredibly windy that day. The wind was the force that overpowered me, not reverence, and it lifted me off my feet and scared me as I clung to the stones, suddenly afraid I might be thrown over. My sisters and I found a tower to shelter us and took a photo. But it wasn’t what I thought it would be. Sure, my face turned out okay, but you can’t really tell that’s the Great Wall of China in the background. So, I asked her to take another photo where the location is obvious, braving the fierce wind. The result was the best photo of the Great Wall of China was one where I looked fat, balding, and with bangs pasted on my face.

In any photo, hair matters to people. But in this core memory of my life, there was something built more beautiful than any AI could achieve: this uplifting moment and the gratitude of being able to visit the only structure built by humans that is visible from space. This wall was continually built for defense across several dynasties. Though it failed at is purpose in keeping the Mongols out of China, it survived and became an international icon for other purposes.  This moment is also quite humbling (not just because of the bangs). Several reasons why the Great Wall failed was because of the Chinese themselves: Mongols made secret alliances with the Jin Dynasty, who controlled the northern region of China, learned Chinese siege tactics and used those against them, and made notes on areas of the Great Wall that were not well-maintained or garrisoned by soldiers. This failure of self is why it is an example of how we cannot rely solely on human intellect and hard work to build anything of lasting value.

Psalm 127:1 states, "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." With this business, I hope to build a service that extends to all families across Tennessee, immigrant and citizen alike. I hope to build an international community center, where people of all walks of faith, experiences in life, and dreams for the future mingle and support each other.  Beyond booking rooms and organizing curricula, good leaders realize their vision for their business is only a small part of success. It never looks like what you think it will be.  Do not let your vision become tunnel vision that ignores possibilities and needs, including the possibility that you might be in your own way. Wisdom from God and a will to align yourself with his plans for your life is what builds a strong structure that lasts. And time—that fleeting wave on the sand that is never enough for those passionate about the project, and always too much for those waiting for results—only time will tell if this house is built by the Lord or by those who labor in vain. To all those who labor with heavy burdens and confusing choices, who want to change their future and educate themselves, I say welcome. Welcome to your new partners in education, new friends, and new community home.