Hi there Reader!

It’s MeiMei here this week – it’s been a bit since I last wrote to you. A LOT has happened since then. In the past two weeks I’ve graduated high school and moved to the USA. 🎉Those are two pretty big milestones and they come with a lot of changes.

My graduation was a meaningful experience to say the least. After attending Concordia International School Shanghai for 14 years, my graduation was both eagerly anticipated and reluctantly experienced. It’s hard to close a chapter like that – one that for the longest time was nearly the entire book of my life – but life goes on.

✨I was honored to receive the school's Senior Scholar award at graduation. The Senior Scholar award goes to the graduating senior who meets all of the following criteria. This student has

· One of the highest-grade point averages for four years of high school.

· Has taken a rigorous course load.

· Has made a significant contribution to the school.

· Is recognized as being a student of high moral and ethical character.

This award represents the highest honor that Concordia High School bestows upon one of its students. 💕

When receiving such a prestigious award I’m reminded that I did not get here on my own.

✨My parents, teachers, friends, and God have all supported me and given me the strength and skills to be where I am today.

1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Even when we are blessed with great honors, we should stay humble and be reminded of whose strength carried us when we were weak.

Isaiah 63:9 “In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them, He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.”

After nearly 18 years the Semler family now lives in the USA once more. There’s a big difference between living in China and living in the US – something I can tell even after being here just a short while. However, it’s not necessarily helpful to focus on the differences or instances of culture shock if it’s at the expense of living in the moment. 💕

There will always be situations that we’re simply opposed to in the moment. It could be because it’s a huge change we don’t feel prepared for, or we simply aren’t satisfied with where we are in life at the moment.

Yet, it’s important to keep in mind that God calls us to seek peace and prosperity wherever we are. 🌎

When we invest in our present circumstances, we will be able to see God working in wonderful ways.

✨My first Sunday back in the US brought one of the most impactful sermons I have ever heard. I walked into church expecting to gain some good insights but instead I was overwhelmed by a sermon that addressed thoughts and feelings I had been discussing with my mom only a few hours earlier. I could tell that this was a message that God was imparting to me. Interestingly, the sermon's Bible text from Jeremiah was also the verse associated with my Class of 2023's word of the year-HOPE.

I ask you to take a few moments to read the following verses from Jeremiah 29 and as you read consider these questions:

· What circumstances are you in right now?

· How can you seek the prosperity of your current situation?

· In what ways can you trust God with your environment?

4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” 8 Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.

10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I hope that whatever changes or situations you are in right now, you can trust that God knows how it will all play out.

We aren’t called to know what will happen in our lives but rather “build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce” (Jeremiah 29:5) and “seek the peace and prosperity” (Jeremiah 29:7) of where we live.

✨When we do these things, regardless of what circumstances we are in, I truly believe we will see the amazing works of God.

Until next time, love from

MeiMei 💕

P.S. I will be attending Baylor University this fall! 💚💛🐻

PS from Karin: If you'd like to watch MeiMei's graduation ceremony, which includes the announcement of the Senior Scholar honor, here is the link.

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