If a formula existed to guarantee a great month on the Race, then China would possess all of the ingredients. Fulfilling ministry? Check. Sweet living arrangements? Absolutely. Interesting culture? Obviously. American comfort food for off days (i.e. McDonald's McFlurries)? Yep. We had a Mickey D's right smack in the center of town…
This month, two of our teams had the privilege of working with Eagles' Wings, an orphanage for kids with special needs. We taught classes, guided outings and shared meals with the kids. When I first heard "Chinese orphanage," I began to prepare myself for a month of heart-wrenching sights. Instead, I was delighted to find kids, happy and healthy… and loved. Even though our time as volunteers was limited, we jumped right on the love bandwagon as the kids stole our hearts.
In my former (pre-Race) life, I associated China with panda bears or paper lanterns or intense Olympic competitors… Now, however, the mention of the vast Asian country only brings faces to mind. It brings the faces of numerous children with spunk, intellect, charisma and joy.
Sheng An was glad to repeat a booming "War Eagle" when we happened to find this hat at his house.
Auburn love. Still pouring strong.
Again, the ministry was not the only aspect of China that I enjoyed. Scrumptious street food! Use of a refrigerator! Chinese fashion! It was all just divine. That leads me to Life in a Day: China edition.
Expect to see:
- the world's coolest park (complete with crazy man statue) in our city of Jiaozuo.
- China's exercise of choice, choreographed group dancing in the park. Or on the sidewalk. Or in the parking lot of an apartment complex.
- a picture of community in our sweet little suite.
- my babies! Walkers, non-walkers and scoochers alike.
- the street vendors-turned-friends as they sizzled and fried Chinese delicacies.
- work on murals that we were able to paint as well as the reaction from the kids. Extreme Makeover: Chinese School edition!
- my team getting to eat dinner with our older girls. They taught us all about the art of chop sticks.
- enjoying time (and Girl Scout cookies!) with our contact and her daughters.
- Chinese fire crackers. They were just as much fun as they sound.
