I AM BACK!
The last month was just as true as the first. God is God…even in China. Even when you need to speak “in code”, or be on the look out for communist monitors, or be “just a backpacker” for a month. God still moves and is alive. People are coming to know him in a land where their faith is greatly persecuted.
I hope you enjoy the pictures as my words can be few (for security measures).
Our journey started (and is ending) in Hong Kong.
Yes, this is really Jackie Chan! I guess there must be more than one…
After our Hong Kong race day, we got to celebrate at DISNEYLAND!
After a few days in Hong Kong, we headed into the mainland of China. For the first two weeks we were part of a cultural exchange program at a University. In the mornings we learned about Chinese culture: tea, music, caligraphy, religion & philosophy, history, mandrin, etc.; and in the afternoons we met with English majors who wanted to practice conversation and pronounciation. For many, we ended up being their “first foreign friend ever”!
For another 10 days a crew of us headed down to the Yunnan province. There are over 30 ethnic minorities in this area…also the first part of china to experience a bit of religious freedom…GOD BLESS CHINA signs on windows and Christian bookstores on the streets. Blessed be the poor in spirit…
The open air markets are key to china’s culinary experience…and I would be lying if I said ‘dog’ was not for sale – not as a pet, but for supper! And ramein noodles galore – it takes up aisles in the supermarket. I think I consumed more ramein in one month than my entire college career. (below) Jioazi – or dumplings – became my best friend on cold days…of course accompanied by either green tea or plain hot water (kelly, you’ld be so proud of me!) And who needs silverware anymore? Chopsticks will do just fine.
China is beautiful…
both the land and the people…
proclaim his glory without realizing it.
God is still God over China. The same SUN that rises over America, Peru and Mozambique rises over China.
Our last stop was Beijing. And what was awaiting me but…
AUTUMN!
God’s perfect gift to a longing heart…
The Summer Palace was home to the golden (Aspen?) leaves…
And last but not least,
The Great Wall hike!
GOD BLESS CHINA!
(Note: I posted more China pictures on my Photos page.)
