Video of China

 

It's Over!

It's over! With one final run we have accomplished our task in Beijing and we head for the States tomorrow night. The teachers are headed for their various universities in many provinces and their kids are ready to go. We've eaten our last noodles and made our last trip to the WuMart to buy Chinese yogert. In forty-eight hours we will be able to say "hello" instead of "ni hao", and "good-bye" rather than "zai jian". I can pay "ten bucks" instead of ""she Yuan", and ask for "to go" rather than "did zien".

It was a hectic week and even crazier weekend. Kids keep you young in spirit, but they tend to kill the body. But what a great group of kids we have had the pleasure of meeting, not to mention their parents and the many Chinese friends we have made. I'm looking very forward to getting home, but there's always a piece of me that stays here and gets a little stronger everytime I come.

There are many things that I would like to tell you that haven't been said, so don't consider this the final blog. Check back later. The pictures are of our "Tweens" group as they finally maxed out and the final combined Tweens and Pre-school/Primary.

See you in the U.S.

zai jain..... er .... I mean "bye",
Kent

Chinese Name

We are starting to have the veteran teachers return to Beijing for a few days before they move on to their respective universities, so we are gaining numbers of children rapidly. I am still amazed by the commitment these young families are making bringing their children to live in a foreign culture. I met one of the little seven year old girls today, whose been here since she was two, that wanted to know if California was in Canada. I think they call that being emersed in the culture. But she speaks Mandarin pretty good. The Texans will be proud to hear there are several families and individual teachers here from Dallas. I even met a girl from my old alma mater, Stephen F. Austin State University.

The most interesting event of the day is that I was that I was given a Chinese name. When Chinese students study English, they take an English name. The name may come from something significant or it may just be one they have heard that they like. e.g. Joseph - from The Book; Fiona - she loved Shriek; Raul - he thinks the Spanish are cool; Prosper - that's what he wants to do. One young man who has kind of attached himself to me for some reason, asked that I would give him an English name. I felt honored to be asked to do something that important and asked Janice and Lisa for help. They suggested Caleb, and that's the name we gave him. We told him it was from The Book, and that Caleb was a strong warrior who was honorable and dependable. He was very proud of his new name and said that I should have a Chinese name. He thought it over for a few days, and today he gave me the name "Yan". He said it means good and powerful leader because it came from one of their rulers. I figure it's because I'm so bossy around here, but hey, I'll take all the complements I can get.

That's it from Beijing tonight. zai jian

Yan Scott

Great Wall vs. Man

My two favorite Beijing area visits are Tian'anmen Square and The Great Wall. Besides both being magnificent structures, each is loaded with history. It is almost overwhelming to imagine the historical events that have affected the world on the very ground on which you are standing. When the ELIC teachers took their official trip to the wall today, most of our group declined because, "We've already been there." But I love the wall, so I jumped at the opportunity to go with two of our new guys and took a couple of our kids with us. The place where we go gives you three options of getting up the mountain to the wall; walk a path, ride a chair lift or ride a gondola. Only the young and foolish walk up because the climb has just started when you reach the wall. I have always rode the chair lift before, but today we rode the gondola. It goes higher and opens an opportunity for a climb to the clouds..... one step at a time. It's about an hour climb to the top of the assessable wall there and only the fit, the young, and I might add, the foolish, attempt it. The higher you go the thinner the crowd... and the air. And what goes up must come down. Then if you want to ride the neat little sleds in the shoot to get back to the parking lot, it's a further 30 minute climb down from where you started in the first place. It's one of those things that you would never do if you could see the near future. But you know how old men are. We just can't admit that the young and strong can outdo the old and stupid. In the picture of the wall I've attached (295) you can get some idea of the climb to the top. We actually made it all the way. Picture 300 is the last struggle to the summit, and Picture 299 is the survivors at the top. You may notice there's only one old guy in there. Wisdom has always been elusive for me.

And then the descent begins. Going up is as good a heart test as the parsanthien e.k.g., but going down is a lesson in the anatomy of the joints. You can feel every one crying out for relief. By the time you finally reach the sled down the hill, the joints are crying out in unison, "Make us take one more step and we're going to dump you over the side of this wall!" One of the ELIC teachers said it best when she said, "I'd quit right here if I just had that option." I day-dreamed about MediVac flying over the hill to rescue me. I made the kids promise they would send the body back to Janice. But, in the end, we all made it and, just like the Marines, we left no one behind. The sled ride down the hill was a hoot, as it always is. Once down the hill and after a little rest on level ground, just like child birth, we all bragged about how tough we are, how great it was, and how we'd do it again.

The last picture (303) is a story. In every public place there are folks digging the garbage for recycle. This lady was doing that in the parking lot while we were waiting for the bus. She came over and actually spoke a little English to us, and we gave her our bottles. I commended her on her English and she told me she could sing Edlewise. I told her I'd love to hear her sing, and she belted out a beautiful rendention of Edlewise .... every verse. We gave her a standing ovation and 10 Yuan (a little over $1.00).

That's it from the other side of the world. It's been rather a long day.

zai jian,
Kent

New Blogger

Well, the real blogger has abandoned us to returned to the States to eat steak and eggs and try to recover from seventeen days of choices between MSG terror or peanut butter. I will try to keep the blog going, but I'm sure the literary quality is going to take a dive.

Team 1 left for the U.S. last night and it was tough to see them go since both my wife and daughter went with them. But life in Beijing doesn't leave much time for mopping. We took the kids to the largest shopping mall in China today. It would pretty much rival most of our large malls in the U.S. The prices would as well. Lisa probably told you about the Pearl and Silk Markets where you can barter and bargin. But this is an upscale mall where you just bring your money. Within that mall is a huge play area with a sand beach, and that is where the little kids went. In China, they wear shirts with English writing and it doesn't always interpret correctly. When we were at this mall in 2007, we have a picture of a little boy about three, playing in the sand, with a shirt that said, "Life on the Bitch". Close, but not close enough. There is also a ice skating rink in this mall, and that's where we took the older kids. Besides watching a couple of old guys fall on their butts, it's always fun to see the kids who have never been on skates start on their backs and butts and end the session looking like future Olympic candidates. That was certainly true of our little girl from India.

Seeing this mall reiterates what a modern and cosmopolitan city Beijing has become. Yet, just down the street sits a Buddhist temple used by the Emperors a thousand years ago. Truly, a unique place. Our history goes back a little over two hundred years; theirs goes back four thousand.

After we skated, we did the all-American lunch at the Golden Arches. I know I've been eating too many noodles when McDonald's starts tasting good. And then, believe it or not, we went upstairs to the DQ for a Blizzard. Now, that did taste good.... not Bluebell (for the Texans); but pretty good.

We are headed back to tha Great Wall tomorrow. More later.

zai jian,
Kent

Saying Goodbye

Team 2 arrived yesterday morning and have joined us this morning to meet with the kids. Last night we took Joseph and his wife, Jessie, out to Peking Duck to celebrate their marriage and my parents birthdays. It was really neat too look around the table and see both teams together, along with Joseph, our faithful guide. Our group is so incredibly blessed. I listened as team one shared their experiences with everyone and as team 2 shared their excitement of things to come. I remember being where they were three weeks ago. I remember the excitement of being in China for the first time and meeting the people. I remember meeting the kids and their families for the first time and growing to love them as much as my own family. It will be so difficult to say goodbye today as their parents pick them up and we take off to the airport. We are anxious to get home to our families, but sad to leave those we have grown to love behind. We leave the children and families in capable hand with team 2. Our time here is ending but many of us will leave part of our hearts here with those we have met. I am already looking forward to the next time I am able to come again.
My dad will continue to post some on this blog so please continue to follow the team and see how our Creator is working in China. We are thankful for our time here and even more thankful for those of you that have held us up in your thoughts.
See you soon.
Lisa
As Lisa's mom, Kent and I have been able to come to China three times now and it is always a blessing. As our girls were growing up we always dreamed that someday we could do Dad's work together. It has been such a exciting answer to share this time with one of them. Words cannot describe the joy we have felt everyday. Janice

Olympic Park and Sweat

So today I am pretty sure that I lost about 8 lbs, just in sweat. We took the kids and their moms to Olympic Park and then to Minority Park today. It was a blazing 96 degrees and I am pretty sure that I haven't had that much sweat come off my body in years. So far we have had pretty good weather, because it has been a bit overcast and the sun stays behind the clouds. Today the sun was out and belting it's beautiful rays down on us as we walked through Olympic Park. The Bird's Nest is an amazing sight to see. The architecture is unbelievable. Kirsten, a team member, and I were wondering who had an imagination that great to put it together. It really does look like a birds nest. We also were able to see the Water Cube, which all the swimming and diving events were held in. I never realized how close together everything was. The kids were troopers, we only had one mom and child head home early. It was so fun to walk through the stadium and be in the very spot that I saw on TV last summer.
From Olympic Stadium we stopped at the apartment of one of the ELIC gals that lives near Olympic Park, and had our lunch in the luxury of air conditioning. We then sent the preschoolers, my Dad, and their moms off to the hotel and were off to Minority Park. There was so much history there. We learned of all the different ethnic groups that are in China. I was amazed at the diversity. These people are absolutely amazing.
The second team from CBC comes in tomorrow morning and will rest. On Thursday they will shadow us for the day and then we are off to the airport to come home. I am ready to go home, but sad to leave China. I have met some incredible people here and I will forever be changed by the experiences here. I know when I say goodbye on Thursday night it won't be forever.
See you all soon.
Lisa

Sunday

This morning we slept in a bit and then headed off to the 3 Self Church for fellowship. We were a little concerned when we handed our taxi driver the directions and it took him 5 minutes to study the map and directions. I prayed the whole way that we wouldn't be dumped off in the middle of nowhere. Lucky for us Geneva had been there before so once we arrived in the general area she knew where to go. I could not believe the amount of people there. We went downstairs to the English service and upstairs they held the Chinese service. I felt a bit at home because the majority of the population was college aged students, similar to our BIOLA students at Grace. I sat next to Rose, who informed me that her husband was a pastor. It was so neat talking to her and just asking questions about China and her life. Once she left Rebecca came and sat next to me. She is a young teacher that loves meeting Americans in hopes that they will be her friends and she can practice her English on them. Both were really sweet ladies and I felt so privileged to get a glimpse of their lives. The pastor was on fire and spoke truth. I absolutely loved it. It was so different than anything I expected. I had heard so many stories about how we need to keep quiet about our faith, yet there was nothing quiet about the people I met today. They face the most dangerous of circumstances yet they joyfully live their lives in a worthy manner. If only I could see more of our people doing the same. I won't soon forget my time there. It was challenging and rewarding all at the same time.
We finished off our morning having lunch at McDonalds. Those of you that know me know that I am not a huge fan of McDonalds, but with a tummy that just cannot handle the MSG in Chinese food I welcomed McDonalds today. I would like to say that I really enjoyed my burger, but I think it was more of a satisfaction that I had put something in my tummy that would stay there.
We find ourselves longing for home, yet sad to say goodbye this week. It has been challenging, rewarding, eye-opening and enjoyable to be here. I have grown in so many ways and I can't wait to share my journey with you all.
Lisa

People

This morning we finished our lesson from our books and Joseph came to teach the kids Origami. It is such an incredible art. The kids enjoyed it immensely. I will say that when one is learning the art of Origami you cannot be a perfectionist. I cannot tell you how many times I folded and refolded the paper to get it right. I kept thinking the entire time that if I were Chinese and this was an art that I needed to know, I would be in big trouble. Joseph is absolutely amazing. He has such a heart for us and treats us with a respect that I wish others could learn. He is the one that we take on our field trips with all the kids. He has put his schedule, studying massage therapy, on hold for the past couple weeks to help us out.
So many of the Chinese students that we have met here are so incredibly valuable to us. We have had them show us Beijing, all the while never complaining when we can't make up our minds about where we want to go or what time to leave. Meeting them has been the highlight of my time here. We have met brothers and sisters and others that are seeking truth. They seem genuinely pleased to spend time with us and learn more about who we are. I really believe that Americans could learn a thing or two from them. I have never seen such an openness and love for others. They have hearts that are so great at loving and respecting others. I wish you all could meet them and hear their stories. I am going to have such a hard time saying good bye to them, not knowing if I will ever see them again, except maybe in heaven. My Heavenly Father has shown me through the Chinese people what it is like to love someone when we have absolutely nothing in common. I know I will treasure the time I have had here with the people of China. I am already excited about the possibility that I will have the opportunity to come back again some day.
We continue to do the work that has been given us. We have become like a family to the new families that are here with ELIC. Each day I wake up and rejoice that I am able to serve them another day. We find our strength in our Creator and He continues to be faithful. Continue to think about us and hold us up before the Throne. We spend time each day lifting those of you up that we love, to our Heavenly Father and are grateful to have warriors approaching the throne on our behalf.

Great Wall

We were up this morning bright and early to make our trip out to the Great Wall. I walked downstairs for breakfast at 6:30 am, (I know some of you are shocked that I was eating breakfast at 6:30 am...so unlike me) and when I got downstairs I saw that it was pouring rain. I teased Geneva, my roommate, later about wanting a good rainstorm while we were here, because I really didn't want it on the day we were to walk the Great Wall. We set out anyway and by the time we arrived at the wall the clouds had dispersed and the rain had stopped. I never had really thought much about how big the Great Wall is, but seeing it today made me realize what an amazing thing it is. It goes on for miles and miles and it is not in the best terrain. I cannot even begin to imagine what it was like building it. We made our way through the little maze of people selling their goods, and were soon on our way up the wall. We chose to ride up on a ski lift. The view was breathtaking. It was an incredible reminder of just how awesome our Creator is. It was hard to take it all in. Once we were up we began our climb. Many of you know what a klutz I can be and walking up and down stairs that had no set height proved to be interesting. At times the step was so big I felt like I was working out every muscle in my legs and other steps were so tiny that I could take 2 or 3 of them at a time. Most of the group we were with walked most of the way up, but Dad, Kirsten and I continued up higher. It was cool to get up near the very highest point and look back on where we had been. Dad and Kirsten walked to the very highest point that we were at, but I got left behind because I wanted to take a few photos and we were short on time. We caught up with the group again and were soon to head back down to the bottom. This is where it got fun. We rode toboggans down the side of the mountain. It was so much fun. I am terrified of heights, but there was no way that I was going to pass that up. Being on the ground as we went down helped with my fear because I couldn't tell how high I really was. Our group persuaded our Chinese guides to go down on the toboggan as well and they loved it. Each of us arrived safely down at the bottom of the mountain and were off to tell the world about our experiences. I am continually amazed at the incredible people of this nation. I learn so many things each day of the rich heritage the Chinese people have and grow to love this place more and more. My only wish is that Jerrel and the kids were here to experience it with me.
Each day we begin by spending time together in the good book and those times are my favorite times together as a team. We see the provision of our Creator each day we are here and for that we are eternally grateful! It will be good to be home and share more with each of you about the work that is being done here.
Lisa

Children

We continue each day to work with the kids and find that each day it becomes more difficult to think that in a week we will have to say goodbye to them. The children of the teachers that have come to China to teach English have touched our hearts and filled our days with a flurry of activity. Each of them brings their own personality to our class, which can make for some lively and entertaining conversation sometimes. Mom and I have 4 children in our class, ranging in age from 7 to 11. We call them the tweens. There is a class of preschoolers, that consists of 5 children, and then another class of 3 babies. Our team has been amazing and I have sat back many times and just watched how well they love the children. I cannot imagine what it would be like as a parent to come into a strange country and drop my children off with a group of total strangers, trusting that they will take good care of them. It would be so difficult, yet these parents are so appreciative of the work that we are doing. Every time they thank us I think to myself that I should be thanking them for trusting us and allowing us to love their children. We have had some incredible conversations within our class about the fears and excitement that each child has about being in China. So many of them really understand the purpose for which their parents are here and are eager to help them. I had one little boy tell me today that I was one of the best teachers he has ever had, mind you he is homeschooled and hasn't had many teachers. I was still so touched that he would say that to me. He reminds me so much of my Josiah and makes me a bit more homesick for my kids.
Tomorrow we head off to visit the Great Wall. I am eager to see the incredible land mark, but more excited for the toboggan that I get to take back down to the bottom of the wall. I had no idea that you could take a toboggan down to the bottom of the wall. It will make climbing all those steps completely worth it. I am sure that I will have many exciting stories about our adventure on the wall. I have been told that there are only squatty potties at the Wall, so I must remember to use the restroom before I leave. I am not a huge fan of the squatty potty.
Continue to hold us up to our Father. We are feeling the thoughts of so many saints and cannot even begin to express our gratitude. I am told to tell everyone that we miss you all and are eager to see you and share more of our story.
Lisa

Shadow Puppets and Squatty Potties

Today we went to the "old" Summer Palace with the kids. Who knew they had two of them and that there was one older than the one we saw yesterday? It was a bit more run down than the one we saw yesterday, but we experienced a "Shadow Puppet" Show. It was really cool. I cannot even begin to accurately describe the puppets but they were by far the most amazing puppets I have seen. They are made from cow or goat hide and then painted with things similar to food coloring. They then hook sticks to them and that is how they move them around. It was really intricate and very different than any thing else I have seen here. We didn't understand much of the show because it was all in Chinese, but just watching the puppets captured our attention. The kids we have been working with are absolutely amazing and such troopers. After the puppet show we walked the grounds of the "old" summer palace in 90 degree heat with 95% humidity. We were all pretty sweaty, but not one child complained.
The most interesting part of the trip were the squatty potties that we had to use. I have seen some in other places, and even had to use one on occasion, but these were not my idea of fun. There was a moment there when I wished I were a man. I felt so bad for the little girls that had to use them, but not one of them complained or fell in for that matter. You see a bit more of the poverty in the area we were in today and the squatty potties definitely resembled the area we were in.
We have all been so blessed by the team work that we are experiencing among our team and ELIC. The teachers that they have coming in this year are so excited to go and do the work that has been set before them. One of the coolest stories is about a couple that has come here with their daughter from India to teach English. I have loved hearing how they came here and their desire to get into the lives of the Chinese people.
Thank you all for thinking so often of us. We feel it each day.

Palaces and Tea Parties

Today was a day off for us. It was the first day we have had off since the teachers arrived. We decided we would head off and do a bit of sight seeing. With Joseph, our student guide, leading the way we were off to the Summer Palace. It was absolutely beautiful. I love seeing the incredible architecture and beautiful paintings. Those emperor's knew how to live. While we were there we were saw a new set of royalty. You will see pictures of the the new Emperor and his bride. They looked vaguely familiar. They only thing missing was a little dog sitting right between them.
After getting the photo's we were off to the Buddhist Temple of incense. After climbing thousands of stair, (Ok maybe not thousands) we arrived at the temple to see the Buddhist god of a thousand arms. The only thing I can say is that I am really thankful that I believe in the one true God. We finished off the morning with a lunch at KFC. It was nice to have a bit of familiarity in my food.
This afternoon Joseph took another group of us to the tea district. It was a great experience. We sat at a table and were able to taste different types of tea. The Chinese people know how to make a great cup of tea. We tried at least 4 different types of tea and I think I was sloshing around by the time we left. The conversation around the table was great and I learned more about tea in my hour there, then I have in my entire life. I bought a 1/2 lb of my favorite and now the only thing I need is a beautiful tea pot to put it in.
We have begun to meet brothers and sisters and it is such a treat to fellowship with them. Our day was enjoyable and I have experienced a new part of Chinese Culture. I thank Dad each day for allowing me to be here.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. Look for GG. She is in there somewhere.
Love,
Lisa

Thunderstorms and Fellowship

We have had a couple of eventful days. We continue to work each day with the kids and help them to get accustomed to the Chinese Culture. Yesterday mom and I took our group to the Wu Mart, which is a store that sells everything from duck eggs to toys. The kids really enjoyed it and each of them were given 10 Yen to spend in the store. The best part was walking around the meat department and watching their reactions to the types of meat they put out to sell. I promised on of them that by the time I left I would try chicken feet. I'm not quite sure what I have gotten myself into, but I can't back out now. A promise is a promise. I am pretty sure that my tummy will rebel a bit on that one, but hey it's worth it.
After the kids left yesterday my parents and I walked over to the Purple Bamboo Park. It was absolutely amazing. The park is set in the middle of Beijing and is beautiful. It reminded me a bit of being in Central Park. You have city surrounding you on all sides and suddenly there is the beautiful piece of land that offers a bit of a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. As we walked around I got a glimpse of family life here in Beijing. Parents were chasing their toddlers around and Grandpas were teaching their grandchildren how to fish. We watched as one boy caught a fish and the excitement it caused. His grandfather was patting him on the back and he was jumping up and down with excitement. It was so neat to see the love they have for one another. Americans can learn something from this culture on the blessings of having a child and being with family.
Last night we were going to take two of our student guides out for pizza at Pizza Hut. I was so excited to finally experience a bit of American culture and eat something that was familiar. As we walked out of our hotel it was drizzling a bit, but by the time we crossed the street we were in a full on thunderstorm. It was amazing. It came complete with thunder and lightening. I miss good thunderstorms, but Dad was good to give us one while we were here. We decided not to continue on and came back to the hotel to regroup. We found out the Pizza Hut delivered so we settled in with a card game called Killer that the Student guides taught us and waited for the pizza to come. The thing that shocked me the most about Pizza Hut delivery is that the man came on a bike. That's right...a bike! Can you imagine a pizza delivery guy on a bike in CA? It would never happen. The poor guy biked a mile in the rain to bring food to lazy Americans. The best part is that he seemed genuinely happy to do it. I love these people!
Our time here continues to be profitable and Dad has given us so many opportunities to fellowship with the people here. We continue to allow Dad to lead us. He is so wise! The fellowship with our Student Guides has been amazing. They all of such incredible hearts for the Americans.
We miss our families, but are thankful that Dad is here with us.
Lisa

Peanut Butter

As I packed my bags to come to China my mom told me to throw a jar of peanut butter in. Little did I know that would be the best piece of advice my mother as ever given me....well maybe not best, but pretty darn close. Peanut butter has once again become a staple in my diet. I can remember as a child wanting it all the time, but now it seems to be the best thing to eat. I have enjoyed trying new foods, things like dragon eyes, which is a fruit that resembles an eyeball, to noodles cooked many different ways. However, my tummy is saying no more new foods Lisa. I came into this wanting to experience Beijing and it's culture just as I would if I lived here, but someone forgot to tell my tummy that it hasn't lived here all it's life. I'm not sure if it's the spicy potatoes, the eggplant or the beef noodles, but I am pretty sure that I have to slow down on the food experience.
That is why peanut butter has become so important to me. Did you know that you can eat peanut butter right out of a jar and call it supper? That's what I did tonight. I am really thankful for the little convenience of peanut butter and that I listened to my mom for once.
We took the kids to a restaurant at lunch today and they experienced how to order and what to expect at a restaurant. A few of them wondered if they had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the menu. I don't think I saw that picture. They were great. They all tried the food that they ordered and no one left hungry. Tomorrow we will take them to the Wu Mart and get the introduced to a grocery store. They continue to do really well and I am so impressed with each of them.
Continue to keep us in your thoughts. I miss you all and I am so thankful for each of you. We press on toward the goal and it is because of the thoughts of each of you.
Lisa

Families

The teachers have arrived and we have begun our daily routine. We met this morning for time with dad. It was refreshing. We met the teachers and their children today. We have 12 kids that are in our care and with 7 of us that makes for a good ratio. The kids are amazing. Many of them came in yesterday on a plane at 5:00 pm and they were ready to go today. I cannot believe how well they have already transitioned. I think I am more jet-lagged than they are and I arrived 3 days ago. The parents went on a scavenger hunt this afternoon along with all the other teachers, so we had an entire day with the kids. It was fun to hear the types of things the parents did around the city. They had to ride, in a taxi, on the subway and on the bus. Along with that they had to try a new type of food and drink. They had student guides from the university with them to help them if they needed an interpreter.
The student guides are amazing. We just returned from having dinner with 3 of them and the conversation was excellent. They are asking some great questions and we have really been able to connect with them. They seem to enjoy our company because they continue to come back each night to "hang out". They will be back on Saturday night to play games. They told us they wanted to teach us to play "Chinese Poker". Should be fun! I wish you all could meet them. You would fall in love with them as much as I have. I told one of them tonight at dinner that I wanted to bring her home with me. She told me that it would be "much to expensive".
Continue to think about us and all the work we have here. We continue to do the task that has been set before us. It has been a joy to teach and to love on the kids of the families that are here to teach.
Lisa

Beijing Subway and Silk Market

Today was the final day of preparation before the ELIC teachers and their families arrive. We met with the director here and finalized all our plans for the next few weeks of serving. I cannot believe the amount of preparation that goes into training the new teachers and getting them accustomed to Chinese culture. I have a whole new respect for the work that ELIC does over here in Asia.
After meeting this morning we took off to experience the Silk Market. It is a building that is about 7 stories tall and houses way too many little shops. It was unbelievable. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I heard, "Hey Lady..You want to buy?". My dad says he imagines that this is what hell might be like with little demons grabbing at you saying "Hey Lady....you want?" The people selling things grab at you and pull you into their little domain. I learned to barter and even made one of them mad when I wouldn't pay the price that she wanted. She told me I was not a nice American and I was trying to rob her...funny thing is she sold me the item for the price I wanted it for.
Once we had found all the items we were looking for we headed over for a Starbucks...that's right I said Starbucks. I thought after being in what some might call hell for awhile I should be able to experience a little bit of heaven. It was great to have an iced tea with ice in it. I took a picture of GG and I enjoying our iced tea.
Starbucks was great and just the break we needed before we headed down into the pits of the subway to return back to the hotel. Our ride to the Silk Market was not too bad, but the ride home was interesting. We hit the subway about the time people were getting of work. I realized that the other night I ate what was similar to sardines, but today I experienced what it's like to be a sardine. It was unbelievable how many people they can shove on one car. I realized that if I have any issues with not having personal space I was soon going to have to give that up. It was packed, but what I loved was watching the people give up their seats for the elderly. My dad soon realized that he was one of the elderly. He wasn't too sure about that.
Everyday I grow to love this place and it's people more and more. I can see why so many of the teachers for ELIC are here. They truly have a heart for this nation. I am excited to hear the stories of the families and people that are here to teach and how they made the decision to come to China. We begin our program tomorrow.

Candy Land, Children and the Chinese Market

Yesterday we met our student guides from BTU.  There were four of them, Raul, Angela, Prosper and Becki and then later Sophie joined us.  All are great kids, which were really helpful and fun to have around.  We started with lunch together and then we were off to the Temple of Heaven.  It was beautiful, but not at all what I imagined heaven to be like.   Once again I was stared at because of my red hair.  I had a young girl come up to me, in English ask me my name and then ask to take a picture with me.  She was so excited when I told her yes.  I guess I really am royalty here.  The student guides then came back to the hotel with us and played games with us.  The funny thing is that they wanted to play games like Chutes and Ladders and Candy Land.  They loved it.
Beijing is filled with unique people, smells and sounds.  It has taken some time to get used to the smells here.  I go from smelling something really good (food) to smelling the garbage that lines the street. I feel like I am in sensory overload sometimes.  The people are amazing and I have begun to fall in love with their genuine hearts and compassion for one another.  They treat each other with such respect here.  Mom and I took a walk yesterday morning and found a quiet little park filled with grandparents taking care of their grandchildren.  It is so different to see only one child per family.  I am so used to seeing larger families in the United States.  The love their children well here and I think that the parents in the US could learn so much about the privilege it is to have children.
Dad is working in His wisdom here.  The Student Guides have asked great questions about the US and it's culture.  Dad continues to give wisdom and care.  It has been fun to see.
That's it for today.  We are off to a Chinese market to experience shopping in China.  Love you all!  Continue to keep us in your thoughts.
Lisa

Safe arrival and a fish story

Greetings from China.  We arrived yesterday after an uneventful flight.  We were one of the lucky planes when we landed because they did not have health officials come on the plane before we could get off.  We did go through checkpoints where they checked our temperatures and then again to make a statement of health.  All went smoothly.  The team that is here met us at the airport and soon we were on our way to the hotel.  It has been really interesting to see the vast difference in our cultures.  The Asian people are polite and very helpful.  Everywhere we go we definitely draw a crowd.  It is apparent that not many red-heads are in Beijing.  Yesterday I told my mom I feel a bit like a freak show because I get stared at whereever we go.  We have a young gal on our team that is blond and blue-eyed and they love her too.  Many of them come up and want pictures and to touch our hair.  I found it a bit awkward at first but I am beginning to see it as a way of getting to better know the people of china.
Yesterday after arriving, meeting the team here and showering my parents and I decided to venture out and have lunch.  We took no one with us which turned out to make for an interesting lunch.  We have team members here that speak fluent Chinese and also studentguides that help us with translation, but none were around at the time.  We went to a noodle house that was known for it's great food.  It was really fun walking in and being the only Americans in the place, I felt a bit like royality.  When we entered the workers at the entrance started shouting toward the back of the restaurant to the workers in the back.  It was really funny to hear them yelling back and forth at each other.   We sat at the table and were given our menu.  This is where it got interesting because we had no idea what we were ordering other than what looked good in the pictures.  We decided on two items and waited eagerly with our tummys growling.  As the food came out and they set it down, it smelled delicious.  We dove into it and soon realized that the entree we had ordered was minnows, thats right, little tiny fish.  They came with the heads on and complete bodies. My parents were laughing at me because the only eating utinsel I had was chopsticks.  A little tough when I am trying to pull the meat off of a tiny little fish.  I finally just used my fingers because I knew I would starve if I didn't.  Believe it or not the minnows were not too bad.  Of course you had to eat about 10 of them to fill up, but a least I can say I tried something new.
We meet our student guides later this morning and will travel to the shops to pick up supplies this afternoon.  We have definitely felt the thoughts off all you and appreciate the good thoughts you have sent our way.  I am excited to meet the kids and families tomorrow and continue the work that has been set before us.
Love and miss you all!
Lisa

3 days until take off

My departure for China is in just 2 days and I am getting more excited each day. I must first pack my bags and I haven't even begun that process. Leave it to me to wait until the day before to pack. I have always been a bit of a procrastinator. I have mixed feelings about my departure. I am really looking forward to experiencing a new culture and seeing how people across the world live, but I know I will miss my family terribly.
Hopefully this blog will be a great way for you all to stay in contact with me and learn a little about my adventures in China. Look for pictures of GG, our Grace Group Penguin that has just arrived from her journey to England. Keep me in your thoughts!