China Service Project Video

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3123573160330586506

This slide show sums up why we did all this.

Thank You/Sha Sha

A big thank you to Bill and Louie for organizing and leading a life changing gift for all involved.

Thank you Brett and David for helping us understand the Chinese language and culture.

Thank you Cai for your assistance in so many ways.

Thank you Tony for a great tour!

Thank you to the orphanage staff and many volunteers for caring for these precious children.

The children and people of China remain in our thoughts, prayers, and best wishes until we meet again. If you would like to contribute to relief work in China please click on Helping our Friends on the blog menu.

Transportation

Transportation was most interesting! There were many methods of travel. People were seen walking, riding, biking, dashing, speeding, stopping, and jetting through traffic. A few examples:

Unusual vehicles everywhere -

Busy intersections - many near misses!

Strolling through the park.

Best of all, children were able to be transported with the help of stools on wheels. They most enjoyed changing floors as they dashed down the ramp. The gift of mobility through wheelchairs is awesome!

Culture Shock

A trip to the bank may be time consuming. You take a number and wait, and wait, and wait.

All shopping involves negotiation and mind boggling deals!

There is a strong military presence:








The military walking in formation through Tiananmen Square.

The military at the great wall.

Grocery stores were interesting:

Our first experience ordering Chinese food as a group. Much thought went into making sure the choices would be pleasing to everyone.

When SHARING a meal, many selections are available and placed on a lazy susan in the middle of the table. Yes, it is appropriate to take your chop sticks and "double dip," no one seems to mind and there was always enough for everyone. Some members of the group enjoyed Chinese food whenever available, some could not wait to visit a Fridays.

Of course, there is always McDonald's.









Vendors are found on the street offering fresh fruit.

On our way to the orphanage in Zhao Xian we found a restaurant that offered a bit of variety. When we entered the restaurant the employees, laying on rows of chairs, woke up to serve us lunch. It is most interesting that the entire meal is never brought at the same time. Ingredients keep appearing throughout the meal. This selection started with a pot of broth and we were able to add lamb, squid, vegetables and rice as we wished, creating our desired flavor. Rice is usually served last.

Peking Duck was a must! Many restaurants present you with a wash cloth before a meal. The servers do not expect or accept a tip.

By the end of the visit Sandi and Vicki are very happy with sticky rice, and stir fried green beans and broccoli.

Using a bathroom in China is an interesting experience. The more sophisticated restrooms have a male/female room to wash your hands and pick up toilet paper on the way in. Men to the left, women to the right. Some restrooms give you the choice of a "Western toilet" or a "squat pot" and you better have your own toilet paper. Other's have a "Western" toilet for the handicap. Some are very quaint with only a squat pot and you definitely need your Purell.

Our hotel bathroom facility and shower were one - interesting set up!

The count down clock for the Olympics!







With the Olympics approaching, 08/08/08 ,there is construction everywhere. Below you will find the Bird's Nest Stadium, a distant view of the aquatic center, and a hotel in the shape of a torch. The Olympics will be so much fun to watch!

Terra-Cotta Warriors

The Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses were found on this farmer's land while digging for a well near the royal tomb in 1974. Archeologists immediately came to Xian to study the site. They established that these artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211-206 BC).

At the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China, began work for his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. The plan was that many buried treasures would accompany the emperor into his after life.

The detail is amazing!

Those that crafted the warriors knew that they would be buried alive to keep their creation a secret. This enclosed grave marks the spot of their burial.

We planned to visit the Terra-Cotta Warriors Tuesday. Through an unusual chain of events we met Mr. Wu early Monday morning and were able to tour this unbelieveable landmark before our return to Beijing due to the earthquake.

There will be an upcoming post of cultural differences, then a return to the real reason for the trip; THE CHILDREN.

Summer Palace

Sunday, May 11th, after saying goodbye to the group, Sandi, Vicki and David had an opportunity to visit the Summer Palace:

The beauty of the palace grounds is breathtaking.

The people, so warm, kind, and engaging. Always eager to take a picture with the foreigners.

A boat ride to more beauty.

We are reminded of mankind's creative ability and skill.

We are in awe of nature's beauty.

Helping our Friends

So many new friendships were made in our visit to China. Now China struggles with a massive natural disaster. If you would like to provide direct assistance please see below:

After experiencing the earthquake last week, our hearts go out to the people of China. We have been in correspondence with David, an American student, in Beijing and one of our interpreters. In response to our questions regarding how we might help, David responded with:

"About helping with the earthquake situation. My local church here in Beijing has sent some people to Sichuan and they have reported that what the people need most is water. We're trying to raise the money to send three train cars of bottled water into the area.

In his correspondence with Bill, Bill reported:

I received an e-mail from our friend David, "whom has expressed a desire and willingness to coordinate the delivery of assistance to individuals in need following the untimely earthquake last week in China. The church fellowship of which David and I belong can and will receive and track funds to go to China to be of assistance. If you wish to assist, or know of anyone whom might, please have checks made payable to Beth Tikkun Messianic Fellowship. Please have the memo include “China Earthquake Assistance”. Checks may be sent to:"

Beth Tikkun Messianic Fellowship
P.O. Box 6150
Akron, Ohio 44312