Ni Hao!
I can't believe it's already August--this summer has flown by.
We're now in Xi'an. We left Beijing on Monday evening, after a 5-hour delay. Needless to say, it was a long wait in the Beijing train station. Several of our group purchased the new Harry Potter book, so that kept them busy.
The overnight train ride was great. We had private, soft-sleeper cars (2 persons to a berth), so it was very comfortable. We arrived in Xi'an at about 10:30a.m. and immediately took our private bus to the hotel, which is lovely. After a shower and rest, we went for lunch to a famous restaurant specializing in Xi'an dumplings. In the afternoon, we visited the old city wall, built 600 years ago. Xi'an, a city of 8 million, is the only city in China with an intact city wall. Preston, Colin, Katie, Cassey, Julie and Jenny rode bikes around the entire city wall, about an hour-long bike ride, which they made in 45 minutes. The remainder of the group walked around and rested.
After visiting the city wall, we were taken to the Muslim market. This is a famous area of Xi'an where Muslims settled many years ago. We walked the streets lined with outdoor eating establishments and markets. We returned to the hotel at 5:30p.m. and spent the evening resting.
This morning we enjoyed our first American breakfast. This afternoon we'll visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and tonight we're going to the Tsang Dynasty Show. Tomorrow we'll see the Terra Cotta Soldiers and the museum. We're learning so much about Chinese culture and history, which is important as we work to relate with the Chinese people. We're better able to understand their thinking and the concerns they have.
We're looking forward to the remainder of the week, which we will spend in a country village working with a Christian orphanage.
Again, thank you for your continued prayers. The Lord is faithful, and He continues to provide for us. I've posted a few new pictures below. I'm slowly collecting pictures from everyone's cameras, so I'll post more tonight.
Blessings on you all. ~~Wayne
Map of China
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Sunday, July 29
It's been another amazing two days. On Saturday, we had the morning to sleep in and rest--much needed after a busy and full week with the children. In the afternoon, we visited Tianamen Square and Forbidden City. We stopped several times to have our pictures made with Chinese families and children. They love to have English conversations with Americans, and they love to have their pictures made with us.
We ate dinner in a great restaurant. Do you sense a theme here? I've never seen university students eat so much. After stuffing ourselves, we moved next door for the Chinese Opera. It was different, but good. They served us Chinese tea and snacks. It was a great time.
Today we worshipped at Beijing International Christian Fellowship. We connected again with other ACU students, as well as with Tim and Becky McDonald from the International Academy of Beijing, the school where 4 of our ACU students are teaching English this summer. I'll be meeting with Tim next week to discuss other ways in which our students can be involved with this Christian K-12 school. The school is growing, and they're now expanding to a second campus.
We also connected again with John and Lisa Bentley and 5 of their children--Ian, Oliver, Reed, Orly and Levi. Emily, their oldest daughter, is in Canada and will return the week of Aug. 5-10, while we are with John and Lisa at Harmony Outreach in Langfang. We all went out to dinner at TGIF. It was great to have fajitas, quesadillas, hamburgers, and chicken strips. Joan Bower also joined us; she's been the assistant to the US Ambassador to China for the past 3 years. She leaves now for another post. She's a great Christian sister, who has done amazing work here in Beijing. She was a great help in making our visit last summer a reality. People here are still talking about the visit of the Christian delegation last summer.
Today I learned of opportunities to come next summer and officially help with the Olympics. I can't get into the particulars now, but it's a promising mission. We've also been invited to return and continue our assistance with the orphanages. That makes the most sense at this point, but we'll certainly be open to the Lord's leading. The students are encouraging me to make this an annual trip.
Remember me telling you about the students I met at McDonald's? I met them again today. My daughter, Katie, joined me, and we had a great time talking about life, meaning, belief, and what it means to be a good person. We walked them to their English class where we were invited to speak briefly to their 200 classmates. Katie and I introduced ourselves, and we were able to tell them why we're here in China. What an opportunity! I've invited these two new friends to spend tomorrow with us before we leave for Xi'an. They're excited to be able to practice their English, and we're excited about visiting with them again.
Today I was also approached by a Chinese talent agent about doing a national commercial for CCTV (Chinese Central Television). It's a commercial for the 2008 Summer Olympics, and they're needing a tall American guy for the shoot. I'm supposed to call her today, so who knows what might happen.
For all the parents of students who are traveling with me, please know that Rebecca, Lauren, Julianne, Korie, Kellie, Katie, Jenny, Colin, Preston, and Cassey are doing really, really well. They're learning so much, and their lights are definitely shining brightly. They'll have much to share with you in two more weeks, so get ready to give them a great deal of time and attention.
We ate dinner in a great restaurant. Do you sense a theme here? I've never seen university students eat so much. After stuffing ourselves, we moved next door for the Chinese Opera. It was different, but good. They served us Chinese tea and snacks. It was a great time.
Today we worshipped at Beijing International Christian Fellowship. We connected again with other ACU students, as well as with Tim and Becky McDonald from the International Academy of Beijing, the school where 4 of our ACU students are teaching English this summer. I'll be meeting with Tim next week to discuss other ways in which our students can be involved with this Christian K-12 school. The school is growing, and they're now expanding to a second campus.
We also connected again with John and Lisa Bentley and 5 of their children--Ian, Oliver, Reed, Orly and Levi. Emily, their oldest daughter, is in Canada and will return the week of Aug. 5-10, while we are with John and Lisa at Harmony Outreach in Langfang. We all went out to dinner at TGIF. It was great to have fajitas, quesadillas, hamburgers, and chicken strips. Joan Bower also joined us; she's been the assistant to the US Ambassador to China for the past 3 years. She leaves now for another post. She's a great Christian sister, who has done amazing work here in Beijing. She was a great help in making our visit last summer a reality. People here are still talking about the visit of the Christian delegation last summer.
Today I learned of opportunities to come next summer and officially help with the Olympics. I can't get into the particulars now, but it's a promising mission. We've also been invited to return and continue our assistance with the orphanages. That makes the most sense at this point, but we'll certainly be open to the Lord's leading. The students are encouraging me to make this an annual trip.
Remember me telling you about the students I met at McDonald's? I met them again today. My daughter, Katie, joined me, and we had a great time talking about life, meaning, belief, and what it means to be a good person. We walked them to their English class where we were invited to speak briefly to their 200 classmates. Katie and I introduced ourselves, and we were able to tell them why we're here in China. What an opportunity! I've invited these two new friends to spend tomorrow with us before we leave for Xi'an. They're excited to be able to practice their English, and we're excited about visiting with them again.
Today I was also approached by a Chinese talent agent about doing a national commercial for CCTV (Chinese Central Television). It's a commercial for the 2008 Summer Olympics, and they're needing a tall American guy for the shoot. I'm supposed to call her today, so who knows what might happen.
For all the parents of students who are traveling with me, please know that Rebecca, Lauren, Julianne, Korie, Kellie, Katie, Jenny, Colin, Preston, and Cassey are doing really, really well. They're learning so much, and their lights are definitely shining brightly. They'll have much to share with you in two more weeks, so get ready to give them a great deal of time and attention.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Saturday, July 28
Yesterday afternoon was equally as difficult. We had a great time with the remaining children who did not leave to return home until 5:00p.m. Though difficult to tell them goodbye, we are grateful for the opportunity to spend time with these amazing children.
In addition to playing games, singing with the guitar, and taking them for ice cream at McDonald's, we had time to send email and rest. After saying goodbye to the children, Preston and Katie walked David and Tia to the subway to return to their homes in Beijing. David is 19 and lives with a foster family in Beijing. He's in training school and waiting for a job. His English is very good, certainly better than our Chinese. Tia is 16 and lives with her family here as well. We've invited both of them to join us on Monday for our day of shopping at the Silk Market.
Today, I woke up early for my morning walk and trip to McDonald's for coffee. As I walked, I was sad to think about saying goodbye to the children. I arrived at McDonald's, purchased my Egg McMuffin meal, and sat alone at a table. Within minutes, a young Chinese girl (17 years old) asked if she could sit at my table and have a conversation with me to practice her English. Of course, I said yes. Then her cousin joined us. I had a wonderful time with Cactus and her cousin. They asked an assortment of questions, including the obvious one, "Why are you here in Beijing?" When I explained our work with the orphan children, they thought we were "too kind-hearted"--that gave me an opportunity to talk about our faith and why it would motivate our group to come on this trip.
They had to leave to go to English class, and they were surprised when I said I would walk with them. We're meeting again in the morning for breakfast at McDonald's. I truly enjoy these "divine appointments." Please pray for these conversations. They'll both be ready to attend university in the fall of 2008 and would love to study in the US. I would love for them to come to ACU, but they can't afford the tuition. Who knows, perhaps our Father can make that happen as well. I will also be inviting them to join us on Monday. I want them to get to know our students.
On Monday night we leave by overnight train to Xi'an. I've learned that we will be working with a private, Christian orphanage. The Chinese woman who began this orphanage is very dependent on all the support she can receive. As a private orphanage, there is no government support--the government orphanages are supported quite well. I'm impressed with the children we've met so far. Monday we'll meet 20 new children, and I'm looking forward to learning all the possibilities for helping this orphanage, both now and in the future.
I can't begin to explain to you the impact that this trip is having on me and our students. I'm thankful for your prayers, your financial assistance, and our relationship in Jesus. ~~Wayne
In addition to playing games, singing with the guitar, and taking them for ice cream at McDonald's, we had time to send email and rest. After saying goodbye to the children, Preston and Katie walked David and Tia to the subway to return to their homes in Beijing. David is 19 and lives with a foster family in Beijing. He's in training school and waiting for a job. His English is very good, certainly better than our Chinese. Tia is 16 and lives with her family here as well. We've invited both of them to join us on Monday for our day of shopping at the Silk Market.
Today, I woke up early for my morning walk and trip to McDonald's for coffee. As I walked, I was sad to think about saying goodbye to the children. I arrived at McDonald's, purchased my Egg McMuffin meal, and sat alone at a table. Within minutes, a young Chinese girl (17 years old) asked if she could sit at my table and have a conversation with me to practice her English. Of course, I said yes. Then her cousin joined us. I had a wonderful time with Cactus and her cousin. They asked an assortment of questions, including the obvious one, "Why are you here in Beijing?" When I explained our work with the orphan children, they thought we were "too kind-hearted"--that gave me an opportunity to talk about our faith and why it would motivate our group to come on this trip.
They had to leave to go to English class, and they were surprised when I said I would walk with them. We're meeting again in the morning for breakfast at McDonald's. I truly enjoy these "divine appointments." Please pray for these conversations. They'll both be ready to attend university in the fall of 2008 and would love to study in the US. I would love for them to come to ACU, but they can't afford the tuition. Who knows, perhaps our Father can make that happen as well. I will also be inviting them to join us on Monday. I want them to get to know our students.
On Monday night we leave by overnight train to Xi'an. I've learned that we will be working with a private, Christian orphanage. The Chinese woman who began this orphanage is very dependent on all the support she can receive. As a private orphanage, there is no government support--the government orphanages are supported quite well. I'm impressed with the children we've met so far. Monday we'll meet 20 new children, and I'm looking forward to learning all the possibilities for helping this orphanage, both now and in the future.
I can't begin to explain to you the impact that this trip is having on me and our students. I'm thankful for your prayers, your financial assistance, and our relationship in Jesus. ~~Wayne
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Friday, July 27
It's so difficult to put into words all that has happened. On Wednesday, we worked at "Home of Children's Hope International" here in Beijing. This is a foster home for special needs children from all over China. These children come to Beijing for various kinds of surgery, and they remain in this foster home for recovery, special care, and therapy until they are adopted, domestically or internationally.
When we arrived, the babies were just waking up, so naturally they were a bit hesitant with us. However, a couple of the toddlers immediately came to us to begin playing. Within minutes, we had won over all the babies, and the floor was covered with college students, babies, and toys--playing, eating crackers, and drinking water. It was a site to see.
Additionally, a family from the US arrived to visit the foster home. They had adopted their daughter from China 12 years previously, and they returned as a family for a homeland tour, an opportunity for them to introduce their daughter to her homeland, and to visit the orphanage where she lived as a young infant. We were able to hear, first-hand, the process and the long-term joy of adopting one of these precious children.
Yesterday, the older orphanage children were in training sessions, so we toured the Temple of Heaven, the hutong area of China by rickshaw, ate with a family living in the hutong community, toured the Drum Tower, and watched a Chinese Acrobat Company at a Beijing Theater. It was a great day and a nice break. We were exposed to wonderful Chinese history and culture, each important to our work these 3 weeks.
Today has been a day of mixed emotions. This is the closing of the "Hand in Hand" summer camp. We enjoyed a program of singing, poem recitation, and dance given by the children. We also were able to teach them a song, tell them of our life in Jesus, and close our part by singing "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." After playing games and enjoying the time together, we took group photos and then had to tell the children from one of the orphanages goodbye. They had to leave just before lunch for an overnight train ride. After lunch (Dominoes Pizza, Chinese noodles, cucumber, and watermelon) we've been playing with the remaining children. They will leave Beijing today at 5:30.
Tomorrow (Saturday) we will visit the Forbidden City and Tianamen Square. Sunday we will worship with the Beijing International Christian Felowship and rest. On Monday we leave for an overnight train ride to Xi'an to work with an orphanage in the countryside. I hope I will have Internet access so that I can update you as to our work.
For now, thanks again for your prayers. I'll try to post photos soon. ~~Wayne
When we arrived, the babies were just waking up, so naturally they were a bit hesitant with us. However, a couple of the toddlers immediately came to us to begin playing. Within minutes, we had won over all the babies, and the floor was covered with college students, babies, and toys--playing, eating crackers, and drinking water. It was a site to see.
Additionally, a family from the US arrived to visit the foster home. They had adopted their daughter from China 12 years previously, and they returned as a family for a homeland tour, an opportunity for them to introduce their daughter to her homeland, and to visit the orphanage where she lived as a young infant. We were able to hear, first-hand, the process and the long-term joy of adopting one of these precious children.
Yesterday, the older orphanage children were in training sessions, so we toured the Temple of Heaven, the hutong area of China by rickshaw, ate with a family living in the hutong community, toured the Drum Tower, and watched a Chinese Acrobat Company at a Beijing Theater. It was a great day and a nice break. We were exposed to wonderful Chinese history and culture, each important to our work these 3 weeks.
Today has been a day of mixed emotions. This is the closing of the "Hand in Hand" summer camp. We enjoyed a program of singing, poem recitation, and dance given by the children. We also were able to teach them a song, tell them of our life in Jesus, and close our part by singing "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." After playing games and enjoying the time together, we took group photos and then had to tell the children from one of the orphanages goodbye. They had to leave just before lunch for an overnight train ride. After lunch (Dominoes Pizza, Chinese noodles, cucumber, and watermelon) we've been playing with the remaining children. They will leave Beijing today at 5:30.
Tomorrow (Saturday) we will visit the Forbidden City and Tianamen Square. Sunday we will worship with the Beijing International Christian Felowship and rest. On Monday we leave for an overnight train ride to Xi'an to work with an orphanage in the countryside. I hope I will have Internet access so that I can update you as to our work.
For now, thanks again for your prayers. I'll try to post photos soon. ~~Wayne
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
The Love of Jesus in Any Language
It's Wednesday morning, July 25, and I've finally found a computer for updating our blog. We arrived in Beijing on Saturday night at 9:00p.m. Sunday morning we attended the Beijing International Christian Fellowship, the church where our delegation attended last summer, and where Max Lucado preached. We found the other ACU students, Melanie Fullerton and Danielle Williams, who are here teaching English at the International Academy of Beijing. It was a great ACU reunion. We also connected with John Bentley and 3 of his children, Reed, Orly and Levi. Lisa was home with the other children who woke up sick.
After worship, we went to lunch with John and a couple from the US who were here visiting China. They adopted two children from China years ago and they brought them back for a homeland tour.
After lunch we went with them to the DVD store ($1 per DVD) and to the Pearl Market. It was a great time fun and fellowship.
Monday was our first day with the children. We took them to climb the Great Wall. It was hot and very difficult, but we made it. After a picnic lunch we toured the Science and Technology Museum with the children--lot's of "hands on" learning. Slowly the children began opening up to us. By the end of the day we made several friends. After the Omni movie, we went back to our hotel.
Tuesday was a great day for relating with the children and enjoying Chinese culture. In the morning we visited Tsinghua University, a sponsor of the children's summer camp. In the afternoon we toured the Summer Palace. Other Chinese people stopped us to take our pictures, asked us who we were, and wanted to know why we were here with Chinese children. Other Americans thought we were a famous group--people were videotaping our interaction with the children.
Our ACU students are amazing. Every person has shown the love of Jesus and has touched the hearts of the children. God is so good to break down barriers, to create opportunities for communication, and to provide His Spirit to work through us to minister to these children.
I'm posting a few pictures I've taken, but the students have taken so many more. I'll try to download them tonight and post them tomorrow. I'm mainly taking video, but I've managed to grab a few pics as well. Hopefully, I can figure out how to add some video clips.
Keep praying for us. Thanks again for all of your support. ~~Wayne
After worship, we went to lunch with John and a couple from the US who were here visiting China. They adopted two children from China years ago and they brought them back for a homeland tour.
After lunch we went with them to the DVD store ($1 per DVD) and to the Pearl Market. It was a great time fun and fellowship.
Monday was our first day with the children. We took them to climb the Great Wall. It was hot and very difficult, but we made it. After a picnic lunch we toured the Science and Technology Museum with the children--lot's of "hands on" learning. Slowly the children began opening up to us. By the end of the day we made several friends. After the Omni movie, we went back to our hotel.
Tuesday was a great day for relating with the children and enjoying Chinese culture. In the morning we visited Tsinghua University, a sponsor of the children's summer camp. In the afternoon we toured the Summer Palace. Other Chinese people stopped us to take our pictures, asked us who we were, and wanted to know why we were here with Chinese children. Other Americans thought we were a famous group--people were videotaping our interaction with the children.
Our ACU students are amazing. Every person has shown the love of Jesus and has touched the hearts of the children. God is so good to break down barriers, to create opportunities for communication, and to provide His Spirit to work through us to minister to these children.
I'm posting a few pictures I've taken, but the students have taken so many more. I'll try to download them tonight and post them tomorrow. I'm mainly taking video, but I've managed to grab a few pics as well. Hopefully, I can figure out how to add some video clips.
Keep praying for us. Thanks again for all of your support. ~~Wayne
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Tokyo, Japan
It's 2:00a.m. USA time. We are in Tokyo and everyone is doing really well. The flight was long, but uneventful--lots of good food, and some great movies. We depart here at 6:00p.m. local time on Saturday, July 21, and we arrive in Beijing at 8:55p.m. local time, ready for bed. We're looking forward to finally being in Beijing.
Friday, July 20, 2007
This is the Day that the Lord Has Made, and We're Off to China
It's 8:50a.m. on July 20, and we're leaving for DFW. The team will gather in Terminal D from all over Texas. We're excited, and maybe a bit anxious. Please be in prayer for us as we fly to Tokyo, and then on to Beijing. We'll arrive tomorrow at 8:55p.m., Beijing time. Blessings to all of you for your prayers and support.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Countdown--2 days, 3 hours, 5 minutes
It's Wednesday morning and we're in final preparations for our departure to Beijing. The team has come together, finances are almost secured, bags are being packed, and hearts are filled with great expectations of all that the Lord will do to bring about his plan for us in China. We want to thank everyone who has supported this trip, both through prayer and financial assistance. Your belief in this trip and your loving support of each team member are testimonies to God's faithfulness.
I'll be adding posts, photos, and hopefully some video clips along the way of our trip. Stay tuned for updates. For now, please continue your prayers as we begin our journey.
Wayne
I'll be adding posts, photos, and hopefully some video clips along the way of our trip. Stay tuned for updates. For now, please continue your prayers as we begin our journey.
Wayne
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