Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Trip to China.

During half term in February we had the privilege of visiting China. Not the normal location for a week, but it is somewhere we have wanted to visit for a long time and jumped at the chance. We travelled with a regular visitor to China, a retired Physiotherapist who attends our church. She visits children, families and care homes to support those looking after people with physical needs, and we joined her for part of her trip.

We arrived in Hong Kong, greeted by humid conditions and smiling faces! We stayed for two days on a nearby island at a Christian retreat run for full time European or American workers in China. We learnt from these committed workers about the culture and the difficulties that people face in a nation with such a large population and great social need. We spoke with teachers there who explained the challenges and joys they face, and were able to tell them how education was back home!

We experienced traditional New Year celebrations with parades and music. Lanterns and colourful flags adorned the streets, as families travelled home to spend the holiday together. We were introduced to the ‘alive is fresh’ theory quite early on! Several vendors tried to sell us some huge fish, even beheading them in front of us ready for sale! We politely declined! A wriggling carrier bag would have looked a little funny on the ferry! We were off to the centre of Hong Kong so that we could catch a train that would take us into China.

Hong Kong is very westernised, as you would imagine after so many years of British influence. China, on the other hand, is a vast country made up of different dialects, cuisines and traditions. We travelled trough Hunan Province to a city called Changsha. Here we met so many wonderful people, who, even though by our standards they had so little, were so generous in showing hospitality and sharing their life stories with us. Among other things we were able to teach some songs, provide much needed teaching material, and explain a little about our culture.

Not only did we learn how to use chop sticks, how to utter a few words in Mandarin and how to negotiate large crowds, but we were reminded of the needs facing the Chinese people, and how grateful we should be for all we have.

Arriving home we were exhausted yet pleased we had taken the time to see for ourselves this beautiful land and meet such warm people. I’m not sure I will have another half term quite like that one! God really blessed us during our trip, including sparing us from jet lag! China is a country on our hearts, especially those in need, such as the children we met.

Our trip confirmed for us what we have been feeling for some time, that China is a very special place, and as we begin to look at our future and family we believe it will feature prominently!

Sunday, January 07, 2007

We have booked our tickets and are ready to go! We are travelling in half term and plan to visit Hong Kong and Changsha. We are hoping to meet lots of people and discover more about this amazing country. He knows what the future holds, and we are looking forward to learning more as we travel.