It is still Saturday here. We are invited out to dinner tonight.
Sunday we will go to Jen's church. The peak. The longest elevator in the world. The Regal Hotel.
we are spending the night at the airport hotel due to our early flight and an hour ride from Jen's to the airport.
So, we will see if I have computer time before take off.
thanks for reading - you are welcome to comment ( thanks Jeanne )
this has been quite an experience - I know it will sink in a little more when I get home.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Bilbe Study X 2
Thursday night we go to the English speaking Bible study. These are friends of Jen and we meet in the apartment of Ruth and her husband. Jen forgot to tell us that they have dinner there. We have eaten at McDonald's. There is always room for carrot cake. Maggie is a home economist and her cake is almost as good as Mrs. Adamson's ( my favorite recipe )
They are discussing "What's so Amazing about Grace". I have not read the book, but Ruth has some questions printed out for all of us. many share what their mental picture of God is like - does it relate to their own father?
Ruth has also written out several statements about God and stuck them up around the room. We each pick one to give our own interpretation - feelings.
They have some very open sharing and then it is 9:15 and time to stop. We visit a little longer, then the bus ride home.
Friday night we go to the Chinese speaking Bible study. This is the group where Rob attends, and we were there on Sunday. The study portion is actually a message on Romans 12:13 to the end. Romans 12 is my favorite chapter, so I go over the verses in my head. Rob interprets for Darrell. Jen shares some with me. Enough to think about,in a certain area I am struggling with.
Then we go into small groups and write out our prayer request. ( there is some interesting snack on the table - dried squid?- i try it )
Then we go around the room and speak about our prayer request, then we pray silently and then Tommy closes in prayer.
It is almost 10:00 and a large group head to a nearby restaurant. 14 of us sit around a table. We all get a bowl of rice and then about 10 different dishes are put on the center turn table, as well as tea, and we stuff ourselves. ( We have eaten at McDonald"s at 6:00)
We follow the usual preparation. The waitress brings several tea pots. Tea is poured into the glasses, sloshed around and poured out into large bowls. The chop sticks are dipped into the hot tea. Now everyone has a "clean" bowl and utensils. More pots of tea are brought and we drink our hot tea out of glasses.
Along with the rice we have, BBQ pork, chicken, squid, tofu, goose,beef, two vegetables, and an egg dish with oysters.
No dessert. No room for dessert.
We have been invited to join these friends, so we are their guests.
They are very generous.
They all agree that they will come to America and we can treat them.
Ringo drives us home - it is about 1:00. There is so much activity on the street you would think it was 5:00.
They are discussing "What's so Amazing about Grace". I have not read the book, but Ruth has some questions printed out for all of us. many share what their mental picture of God is like - does it relate to their own father?
Ruth has also written out several statements about God and stuck them up around the room. We each pick one to give our own interpretation - feelings.
They have some very open sharing and then it is 9:15 and time to stop. We visit a little longer, then the bus ride home.
Friday night we go to the Chinese speaking Bible study. This is the group where Rob attends, and we were there on Sunday. The study portion is actually a message on Romans 12:13 to the end. Romans 12 is my favorite chapter, so I go over the verses in my head. Rob interprets for Darrell. Jen shares some with me. Enough to think about,in a certain area I am struggling with.
Then we go into small groups and write out our prayer request. ( there is some interesting snack on the table - dried squid?- i try it )
Then we go around the room and speak about our prayer request, then we pray silently and then Tommy closes in prayer.
It is almost 10:00 and a large group head to a nearby restaurant. 14 of us sit around a table. We all get a bowl of rice and then about 10 different dishes are put on the center turn table, as well as tea, and we stuff ourselves. ( We have eaten at McDonald"s at 6:00)
We follow the usual preparation. The waitress brings several tea pots. Tea is poured into the glasses, sloshed around and poured out into large bowls. The chop sticks are dipped into the hot tea. Now everyone has a "clean" bowl and utensils. More pots of tea are brought and we drink our hot tea out of glasses.
Along with the rice we have, BBQ pork, chicken, squid, tofu, goose,beef, two vegetables, and an egg dish with oysters.
No dessert. No room for dessert.
We have been invited to join these friends, so we are their guests.
They are very generous.
They all agree that they will come to America and we can treat them.
Ringo drives us home - it is about 1:00. There is so much activity on the street you would think it was 5:00.
Friday, April 8, 2011
More Reflections
The walk to the train is through a park.
There are lots of different trees - most have a label and I have taken photos - I hope to add them when I get back home.
The roots seem to be above the ground. Jen says it is because the rain has washed away so much of the earth.
workers are sweeping, watering, and picking up trash, but there is very little trash. People do not litter. ( and no food or drink is allowed past the ticket area at the train station.)
There are toys for children.
There is an exercise station for the elderly-got a good picture of Rob and Darrell pulling a rope, up and down, up and down.
We have passed day and night and there is almost always someone "exercising".
Early morning the women are doing something that looks like yoga.
On the train there is almost always one lady putting on her makeup, or curling her eye lashes ( I wanted to get a photo but refrained ). And if there are five people seated, at least 4 of them have a game in hand or ear phones.
Entering Tower 6 ( Jen's ) the guard opens the door. When you are a natural blond they recognize you pretty quickly, so when I came back on my own, the guard let me in right away. In the lobby, there is only one button for the elevator - it is going up. Once you get to the 21st floor, and are ready to leave, there is only one button - you can only go down. Rob says, why would you want to go up?
Inside the elevator, you can press a button for a lower floor, but you really just want to go down, and shop, so you push one and don't ask any more questions.
There is a street vendor selling roasted chestnuts. I buy a bag and start to take a photo, but the elderly lady puts her hand up and shoves some money at me. I am not sure what that means, but Jen says they do not like their pictures taken. They think it takes away their spirit. So I put my camera away and we cross the street. Then Jen offers to take the picture. Just then the lady puts up her hand. The photo looks like she is waving at us.
There are lots of different trees - most have a label and I have taken photos - I hope to add them when I get back home.
The roots seem to be above the ground. Jen says it is because the rain has washed away so much of the earth.
workers are sweeping, watering, and picking up trash, but there is very little trash. People do not litter. ( and no food or drink is allowed past the ticket area at the train station.)
There are toys for children.
There is an exercise station for the elderly-got a good picture of Rob and Darrell pulling a rope, up and down, up and down.
We have passed day and night and there is almost always someone "exercising".
Early morning the women are doing something that looks like yoga.
On the train there is almost always one lady putting on her makeup, or curling her eye lashes ( I wanted to get a photo but refrained ). And if there are five people seated, at least 4 of them have a game in hand or ear phones.
Entering Tower 6 ( Jen's ) the guard opens the door. When you are a natural blond they recognize you pretty quickly, so when I came back on my own, the guard let me in right away. In the lobby, there is only one button for the elevator - it is going up. Once you get to the 21st floor, and are ready to leave, there is only one button - you can only go down. Rob says, why would you want to go up?
Inside the elevator, you can press a button for a lower floor, but you really just want to go down, and shop, so you push one and don't ask any more questions.
There is a street vendor selling roasted chestnuts. I buy a bag and start to take a photo, but the elderly lady puts her hand up and shoves some money at me. I am not sure what that means, but Jen says they do not like their pictures taken. They think it takes away their spirit. So I put my camera away and we cross the street. Then Jen offers to take the picture. Just then the lady puts up her hand. The photo looks like she is waving at us.
Saturday Morning reflections
While you are sleeping, we are getting started on a new day. ( Saturday )
Darrell and Rob have some business this morning so Jen and I are on our own!!
First i use SKYPE and call my kids and sister.
Feels good to touch base with home, even though life goes on and is not always happy.
I think we will do a bit of shopping today. That is one of two things that we usually hear connected with Hong Kong. Food and shopping.
We don't have to go far. Jen's apartment is part of a large complex of apartments, restaurants and businesses. You would not have to leave Avon Mall. ( that is her address). They have a laundry, massage, hardware, grocery, 7 Eleven, cafes, child care, 10$ store ( like our $1.store), sporting goods, enough???
But should we want more we will take the train.
You buy an MTR card. It is like a plastic credit card, and you load it with $$$. Then when you get to the station ( about a 10 minute walk for us ) you just swipe this card across the monitor and your entry is recorded. When you get to your destination, you swipe your card again, and the fee is deducted and the remaining $$ shows up on the monitor. WOW. And you can keep the card in your wallet or purse and if it is close enough to the surface, it will register without taking it out of your purse!
At the stations you are offered pamphlets, in Chinese, usually about houses to buy. Then there are the stores, McDonald's, bakery, etc, etc. etc.
Inside all trains there are T.V.'s The people in Hong value information. Even at the restaurants, they have T.V.'s. Ads tell you something worth knowing - if you know Chinese.
There is one car that is called the quiet car - no sound on the TV. In the rush time, which is mornings, afternoons and evenings, you have to be ready to move very close to the other passengers. It is like a cattle car, full, but you get on anyway.
Not sure where we will go today, but just being here is an adventure.
I am impressed with the behavior of the young people. They respect their elders. And I am impressed with couples that are on the train - maybe holding hands, but never smooching! Never embarrassing behavior.
Last night we were traveling in a van, coming home from Bible study, then dinner, it is now midnight. There is so much traffic. Lights and activity. But very seldom a horn. The rule is, if there is room for my car to merge in front of you, then you make room. It seems to work.
I have to admit, when you are on the upper deck of a bus and you are whizzing in and out of cars and buses, you just have to remember, there were no dents on this bus when you got on, so just trust the driver.
more reflections later, time to you know what...
Darrell and Rob have some business this morning so Jen and I are on our own!!
First i use SKYPE and call my kids and sister.
Feels good to touch base with home, even though life goes on and is not always happy.
I think we will do a bit of shopping today. That is one of two things that we usually hear connected with Hong Kong. Food and shopping.
We don't have to go far. Jen's apartment is part of a large complex of apartments, restaurants and businesses. You would not have to leave Avon Mall. ( that is her address). They have a laundry, massage, hardware, grocery, 7 Eleven, cafes, child care, 10$ store ( like our $1.store), sporting goods, enough???
But should we want more we will take the train.
You buy an MTR card. It is like a plastic credit card, and you load it with $$$. Then when you get to the station ( about a 10 minute walk for us ) you just swipe this card across the monitor and your entry is recorded. When you get to your destination, you swipe your card again, and the fee is deducted and the remaining $$ shows up on the monitor. WOW. And you can keep the card in your wallet or purse and if it is close enough to the surface, it will register without taking it out of your purse!
At the stations you are offered pamphlets, in Chinese, usually about houses to buy. Then there are the stores, McDonald's, bakery, etc, etc. etc.
Inside all trains there are T.V.'s The people in Hong value information. Even at the restaurants, they have T.V.'s. Ads tell you something worth knowing - if you know Chinese.
There is one car that is called the quiet car - no sound on the TV. In the rush time, which is mornings, afternoons and evenings, you have to be ready to move very close to the other passengers. It is like a cattle car, full, but you get on anyway.
Not sure where we will go today, but just being here is an adventure.
I am impressed with the behavior of the young people. They respect their elders. And I am impressed with couples that are on the train - maybe holding hands, but never smooching! Never embarrassing behavior.
Last night we were traveling in a van, coming home from Bible study, then dinner, it is now midnight. There is so much traffic. Lights and activity. But very seldom a horn. The rule is, if there is room for my car to merge in front of you, then you make room. It seems to work.
I have to admit, when you are on the upper deck of a bus and you are whizzing in and out of cars and buses, you just have to remember, there were no dents on this bus when you got on, so just trust the driver.
more reflections later, time to you know what...
A Big Day
Today is Friday
Today we went into China, carrying Bibles.
Though I had felt anxious during the week about what today would look like, I felt at peace, this morning and the entire time in China. I know many have prayed for us.
It started at McDonald's. We met Sebastian ( such a nice name, and a nice man. He was born in Holland, knows English and Chinese )
He put some Bibles in each of our back packs and suitcases.
Darrell and I had gotten our visa to enter China and paid $200. U.S. each. So we were praying that we could accomplish our mission.
some Bibles are printed in China and I do not understand all the details of why they are not accessible to the people who live in China, but someone else can answer that question.
From the train in Hong Kong we travel a very short distance to the border. We pass through the immigration and border control without a single question. Our luggage goes through a system just like in the states and we pick it up and off we go.
At this point, we make connections, by phone with a man who can meet us at the airport. So we hop on a mini bus and for about 30 minutes we see China through the bus window.
The weather is beautiful. The area has the same bright bougainvillea, but has much more greenery along the freeway than Hong Kong. Lush shrubs and trees and even containers of plants line the road. The city of Shenzhen is very modern. Huge buildings are everywhere. There are apartments and businesses. We passed Tiffany's and Hermes.
At the airport, we meet this gentleman, give him the Bibles and that is that.
Sebastian takes us into the airport and we pass the KFC and head right into the Chinese restaurant. I cannot tell you what I had, but it was Chinese. Sebastian cannot read Chinese, but he can speak it. So he was going by the pictures on the menu. all the items we ordered were noodles and.....
Very good. I even used chop sticks!
Before leaving the airport, we picked up some coffee at Starbucks!
Back in the mini bus, back to the train station, back to Hong Kong.
Mission Accomplished!
the day is not over, but it is time for a nap.
Darrell and Sebastian are making a second trip.
Today we went into China, carrying Bibles.
Though I had felt anxious during the week about what today would look like, I felt at peace, this morning and the entire time in China. I know many have prayed for us.
It started at McDonald's. We met Sebastian ( such a nice name, and a nice man. He was born in Holland, knows English and Chinese )
He put some Bibles in each of our back packs and suitcases.
Darrell and I had gotten our visa to enter China and paid $200. U.S. each. So we were praying that we could accomplish our mission.
some Bibles are printed in China and I do not understand all the details of why they are not accessible to the people who live in China, but someone else can answer that question.
From the train in Hong Kong we travel a very short distance to the border. We pass through the immigration and border control without a single question. Our luggage goes through a system just like in the states and we pick it up and off we go.
At this point, we make connections, by phone with a man who can meet us at the airport. So we hop on a mini bus and for about 30 minutes we see China through the bus window.
The weather is beautiful. The area has the same bright bougainvillea, but has much more greenery along the freeway than Hong Kong. Lush shrubs and trees and even containers of plants line the road. The city of Shenzhen is very modern. Huge buildings are everywhere. There are apartments and businesses. We passed Tiffany's and Hermes.
At the airport, we meet this gentleman, give him the Bibles and that is that.
Sebastian takes us into the airport and we pass the KFC and head right into the Chinese restaurant. I cannot tell you what I had, but it was Chinese. Sebastian cannot read Chinese, but he can speak it. So he was going by the pictures on the menu. all the items we ordered were noodles and.....
Very good. I even used chop sticks!
Before leaving the airport, we picked up some coffee at Starbucks!
Back in the mini bus, back to the train station, back to Hong Kong.
Mission Accomplished!
the day is not over, but it is time for a nap.
Darrell and Sebastian are making a second trip.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Hong Kong Women
Hong Kong Women
( they speak Chinese, but they are from Hong Kong )
Jen says, they dress they way they want.
They give themselves permission to wear what they like.
I like that.
Why do I have to be a grandma before I can wear what I like
(even if my kids don't like it?! maybe )
That also explains why they stand out in the mall in Bellevue, because they can wear boots that come to their thighs and a very short skirt and fuzzy hat.
Just riding in the train is an adventure. This morning it was prime time and it looked like a car full of cattle, but there was still room for more.
When you are a natural blond, you do stand out, but that black hair is so beautiful. Most is cut short, maybe to one side, fun sparkle clips.
I have on three layers, and some others are wearing a coat, others a blouse. But very seldom sleeveless. Even in the hot summer. ( Why did I bring 3 tanks and 1 long sleeve, I don't even have cute arms ).
They also tend to keep their legs covered. A very short skirt or short shorts, but legs in leggings. Stripes, pok-a-dot, black, patterns, you name it, they come in all varieties
Shoes.
I have never seen so many styles, but.... very few sandals. My toes are the only ones showing this morning.
Even in the summer, it is part of their culture to hide their feet. Feet get dirty, and are not pretty. But some of the younger generation are changing.
Jen has sandals, flip flops and painted toenails!
The colors in the train are mostly dark. I am wearing burnt orange and I can see one red jacket ( on a man ) and the rest are pretty dark.
At BSF this morning, I was the only one in our group with open shoes. Nancy was wearing very cute purple pumps. Several were in tennis shoes.
I was the only natural blond
One other lady was wearing a dress
I was the only one with sandals.
I find the Hong Kong women to be very pretty. Especially when they are sitting expressionless - they have fine features that identify them.
( they speak Chinese, but they are from Hong Kong )
Jen says, they dress they way they want.
They give themselves permission to wear what they like.
I like that.
Why do I have to be a grandma before I can wear what I like
(even if my kids don't like it?! maybe )
That also explains why they stand out in the mall in Bellevue, because they can wear boots that come to their thighs and a very short skirt and fuzzy hat.
Just riding in the train is an adventure. This morning it was prime time and it looked like a car full of cattle, but there was still room for more.
When you are a natural blond, you do stand out, but that black hair is so beautiful. Most is cut short, maybe to one side, fun sparkle clips.
I have on three layers, and some others are wearing a coat, others a blouse. But very seldom sleeveless. Even in the hot summer. ( Why did I bring 3 tanks and 1 long sleeve, I don't even have cute arms ).
They also tend to keep their legs covered. A very short skirt or short shorts, but legs in leggings. Stripes, pok-a-dot, black, patterns, you name it, they come in all varieties
Shoes.
I have never seen so many styles, but.... very few sandals. My toes are the only ones showing this morning.
Even in the summer, it is part of their culture to hide their feet. Feet get dirty, and are not pretty. But some of the younger generation are changing.
Jen has sandals, flip flops and painted toenails!
The colors in the train are mostly dark. I am wearing burnt orange and I can see one red jacket ( on a man ) and the rest are pretty dark.
At BSF this morning, I was the only one in our group with open shoes. Nancy was wearing very cute purple pumps. Several were in tennis shoes.
I was the only natural blond
One other lady was wearing a dress
I was the only one with sandals.
I find the Hong Kong women to be very pretty. Especially when they are sitting expressionless - they have fine features that identify them.
BSF in Hong Kong
We arrive in good time - thanks to both Rob ( who knows the MTR) and Darrell ( who knows BSF time )
I am greeted warmly and they have a name tag ready for me. Mabel ( ACS )shows me where my small group will meet, the ladies room, and back to the sanctuary.
The opening time is called: singspiration
We sing two hymns, the second is one of my favorites
Redeemed.
I notice that I am not the only one with a little tear on her cheek.
I get to my group, just a small corner in the hallway, and my leader, Nancy, introduces me to the group. By now, there is more than one tear on my cheek and all I can say is "I am feeling homesick".
One of the ladies in the circle comes and gives me a big hug. Her name is Wendy. A little later Wendy brings me a tissue. I am feeling better.
Being a guest I assumed that I would not be called on without raising my hand.
Wrong.
Second question, from the notes, what would I like to share?
and so it went.
She called on me 5 times, even once for a challenge question.
It's a good thing we had already done lesson #25.
I was excused before ASK ( they did not pray after question #13 - though Nancy asked me if I had a request.....well, we are going into China tomorrow, safety and God's will.
I wish I had heard Candy's lecture to compare - I had to leave early for our flight.
The teaching leader was a substitute from another class. I don't know her name.
She was blond - no accent- and spoke very distinctly and not too fast.
A very good lecture -
Lots to think about.
Lots to pray about.
I am greeted warmly and they have a name tag ready for me. Mabel ( ACS )shows me where my small group will meet, the ladies room, and back to the sanctuary.
The opening time is called: singspiration
We sing two hymns, the second is one of my favorites
Redeemed.
I notice that I am not the only one with a little tear on her cheek.
I get to my group, just a small corner in the hallway, and my leader, Nancy, introduces me to the group. By now, there is more than one tear on my cheek and all I can say is "I am feeling homesick".
One of the ladies in the circle comes and gives me a big hug. Her name is Wendy. A little later Wendy brings me a tissue. I am feeling better.
Being a guest I assumed that I would not be called on without raising my hand.
Wrong.
Second question, from the notes, what would I like to share?
and so it went.
She called on me 5 times, even once for a challenge question.
It's a good thing we had already done lesson #25.
I was excused before ASK ( they did not pray after question #13 - though Nancy asked me if I had a request.....well, we are going into China tomorrow, safety and God's will.
I wish I had heard Candy's lecture to compare - I had to leave early for our flight.
The teaching leader was a substitute from another class. I don't know her name.
She was blond - no accent- and spoke very distinctly and not too fast.
A very good lecture -
Lots to think about.
Lots to pray about.
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