China

I have been home a little over a week and finally feel like I can put two sentences together. I did sit down and try to blog last week, but I was so tired and my brain felt fried, that I just couldn't. My friend Stephanie and I left on April 12 for a mission trip to China. We left Memphis to Atlanta then to Seattle and then straight to Beijing. All of our flights were successful, not delays. The greatest thing was that our flight from Seattle to Beijing was practically empty, over a 100 seats empty. So we got to move and have our our seats!!!! We arrived in Beijing around 9:30 pm Friday April 13. A driver picked us up and drove us an hour to the orphanage where we were staying. Someone asked about our sleeping accommodation and let me reassure you that we had queen size beds and were very comfortable (this person thought we might be sleeping on straw mats). While there we visited all the houses that the children live in, played outside, cleaned a fall/winter clothes closet, restocked the store that they have for guests and staff, did crafts with the children, had an ABC party for the kindergarten class because they had all learned their ABC's, made Hot Pot with Sara and the older children. People from our church had sent us with money to purchase things for the children and orphanage, so one day we loaded up in 2 vans with some of the nannies and drove to Beijing and bought 6 pair of shoes and then the children we had with us had their own money to spend so we went to Walmart. That was a fun trip that was also eye opening. The children just wanted treats, no toys. Our kids would have went right for the toy section. But these kids bought noodle bowls (kind of like Ramen noodles) and a little bit of candy, juice pouches. They didn't even open it all and devour it like our kids. One boy, JJ, even bought a noddles for another boy who couldn't come on the trip. We made several trips to Walmart while there. There is a little food stand inside Walmart and the lady makes Jin Bing (spelling). It's a crepe with two eggs cracked on top then flipped over, where she spreads this spicy red pepper sauce, green onions and then places 2 crunchy squares, picture the crunchy strips you put in your egg drop or hot and sour soup. Folds the crepe into a sqaure and places in a plastic bag - YUMMO! All of this for under a $1. The last trip we made to Walmart was on Thursday, we took the head nanny to finish spending the money we had brought from friends at our church. She wanted to purchase cleaning supplies. We also stopped at a roadside produce stand where she bought produce. She was the happiest person ever that day and so appreciative! Stephanie and I made great friends there that won't be forgotten. Not only were the friends we made children, but staff. We were impreseed that a 17 year old, who graduated high school early, would pack up and come to China to teach English. Emily is a funny girl who loves to eat and eat very spicy stuff. She will be leaving the orphanage in a few weeks to return home to attend her high school graduation and prom. Sara, who is 28 was our guide while there and is also fascinating. She also loves to eat spicy food. Sara works in the office at Shepherds Field. She would come and hang out in our room with us at night. Marissa, another teacher who is from Virginia will be leaving there to return home this summer. We were definitely fascinated by her stories of her family back home - she has 11 brothers and sisters. She and two others are "homemade cookies" and the rest are adopted. She told us that two of her brothers were born without arms, but can drive and do everything with their feet. She also has a sister who was born without arms or legs. Stephanie and I commented that we had always heard about big families but never met someone with one. The Bakers who are co-founders of the orphanage are very sweet and kind and have a heart for orphans in China. On Thursday night, the staff and guest are invited to fellowship time at the Bakers. This was the one night that we had an American meal; burgers, grilled chicken and hot dogs, potato salad, pasta salad, chips. Our time Friday was spent with the children and the ABC party with the kindergarten class. We ate lunch across the street from the orphanage and our waitress asked Sara if we spoke their language because she wanted to know if we were married and our age. She also commented that we smelled good, because she could smell our perfume when we walked in - we sure got a laugh out of her asking these questions. Friday night was the night that Sara made Hot Pot for us and the older children who are Evans and Wilson's age. She made this spicy broth then you cook your meat and veggies and noodles in there. The children LOVE Hot Pot!!!! It seems like a lot of work but it was enjoyed by all. I am sure that I am leaving out a lot of stuff, but just wanted to give you some idea of how we spent out time while in China. To see about the orphanage and children we visited while there go to www.chinaorphans.org Much Love, Cari