Goodbye China - For Now

The Beijing National Airport is about the cleanest airport I have ever seen. People with brooms and towels are standing around looking for something to sweep up or wipe down. And this was the old wing. I can only imagine how the newer wing looks. We could only see the lights from the airplane window as we taxied to take off on our 11 1/2 hour flight to Seattle.

Thanks to the International Date Line, we arrived in Seattle on Saturday several hours before we left Beijing (Groundhog Day!).

The children at PHF captured my heart but there was much more going on than that. I don't think I'll ever be the same again. I'll spend the next few weeks pondering my future and its connection to China. Whatever my destiny or whatever future He has planned for me, I don't want to miss it just to pursue my own comfort or pleasure.

So long, for now.

Beggar

It has been said that on his death bed, Martin Luther’s last words were “We are all beggars.” Beggars who know how to show other beggars where the Bread is. It is traditional for young Chinese students to adopt English names, primarily to help Westerners remember them. Some common names I heard were Brittany, Gretchen, Scarlet, Phoenix, Nancy, David and John. In line with this practice, I have decided to adopt a Chinese name: Qĭ Gài (beggar). I have been completely humbled by who I have seen and met here. I have much to learn.

Sights and People

I have been fascinated by the things I have seen: The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven. But, by far, the most fascinating thing about this great country is its people. If I were to rank my most enjoyable moments, teaching young people for two hours at the “English Corner” would be at the top. This is a forum where Chinese people can come to practice their English with Westerners. Students and younger people view English as a necessary step to success.

I also took the liberty to practice my Mandarin and they found my accent quite amusing. Nevertheless, they invariably complemented me with a hearty “Hén Hŏu!” (Very good!). Chinese are very polite and they venerate old people, so I had a built in advantage.

The Team

We came from all over the Northwest: Spokane, Boise, Kennewick, Seattle, Portland. From the very young to the very old (that would be me). I have seen the Church in action. Diversity with profound unity. The amazing things we have seen and experienced have tied our hearts together in a remarkable way. People I didn’t know six months ago are now a part of my family.

Jamison

His father died in the explosion and Jamison was horribly burned. He also lost his sight. In a last act of love, his mother abandoned him because she knew that she would never be able to care for him. In one moment, eleven-year-old Jamison lost everything.

When I first met him, I couldn’t help but notice, but after a few days, I rarely saw the scars but saw a soft heart and character that was dependent but fighting everyday for independence. I wonder if he is an angel that God sent to test us? “If you care for the least of these you care for Me.” What do I do now?

We Laughed a Lot Today

We laughed a lot today. The air around us was permeated with God’s joy. We all cracked up when we saw Jamison (blind as a bat!) pushing Gregg (missing one leg) in the push cart racing down the sidewalk and actually leading the other kids for a short time! Fortunately, Wini came along and took over (photo).

All fifteen of our team members will be going out to a local restaurant tonight and tomorrow (Saturday) we’ll be going to Beijing to do some sightseeing. We are nearly half way through our trip. I don’t think I want to leave.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

The Children

Seth, Christina, Joseph, Gregg, Jamison, Elijah, and then there is one little guy whose name I don’t know but who looks about two years old. I think he is older because he speaks fluent Mandarin! These are the older children here who have completely captured my heart. Jamison is totally blind with facial scares from burns; Gregg is missing a leg but his face is constantly beaming as he runs around on his prosthetic limb. Christina is the smart one. Seth is blind in one eye and has some emotional problems but I love him dearly. He is 13 years old. The others are somewhat younger.

Since adoption is nearly impossible after the age of 13, the dream of Tim (the director of PHF) is to establish a school that will teach them some life skills so that they can succeed after they leave at age 18. Otherwise, their prospects are extremely poor, especially with their handicaps.

I’m really going to miss them when we leave.

Settling In

Children with no hope have a chance at this place. Every time I look into the face of one of these kids, I see God looking back at me. Even though many of those faces are marred by injury or illness. Extraordinary things are going on here. After witnessing this I don't think I'll ever be the same again.

I believe that Wini enjoys being towed on a bicycle more than peddling. Andrew was glad to do the work (photo).

First Full Day on Campus

It is already November 4th, election day, here in China. We won't tell you who won the election and spoil the surprise! We spent yesterday moving stuff and generally cleaning up. Wini got the opportunity to haul trash on her Chinese tri-cycle. I was pretty impressed. We also had a dinner at a good Beijing restaurent and the director of PHF took the opportunity to share his love for China and its people. He has an amazing story.

Today we will spend the afternoon teaching a group of about 30 kids. Actually, it is mostly playing and I am especially looking forward to trips down the "big" slide in the courtyard. Pictures to follow.

We Are Here!

After 11 1/2 hours of flying we landed at Beijing about 6:30PM on Sunday, November 2nd. We taxied right on by the sparkling new terminal completed before the Olympics and docked at the old terminal - the same one we entered in November, 2006. Fortunately, Wini was able to hold off using the barf bag until we were in the terminal. (The landing was pretty rough). The place was almost empty so we whisked through customs in a matter of minutes. I especially liked the computerized "feedback" punch button panel at the custom officer's desk. We had the opportunity to grade the quality of the service received by the agent from excellent to rude. Of course, I gave her the highest score possible. She was so pretty with her perfectly creased Communist uniform that I would probably have given her a high score anyway, even if her service had been less than adequate!

Today (Monday) we get to give the folks at Shepherd's Field all the stuff we brought for them. Wini and I ended up bringing two additional suitcases apiece, each weighing 50 lbs. That's 200 pounds of supplies, ranging from stethoscopes to M&M's. Our church, Summit Ridge Christian Fellowship, was very generous and helped us buy the supplies that will bless so many kids and their helpers. Thanks.