May 11, 2010
After 4 billion hours on the plane, we finally landed in China.
I was unnecessarily surprised by the fact that everyone was Chinese... Go figure. They were all SO beautiful! And a few of them even reminded me of my dad (haha and sorry dad if you ever read this. But you are Chinese you know.) That's when it really hit me. This place is real. These people are real. God didn't just call us to some Narnia (kathryn :) ). He called us to the other side of the world to these people who He is really in Love with. I couldn't believe that God was going to allow me to go on this adventure with Him. He's so Fun!
We had favor in going through customs and everything went really smoothly. I was shocked at how different the reality of the trip was from what we had thought it was going to be, which was kind of a theme of the trip. (I'll explain more later.)
We met Jason at baggage claim and were whisked off to the bus to start the bus ride to the hostel. I was shocked at how nice it was, and the realization that this whole traveling around the world is something I could easily get used to started to hit me. This is possible. And we are doing it right now. I also had every Asian driver stereotype confirmed over the course of 5 minutes on the bus. In China, if an accident happens - it is the fault of the person who saw the other person. If you didn't see them, it's not technically your fault... I feel like that sort of sums it all up.
The next morning we ate jiaozi (Chinese dumplings) in a restaurant next to the hostel and started out for our tourist-y day. We went to the Forbidden City (see picture), and Tiananmen Square.
Tianamen Square really stayed with me more than the gradeur of the Forbidden City. It was absolutely shocking to think of all that occurred there almost 21 years ago. The hustle and bustle of China has pretty much iced over the tragedy (from what I could tell). It is definitely a tourist attraction that people flock to. We prayed there as a team. That is really when it all sunk in - China's turbulent history, China's changing present, and its Gorious future.
I was comforted by an idea and a picture I believe is from the Lord that centered on this place. Tianamen Square, just like everything else, has hope to be Redeemed. One day it will be a place of worship. God is in the business of taking filth and making it Restored and giving a Future to those things, places, and people who have a past. One day it will be filled with those who love Him, and are drawn to give honor to the King rather than a former emperor or chairman.
Praise Him.
and here's to Hope,
lora
Standing Next to Tianamen Square
This wall has the character for "double blessing" on it (I think). A character that is typically used with weddings. It is thought to bring good luck and a happy marriage to those who rub it... Hence the girls mauling the wall.
In a garden in the Forbidden City
Just a really sweet picture from inside the Forbidden City
*All pictures are from my lovely friend Lisa. I can claim none of them as my own skills. She's the bomb. And so are her pics.*
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