Why we love China

 

Chip and I love living in China because we love spending time with Chinese people, especially young college-aged students.   So my two favorite things we did with my parents this trip were 1) going to church where they met our church friends and 2) having some of our tutors from the year over to meet our parents.  We wish mom and dad could have visited last year and met our eager and loving Qufu students, but our tutors this year fulfill much of the same role as far as being fun to chat with, learn from, and share hope with.  So we made some American desserts and invited all of our tutors from the year over to meet mom and dad.  Many tutors had already gone home for the summer, but the group that came was talkative and gave my parents a glimpse into why we love China so much.

 

This is Chip's first tutor ever--the one who can't speak any English.  Last week she practiced some English phrases with her current student.  Things like, "How was your trip?  and "I need to go."  I encouraged her to talk to my parents and try out her English phrases, but she was far too shy and embarrassed.  Instead, she sat and talked in Chinese with Chip & Marty.

At the end of the night, this tutor said, "Your parents are very cool."

Mom and dad learning about the hopes and dreams of a Chinese college student.

These tutors all have great English.  One is even studying abroad in the states this fall.

Only one of these students knows and loves our Father.  Keep asking for their hearts.

Chang Bai Shan 长白山

 

Beautiful, right? That's what we went to see--the Heavenly Lake （天池） in the crater of ChangBai Mountain，a volcano on the border of China and North Korea.  Sadly it was raining, foggy, and cold and all we saw was this measly view.

But let's take this story from the beginning.  We took a long-distance bus from Changchun （长春） to ErDaoBaiHe (二道白河）.  It took about 6.5 hours each way but we got to see good views of the countryside and villages as we rode along.

Waiting at the long-distance bus station

Bathroom stop (only one stop on the way there and no running water)

Our Hostel for a couple of nights

Hanging on the hostel front door

Hostel coffee bar

 

Shoilet: shower and toilet in one (no separate shower stall) and the string my parents pulled to flush their toilet.  Needless to say, not four star conditions but really not too bad.

The Gate into the ChangBai Shan Park

 

Riding up to the top of the volcano across beautiful green countryside

Hoping for the clouds to clear so we can see the lake

Mom took this photo of a photo on the wall of the lodge where she sat inside to stay warm and really she didn't miss anything because the view was no better out in the cold where we were.

After waiting and hoping for the rain to clear, we decided to go down the mountain and do some hiking at a lower, warmer altitude.

       

We hiked to a small lake, not heavenly, but much clearer and still lovely

And we hiked to a magnificent waterfall. . .

After our hike, we bathed in the hot springs that come from underground near the volcano.  We were split guys and girls because everyone bathes nude (thus why there are no photos).  Mom and I chose to wear our swimsuits as we slipped into the springs.  I could hear the nude Chinese women around us talking about how foreigners are too embarrassed not to wear clothes.  Then  we chatted with the women for a bit.  It felt great to soak in the warm water with the cool breeze above the surface, and later my parents both laughed and laughed about this unique cultural experience.

 

Posing by photos of ChangBai Shan in different seasons

 Our best attempt of a group photo with the Heavenly Lake

Mom and Dad in China

We love our life in Changchun, but it's even better with mom and dad here!  They have been here three days so far.  Check out what we've been up to:

Mom and dad came to church and patiently sat through an hour a half service in Chinese.  I wrote on my bulletin translating as much as I could of the sermon and taught them important characters to watch for on the screens as we sang worship songs.

Meeting church friends

Giving them a tour of the always hoppin' downtown of Changchun.

Mom and dad got to attend our program's graduation and meet all these folks with whom we have learned and studied Chinese this year.

 

Making friends on the bus--this woman spoke English and enjoyed talking to my mom.

Touring our campus

My Japanese friend performing a pretty awesome skill for my parents.  It's called 空竹, originally made from hollow bamboo, today it is a plastic cylinder on a string that is tossed in the air and caught in different positions.  Very entertaining.

Posing after the performance

Chinese barbecue on the street

An animal being cut up for meat.  "What animal?" we asked.  A dog.  Hmm. . .sorry we asked.

Rides on crowded buses.  Mom is smiling in this picture, but this really isn't her favorite thing about China.

Most Chinese people don't wear deodorant, and with the summer heat and their arms in the air like that, well, you can imagine how those crowded buses smell.

 Dad, Chip and our friend, Gabe, headed out to a national park to hike this morning.  Below are some photos of their outdoor adventures.

They climbed to the top of a tower and rang this big bell nine times for peace (平安）

Great view from the top

We are headed to a mountain for a few days.  Check back later for an update on more adventures with mom and dad in China.