China Trip Highlights

• Got to re-connect with my Chinese friend Penguin. Met her family, celebrated Chinese New Year, observed an ancestor ritual service, played Dutch Blitz, learned Chinese paper-cutting, and had opportunities to water the seeds that were planted 2 years ago.

• Tasted lots of interesting foods: dumplings, lamb, duck, tons of fish, eel, pig's tongue, black eggs, dumplings, pig skin, shaddock (delicious fruit), tangyuan (sweet sesame-filled rice cakes), dumplings, bamboo sprout, cabbage, sweet & sour pork/chicken, beef-flavored candy, fried bananas, sugar-glazed strawberries, dried fish, dumplings... and so much more!
  
  
• Learned more about Chinese culture and superstition (ex: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/02/11/slideshow.chinese.new.year/index.html?hpt=C2).
  
  
• Revisited Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Wanfujing, the markets etc. in Beijing; also got to experience a Chinese Tea House and the Ming Tombs for the first time.
  
  
• Got scammed by a rickshaw man. It was pretty scary, but thankfully our Father really protected us. Psalm 91 became the theme of our trip.
  
  
• Got to re-connect with a family working in Beijing (and re-visited my old stomping grounds).^^
  
  
• Was blessed and convicted by Sara's incredible servant heart and selflessness (and noticed my own flesh coming out more than I would have liked). I'm so thankful for a grace-filled friendship!
  
  
• Treated ourselves to cheap manicures and a hotel (rather than a hostel) on the last night in Beijing.
  
  
• Obtained a greater appreciation and love for Korea.
  
  
• Felt a sense of closure when we were leaving China; knew that it would be okay if I never returned.
  
  
• Sensed the Lord confirming what He's already been placing on my heart concerning the upcoming months.