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My Trip to China
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It seems hard to believe that a week ago I was on the other side of the world--in China--on a choir tour.
Though it was a long trip there and back, it's a trip I will remember forever. The memories will always be about more than places. For me, my memories of China are people.
The night before we left I was interviewed by a couple of ladies that worked for a Chinese newspaper. They asked me what my favorite part of China was. Without even a moment of hesitation I answered: "The people." And it's the truth. Never have I felt so welcomed. Never have I experienced such warm hospitality. I fell in love with the people of China.
Our first concert was for a church group called English Corners, where those who were trying to master the English language would go to practice their English. To the right you see a picture of my hubby, Travis, with one of my new friends, Ling Ling.
The next day was spent on a general tour of the city we were in. We visited the beach, ate Chinese food, experienced public transportation in China (Whoa!), and went to a Buddhist temple.
Our second performance was a cultural exchange with English students at a nearby university. Our group performed for them, and they in turn performed for us. We were able to experience traditional Chinese music played on traditional Chinese instruments. We also enjoyed a theatrical performance of "Mulan." We played a wonderful word game where the Chinese students would describe an English word to us and we had to guess it. It was on a tour of the university that I met my next new friend, Yu Jing, who played the part of Mulan in the play we saw. (Have you ever met someone and felt an instant connection? That's what I felt when I met Yu Jing.)
On Wednesday, we were able to do some shopping. I found a gorgeous Chinese-style jacket and dress at a shop near our hotel. My husband and I were also able to pick up souvenirs and gifts. We took a ferry to a small nearby island and enjoyed all it had to offer. We ended the day with a meal at Pizza Hut, which is a four-star restaurant in China!
Our next performance was at a factory that made street lights. It was the factory Christmas party for the workers, and yet another wonderful time with new friends.
Our last performance (and the last day of our trip) was at a local shopping mall. Our small singing group was made to feel like celebrities with the crowd that soon gathered. I met a wonderful new friend there as well. Her English name was Emma. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of Emma, but others on the trip took a photo of us, so I will eventually be able to have a picture to remember her by.
Not only did I make new Chinese friends on this trip, but I also strengthened friendships with all those that made the trip with us.
Thanks, dear friends. I love you all! Thanks for putting up with me when I got tired and cranky!
