It's a small world after all!

I have now been in China for 20 days - almost 3 full weeks. I am learning so much about myself...I like air conditioning and ice water and soft beds...I miss my family like crazy...but I love Chinese food...I love the work that I am doing here...and I love the feeling that I am in the right place at the right time!

God has shown me that time and again on this trip. There are other teachers coming in to this program to share ideas and learn from each other. This week I had the pleasure of meeting a friend of a friend. It seems that we were both mentored by our dear friend Steve Smyth. It was pure joy to talk to each other and share memories of Steve and the profound impact he had on each of our lives. And to think that we met each other half way around the world!!! It truly felt like the angels were at work here in Xiamen. This is me with my new friend Steve Hufford.

Friday night the city was hit by the remnants of a typhoon from Taiwan and it was fascinating to see the sheets of rain pouring down. Similar to a severe monsoon in the desert.

On Sat. Maria and I hung out in the main shopping district called Jongshanlu (I probably spelled that wrong) We shopped until we dropped, ate great food and even ran into some of our new friends. And of course, posed for pictures with the statues!

Sunday we visited the Nanpuoto Temple and were amazed by the intricacy of the buildings, the statues and artwork as well as the dedication of the people to leave their offerings of incense, money, fruit, flowers and candles.

I was a rude American and snapped one of the best pictures of the day of the inside of one of the Temples!

We enjoyed getting rained on as we walked around the Xiamen University campus and planned for our final week of working and then the sight seeing we will do next weekend!

Stay tuned for more pictures!