Hello From Afar

My trip to Tina's hometown was nice. I had a wonderful time with Tina and her family experiencing more Chinese culture. It was very interesting to experience a traditional Chinese wedding. It is nothing like an American wedding. The weddings here take place in a hotel restaurant. There were no vows, just introductions. No music, just… different. The bride, groom, wedding party (best man and bridesmaid), and two other people who throw rose petals in the air walk down the aisle, in that order. When they arrive at the front, introductions are made, and then the bride and groom open a huge champagne bottle and pour the champagne down a tree of glasses. They then toast one another. Then, the restaurant workers take the cake over to them and light a candle sticking out of the top of it. The groom holds the bride up to blow out the candle. They then feed each other a bite of cake. That is ALL that is done with the cake. No one else gets a bite. It was really strange.

The bride came down wearing an American-style, white wedding dress. After the introduction, she changed into a big, puffy red dress, not traditional Chinese style. We began eating dinner. The bride, groom, and the wedding party then go around to each table (about 20) and toast everyone. Then the parents go around to each table and toast everyone, then whoever wants to toast whoever toasts (lots of toasting going on)! After dinner, the bride changed into a big, puffy gold dress, and that is what she and the groom left in.

One of Tina's cousins owns a bus, so after the wedding was over, which was about 10:30 at night (it lasted about 4 hours), Tina's whole family piled in and they drove me around the island. I didn't think we were ever going to make it home. I was so tired. I had just arrived on a train at 9:00am that morning. Needless to say, I did not sleep well the night before. We finally got back to Tina's home at midnight! It was a long day! All throughout the weekend, Tina and her family kept asking questions about the differences between the American wedding and the Chinese wedding. It was so hard to explain ALL the differences to them. I told them that I would send them a video of mine, one day, to watch. They thought that was a great idea.

On Saturday, Tina's cousin, who was married the night before, invited us over to see their new apartment. They don't go on honeymoons here. They just go to their new home. But even if I did stay home, I wouldn't be inviting anyone over to visit me! They were so kind and gracious, stuffing us full of hot tea and food. I had told Tina and her parents that I wanted to take them to Pizza Hut that evening. We arrived at Pizza Hut to find over 80 people standing out front waiting to get in. It was going to be over a 3-hour wait. We decided to go back for lunch on Sunday when they opened. Even then, we had to wait about 15 minutes. I could not believe that Pizza Hut was that busy. I was definitely glad to get some CHEESE in my body! That was some of the best pizza, probably only because I wanted it so badly! I brought some leftovers back with me in a freezer bag and invited friends over to eat with me the next day. Yum!

Please think of Tina and her parents. I talked with Tina more on this visit. She is still very confused and has many questions. Please 'think' that her eyes will be opened, the veils will drop, and she will begin to see clearly. Please 'think' that her parents will begin to read some in The Book that I left with them. Please 'think' that someone in the city where they live will reach out and 'talk' with them. I am hoping to visit them again in January or May.

This week I have just been making final preparations for classes. They are finally beginning! On Mondays and Wednesdays, I travel to a campus across town and teach. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I stay here. I am really looking forward to meeting my students! I met one of them on the street today. Her name is Jasmine. She seems really sweet. I am excited about getting to know her better! I don't think I have ever in my life been so excited about school starting! This will be a short term for them because they are starting too late, but I'm sure it will be a great one!

Please think of me as I begin teaching this week. Please think of my students that our Father will draw some out. Please think of the new brothers and sisters who have joined are family in the last week. We have had two since I last wrote. Please think of me as I seek what kind of work and meetings our Father would have me to hold with my students. The work is beginning and it is so exciting!