The People of Changsha, China

Below are a few comments from each member of our family about our experience with the Chinese people. These comments are derived mostly from our experiences here during the past few days and conversations with these wonderful people.

Melissa: I love the Chinese people and my experience here has been very enjoyable. I look forward to coming back again some day. I love a lot of the things about their culture. The Chinese women are very beautiful. Their country is so rich in history….it’s very fascinating. The country seems very crowded and busy. The cities flow with people in a sort of a robotic yet chaotic yet familiar routine. The demeanor on the faces of people seem to show discontentment and lack of fullfillment. The hopelessness in their soul is obvious to me yet they seem to have conceded to it. Even though they are controlled by their government, if they knew Christ they would have freedom, contentment and joy that no man could take away.

Eston: I think they’re pretty great…or nice I mean. They sure give me a lot of attention. They’re being really nice to me. I like the way they dress. They get a lot of exercise because they ride bicycles a lot to get around. They are sort of different from Americans in the way they look, their language, and the way they think. They think everyone should be the same, they don’t have freedom……the government is communist.

LiLi: "Gongustimuyyen waaiiannniiii donglarrrr yoshueeeoooow"

Mike: First, I want to say that our experience here has been wonderful. I have really enjoyed interacting with the Chinese people and simply talking with them. Everyday, we meet new people that can speak English a little. It is fascinating and I don’t want it to end yet. As we’ve stated in previous posts, the locals stare relentlessly in wonder and amazement at this American Family….. and their genuine curiosity is blatantly obvious. They also watch from a distance…... they seem to desperately want to know what we’re thinking and if we are really like what they see on TV (of course we’re not). They seem intrigued at how we interact with each other as a family unit, the way we love on each other and particularly how we treat our children (playing and talking with them). Hopefully, God will use this in a supernatural way to reveal himself, I must say it has been difficult not to verbally witness the gospel of Jesus Christ to these people (we have been instructed not to do so). For the most part, they seem to be nice, friendly, courteous and accepting of us. I’m really enjoying our visit here and expect to return again soon. On another note, the fact that women are considered second class citizens here is very obvious. American women living in the states who constantly complain about equality should travel to any other country around the world and study their customs.

Summary of our day today: Breakfast downstairs (very good breakfasts with mostly Chinese food and some American ). Play time in one of the hotel play areas. A visit to a local embroidery shop (the talent of the workers, the detail in the embroidery etc.. is absolutely incredible). We did buy a couple of things for LiLi’s room while there. We had lunch at McDonalds (yes you read correctly and we enjoyed the burgers and mcnuggets). Back to the hotel for family interaction, relaxation, swimming, play time, dinner, and visits with a few of the other families who are adopting. LiLi continues to bloom. As usual, the pics below are shown in the order in which they were taken during the day. Let us know what you think.