Wednesday from China

It's Wednesday evening and our team just returned from a "hot pot" meal...each person was given their own small pot with a fire under it and they could select the meat, vegetables, etc. to cook in their pot. It was a great China experience.

Today was devoted to projects needed by PHF. Part of the team organized an attic area to allow for more storage, part of the team moved the preschool from its old location in Langfang to the new location here at Shepherd's Field. Still others helped organize the pharmacy, while Donna and Margaret went with one of the children to drop him off at the hospital in Beijing where he will have surgery on Thursday.

Chopstick Stories:

Sarah had bought "cheater chopsticks," which are ones that are connected at the top end and spring apart, making them much easier to use. Last night as we headed to dinner, Milt asked if he could take his "cheaters" with him and I (Matthew) said, it wouldn't offend anyone, but they might laugh at you! Then, at dinner last night, Milt whipped out his cheater sticks with great fanfare and our host (Shelby, who is Chinese) just about lost it...she laughed so hard she was about to fall out of her chair.

Then tonight, at the "hot pot," we were all given plastic chopsticks...and after handling raw meat with your chopsticks, you are supposed to hold them back in the boiling water for a few minutes...Well, it was inevitable, but unfortunately Stephanie was the victim...as we all talked and laughed, she held her chopsticks in the boiling water too long and when she pulled them out, they had a pronounced bow, having melted in the water. But the funny part was when the waitress came over and replaced her chopsticks...with wooden ones! You could almost see the "crazy American" look on her face.

Everyone is still healthy and enjoying the trip. We have been able to really help PHF with several timely projects, and the kids are just incredible...We truly see Jesus in these kids...it's amazing.