i am back.

in case anyone is wondering "just where in china was she?" here is a map. i was in hunan province, quite close to hong kong, and visited chengsha and hangyeng.

http://encarta.msn.com/map_701513231/Hunan.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunan

for some background information.

unfortunately, and as this is a public blog i am sure you can guess why, i cannot detail the trip and i cannot post pictures. what i can tell you is that it was humbling, gave me perspective, and i am now praying as to whether i am meant to be going on a two week volunteer trip there come the spring.

i wish you had been with me. i don't know your issues, but i do know you have a great life and i hope it is precious to you.

tomorrow, after my "troubled tummy" has settled down, i will tell you some of the lighter sides of the stay. in the meantime, just for today, ignore michael moore, and the other naysayers and be grateful for your country and those who have fought so hard to integrate people with disabilities into our world.

that when people whisper in your ear, "for i have plans for you, declares the Lord..." that those plans for you to prosper and not to be harmed don't seem almost impossible to believe. that giving, from people who will likely never meet the recipients, can make such a difference, that people do answer and follow when they are called.

courage. faith. hope. dreams coming true.

that's what i saw.

Comments

[SouthernBell]

That's awesome.

[joeinvegas]

Sounds like an . interesting . trip between the words.

[Faithful Reader]

I am happy that you had such a positive experience. I do take issue though in your comment to ignore Michael Moore. He is someone who has devoted his career to revealing the truth about the hypocrasy of those in government and corporate America. His cause is to make his country better, and to open people's eyes to the lies they are being told. If he didn't love his country, why would he care so much? You should applaud what he is doing.
Ok, maybe you can disagree with his approach or his style, but his underlying cause is something you should believe in. He too is just trying to make the world a better place by exposing those who are in it for themselves.

[Faithful Reader]

I am happy that you had such a positive experience. I do take issue though in your comment to ignore Michael Moore. He is someone who has devoted his career to revealing the truth about the hypocrasy of those in government and corporate America. His cause is to make his country better, and to open people's eyes to the lies they are being told. If he didn't love his country, why would he care so much? You should applaud what he is doing.
Ok, maybe you can disagree with his approach or his style, but his underlying cause is something you should believe in. He too is just trying to make the world a better place by exposing those who are in it for themselves.

[Auntie Pammie]

I am so proud of you for doing this, you are so much stronger than i am ..
Love you lots !!
P xo

[CariP]

I am jealous of your trip, Tess and can't wait to hear more about it!