All things Chinese- [Part I]

I haven't talked much about China here. And I'm not sure why, now that I think of it. China is a big(ish) part of Chris and my life. (More of that last statement can be attributed to my husband who is currently getting a language degree in Mandarin, has been to China 8 times, loves Kung Fu, and recieved the new Karate Kid on bluray for Christmas last year per his request. He wishes he was Chinese and says he's an egg. White on the outside, yellow on the inside.) I, on the other hand, adore Chinese people, but gladly return home to the land filled with cheese and granola.

Anyhow, we were just there again for a few weeks with a group from our church. We were there helping out a Christian ministry that works on college campuses sharing Jesus with students who are interested.

Part I of the trip was all things travel. Have you ever heard Jerry Seinfeld's bit on traveling and airports/airplanes? Do yourself a favor and go listen to all of his "I'm telling you for the last time" stand up. We just re-listened to it with friends in town and I actually might have had to cross my legs to keep the pee in.

1.- I will do almost anything for a window seat. Give you the roll from every meal I receive on this 12 hour flight in exchange for your seat you say? Done.
2.- I don't sit like a normal person. I never have and a long plane flight is no exception. If I know you well enough...one of my limbs will most likely protrude over the unsaid but well known invisible line of seat etiquette. I will, however, share my 5 lb bag of gummy bears with you. This seems fair to me.
3.- I am grateful for this place to call home.
4.- I love being in big airplanes. People stretching up front in their slippers...movies, blankets, snacks...funny faces of people who've fallen asleep with their mouth open...puffy clouds, little cups of juice on my little table with my little light on...thinking, observing...watching movies I'd probably never watch except for that I have 12 hours of nothingness ahead of me and a screen permanently set 2 feet in front of my face begging me to watch it -enter Never say Never here-...
5.- Team mates. Could. not. have. made. it. without. you.
6.- This is a joke. Getting into Canada is harder than China Immigration.
7.- My favorite. "A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you're at home." -Unkown



We arrived on Chinese soil safe and sound. Ready. Expectant. Eager....