Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Ni Hao! from Suzhou
Greetings!
Long travel day yesterday, two hour flight into Shanghai, then a 2 hour bus ride to Suzhou. BEAUTIFUL city, many gardens and ancient canals. It is nicknamed the Venice of China. We'll be cruising some canals tonight.
We toured the silk factory, petted our little silk worms, some of our group bought silk comforters to bring home (no panic, Bill, it wasn't me, and I promised not to 'rat' on those that did). We walked and toured the Garden of the Nets (nestled amongst the Hutong of Suzhou). Such beauty amidst the ruins. Our kids spontaneously broke out into Wana Baraka (our African fishing song) sitting in the pagoda on the very tranquil little pond in the garden. mmmm.. a sound I'll not soon forget. Charlie (Dr. Moll), you know when you try to get the kids to smile and look like they are having fun when they sing??? We finally got them to do that!!! Not a straight face anywhere and much, much joy coming from the melody.... ahhhhhh. You're spirit is here, my friend!
On a sad note, Kim was back in the hospital here yesterday. Dale spent the afternoon and evening with her. Kim spent the night there at the Western hospital, and our tour guide Emily will not leave her side, so she slept there, too. Our Suzhou guide, Allie, is touring all of us today (including Dale who came back here at midnight to get a good night sleep). Kim's ailment is nothing more than traveler's woes but she's had difficulty with eating and drinking, so the dehydration has continued. For you praying people out there... please pray for Kim that her spirit will allow her appetite to join in the healing process. Thanks!!! We're confident she'll be fine; it’s just her wounded spirit and the group's frustration that need some tender hands. Those of us 'in charge' need just a little extra patience today, so we thank you for keeping us in your prayers!
And Happy Birthday to Justin today! (Morgan's boyfriend). Its only 8:30 the night before there, but its already your birthday morning here!!!
We hope the waters have stopped falling there!
Gwen
Long travel day yesterday, two hour flight into Shanghai, then a 2 hour bus ride to Suzhou. BEAUTIFUL city, many gardens and ancient canals. It is nicknamed the Venice of China. We'll be cruising some canals tonight.
We toured the silk factory, petted our little silk worms, some of our group bought silk comforters to bring home (no panic, Bill, it wasn't me, and I promised not to 'rat' on those that did). We walked and toured the Garden of the Nets (nestled amongst the Hutong of Suzhou). Such beauty amidst the ruins. Our kids spontaneously broke out into Wana Baraka (our African fishing song) sitting in the pagoda on the very tranquil little pond in the garden. mmmm.. a sound I'll not soon forget. Charlie (Dr. Moll), you know when you try to get the kids to smile and look like they are having fun when they sing??? We finally got them to do that!!! Not a straight face anywhere and much, much joy coming from the melody.... ahhhhhh. You're spirit is here, my friend!
On a sad note, Kim was back in the hospital here yesterday. Dale spent the afternoon and evening with her. Kim spent the night there at the Western hospital, and our tour guide Emily will not leave her side, so she slept there, too. Our Suzhou guide, Allie, is touring all of us today (including Dale who came back here at midnight to get a good night sleep). Kim's ailment is nothing more than traveler's woes but she's had difficulty with eating and drinking, so the dehydration has continued. For you praying people out there... please pray for Kim that her spirit will allow her appetite to join in the healing process. Thanks!!! We're confident she'll be fine; it’s just her wounded spirit and the group's frustration that need some tender hands. Those of us 'in charge' need just a little extra patience today, so we thank you for keeping us in your prayers!
And Happy Birthday to Justin today! (Morgan's boyfriend). Its only 8:30 the night before there, but its already your birthday morning here!!!
We hope the waters have stopped falling there!
Gwen
