Temple of Heaven
All right, I’ll admit it, for the last two days it has been fun to be a total tourist here in China. We have over the last two days visit the Great Wall of China, The Ming Tombs, a silk factory, a jade factory, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven. We also just walked the streets and experienced a slice of Chinese culture. One of the things we enjoyed was that people would just come up to us and ask to take our picture with them. We also, over just two days met interesting people on our tours and also about a dozen missionaries, some secretly in China and others just passing through. I have a habit of telling people I’m a pastor visiting missionaries in Mongolia and that is when missionaries start identifying themselves. Michel and I have been so blessed over this whole trip. The adventure of going to Mongolia, seeing Duya and Jargal in action, and now experiencing Chinese culture has opened our eyes to so many things.
Tony, Andrew, Katelyn, Pat, Michel & Steve
As we prepare to go home, though, we look forward to seeing our children again, Faith’s graduation on Friday, and good old-fashioned home cooking. I don’t look forward to the long flight again but it has been worth it. Some of the best things of life we experience happen when we step outside of our comfort zone. Unusual food, airplanes, and strangers are not on the highest list of fun things Steve does, but they lead to exciting adventures and many of those strangers become friends. Yes, it is good to be heading home but heading home by way of the God-voyage I want to be on.
How exciting..God is simply incredible..I received yet another confirmation from Him who is able as I read your blog regarding stepping out of your “Comfort Zone”. My Goddaughter is graduating from High School on Saturday(congratulations 2 yur family on yur daughter’s graduation) God has laid the song “Comfort Zone” by Marvin Sapp on my heart to minister thru mime 2 my Goddaughter, her peers and family at her Graduation Dinner Saturday evening. My heart has been so heavy in that we all must step out of our “comfort zone” knowing that “God is challenging us”.And if we “trust and believe” there is an undeniable fulfillment. My family and I pray traveling mercies for you and Michel.
It looks like you have had a wonderful trip and experiences. Maybe I now can go to China since they have Sizzler and McDonald’s…..at least I wouldn’t starve!
We all look forward to your return and to hear the wonderful stories about God’s work in China and Mongolia….
Hi Steve & Michel,
Wow! What an adventure you guys have been on! Praise God for connecting you with so many people. Reading your blog and seeing the photos made me feel like I was there with you!
May the Lord continue to bless and protect you for a safe trip home.
Our Christina is also graduating on Friday so we’ll be looking for you there!
Blessings,
Loren