China 2011 - Post # 3

Xi'an Great Mosque set up in 742 AD during the Tang Dynasty. The mosque covers a total area of more than 13,000 sq meters with the buildings of over 6,000 sq meters, It is built in the shape of a rectangle from the east to the west and divided into 4 courtyards.

Some men going to prayers. They go by the cleansing area first. We were told if they had a sash down the back of their cap, they had made the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Some just looking at the sites. David is in my still pictures and I'm in the video as he takes those.

Muslim quarters with many shops.

Inside Muslim compound.

Jim and David in compound.

Ladies praying outside the mosque

Street scene

China 2011 - Post # 2

A Speed the Light Vehicle

Our group in a Budda temple in this city of 9 million. They have 20 acres which is significant in this large of city. Had a p----r walk for the people here. Continual building programs on the compound.

The end of a building. In the center was the swastika symbol that Hitler used. Interesting. This would be hundreds of years old. Probably around 500 AD.

One of many Buddhas

Making jiaozi (dumpling) in the Ozais' home They live on 18th floor.

Group helping with jiaozi

Transportation

China 2011 - Post # 1

This is the city wall of Xi'an. This was the first capital city of China. The students pictured are from Southwestern University in Waxahatchie, Texas an AG school.

We also visited the Xi'an International School. This is where Jim and Heidi learned Chinese. Adult students work with a teacher one-on-one. Anyone wanting to learn the language can go here. Their children also go to this school. It is K-12. The class sizes are about 6-12 per grade. I was very impressed. Our job yesterday was to teach them (the adult Chinese teachers) three idioms each such as:

high as a cats back,

a few fries short of a Happy meal

The lights are on but nobodies home,

as the crow flies.......

They was much fun and laughter. Then they taught us some Chinese words.

The larger group below is the Chinese teachers and Americans. Some are in the "family", while others are not. We are having to be careful with our vocabulary. It is much different than recent visits.

Until next time . . .

CUFI Washington Summit 2011

Christians United For Israel (CUFI) had the 6th annual Summit this past week in Washington DC. Our mission: to stand with Israel and honor them. Over 5,000 were there for the summit and over 6,000 on the night to honor Israel. It was a joyous time, yet sobering in what we heard concerning the situation with Iran. Now is the time to not be silent and to stand with Israel as the Word admonishes us to do. We would invite any to plan to go with us again next year. It is worth your time and expense. The dates: July 16-18, 2012 Waiting in line to get into the ballroom for the Night To Honor Israel.

Pastor John Hagee on the screen speaking to the crowd.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking live via satellite during the Mid-East Briefing.

Part of our group.............

Banners like this one were displayed around the convention center.

We flew out of ATL at 7:15 on Monday morning and made it in time for the first session.

St. Augustine Beach June

Last week, we enjoyed the beach and each other for a few days: Garett and family:
Tracy and family:

We celebrated Clara's 3rd birthday. She was 3 on July 1.

Going to the beach:

Granddaddy & Clay: