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:

Home safe

On Saturday evening, we went to the home of the pastor who had been our host for the week. They served us a most delicious meal of chicken, potatoes and mushrooms in white gravey. Courtney, Gwen, Kathy, & Chuck
Bill, Rita, Curt, and the pastor in the back.Pastor's family l to r: His wife, son-in-law, daughter, and pastor Earlier in the day Saturday, we went out by a river in the country for a youth outing.

This came by several times..........

Some of the youth prepared this lunch for the day. Macaroni dish with a salad.

Very good............

The macaroni dish was cooked over an open fire.

Preparing the salad

I shared briefly.

On Friday, we did some sightseeing:

An ole Moldovan house. (Note the roof.) Gwen lighting candles in the cave.

Part of the monastery.

Gwen and I are standing out on the ledge. These are caves in the side of the mountain. The monk below lives in one of these.

We are in one of the caves and Courtney is looking at the items that this monk has for sale. He lives here by himself.

We are on our way to visit "Orheiul Vechi". (a monestery)

I arrived home safely this morning about 3:00 a.m. (Monday) Our flights went well. I had a close connection in Munich, but thanks to airport personel, we were able to connect with our overseas flight although we were only on the ground for less than an hour. Everyone should be home by tonight.

I hope you have enjoyed sharing in this trip. If perhaps the Lord were to speak to your heart about going on a mission's trip, please contact me about next summer. I'd love to take some of you along with me. It is life changing. The basic requirements are that you: love the Lord and want to share about Him, be flexible and open to other cultures, love people, and desire to help carry out the Great Commission. Until next time.....................

Sunday

I will be leaving to go home in a couple of hours. We've had 2 very busy days. Friday we did some sightseeing at a monastery, then went and had fellowship with a group of believers in Orhei which is about 45 km from Chinisau, the capital where we have been staying.
On Saturday, we went out into the country and spent several hours with the youth of the church. In the evening we had a final meal with the pastor that has helped us so much this week.
I do not have time to post any pictures this morning, but when I get home, I will do a final post with pictures of this trip and give you more details.


In July, David and I are planning to go to China. We will be working with teachers teaching them conversational English. It will be a 5 day outreach. Please be in prayer for this trip.
We will also be going to Washington DC for the CUFI Summit with John Hagee for 3 days. Our purpose will be to take a stand for Israel. We hope to meet with our senators and representatives.

Thanks for your continued prayers.
rita