Grace Finds a Home

Today we posted a lot of pictures of our travels. Our first stop was at the Six Banyans Buddhist Temple. This temple is 1,450 years old. It has a very tall pagoda and a temple with three huge Buddhas inside. They represent the past, the present and the future. Some of the adoptive families took advantage of the opportunity to have the monks bless their child. This involved some chanting, some incense being waved around, and some leaves being sprinkled on your head. We watched, but didn't feel comfortable with that kind of blessing. As we listened to a summary of Buddhist beliefs, we found ourselves inwardly praising God for the truth that salvation is a free gift that comes from a power outside of ourselves.

Later we went to White Cloud Mountain Park. This is a formal garden that displays seasonal decorations. It was disappointing that the beautiful topiary trees that were here during Randy and Ruth's visit have been taken away. Our guide told us they were a temporary exhibition. In any case, it's a beautiful park...and we had a beautiful day to enjoy it.

It is interesting to drive around this city. There are gleaming new skyscrapers, ancient looking market stalls, expensive Audi's and Mercedes driving alongside hand pulled rickshaws.

Our favorite mistranslation of the day: This was on a sign next to a park on the Pearl River:
"Do not spit everywhere ant litter up. The violator will be amerced a fine within range of 20-50 yuan." (We did not change any of the spellings).

It has been good to finally be sleeping all the way through the night. It took us until just a couple of days ago to get over the jet lag that comes from a 13 hour time difference. I suppose we'll go through it again after we get home!

Thanks for your comments on our blog...and for your e-mails. It's good to feel connected to home when you are on the other side of the world in a strange culture. Happy Sabbath everyone!