Well, this trip has been quite interesting. As you can see I've been to the Great Wall and this last week just hit up the Forbidden City. In both places I felt like I was fulfilling a dream and it was such a neat feeling to recognize a childhood and lifelong dream being fulfilled. I only wish that my wife were here to fulfill it with me. But you will be soon Mers.
I'll try to make the next set of photos be pictures of my school life. Contrary to popular believe I'm not an undercover agent with the CIA....sorry to disappoint =) I am an agent for the SDL though... that's secret code for Shawn's Dream Life. And I really do feel lucky to have the experiences I have. It's been incredible and I hope that all of you seek out experiences that allow you to fulfill your dreams, whatever they may be.
So things here have been very interesting. China is a lot to take in. You love it and hate it at the same time. I think once you get past the mahem of the hustle and bustle of millions of people everywhere, it's an absolutely beautiful place. Once you get past the fact that it seems like everyone is always yelling at each other (it's just the way they speak, and since it's a tonal language it can seem even more so ; ) you realize that these are some of the nicest people around, and from my experience, some of the most hospitable people I've ever met.
Once you get past the soaking wet humidity, you realize the culture and beauty of everything around you and you will never be bored here! It truly is a mysterious place. And there is a definite sense that indeed the fullness of the gospel and the Spirit it brings has not yet arrived in this land. BUT, the seeds are definitely being planted and the people being prepared and every once in a while you get a small glimpse of it. And I love it. It's also half the reason I am here, I want to be able to participate when the Church finally is open here. It will be an incredible thing to witness and be a part of.
Anyway, I love you all and hope you are having an incredible summer. Please keep me posted on what's going on in your neck of the woods!
Love,
Shawn
Shawn, I know what you mean about the seeds being there! I thought the same thing when I was there! The people have such big hearts! You have deffinately inspired me to pick up the language again! The tones and differnt dialects are so beautiful to me! Do you have Chinese scriptures?
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