Church in Big Farrin’ – Anancy Gyal Reporting from China

My dear Friends and Family:

What a day we have had! The threatened rain and cold didn’t carry over from last night) and we had a beautiful day! We went to church this morning with some of the Christian students. There must have been about 800 people in the Church (upstairs) because they have another service (mostly men-about 200) downstairs. I don’t know the reason for the “division”; but when I wanted to go downstairs (you know how me love stairs), they directed me, very politely but firmly, to go upstairs. They also had a Sunday school. And the Choir! -about 30 glorious voices, who sing mostly unaccompanied. They are just given their notes. and away they go. I knew many of the hymns, so I sang along, lustily, in English, of course.

The preacher was dynamic and seemed to have been very good, as people nodded and occasionally applauded. The students said that he was exhorting them to read the Scriptures every day and follow the example of St.John.

I don’t think that I will make this a“weekly pilgrimage”, as that’s what it was – 40 minutes taxi, walking, a beautiful train-ride, walking again (for about 15 minutes) avoiding, taxis, pedestrians and dog “poo”. Then the long trip back (Service was almost 2 hours).  When I got back to the school , I literally crashed -slept for a solid 6 hours. Now I am up,(at 1:00 a.m.) catching up with E-mails and the “9/11” Memorial news, which remarkably, got full coverage on both the Australian and Singapore TV channels.

It’s now Monday 6:45a.m. ( 6:45p.m on Sunday, for you) and it’s a Holiday “Moon Festival” here (As you will remember). People visit each other and eat the traditional Moon Cakes (not my favorites) There is quite a story behind the festival.

Well it’s another day, and life goes on – More laundry, stewed pork (with potatoes and carrots) and rice .

I did treat myself to some “Starbucks” muffins (there seems to be a Starbucks on every block downtown ) and will have one with my newly arrived Mint teas and some of my “doctored/ blended ” orange juice (it really taste good – almost like “ fresh squeezed”) – for Breakfast – NO “MOONCAKES”.                                                                                                                               

And mail does arrive – It goes slowly but surely – so keep it coming-                                                                                          Blessings & “Walk Good”