Squeezing 26 hours into 24...

We have came and seen a good bit of Southeast Asia over the last couple of days.  It has made 24 hour days seem like 26.  Feeling really productive and it also feels good to be really tired by the end of the day.  It's like the last mile of a marathon...time to kick it in gear and go!

Seeing the city lit up for the Chinese new year and also having the opportunity to be in a predominantly Asian church today has been a blessing.  Hearing some of the same songs and the same Truth on the other side of the world is a comfort as well.  Peaceful actually.

After church we were invited to stay for refreshments with the members.  There were oranges on the table and some other Chinese candy there.  Thinking that there maybe some significance to the oranges...I decided to ask someone.  This amazing Chinese lady told me all about them.  The color of the orange is supposed to represent gold, signifying prosperity for the upcoming year.  I also found that it is the custom during this time of the year to bring oranges to someone's house, and you will actually get some back in return as you leave.  Who knows! I also found out that after the 15 days of celebrating the new year, single Chinese women will take oranges and throw them into the river... I was told they do this to increase their chances of finding a man during the year!  Makes me wonder how something like that started.

Oranges from China.  Apparently it was important that they were from there, because I was told this a few times.  Tasted the same to me!

This tasted like a Chinese Chick-O-Stick.  It was a surprise because I couldn't read the label.

 Pretty good!

One funny thing happened today.  I have a feeling that I am going to be saying that often...  We were walking down the street and noticed that there was some sort of party going on with people eating under tents.  Our leader decided to take a closer look at what was going on...the next thing I know we are sitting down with food in front of us.  There was also misunderstanding about the type of party we were walking into.  As we walked up, we understood them to say that it was a party commemorating a circumcision...kind of awkward.  After a few minutes, we found out that it was an engagement party!  Let the good times roll!  We had a chance to share with them, and were included in some family photos with the bride-to-be.  Grateful for being in such a warm country, and I hope that I can model this behavior back home!

Photos of the city and around Southeast Asia.

We are heading to where my team will be living for the duration of my trip tomorrow.  Need some rest after a long couple of full days, but I am also excited to see what's next!